This program challenges students to think alternatively and holistically about learning. A set of standards, called graduation criteria, describes the basic academic structure of the bachelor¿s degree. These criteria, rather than number of credits, provide the framework for structuring the degree program and assessing its success. Students use the graduation criteria to build their own degree programs. Students are encouraged to be creative and to use a variety of learning activities (courses and projects) to satisfy each criterion. Courses that have already been completed may be used to fulfill the graduation criteria; students can also demonstrate college-level learning achieved through work, experience, and independent study. New learning activities may explore untapped interests or build on prior learning. These activities may include independent projects, internships, work-based projects, and classroom and correspondence coursework. A PIL degree requires achievement and excellence equal to other baccalaureate programs at the University of Minnesota. The graduation criteria require in-depth knowledge in an area of concentration (depth criteria) and broad learning in the liberal arts (breadth criteria). Regardless of the area of concentration, the B.S. emphasizes the student¿s field of study, while the B.A. emphasizes broader learning in the breadth criteria.

To be considered for admission, students must submit an application that documents their ability to undertake a self-directed, individualized degree program. The program seeks students who: know why they are seeking a bachelor¿s degree and why PIL is a sound choice for them; can describe their proposed academic area of study; and write well in English.

The program serves students who want to develop an area of concentration with some or all of the following attributes: ¿ Focused on interdisciplinary or multidisciplinary studies, or a specialized study within a broader academic context ¿ Built on the academic strengths of the University ¿ Designed as a foundation for graduate or professional education ¿ Not readily available as a structured undergraduate degree program The area of concentration, traditionally called a ¿major,¿ should reflect balance, depth, and quality in a field of study. The student¿s area of concentration must fulfill the following criteria: ¿ Primary Area Studies: Through learning activities in their primary area of study, students acquire familiarity with the basic literature and vocabulary of their field, knowledge of its main theories and methods of investigation, ability to use the skills of the field, and an awareness of its relationship to contemporary and future society. ¿ Major Project: As a culmination of study in their area of concentration, students complete a major project that reflects substantive understanding of their field of study. ¿ Extended Studies in the Liberal Arts: Studies involve acquiring in-depth and advanced understanding of a focused liberal arts area; an interdisciplinary approach may also be proposed. Learning should include critical and theoretical understanding and upper division knowledge. This work goes beyond the basic requirements reflected in the LE requirements, as interpreted in the Breadth and Learning Matrix requirements in PIL.