• Year Established: 1851
• Location: Twin Cities of Minneapolis and St. Paul, Minnesota
• Number of Campuses: 4 campuses
• Classification: Public flagship university
• Total Number of Enrollees: 51,175*
  
  *Source: U.S. Department of Education, National Center for Education Statistics, 2005 Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System IPEDS, Spring 2006  

A Brief Look into the History of the University of Minnesota

Established in 1851, the University of Minnesota Twin Cities campus is the first, oldest and largest segment of the University of Minnesota’s system. Back in those early days, the educational institution was founded as a preparatory school.

The school was closed during the Civil War, but it reopened in 1867 through the efforts of John Sergeant Pillsbury – who is known as the father of the University.

Today, the University of Minnesota in general has five campuses, including:

• Twin Cities Campus
• Duluth Campus
• Morris Campus
• Crookston Campus
• Rochester Campus

The Duluth campus was opened in 1947, the Morris campus and the Crookston campus opened in 1960 and 1966, respectively.

Besides the main campuses mentioned above, the University of Minnesota also operates several extension offices, as well as research and outreach centers throughout the state of Minnesota.

How the Educational System Works

As a public flagship university, the University of Minnesota has a goal of advancing the student's education through research and discovery, teaching and learning, as well as outreach and public service.

The educational system works in such a way that there is an open exchange of ideas in the classroom environment. Academic freedom, responsibility, integrity, cooperation and empowerment of the individuals within the community are the principles that the University of Minnesota management lives by.

Program Listings

The University of Minnesota offers undergraduate majors and minors on all its five campuses. Postgraduate professional programs and certificates are also available.

Here is a list of some of the course offered at the University of Minnesota Twin Cities campus for fall 2008:

• Applied Business
• Accounting
• Adult Psychiatry
• Aerospace Engineering & Mechanics
• Agricultural, Food and Environmental Education
• Agronomy and Plant Genetics
• Business Administration
• Bioproducts and Biosystems Engineering
• Biochemistry
• Cognitive Science
• Chemical Physics
• Construction Management
• Dentistry
• Development Studies and Social Change
• Economics
• Educational Psychology
• Geological Engineering
• Geographic Information Science
• Health Systems Management
• Interior Design
• Microbiology
• Marketing
• Neuroscience
• Obstetrics and Gynecology
• Occupational Therapy
• Pharmacy
• Political Science
• Toxicology
• University College
• Veterinary Clinical Science
• Youth Development and Research
  
  Visit the official website of the University of Minnesota to learn more about the specific courses that you can take in each of its five campuses.

Advantages of Enrolling at the University of Minnesota

If you live within the state of Minnesota, the good news is you have five campuses to choose from: Twin Cities, Duluth, Morris, Crookston and Rochester. Attending a great college of your choice within your own state will free up your living and housing expenses.

But more than that, the University of Minnesota Twin Cities offers a comprehensive selection of courses that you can avail yourself. Whether you are engaged in undergraduate major or simply taking minor courses to keep-up on or expand your career – or if you are pursuing a full-schedule, advanced education, the University of Minnesota Twin Cities campus will give you the level of education you are looking for.

When you check the online reviews for the University of Minnesota Twin Cities – the former and presently enrolled students post many positive comments in regards to their educational experience at the university. While some hate the cold Minnesota winters, and others feel rather intimidated at the shear size of the institution, the comments in regards to the general academic environment, course offerings and faculty are overall favorable.

When you attend the University of Minnesota Twin Cities campus, you will garner a feel of what a world-class research university is all about. You will witness the engagement of students and faculty in a collaborative environment, working in a superior system of academic development of ideas and research. Its 2,000-acre grounds are huge and accommodates the thousands of students enrolled at the Twin Cities campus with ease.

The in-campus environment is very much conducive to learning. The faculty members are highly qualified and are a pleasure to learn from.

Is There Any Downside to Enrolling at the University of Minnesota?

Perhaps the only con to enrolling at any of the University of Minnesota campuses is the Minneapolis winter – but this is definitely something that students from out of state and out of the county can get used to!

A Final Word about the Quality of Education Offered by the University of Minnesota

All in all, the University of Minnesota Twin Cities is the second largest institution of higher education in the Midwest part of the country. As such, you can take your pick from the wide array of degree programs they offer. Whether it is agriculture, modern dance, law, medicine or the biological sciences you may take interested in – the universities sixteen schools and colleges will give you exactly what you are looking for.

From the career services offered, to the facilities and the student's tuition and financial aid program – the University of Minnesota Twin Cities campus is one of the best educational choices you can make.