Program Requirements

The Essential Education curriculum includes 13 requirements, divided into three segments: the first-year experience, the pathway, and activities for well-being and success. Additionally, students will complete an ePortfolio to integrate their learning within Essential Education, their major, and their extracurricular activities.

The Essential Education curriculum consists of the following requirements:

• First-Year Experience (16 credits)
  • 1 credit: Michigan Tech Seminar
  • 3 credits: Math
  • 3 credits: Natural and Physical Science
  • 3 credits: STEM
  • 3 credits: Composition
  • 3 credits: Foundations of the Human World
• Pathway Courses (18 credits)—Choose one of two pathway options:
  • Essential Education Minor Pathway
    • 3 credits: Communication Intensive
    • 3 credits: Intercultural Competency (3000-4000 level)
    • 3 credits: SHAPE
    • 3 credits: SHAPE
    • 3 credits: Unrestricted
    • 3 credits: Essential Education Experience or SHAPE (3000-4000 level)
  • Distribution Pathway
    • 3 credits: Communication Intensive
    • 3 credits: Intercultural Competency (3000-4000 level)
    • 3 credits: Arts and Culture
    • 3 credits: STEM 
    • 3 credits: SHAPE
    • 3 credits: Essential Education Experience
• Activities for Well-being and Success (3 credits)
• Husky Folio

Transfer Students

Completion of the full Michigan Transfer Agreement (MTA) will be counted as fulfillment of all Essential Education program requirements. MTA students will still need to fulfill the overall credit requirement for their major and all major requirements. 

Transfer students from Michigan who do not complete the full MTA, as well as transfer students coming from outside of Michigan, will participate in the Essential Education program. They will receive credit for the courses they do complete on the basis of individual course evaluation and established transfer equivalencies.

Students who have completed the MTA are encouraged but not required to take the Michigan Tech Transfer Seminar. This unique course recognizes the specific needs of transfer students and supports students in building community at Michigan Tech, reflecting on how their previous academic experiences inform their Michigan Tech plans, and developing skills for career-readiness.

Transfer students who enter Essential Education should work with their academic advisor to understand their specific department's seminar requirements before determining whether to take a departmental Michigan Tech Seminar or the Michigan Tech Transfer Seminar.

For additional information about transfer credits, please see our Frequently Asked Questions page or contact your academic advisor.