Liberal Education Requirements

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. 

Writing:

• 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. 

Note: Classes can fill multiple requirements at once!

Charting Your Progress

So how far are you already? 

If you have credits to check from outside the University of Minnesota:

Download a copy of this Lib Ed Requirements Worksheet. 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 University of Minnesota:

Check an "APAS Report":

1. Run What-If Report

2. College = any, such as "College of Continuing & Professional Studies"

3. Program = "Liberal Education Course Check"

4. Catalog Year = "Fall" of the next year