Liberal Studies Program
The liberal studies requirements are based on the principle that well educated people need to know more than can be learned from their areas of academic specialization. To that end, the faculty, through the Academic Senate, developed the Liberal Studies Program requirements. The liberal studies are divided into six areas, or divisions, of inquiry. In order to earn a baccalaureate degree from NMU, students must meet the minimum requirements of each of the six divisions (six credit hours in divisions one through four and three credit hours in divisions five and six).
For Liberal Studies Web Site click here.
For list of Liberal Studies classes offered at NMU, click here.
| Foundations of Communication | Generally 2 Courses | 6-8 credit hours |
| Foundations of Humanities | Generally 2 Courses | 6-8 credit hours |
| Foundations of Natural Sciences/ Mathematics | Generally 2 Courses | 6-8 credit hours |
| Foundations of Social Sciences | Generally 2 Courses | 6-8 credit hours |
| Formal Communication Studies | Generally 1 Course | 3-4 credit hours |
| Foundations of Visual and Performing Arts | Generally 1 Course | 3-4 credit hours |
| 10 Courses | 30-40 credit hours* |
*A student may complete the 10 courses in liberal studies and still be short of 40 total credit hours. In this case, as long as each divisional, world cultures, laboratory and upper division courses requirement has been met, the student will have completed the Liberal Studies Program. The balance of credit hours may be used to take additional courses as general elective credit.
Laboratory Requirement
Each student must complete one course of three or more liberal studies credits that has a laboratory component. Laboratory courses are defined as those that are listed specifically in the liberal studies section as having a laboratory.
Upper Division Course Requirement
At least three credits in liberal studies must be at the 300-level or above chosen from the liberal studies list of electives. All such courses have the prerequisite of sophomore standing and completion of the composition requirement.
World Cultures Requirement
Each student must take at least one course of three or more credits designated to meet the world cultures requirement.
Substitute Courses
Students who wish to substitute undesignated courses to meet specific liberal studies divisional requirements should consult their academic adviser. If the adviser approves the request, a written recommendation should be submitted to the Degree Audits Office, which will handle routine matters directly. In other cases, this office will confer with the appropriate college dean.
