Degree Requirements

Q. What are the options for completing a business degree online?

A. Students can complete their first two years online for an A.S. in business while completing their general education courses with a partner institution. Metropolitan State University offer courses online that allow students to obtain their B.S. degree.

An articulation agreement between a partner institution and Metropolitan State ensures that work done at a partner institution will be accepted at Metropolitan State University. Academic advisors at both institutions provide suggestions and offer guidance along the way. Students can take all of their courses online or mix online and on-campus courses. For students who want a mix of the interaction of the classroom and the flexibility of Internet study, Metropolitan State offers weekend college courses, which meet every other Saturday for 3.5 hours. Significant online work in between the classes means that students still benefit from in-depth coverage in each course.

Q. How many credits do I need to complete the B.S. business degree?

A. Summary of Credit Requirements:
General education 40
Liberal studies 8
Maximum program/major requirements 63
Minimum free electives 13
Minimum total credits to graduate 120 to 128*
* Depends on major

Residency Requirements:
Minimum upper-division credits 40 to 43 **
** Based on 2/3 minimum total credits to graduate (i.e., 120 * 2/3 = 40
Minimum credits completed at Metropolitan 30
Minimum credits for major varies

Q. What kind of general education requirements do I need to complete for the B.S. business degree?

The university's general education requirements address the 10 goal areas of the Minnesota Curriculum (MnTC). Courses approved for a goal area at another MnSCU institution will apply to the same goal area at Metropolitan State.

Q. What are liberal studies and why were they not completed at my local community college?

All students must complete eight upper- division semester credits (300- level or higher from the approved GELS course list. Courses marked with an asterisk(*) do not fulfill the liberal studies requirement, because the courses are considered too career specific. Community colleges do not award upper division credit.

Q. How do I declare a major?

A. New students must complete orientation either in-person or on-campus. If applicable you must complete your assessments before you may register. ( Refer to the back of your General Education Liberal Studies Worksheet).

After you've completed the orientation and assessments your transcripts will be evaluated by the College of Management and your declaration will be processed. To declare your major, you must complete a Major Declaration Form and submit it to an academic advisor for processing. When you have declared your major that locks you into the requirements for the major at the time that you declare your major.

Q. What are requirements for the Business Degree?

A. All majors require general education, liberal studies, major, free electives, human diversity, global awareness, ethical civic responsibility plus people and the environment.

Q. How many courses will I need to take?

A. It depends on how many courses were transferred in, what requirements were met and what requirements are still left to meet.

Admissions evaluates your transcriptions for transfer credits and equivalent general education requirements. The College of Management evaluates your transcripts to determine what courses have met requirements in your major. Your General Education Liberal Studied Worksheet and Major Checklist are tools for you to keep track of your progress.

Q. What is GELS?

A. GELS stands for General Education and Liberal Studies Requirement.

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