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. 

To receive the Certificate of General Studies, students must:

• Complete UM’s lower-division General Education Requirements (GERs) that also fulfill the general education requirements outlined by the Montana University System (the MUS Core), excluding the Group III requirements.
• Earn a minimum of 30 credits, and
• Have a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.0.
• At least 16 of the total 30 degree credits must be earned from Missoula College or UM-Missoula.