Transfer Admissions Requirements: College of Liberal Arts

Why CLA?

The College of Liberal Arts (CLA) is committed to intellectual freedom, the pursuit of new knowledge, and the belief that the liberal arts are the foundation of academic learning. CLA prepares students to be independent and original thinkers, to be innovators in their chosen fields, to create meaning in their lives and in their life's work, and to become productive citizens and leaders in their communities and the world. Established in 1868, the College of Liberal Arts supports the University of Minnesota's land-grant mission as home to disciplines in the arts, humanities, and social sciences. With 31 departments on the Minneapolis campus, it is the largest college in the University of Minnesota system.

Degree options: Bachelor of Arts (B.A.), Bachelor of Science (B.S.), Bachelor of Fine Arts (B.F.A.), Bachelor of Music (B.M.), Bachelor of Individualized Studies (B.I.S.)

Explore CLA Majors

Admission Criteria

Priority admission in CLA is given to transfer students who have obtained a 2.5 cumulative GPA or above in college-level coursework. Academic review factors include cumulative GPA, grades in major-related courses, grade trends, and completion patterns. High school GPA, rank, curriculum, and ACT or SAT test scores will be reviewed for transfer applicants with fewer than 26 transferable credits completed at the time of applying. Priority consideration is given to applicants who intend to graduate from CLA.

It is recommended students complete a few introductory courses within their major area of interest (if applicable). The following CLA majors have required or recommended prerequisites:

  • Required prerequisites for admission to the Computer Science B.A. include Calculus I and at least one introductory CSCI course.
  • It is recommended that students interested in STEM majors such as Biology, Society, and Environment B.A.,  Chemistry B.A., Human Physiology B.A., Earth Sciences B.A., and Environmental Geosciences B.A., have completed at least one college CHEM course as well as College Algebra or a higher level of math.
  • It is recommended that students interested in the Physics B.A. or Astrophysics B.A. have completed at least one college PHYS course as well as College Algebra or a higher level of math. 
  • It is recommended that students interested in the Mathematics B.A. or Statistics B.A./B.S. have completed College Algebra or a higher level of math. 
  • It is recommended that students interested in the Economics B.A./B.S. have completed one ECON course and College Algebra or a higher level of math.

Some majors have additional admission requirements which must be completed after enrollment in CLA including: Art B.F.A., Computer Science, Journalism, and Strategic Communication. Students applying to majors in Music, Dance, and Acting B.F.A. will be required to pass an audition in order to be admitted to their intended major. For details, review the online Undergraduate Catalog.

Undecided and pre-major applicants will be considered for admission to CLA on a space-available basis and must meet the following criteria:

  • Must have fewer than 60 credits at the time of enrolling in CLA. Once students have completed more than 60 transferable credits, they must apply directly to the college they intend to graduate from.
  • Preferred GPA varies by intended major and college.
  • It is recommended students contact their intended college to discuss a transfer plan.
  • Students who indicate a major(s) outside of CLA on their application are reviewed for admissibility to all major(s).
  • Students with a Bachelor's degree who wish to complete prerequisites for graduate or professional school are unable to enroll in CLA and should contact the College of Continuing and Professional Studies to discuss non-degree seeking student status.

Information Sessions

Prospective transfer students can view a CLA Information Session recording. The session includes an overview of the CLA transfer admissions process, degree requirements, college-to-career programming, and student resources.