Requirements & Policies

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Requirements & Policies

Not sure about what is required, who to talk with, or what form to fill out? This is a good place to start!

On This Page:

The Basics

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CLA Degree Requirements

The requirements for a typical bachelor of arts (BA) degree include Liberal Education (LE), second language, credit, major, and capstone components.
CLA Degree Requirements
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Academic Policies

There are a variety of academic requirements and policies to be aware of as a student in the College of Liberal Arts for BA, BS, BMus, BIS, and BFA degrees.
Academic Policies
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About Majors & Minors

Your major is your area of specialization and must be declared via the department by the time you complete 60 credits. Completing a minor is optional.
About Majors & Minors

Second Language

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CLA require students pursuing a BA or BIS degree to study the equivalent of 2 years of a second language.

Studying a language increases communication skills and intercultural competency — which is how you are able to work effectively with people of different cultures. Contact with other languages and cultures lets you step outside your familiar scope of existence and view your culture's customs, traditions, and norms through the eyes of others.

CLA offers many different language options and a variety of resources to help you.

CLA policies regarding Second Language

Placement Tests

Placement tests determine how your previous study fits into course sequences at the University of Minnesota. Coursework you transfer here from other institutions may have equivalency in CLA or at the U of M and fulfill degree requirements.

Mathematics Placement Test
Chemistry Placement Test
Second Language Placement Tests

Processes & Forms

Directed Study
Internship Credit
Petitioning CLA for Exceptions
Switching College
Returning to CLA
Dean's Certification

Questions?

Contact CLA Student Services at [email protected]