Majors

The University of Minnesota is a world-class research university, offering 139 majors. These majors and areas of study are divided into several colleges. As a freshman, you may be admitted to one of the freshman-admitting colleges listed below. (If you would like advice about which college is best for you, please contact us.)

Freshman-admitting colleges

CBS College of Biological Sciences
CDes College of Design
CEHD College of Education & Human Development
CFANS College of Food, Agricultural and Natural Resource Sciences
CLA College of Liberal Arts
CSOM Carlson School of Management
IT Institute of Technology

Upper division colleges (1-2 years completed college coursework required for admission)

CAHP Center for Allied Health Programs
CCE College of Continuing Education
DENT* School of Dentistry
MED* Medical School
NURS School of Nursing
* The Medical School and the School of Dentistry each offer one undergraduate program.

Acting¹ (CLA)
Aerospace Engineering (IT)
African American & African Studies^* (CLA)
American Indian Studies (CLA)
American Studies (CLA)
Ancient Mediterranean Studies (CLA)
Animal Science^* (CFANS)
Anthropology (CLA)
Applied Plant Science^* (CFANS)
Architecture² (CDes, CLA)
Art^* (CLA)
Art History (CLA)
Asian Languages and Literatures^* (CLA)
Astrophysics (IT)

Bio-based Products^* (CFANS)
Biochemistry (CBS)
Biology (CBS)
Biology, Society & the Environment (CLA)
Biomedical Engineering (IT)
Bioproducts & Biosystems Engineering^* (joint program, IT & CFANS)
Business:
     -Accounting (CSOM)
     -Agricultural and Food Business Management^* (joint program CFANS & CSOM)
     -Agricultural Industries & Marketing^* (CFANS)
     -Applied Economics^* (CFANS)
     -Business and Marketing Education (CEHD)
     -Entrepreneurial Management (CSOM)
     -Finance and Risk Management Insurance (CSOM)
     -Human Resource Development (CEHD)
     -Human Resources & Industrial Relations (CSOM)
     -International Business (CSOM)
     -Management Information Systems (CSOM)
     -Marketing (CSOM)
     -Public/Nonprofit Management (CSOM)
     -Retail Merchandising (CDes)
     -Supply Chain and Operations Management (CSOM)

Chemical Engineering^* (IT)
Chemistry^* (IT, CLA)
Chicano Studies (CLA)
Child Psychology (joint program CLA & CEHD)
Cinema & Media Culture, Studies in (CLA)
Civil Engineering (IT)
Classical & Near Eastern Archaeology (CLA)
Classical Civilization (CLA)
Clinical Laboratory Sciences² - formerly Medical Technology (CAHP)
Clothing Design (CDes)
Communication Studies (CLA)
Computer Engineering (IT)
Computer Science (IT, CLA)
Construction Management² (CCE)
Cultural Studies & Comparative Literature^* (CLA)

Dance³ (CLA)
Dental Hygiene² (DENT)

Ecology, Evolution, & Behavior (CBS)
Economics^* (CLA)
Education:
     -Agricultural Education^* (CFANS)
     -Business and Marketing Education (CEHD)
     -Career and Technical Education (CEHD)
     -Early Childhood Education Foundations (CEHD)
     -Elementary Education Foundations (CEHD)
     -Technology Education (CEHD)
Electrical Engineering^* (IT)
English (CLA)
Environmental Design (Landscape Architecture)^* (CDes)
Environmental Horticulture^* (CFANS)
Environmental Sciences, Policy and Management^* (CFANS)

Family Social Science (CEHD)
Fisheries & Wildlife^* (CFANS)
Food Science (CFANS)
Forest Resources^* (CFANS)
French and Italian Studies (CLA)
French Studies (CLA)

Gender, Women and Sexuality Studies (CLA)
Genetics, Cell Biology & Development (CBS)
Geography^* (CLA)
Geological Engineering^* (IT)
Geology (IT, CLA)
Geophysics (IT)
German Studies^* (CLA)
Global Studies (CLA)
Graphic Design (CDes)
Greek (CLA)

