Current Liberal Education requirements
The requirements listed on this page are for students who began at the University in fall 2010 or later terms.
- Continuing students who began their degree programs before fall 2010 follow the earlier version of the liberal education requirements.
- Continuing students should read this important information about the transition.
Requirements for students
You must fulfill the following requirements. Some liberal education (LE) courses fulfill a core, a theme, and a writing intensive requirement at the same time.
Diversified Core
The diversified core guides you through the "why" and "how" of different academic disciplines. These classes will equip you with a broad range of tools that you can use to approach problems in your everyday life and work, and ultimately to make a positive difference in your communities, your society, your state, and your world.
| Requirements for students admitted after fall 2010 | Required credits | Course lists (updated monthly) |
|---|---|---|
| Arts/Humanities | 3 credits | Arts/Humanities courses |
| Biological Science | 4 credits; must include lab or field experience | Biological Science courses |
| Historical Perspective | 3 credits | Historical Perspective courses |
| Literature | 3 credits | Literature courses |
| Mathematical Thinking | 3 credits | Mathematical Thinking courses |
| Physical Science | 4 credits; must include lab or field experience |
Physical Science courses |
| Social Sciences | 3 credits | Social Sciences courses |
Designated Themes
The designated themes are topics that are central to an understanding of contemporary life. Investigating these themes will help prepare you to become a knowledgeable, ethical, and engaged public citizen. Students admitted in fall 2010 or later are required to satsify four of these five themes.
| Requirements for students admitted after fall 2010 | Required credits | Course lists |
|---|---|---|
| Civic Life and Ethics | 3 credits | Civic Life and Ethics courses |
| Diversity and Social Justice in the United States | 3 credits | Diversity and Social Justice courses |
| The Environment | 3 credits | Environment courses |
| Global Perspectives | 3 credits | Global Perspectives courses |
| Technology & Society | 3 credits |
Technology and Society courses |
The Writing Intensive requirement
Writing intensive courses help you understand what it means to write in various disciplines, and how your writing can be made stronger and clearer so that you can communicate your views effectively.
Requirement
In addition to the first-year writing requirement, you must complete four writing intensive courses. Two of the writing intensive courses must be taken at the upper division level, one of which must be taken in your major.
Courses
Writing Intensive courses offered in fall 2010 and later terms
Choosing your liberal education courses
The University's LE requirements can be fulfilled by a broad range of courses; some courses fulfill more than one requirement. This means that you can create your own liberal education experience that complements your major courses, challenges you to develop new knowledge and skills, and satisfies your desire to explore topics that are important to you.
To get the most out of your undergraduate experience, we recommend that you:
- be adventurous. Challenge yourself by taking some courses that are outside of your comfort zone. Often these courses are most rewarding.
- create a four-year journey. Many students have indicated that they wish they had taken a few of their LE courses in their third and fourth years, because they discovered new questions and interests that they wanted to pursue. Consider taking one or two LE courses in your junior or senior year.
- work with your adviser to learn about and choose the best courses for you, and to make sure you're fulfilling these requirements on an appropriate timeline for your major.
- explore learning abroad opportunities that will also meet liberal education requirements. Go to the Learning Abroad Center's website to search for study abroad courses that are approved to fulfill liberal education requirements. And remember: Any learning abroad experience that is at least three credits and three weeks or longer will fulfill the Global Perspectives requirement.
