There are more than 3,000 fascinating courses to choose from at LSA, from “Urban Inequality” to “Math of Language” to “When Earth Attacks.” Our flexible curriculum encourages you to tailor your education to your unique interests while meeting the degree requirements.
The Breakdown
Wondering what your roughly 120 credit hours will look like? Here's a breakdown of how LSA requirements and distributions work together to create a well-rounded education.
Your Major
You’ll take about 40 courses at LSA. A quarter of those, or about 8-10 courses, will be in your major (we’ve got plenty of options). You don’t need to decide until the end of your sophomore year, giving you plenty of time to explore.
Elective Credits
Pursue a minor or second major, or take a variety of courses outside your major, including electives at other schools and colleges within U-M. These 10-12 courses are completely up to you.
Distribution Credits
These 8-10 courses outside of your major ensure a well-rounded education. This is your opportunity to dive into topics across LSA’s three divisions. Within these broad areas of study, you have hundreds of classes to choose from.
Humanities
Document and understand the human experience through art, literature, language, and cultures across the world.
Natural Sciences
Study the natural world (Physical, Earth, and Life Sciences) through observation and experimentation.
Social Sciences
Examine relationships among individuals, as well as relationships between people and their societies.
Foreign Language
You’ll take up to four courses to fulfill your language requirement. Up to 50 languages are taught each year, so you’ll have plenty of options. (Some students place out of the foreign language requirement and do not take any language courses.)
Quantitative Reasoning
A minimum of one or two quantitative courses are required to boost your skill in using and analyzing quantitative information. Choose from courses in statistics, economics, mathematics, and more.
Race and Ethnicity
One course in race and ethnicity is required for LSA students. This course, along with the foreign language requirement, encourages you to understand and participate as a thoughtful citizen in a global community.
First-Year Writing
This one-course requirement prepares you for the level of academic writing required at U-M. The Sweetland Center for Writing offers support, guides, peer consultants, and suggestions on which courses to take.
Upper-Level Writing
Your second one-course writing requirement offers the opportunity to further sharpen your writing skills, which will serve you well in future endeavors.
