Reasoning

Reasoning (RSN)

Courses that satisfy this requirement focus on mathematics and statistics, or on formal and symbolic argument. These methods will enhance your ability to assess the relationship between ideas and judge information more critically.

Although many students meet the requirement with a mathematics course, either because their intended majors require math or because they enjoy it, other students prefer to take a course that emphasizes reasoning or mathematical applications rather than traditional math.

Many students, for example, take economics to gain some insight into the world of business and finance. Many economic principles are expressed in mathematical terms, and in an introductory economics course you will apply simple mathematical principles to real-life situations.

Students interested in the study of language — students who may major or minor in a foreign language, English, communications, a behavioral science, or speech, for example — may wish to take linguistics, which sharpens awareness of verbal reasoning through the study of the history, nature, and structure of language.

Some colleges allow any course from the RSN list; others require a particular course. Consult the Major Planning Worksheets for the specific requirements of the majors you are considering.
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Grade required

Any passing grade (0.7 or higher) is acceptable. The course may not be taken on the satisfactory/not satisfactory (S/NS) grading option.

Overlaps with other requirements

You may also count your RSN course toward the Areas of Inquiry requirement, in whichever Area it is listed. If your RSN course happens to be a W-course and/or is part of your major or minor, it can count toward those requirements as well.

AP and IB

If you achieved a score of 3, 4, or 5 on the Advanced Placement Calculus AB examination (or a 2 with subgrade 3, 4, or 5, on the Calculus BC), you will receive at least 5 college credits of calculus. This satisfies the RSN requirement, and the credit also counts towards the Areas of Inquiry.

The award for several other AP scores is a credit course that can be used to satisfy the RSN requirement and can also be counted toward Areas of Inquiry. See the AP tables for more information.

For International Baccalaureate Higher Level exams, the award for a score of 7 on the Mathematics exam is B MATH 124, which satisfies the RSN requirement can can also count toward Natural Sciences. The award for a score of 6 or 5 is B MATH 120, which counts toward Natural Sciences but not toward RSN. The RSN requirement can also be satisfied with the credit awards for scores of 5 or higher in Computer Science and Engineering, Economics, and Physics. See the IB tables for details.

For transfer students

Any course evaluated as an RSN course (for example, PSYCH Q-1XX), or any MATH X or STAT X course, will satisfy the RSN requirement if the course transfers as at least 4 credits. Other courses must be petitioned with an advisor. Bring a copy of the course syllabus or the description from the catalog of the college offering the course.

You can check the UW Equivalency Guide for Washington Community and Technical Colleges to determine which courses from Washington community colleges count toward the UW Bothell’s RSN requirement.

Postbaccalaureate students

Postbaccalaureate students are not required to complete the RSN requirement.

Registering for RSN courses

You can generate a complete list of RSN courses on MyPlan.
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