In accordance with the mission of the University of Montana-Missoula, the objectives of general education coursework are to develop competent and humane individuals who are informed, ethical, literate, and engaged citizens of local and global communities. Students should become acquainted with issues facing contemporary society, participate in the creative arts, develop an understanding of science and technology, cultivate an appreciation of the humanities, and examine the history of different American and global cultures. Upon completion of the general education requirements students should be able to articulate ideas orally and in writing, understand and critically evaluate tangible and abstract concepts, and employ mathematical and other related skills appropriate to a technologically focused society.   These foundational skills are important for students continuing on in both liberal arts and professional programs of study.

The Certificate of General Studies requires completion of University of Montana’s lower-division general education requirements that reflect the Montana University System’s General Education Core.  Students may use the certificate to demonstrate completion of lower-division general education requirements when transferring within the MUS or as a milestone to earning an Associate of Arts or Associate of Science degree a Missoula College, University of Montana. 

General Certificate Requirements

Additional requirements for graduation can be found on the Degree/Certificate Requirements for Graduation page. 

Unless otherwise noted in individual program requirements, a minimum grade point average of 2.00 in all work attempted at the University of Montana-Missoula is required for graduation. Please see the Academic Policies and Procedures page for information on how your GPA is calculated.

Courses taken to satisfy the requirements of a major, minor, or certificate program must be completed with a grade of C- or better unless a higher grade is noted in the program requirements.