University of Minnesota-Duluth (UMD) Introduction and Academics

Introduction

The University of Minnesota, Duluth’s 244-acre campus overlooks Lake Superior. Prior to 1947, the school was known as the Normal School at Duluth and the Duluth State Teachers College. UMD provides students with 13 bachelor’s degrees encompassing 74 different majors. There is also a graduate school, a two-year program at the School of Medicine, and a College of Pharmacy. The university consistently ranks among the top Midwestern regional universities according to the U.S. News and World Report’s “America’s Best Colleges.”

The UMD campus houses many community buildings which provide programs to both students and local residents. These include the Tweed Museum of Art, the Marshall W. Alworth Planetarium, Weber Music Hall, and the Marshall Performing Arts Center. International programs are presented as well as those sponsored by local groups and businesses.

One unique feature that students appreciate at UMD is the connectedness of their buildings. Most UMD structures and buildings are connected by hallways or concourses. This makes traveling between them easy for students with disabilities as well as those attending classes during the long, Minnesota winters.

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Information Summary

Ranks 14th in Minnesota and 434th overall. See the entire top 2,000 colleges and universities list
Overall Score (about)	87.7
Total Cost On-Campus Attendance	$24,614
Admission Success rate	N/A
ACT / SAT 75%ile scores	26 / 1343
Student Ratio Students-to-Faculty	19 : 1
Retention (full-time / part-time)	79% / 41%
Enrollment Total (all students)	11,024

Academics

University of Minnesota – Duluth offers both undergraduate and graduate degrees to students. Many different schools and programs within the system provide students with a wide range of options. Each school and program is designed to challenge students to rise to high standards and prepare them for the world ahead.

College of Education and Human Service Professions (CEHSP)

The CEHSP is dedicated to preparing students to lead in human service professions, including social work, education, mental health, allied clinical health, and selected human services. Students are prepared to work in a variety of settings ranging from nonprofit to private.

College of Liberal Arts (CLA)

The CLA focuses on the foundations of knowledge and techniques of expression and analysis essential for a well-rounded education. The college strives to accomplish diversity through increased faculty representation of minorities and women. Students enrolled in the College of Liberal Arts practice critical thinking, use their imaginations and express their creativity.

College of Pharmacy, Duluth (CPD)

The College of Pharmcy, Duluth, provides students with a program that is recognized for excellence in research and service to the public. There is a strong focus on pharmaceutical care in rural areas with an emphasis on rural health care. The college offers online, distance learning options for students.

Labovitz School of Business and Economics (LSBE)

The LSBE offers programs in business, accounting, management, and economics. Students are able to partner with local Duluth businesses to practice apply their knowledge and refine their craft.

School of Fine Arts (SFA)

Art, music, and theater are housed under the School of Fine Arts at the University of Minnesota, Duluth. Students have the opportunity to perform at the Marshall Performing Arts Center or display their work at the Tweed Museum of Art, both on campus. Students are given the opportunity to earn degrees in the visual and performing arts.

Swenson College of Science and Engineering (SCSE)

The Swenson College of Science and Engineering helps students develop foundations for a future in natural sciences, engineering, mathematics, and technology. Students participate in research as well as focus on serving the well-being of the community.

Continuing Education

The Continuing Education department at the University of Minnesota, Duluth, provides students with credit and noncredit learning opportunities. Weekend, evening, and summer classes allow working community members to participate in the numerous classes and workshops. Some of the courses don’t requre UMD admissions for attendance: they are open to the general public.

Graduate School

University of Minnesota, Duluth, offers students the opportunity to earn a number of master’s degrees as well as a few PhD programs. Graduate programs range in subject from Communication Sciences and Biology to Liberal studies and Music Education.

Medical School Duluth

The Medical School Duluth offers students with the first two year’s worth of classes of a four-year program. Students often transfer to a four-year medical school after the first years. The courses cover basic medical and clinical science studies focusing on the training of general family physicians.

Most Popular Fields of Study

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Admissions

The University of Minnesota—Duluth has a competitive admissions policy. Students are admitted based on high school rank, ACT or SAT scores, and academic preparation based on their high school transcripts and documents. Students ranking above the 65th percentile in their high school classes are admitted based on rank alone. Students ranking between the 40th and 64th percentiles are admitted based on their ACT/SAT scores. Students ranking below the 40th percentile in high school are admitted based on individual review. Transfer students are admitted based on their cumulative college GPA and high school records.

UMD has a priority deadline of December 15 for fall semester. Students will be considered on a space-available basis between December 15 and August 1.

Financial Aid

Financial aid is available for UMD students. Federal and state grants are available for students, including the Child Care Grant, Pell Grant, and Minnesota State Grant. Scholarships are also available for students, falling in several categories. Scholarships are predominately granted by the university. In addition, federal loans are also a means for students to pay for their college educations. Students can get help from financial aids officers at UMD to file applications for federal loans using the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).

Student Financial Aid Details

Ranks 1260th for the average student loan amount.
Secrets to getting the best scholarships and financial aid in Minnesota.

Students

Students at the University of Minnesota, Duluth have plenty of options when it comes to campus life involvement. A slew of organizations and clubs exist around campus and are related to areas of study or interest. A small percentage of students are also part of the Greek fraternity and sorority system. Political and social action groups are formed each year, allowing students to express their opinions about current issues.

One way for students to find the club, organization, or activity that’s right for them is to seek help from The Engage! The Engage! helps UMD students connect with meaningful experiences outside of the classroom. The search through The Engage! helps students pursue their interests and aspirations, complementing their academic experiences.

Student Enrollment Demographics

Student Graduation Demographics

Athletics

UMD offers students with ample opportunities to participate in intercollegiate sports. It is part of the NCAA and competes at the Division II, Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference level for most of its sports. The men’s and women’s hockey teams, however, compete at the Division I level. The UMD Department of Intercollegiate Athletics sports one of the most well-balanced, competitive programs in the nation.

The Bulldogs have been competing for over 80 years and have named many champions over the years. Their track team has been particularly successful, as well as their highly competitive hockey teams.

UMD Athletics bridges the gap between university students and the local community. Many area locals support the athletics program by donating to the sports departments or attending the events.

Additional School Information

The University of Minnesota, Duluth, houses the Natural Resources Research Institute (NRRI) on its campus. The NRRI was established in 1983 to foster economic development of Minnesota’s natural resources to promote private sector employment in an environmentally sound way. Some of the projects headed up by the NRRI include:

Restoring harvested peatlands
Marketing products made from inductrial waste materials
Studying effects of non-native earthworms on local hardwood forests

The NRRI was designed for researchers to study the economic impact and sustainability of the state’s forest products, biomass, minerals, and water-related industries. The institute has earned high respect from industry leaders, environmental watchdogs, and the academic community as a result of their diligent work.

Bibliography

McGrath, Anne, ed. U.S. News & World Report: Ultimate College Guide. Washington: Sourcebooks, Inc., 2010. Print.

UMD Bulldogs. UMD Bulldogs. n.d. Web. 9 July 2011.

University of Minnesota Duluth. University of Minnesota Duluth. n.d. Web. 9 July 2011.

University of Minnesota-Duluth