What Is a Liberal Arts Education and How Will It Benefit You?

Students walking and entering a brick university building on a sunny day.

The liberal arts form of education covers five main areas of study: the arts, humanities, social sciences, natural sciences, and mathematics. If you’re looking for a well-rounded, comprehensive, engaging form of education that will set you up to succeed and thrive, liberal arts is right for you.

A bachelor of arts from UMN Morris prepares you for:

  • Advanced degree programs
  • Career flexibility
  • Life-long learning
  • Global citizenship
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95%
of graduates are employed or in graduate school within a year of graduating
low debt
lowest average student debt load in the U of M System
9:1
student to faculty ratio
1/5
the tuition of Minnesota's most expensive private school

You’ll learn more than just what’s on the syllabus.

A female college student wearing glasses and a yellow "University of Minnesota Morris" sweatshirt.

At UMN Morris, the liberal arts form of education is incorporated into all classes, as well as the overall curriculum. Regardless of your major, you’ll be able to take courses in everything from art and music to math and science, giving you a comprehensive, well-rounded education. You’ll master skills like critical thinking, effective communication, and creative problem-solving while strengthening your analytical, investigative, and intellectual abilities. You'll be encouraged and supported in trying new things and reaching your full potential. Most of all, a liberal arts education from UMN Morris will set you up to be career-flexible in an ever-changing world, well-positioned for what comes next.

The Liberal Arts Advantage

“

When I first started at UMN Morris, I wasn't sure what I wanted to study. I took advantage of the liberal arts education by dedicating myself to building a variety of skills. Building the confidence to learn new skills and to try anything once has paid off many times over throughout my career.

Alice Shindelar ’08

General Education Requirements (Morris Core)

The University of Minnesota and its faculty are committed to providing an education that invites you to investigate the world from new perspectives, learn new ways of thinking, and grow as an active citizen and lifelong learner. The University’s general education requirements (Morris Core) are designed to be integrated throughout your four-year undergraduate experience. These courses provide you an opportunity to explore fields outside your major and complement your major curriculum with a multidisciplinary perspective.

Learn more about UMN Morris General Education Requirements (Morris Core)

World Language Placement Exam

Math Placement Exam