University of Minnesota--Crookston

The nationally recognized University of Minnesota, Crookston is a career-oriented, applied-learning, technology-driven university. It is one of five campuses of the University of Minnesota system with an enrollment of 1,462 degree-seeking students (fall 2010). The campus provides access to the prestigious University of Minnesota in a scenic, close-knit campus setting. It delivers world-renowned teaching, research, and outreach as a regional hub in northwestern Minnesota for undergraduate education leading to a University of Minnesota diploma. Today, the Crookston campus delivers more than 25 applied-science undergraduate degree programs, 18 minors, and 40 concentrations via four academic departments: agriculture and natural resources; business; liberal arts and education; and math, science and technology. New and distinctive academic programs include agronomy, aviation, bio-fuels and renewable energy technology, biology, criminal justice, equine science, environmental sciences, horticulture, marketing, software engineering, and urban forestry. The campus has a strong tradition of incorporating experiential learning throughout its curriculum, and internships are required in all degree programs. An impressive 95% of graduates report they gain employment or admission into graduate school within one year of graduation. The U of M, Crookston also has a proven record of accomplishment of infusing technology and innovation throughout the curriculum to enhance student learning and the exchange of ideas. All students and faculty are equipped with laptop computers to expand the educational experience beyond the classroom. University technology projects and a distinctive mobile computing environment give students an edge in today's global marketplace, as evidenced by employer focus groups, which consistently indicate that industry representatives recognize the high level of competency of graduates with regard to understanding, utilizing, and implementing technology in the workplace. Through one-on-one interaction, faculty and staff personally invest in the success of each student. More than 50 percent of faculty members are involved in service-learning projects and students learn the material, apply it in the field, and use it for life. Small class sizes with a student/faculty ratio of 17:1 ensure that students receive the individual attention needed for success as well as the opportunity to participate in research projects and put academic theory into practice. Students can also participate in designing and conducting research through campus-funded projects and system-wide programs. Instruction is provided by credentialed faculty in an environment conducive to faculty-student interaction with an approach that encourages hands-on learning. Continuing its leadership in technology initiatives, the Crookston campus is the recognized leader within the U of M system in delivering fully accredited undergraduate degrees online. Currently seven online degrees are offered entirely online: accounting, business management, marketing, applied studies, applied health, manufacturing management, and quality management. The Crookston campus is quite diverse for a college its size as 11% of the student body are students of color and an additional 7.5% are international students. Over 30% of students are from out of state, representing 40 states and 29 countries. This blend of students allows for a wide diversity of cultural perspectives and provides opportunities for global exchange of ideas and curriculum enhancement. Two new state-of-the-moment residence halls offer students modern, apartment-style living and wireless Internet access as well as distinctive mentor-in-residence programming. Professional development and leadership opportunities for students abound on campus, with more than 40 student clubs and organizations that plan and hold events and activities.