Hebrew (CLA)
History (CLA)
Housing Studies (NOT Architecture)^* (CDes)
Individualized Learning², Program for (CCE)
Individualized Studies, Bachelor of (CLA)
Individually Designed Interdepartmental Major (CLA)
Information Technology Infrastructure² (CCE)
Inter-College Program² (CCE)
Interior Design (CDes)
Italian Studies (CLA)

Jewish Studies (CLA)
Journalism & Mass Communication^* (CLA)

Kinesiology^* (CEHD)

Landscape Architecture (see Environmental Design)
Latin (CLA)
Linguistics (CLA)

Manufacturing Technology² (CCE)
Materials Science & Engineering (IT)
Mathematics^* (IT, CLA)
Mechanical Engineering^* (IT)
Microbiology (CBS)
Mortuary Science² (MED)
Music⁴ (CLA)
Music Education⁴ (CLA)
Music Performance⁴ (CLA)
Music Therapy⁴ (CLA)

Neuroscience (CBS)
Nursing² (NURS)
Nutrition^* (CFANS)

Philosophy (CLA)
Physics^* (IT, CLA)
Physiology (CLA)
Plant Biology (CBS)
Political Science^* (CLA)
Psychology (CLA)

Radiation Therapy² (CCE)
Recreation, Park and Leisure Studies^* (CEHD)
Recreation Resource Management^* (CFANS)
Religious Studies (CLA)
Respiratory Care² (CCE)
Retail Merchandising (CDes)
Russian (CLA)

Scandinavian Languages & Finnish^* (CLA)
Scientific & Technical Communication (CLA)
Sociology^* (CLA)
Sociology of Law, Criminology and Deviance (CLA)
Spanish Studies (CLA)
Spanish-Portuguese Studies (CLA)
Speech-Language-Hearing Sciences (CLA)
Sport Management^* (CEHD)
Statistics (IT, CLA)

Theatre Arts (CLA)

Urban Studies (CLA)

Youth Studies (CEHD)

* Areas of concentration are offered within the major. For additional information consult the Undergraduate Catalog.
1 Audition required. Call the Dept. of Theatre Arts at 612-625-6699 for details.
2 Upper division major (1-2 years completed college coursework required for admission).
3 Audition required. Call the Dance Program at 612-624-5060 for details.
4 Audition and/or interview required. Email the School of Music at mus-adm@tc.umn.edu or call 612-624-5740 for details.

Note: Majors and programs may change, merge, or move to different U of M colleges. Consult the Undergraduate Catalog for up-to-date information.

Freshman-admitting colleges

Freshmen accepted to the University of Minnesota are admitted to one of the seven colleges listed below.

Biological Sciences

The College of Biological Sciences (CBS) offers majors in biochemistry; biology; ecology, evolution, and behavior; genetics, cell biology and development; microbiology; neuroscience; and plant biology. Nearly half of CBS graduates pursue graduate studies in the biological sciences or professional programs including medicine, dentistry, veterinary medicine, law, and many others; the remainder pursue employment in the molecular/cellular sciences, plant/animal/environmental sciences, and health sciences in settings as varied as research laboratories, biomedical and biotechnology companies, educational institutions, and environmental agencies.

Design

The University's College of Design (CDes) prepares students to think in innovative, sustainable, and socially responsible ways to use design to enhance the well-being of individuals and communities. The College is an emerging national and international leader in multidisciplinary research, creative production, teaching, and public engagement in a wide variety of design-related fields.

The College of Design offers Bachelor of Science (B.S.) degrees in Clothing Design, Graphic Design, Housing Studies (the study of shelter in its multiple dimensions: development, policy, technology, management and finance, and advocacy), Interior Design, and Retail Merchandising, as well as the Bachelor of Environmental Design (B.E.D.) in the Department of Landscape Architecture. The College also offers a Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Architecture and a Bachelor of Design in Architecture (B.D.A.), each of which require 1-2 years of completed college coursework prior to admission.

Note: Students interested in Architecture should apply to the College of Liberal Arts (CLA). The Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in Architecture is offered through CLA.

Education and Human Development

The College of Education and Human Development (CEHD) offers undergraduate and advanced study in a wide range of teaching and human development programs that rank among the very best in the nation. Some programs offer preparation for careers in business, government, and community settings, while others prepare students for preK-12 teaching licensure by the state of Minnesota. Students can choose from a wide range of options, such as kinesiology (the study of human movement), family social science (to prepare for careers in helping people and families), youth studies (to prepare to work with youth in community settings), business and human resource education (applying business and marketing knowledge to human resource issues), and foundations of education (preparing for an early childhood or elementary teaching career).

