Majors and Programs
The University of Minnesota offers a wide range of majors and programs, each with unique requirements. Some are more popular than others, some are more competitive than others, some are more challenging than others, and some offer greater flexibility in choosing classes and scheduling your time on campus.
If you’re interested in the traditional liberal arts curriculum that focuses on critical thinking skills and writing ability–rather than technical skills for an industry like computer science or engineering–you might consider majoring in history or English literature at Minnesota. These majors allow students to take courses across disciplines while still specializing in their area of interest (e.g., medieval history or modern poetry).


Biology
Biology is the study of life. It’s a broad field that includes biology, chemistry, physics and geology.
Biological science is the study of living organisms. This science can be divided into several branches, including biochemistry (the study of chemical reactions involving living organisms), microbiology (the study of microorganisms), genetics (the study of genes), physiology (the study of how organs work together in animals) and ecology (which studies relationships between organisms and their environment).
Business Administration and Management
Business administration is a field of study that focuses on managing companies and organizations. The business administration program at the University of Minnesota is designed to provide students with a broad understanding of business and the skills needed to succeed in the business world.
Students majoring in this area will learn about financial decision-making, marketing strategy, organizational behaviour and leadership styles, and other topics related to running an effective business enterprise.


Chemistry
Chemistry studies matter and its properties, structure, composition and reactions with other substances. The U of M offers a B.S. in Chemistry and a B.A. in Chemistry.
BS: 120 credits
B.A.: 60 credits

Communication Arts and Sciences
The Communication Arts and Sciences program at the University of Minnesota is designed for students who are interested in a broad range of liberal arts courses with an emphasis on communication. Students can choose from a variety of majors, minors and certificates that include:
- Communications Studies (B.A.)
- Journalism (B.A.)
- Public Relations (B.A.)
Students who major in any of these programs can take electives in other areas, such as economics or psychology.




Computer Science
Computer science studies how computers work, how they’re programmed and what you can do with them. It’s also known as “computer engineering.” Still, that term isn’t used much anymore because it wasn’t accurate. It implied that there was something specific about designing circuits or hardware that only engineers could do when, in fact, anyone can learn to program if they have enough patience and persistence (and maybe some help from their parents).
Computer science has many different subfields:
- Computational linguistics, data mining
- Artificial intelligence
- Robotics
- Networks/networking protocols
- Operating systems design and implementation
- User interface design/user experience research (UXR)
Each field focuses on how best to approach its subject matter–for example, UXR focuses on ensuring users have intuitive experiences interacting with software products. In contrast, data mining focuses on analyzing large amounts of information from multiple sources simultaneously. Hence, we as not just look at a tiny piece at a time but instead try looking at everything together simultaneously so we can see patterns emerge across multiple fields rather than just focusing on one thing at once without any context whatsoever….

The University of Minnesota serves over 68,000 students and is the state's only comprehensiCriminal Justice Studiesve public research university
The Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice Studies is a broad-based program that provides students with an understanding of the nature and causes of crime, the role of criminal justice agencies, and the relationship between crime and law. The program also emphasizes community relations and problem-solving skills for future leaders in law enforcement agencies or community organizations.
Students may choose from one of three concentrations: Forensic Science, Law Enforcement Administration, or Security Management.
Economics
Economics studies how people use resources to satisfy their wants and needs. Economists are interested in understanding how markets work, why they sometimes fail, and how individuals make decisions about buying goods and services. Economists also study international trade, economic growth, unemployment, and inflation rates. They may research topics like climate change or global warming by analyzing data sets such as weather patterns from years until centuries (or even millennia). In addition to exploring these topics themselves–and reporting their findings through peer-reviewed journals like Science & Nature–economists often advise policymakers working for government agencies such as the Federal Reserve Board or Treasury Department staff members who help shape policymaking decisions made at those levels of government.
English Literary & Cultural Studies
English Literary & Cultural Studies combines literature, history and cultural studies to examine the social impact of literature and its role in society. As an English major, you will learn how to read texts critically and apply these skills beyond the classroom.
As an English Literature student at the University of Minnesota, you’ll have access to many courses, allowing you to explore different aspects of your interests through traditional and non-traditional approaches. You could take classes like “American Drama” or “Creative Writing,” or even delve into one specific genre, such as science fiction, by taking courses like “Philip K Dick: Science Fiction and Philosophy.” There are also plenty of opportunities for internships with local businesses like bookstores or publishers throughout Minneapolis/St. Paul area, where students can gain real-world experience before graduation!
The best part about being an English major? It opens doors! Whether it be teaching at high schools where many graduates go on to become successful authors themselves (like Laura Hillenbrand); working within publishing houses where they produce magazines such as Sports Illustrated; writing screenplays for movies like The Hunger Games series starring Jennifer Lawrence; starting non-profit organizations dedicated to improving literacy rates across America…the possibilities seem endless!


