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

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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

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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

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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

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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

Molecular and Cellular Biology Building

College of Biological Sciences Dean's Scholars

Dean’s Scholars is a combines coursework, peer mentoring and service learning to advance your leadership skills and help you achieve your personal and career goals. Through Dean’s Scholars, you will gain self-awareness and leadership skills that will enhance your success as you prepare for a future career in the life sciences. 

CBS Dean's Scholars

Carlson School of Management

Carlson THRIVE Program

Carlson THRIVE provides students with resources to make the most of their time at the Carlson School of Management. Students attend community events and exploration workshops featuring Carlson faculty and staff, as well as local corporate partners. Students are paired with a peer mentor who will support them in their first year. Carlson students in the President’s Emerging Scholar (PES) program are also a part of THRIVE.

Carlson THRIVE

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BA/MD Scholars Program

The Bachelor of Arts/Medical Doctor (BA/MD) Scholars Program provides a unique opportunity for exceptional Minnesota residents to become physicians committed to meeting the healthcare needs of Minnesotans. A small cohort of freshmen are enrolled in the program each year.

BA/MD Scholars Program