General Studies Certificate

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.

Notes:

• Missoula College students are limited to enrolling in lower-division coursework (course level 100 or 200). 

• All courses taken to satisfy General Education Requirements must be taken for a traditional letter grade and must be passed with a grade of C- or better.

• Students graduating with an Associate of Arts Degree or an Associate of Science Degree have been granted an exception to the Group III requirements. Missoula College students who continue to Mountain Campus without graduating with either of these degrees will need to complete the Group III requirement unless their declared four-year major has been granted an exception.

Certificate of Applied Science - General Studies

Missoula College

Degree Specific Credits: 30-37

Required Cumulative GPA: 2.0

Catalog Year: 2021-22

Summary

Writing Skills

Rule: Complete the following subcategories. 6 total credits required.

Note: NOTE: Students who place into and successfully complete WRIT 201 are considered to have satisfied both the WRIT 101 and the Lower-Division Approved Writing Course General Education Requirements.

Introductory Writing Course

Note: Appropriate placement into WRIT 101/WRIT 201 required. Prerequisites may apply.

Minimum Required Grade: C-

Intermediate Writing Course

Minimum Required Grade: C-

Mathematics

Note: Appropriate placement into mathematics courses required. Prerequisites may apply. If a student successfully places into and completes a mathematics (either "M" or "STAT") course that is also considered a Symbolic System, that course may be used to count towards both the Mathematics and Symbolic Systems General Education Requirements.

Minimum Required Grade: C-

Perspectives

Rule: A minimum of 3 credits towards each perspective category is required. 21-27 total credits required.

Note: Some courses satisfy multiple Perspectives or GER Categories; visit with your advisor for more information. Students who take the maximum number of Perspective "double-dippers" possible will be able to complete the Perspectives with a total of 21 credits.

Expressive Arts (A)

Minimum Required Grade: C-

Literary & Artistic Studies (L)

Minimum Required Grade: C-

Historical & Cultural Studies (H)

Minimum Required Grade: C-

Social Sciences (S)

Minimum Required Grade: C-

Ethical & Human Values (E)

Minimum Required Grade: C-

Democracy and Citizenship (Y)

Minimum Required Grade: C-

Cultural and International Diversity (X)

Minimum Required Grade: C-

Natural Sciences (N)

Minimum Required Grade: C-