Humanities, Arts & Sciences
The Humanities, Arts & Sciences Program provides a flexible major that allows you to choose from various humanities, arts, and sciences courses. You can design your course of study or select from one of our pre-designed tracks. The program is designed for students who want to pursue an individually tailored major at UMN but do not wish to focus exclusively on one subject area or discipline.
The Humanities/Arts/Sciences track has four options:
- English Language Arts with Creative Writing (ELACW)
- History & Theory of Mathematics Education (HMTE) Humanities Studies (HUMST).
Liberal Arts and Sciences/Liberal Studies
The Liberal Arts and Sciences/Liberal Studies program provides a broad foundation in the liberal arts and sciences, allowing you to explore various subjects. The program is ideal for students who want the flexibility to customize their education.
For example, suppose you are interested in studying psychology but want to pursue an art or music minor. This program will allow you to do so without adding unnecessary credits toward your degree.

Mathematics, Computing & Technology (M.S.)
The Mathematics, Computing & Technology (M.S.) program is a Master of Science degree intended for students pursuing careers in mathematics and computing. The program offers two tracks: Mathematics and Computing. The curriculum combines rigorous mathematical theory with hands-on applications in computer science, economics, engineering and other areas of study.
The MS program provides you with the opportunity to specialize in either mathematics or computing by choosing one of two options:
- Master of Science in Mathematics and Computing – Accelerated (AMC). This accelerated option allows you to complete both your undergraduate degree requirements at the University of Minnesota – Twin Cities (UofMTC) as well as all requirements for your graduate degree within five years by taking summer courses at UofMTC during each year after your first two semesters on campus. Students may take up to six credits per summer session while still paying tuition rates associated with their regular academic year enrollment status; however, they will only receive financial aid if they are otherwise eligible during those semesters outside the summer session period. Master of Science in Mathematics and Computing – Hybrid (Hybrid). This hybrid option allows students who already have an undergraduate degree from another institution(s) but want additional training beyond what was offered there before earning their MSCS degree from UMNTC
Medical Lab Scientist (MLS) Program
The MLS program is a two-year program that prepares students for clinical, industrial and government laboratory careers. The curriculum includes chemistry, biology and mathematics courses and laboratory research projects. Students may choose to specialize in one of three areas: clinical microbiology, molecular genetics, or translational science (the study of how discoveries in research become helpful in patients).
Bachelor’s Degree Programs
Bachelor’s degrees are usually the first degree you earn after high school. They can be made in various fields, from business administration to music performance, and often serve as a stepping stone toward careers in law, medicine or other professional fields.
Bachelor’s degree programs generally require 120 credits (or about four years) of coursework for completion.
Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) programs
The Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) programs are designed to give students a broad liberal arts education, including humanities, social sciences and natural sciences courses. If you are interested in pursuing a B.A., consider one of these programs:
- B.A. in English
- B.A. in History – American Studies Concentration
If you still need to decide what major is right for you, don’t worry! Check out our article on How to Choose A Major That Matches Your Personality.
Bachelor of Science (B.S.) programs
Bachelor of Science (B.S.) programs are offered in many areas of study. These programs are typically more focused than Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) programs, requiring students to take more math and science courses.
Master’s Degrees
The University of Minnesota offers a wide variety of graduate degrees, including Master of Arts (M.A.), Master of Science (M.S.), and Master of Fine Arts (M.F.A.). Depending on the student’s primary background, these programs can be completed in one year or longer. Students enrolled in these programs may also choose to pursue an individualized degree that combines coursework from multiple departments within the university. The following are some examples:
- The School of Music offers traditional academic programs and professional training courses for aspiring musicians who want to work with bands or orchestras at venues like local concert halls or even Carnegie Hall!
- The College of Food, Agricultural and Natural Resource Sciences hosts several interdisciplinary research centres where students can gain real-world experience while pursuing their master’s degrees through hands-on projects related directly to Minnesota agriculture industries, such as dairy farms!