The University of Missouri is committed to providing its students with the knowledge, skills and attitudes expected of informed and responsible citizens. Graduates of MU must be able to understand complex issues that go beyond their academic field.

General education requirements are the foundation of knowledge upon which all University of Missouri degrees are built. They are specifically intended to prepare students as citizens who must make informed judgments about issues that go beyond the narrow area of their academic specialization. Students must complete the University General Education Requirements. With careful planning, some courses may be chosen to meet both University General Education Requirements and one or more of the divisional, degree and major requirements. Students are strongly encouraged (and in some divisions they are required) to meet with an academic advisor to ensure adequate progress towards the selected degree and major.