Special Programs

Honors students show off their medals

University Honors Program

In the University Honors Program (UHP), students explore real-world issues across a range of disciplines, equipping students to join the next generation of changemakers. UHP provides an enriched opportunity within each of the U of M freshman colleges, creating a program of shared passions, creative collaboration, and intellectual and cultural diversity. 

University Honors Program

Northrop mall in spring time

President’s Emerging Scholars Program

The President’s Emerging Scholars Program (PES) is an educational opportunity program which ensures timely graduation of its participants through supportive academic, career and personal well-being programs, in addition to scholarships, professional advising and peer mentoring.

President’s Emerging Scholars Program

Student and professor discussing class work

Audition-Based Programs

Students interested in studying music, dance or acting should review that specific programs audition and admissions criteria. 

Audition-Based Programs

professor teaching in classroom

Land-Grant Legacy Scholars Program

The Land-Grant Legacy Scholars Program (LGLS) was created to support students from Greater Minnesota with diverse backgrounds who are admitted to the College of Food, Agricultural and Natural Resource Sciences (CFANS). Incoming freshmen who are admitted to CFANS will be automatically considered.

Land-Grant Legacy Scholars Program

students walking on campus

Freshman Nursing Program

Admission to the School of Nursing is highly competitive due to program demand. Applicants should make sure their application is complete by the November 1 Early Action I Deadline in order to be considered for the Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree.

Freshman Nursing Program

Northrop mall

Freshman Dental Hygiene Guarantee Program

The Freshman Dental Hygiene Guarantee Program is an invitation-only program that identifies students for guaranteed entry into the School of Dentistry's Dental Hygiene program. Selected students spend their first year in the College of Liberal Arts for prerequisite coursework and begin the Dental Hygiene Program the following year. 

Freshman Dental Hygiene Guarantee Program

A student studies on her laptop

BA/MD Joint Admissions Scholars Program

The Bachelor of Arts/Medical Doctor Joint Admission Scholars (BA/MD JAS) Program provides a unique opportunity for exceptional Minnesota residents from diverse backgrounds to become physicians committed to meeting the healthcare needs of Minnesotans. Admission to this program is highly competitive, with only ten freshmen enrolled in the program each year.

Bachelor of Arts/Medical Doctor Joint Admission Scholars Program

Molecular and Cellular Biology Building

College of Biological Sciences Dean's Scholars

Dean’s Scholars is a CBS program that combines coursework, peer mentoring and service learning to advance your leadership skills and help you achieve your personal and future career goals. Through Dean’s Scholars, you will gain crucial self-awareness and leadership skills that will enhance your success as you prepare for a future career in the life sciences.  Dean’s Scholars are known across the College of Biological Sciences and University of Minnesota community as active collaborators and agents of positive change.

CBS Dean's Scholars

Carlson School of Management

Carlson THRIVE Program

Carlson THRIVE is designed to provide emerging student leaders with resources to cultivate a thriving environment at the Carlson School of Management. Students attend community building events and career exploration workshops featuring Carlson School faculty and staff as well as Twin Cities corporate partners. THRIVE students are paired with a peer mentor who will support them as they navigate their first year at the Carlson School, and they will participate in several classes as a cohort. Carlson students in the President’s Emerging Scholar (PES) program are also a part of THRIVE.

Carlson THRIVE