Our teaching licensure programs offer a unique approach to preparing students to teach in preK-12 classrooms. Before entering our master's-level licensure programs, applicants must complete an undergraduate degree in an area that they want to teach (for example, mathematics in IT or CLA, or social studies in CLA). While students learn content at the undergraduate level, they learn how to teach at the master's level. Research and experience show that students who complete our programs are better prepared for the challenges of real-world classrooms and are more likely to success in their careers. After completing a licensure program in about 15 months, students are licensed to teach in Minnesota public schools and are only a few courses away from master's degree.

Undergraduates can also get on a fast track to teaching licensure through the College's DirecTrack to Teaching Program, which offers early admission to licensure programs and valuable exposure to the culture of teaching and schools.

Food, Agricultural and Natural Resource Sciences

The College of Food, Agricultural and Natural Resource Sciences (CFANS) offers students an extraordinary education with 14 majors and 22 minors based in solution-driven science in the areas of food and nutrition, agriculture, natural resources, and education. Students can study agricultural and food business management; agricultural education; agricultural industries and marketing; animal science; applied economics; applied plant science; bio-based products; environmental horticulture; environmental sciences, policy and management; fisheries and wildlife; food science; forest resources; nutrition; recreation resource management; pre-bioproducts and biosystems engineering; pre-veterinary medicine; and related disciplines. CFANS has a long tradition of educating future leaders who understand the delicate balance of production and conservation. Students learn from faculty who use critical and innovative thinking, plus all the tools of the arts and sciences, to solve everyday problems and make our planet a productive, friendly, and sustainable environment. The College's nationally recognized programs and broad array of internship and research opportunities provide students with the education and experience they need for successful careers in private businesses, public agencies, and nonprofit organizations, or for graduate study.

Liberal Arts

The College of Liberal Arts (CLA) provides outstanding education for successful lives and careers. CLA graduates are leaders across a broad spectrum of human endeavors, in fields such as law, medicine, government, business, education, public relations and marketing, the arts, and international relations. CLA students may choose from more than 60 majors in the social sciences, arts, humanities, and natural sciences, and enhance their career preparation with internships in a wide range of organizations. Those who seek more flexibility may create innovative interdisciplinary programs--for example, combining economics, a language, geography, political science, speech-communication, and global studies to prepare for a career in international business. Many CLA departments rank among the best in the nation, with nationally recognized faculty bringing to their students the leading-edge knowledge of their disciplines, as well as a commitment to teaching that has earned them many teaching awards.

Management (Carlson School of)

The Carlson School Undergraduate program is ranked among the nation's best business schools. This world-class four-year program enrolls approximately 2,000 students and offers 10 majors. The student experience is enhanced through internship and executive mentorship opportunities; honors opportunities; frequent interactions with the business community; and required international experience. Through its focus on building strong communication, leadership, and team skills, the Undergraduate program prepares students to compete and succeed in a quickly-changing global business environment.

Fall of 2008 will mark the opening of the Carlson School's new 124,000 square-foot Herbert M. Hanson Hall, which will provide a state-of-the-art home to, and will dramatically expand the impact of, the Undergraduate program. Under one roof, students will access the nation's best instructors, find unparalleled links to top businesses, and learn from an innovative, hands-on curriculum.

Technology (Institute of)

The Institute of Technology (IT) offers 18 bachelor's degree programs, including 10 engineering specialties, astrophysics, chemistry, computer science, geology/geophysics, mathematics, physics, and statistics. Its programs are ranked among the best in this country. Admission is selective; to be successful, students should have strong science and mathematics aptitude. More than 150 companies recruit IT students each year, and long-range career opportunities are good in most fields.

Upper division colleges

1-2 years completed college coursework required for admission. If you are interested in one of the following programs, please contact the Office of Admissions for advice regarding which freshman-admitting college(s) will help you prepare for admission after your freshman or sophomore year.

