University of North Dakota

What you'll study

This programme provides a broad liberal arts education with core coursework in critical thinking, written communication and quantitative reasoning, combined with guided electives across humanities, social sciences and natural sciences. Typical subject areas include literature, history, philosophy, cultural studies, ethics, political science, psychology, sociology, basic statistics and general science courses.

Students build a personalised study plan with an academic advisor, often selecting a concentration or theme—such as cultural studies, public humanities, environmental studies, or interdisciplinary social policy—by combining 200‑ and 300‑level humanities and social science courses. Many students complete a capstone experience or integrative seminar that emphasises synthesis of knowledge, research skills and oral/written presentation.

• Core skills: academic writing, research methods, critical analysis and quantitative reasoning
• Humanities options: literature, philosophy, languages, visual and performing arts, religion and cultural history
• Social science options: history, political science, sociology, anthropology, psychology, economics
• Natural science and quantitative options: introductory biology, environmental science, statistics or mathematics
• Experiential learning: community-engaged projects, internships, study abroad and undergraduate research opportunities

Entry requirements

Applicants should hold a high school diploma or equivalent. UND considers applicants on the basis of secondary school preparation and academic record; completing a college-preparatory curriculum with coursework in English and mathematics is expected. UND operates a flexible admissions process and has options for transfer students and adult learners seeking degree completion.

Typical entry materials include transcripts and an application. International applicants must demonstrate English language proficiency through accepted tests or alternative evidence of readiness. Prospective students with college credit should consult the admissions office and academic advising to determine transferability and placement.

Career prospects

Graduates of the General Studies and Humanities pathway leave with strong communication, critical thinking and analytical skills valued across many sectors. Common career directions include roles in education, public service and government, non-profit and community organisations, communications and media, business and administration, and cultural institutions such as museums and libraries.

The degree also serves as preparation for graduate and professional study in areas such as law, education, public administration, social work and specialised humanities disciplines. Many students complement the degree with internships or certificate programmes to develop sector-specific experience and employability skills.

Why study at University of North Dakota

UND offers a supportive environment for interdisciplinary study, with accessible faculty in the College of Arts & Sciences and dedicated academic advising to help students design coherent, custom study plans. Small class sizes in upper-level seminars let students engage closely with instructors and peers while taking advantage of campus resources for research and experiential learning.

The university’s location in Grand Forks provides opportunities for community partnerships, internships and cultural engagement in the region. UND also provides flexible pathways for transfer students and adult learners, including options to combine on-campus and online coursework to fit work and life commitments.