Liberal Education Requirements
Liberal education requirements (also called "lib eds" or "generals") are a set of requirements that all U of M Twin Cities students must complete for their bachelor's degree*, regardless of major or college. PSEO students often progress on these quickly; many align with high school requirements that you're completing anyway!
*The U of M does not award associate's degrees/AAs.
What are they?
There are three main categories of liberal education requirements: core, theme, and writing.
NOTE: There's a lot here. Contact your advisor as questions arise!
Core (7 courses needed): Requirements that are aimed to engage you in the work of each field.
Theme (4 needed): Requirements that are aimed to prepare you to become a knowledgeable, ethical, and engaged citizen in the various areas.
First-Year Writing (1 needed): A course that teaches fundamental writing skills for university writing. The only class you can take as a PSEO student to complete this is WRIT 1301, "University Writing." See the student handbook for registration details.
Writing-Intensive (4 needed at particular levels): Courses that teach writing skills specific to various disciplines. These are marked with a W, like Phys 1001W or Hist 3361W.
🔑KEY: Classes can fill multiple requirements at once!🔑
How do I find which courses fulfill which requirements?
Schedule Builder is the best place to search! Check our Schedule Builder Tip #3 for the best way to search specifically for lib eds.
Charting Your Progress
So how far are you already?
If you have credits to check from outside the U of M:
Copy this lib ed requirement chart by going to File > Make a Copy. Fill out any requirements you've completed and see what's left!
You can check how any prior college credits (like AP or prior PSEO) count towards lib eds through the resources here.
If all the credits you're checking are from the U of M:
Check an "APAS Report":
Run What-If Report
College = any, such as "College of Continuing & Professional Studies"
Program = "Liberal Education Course Check"
Catalog Year = "Fall" of the next year