Continuing Education

The College of Continuing Education (CCE) offers courses and programs for a wide range of student populations. While not a freshman-admitting college, CCE offers bachelor's degrees to upper division students in the following areas:

• Individualized Degrees, including the Inter College Program (ICP), as well as the Program for Individualized Learning (PIL)
• Bachelor of Applied Science (BAS) Degree with majors in Construction Management, Information Technology Infrastructure, and Manufacturing Technology.

Additionally, CCE offers evening classes and independent and distance education classes, as well as 20 certificate programs and numerous noncredit courses.

Undergraduate health science programs

Clinical Laboratory Sciences - formerly medical technology (Center for Allied Health Programs)
The bachelor's degree program in Clinical Laboratory Sciences includes a liberal arts education and a thorough grounding in the physical sciences, as well as clinical experiences in various laboratories. Students are admitted into the program at the junior year, and during their senior year students can choose to take some courses at the new Rochester, MN performance site. Upon completion of the degree, graduates are eligible to take the national certification examination to practice.

Dental Hygiene (School of Dentistry)
The Program in Dental Hygiene was established at the University of Minnesota in 1919 and is fully accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation. It is the only dental hygiene program in Minnesota that grants a bachelor of science degree and is affiliated with a school of dentistry. The program blends a solid dental hygiene clinical education with the biological, behavioral, and social sciences, as well as the liberal arts.

Mortuary Science (Medical School)
Established in 1908, the Program of Mortuary Science is the only program of its kind to offer a bachelor of science degree in affiliation with a medical college. Coursework includes basic and behavioral sciences, and is enhanced by extensive, clinically-based field placement activities. Graduates are academically credentialed to seek employment as funeral service practitioners in all 50 states, as well as abroad. Additionally, students also pursue this degree as a starting point for graduate work in fields including medicine, psychology, sociology, theology, education, and forensic science.

Nursing (School of Nursing)
Established in 1909 as the first nursing school on a university campus in the United States, the School of Nursing is recognized as one of the best in the field. Continuing its tradition of preparing leaders in the profession of nursing, the school offers a bachelor of science in nursing (B.S.N.) as a foundation for professional practice and graduate study. The four-year B.S.N. program consists of one year of prerequisite courses and a three-year nursing sequence. Students are admitted to the three-year sequence after completing the prerequisites. Admission is once a year for the upcoming fall semester. The program has a full-time, day school curriculum and is offered on the Twin Cities and Rochester campuses. Admission is competitive.

Graduate and professional schools and programs

(Bachelor's degree generally required for admission)

To qualify for admission to these programs, you generally may choose any undergraduate major.

In many cases, you will be required to complete designated prerequisite coursework. Advisers in these colleges and other student service centers, such as the University's Health Careers Center, will assist you in your preparation for application to these programs.

If you have questions about any of these programs or would like advice regarding which freshman-admitting college(s) will best help you prepare for future admission to these programs, please contact the Office of Admissions (1-800-752-1000 or 612-625-2008).

Architecture (professional architecture program is master's level)
Dental Hygiene
Dentistry
Education and Human Development-M.Ed./initial licensure programs:
Agricultural Education, Art Ed., Business and Marketing Ed., Early Childhood and Early Childhood Special Ed., Elementary Ed., English Ed., Family Ed., Mathematics Ed., Physical Ed., Science Ed., Second Languages and Cultures Ed., Social Studies Ed., and Technology Ed. Most teaching licensure programs require a bachelor's degree for entry. Approximately 15 months of post-bachelor's study [including student teaching] are required to prepare for teacher licensure. Undergraduates can also get on a fast track to teaching licensure through the CEHD's DirecTrack to Teaching program, which offers early admission to licensure programs and valuable exposure to the culture of teaching and schools.) Graduate School (master's or doctoral level)
Landscape Architecture (professional landscape architecture program is master's level)
Law School
Medical School (an early admission option is available for U of M-Twin Cities sophomores)
Nursing (The School of Nursing offers the Master of Nursing [MN] for students who already have a bachelor's degree in a field other than nursing but are not yet nurses and the Doctor of Nursing Practice [DNP], which is a completion program for students who are practice-oriented and who already have a master's in nursing.)
Occupational Therapy (master's level; an early admission option is available)
Pharmacy
Physical Therapy
Public Health
Veterinary Medicine (an early admission option is available)