Minnesota State University, Moorhead was founded in 1885 as a normal school and received university status in 1975. It is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association. Its mission statement says in part that “the University strives to provide an educational environment that supports intellectual development, that welcomes diversity and that develops the skills and talents of women and men so that they have the capacity to live usefully, act responsibly and be learners all their lives.” It is classed as a Master’s College and University I by the Carnegie Institute.
Minnesota State University-Moorhead
Academics
Minnesota State University, Moorhead has academic programs at both the undergraduate and graduate level. There are 4 colleges: the College of Business & Industry, the College of Education & Human Services, the College of Social & Natural Sciences, and the College of Arts & Humanities.
Bachelor’s degrees are offered in a variety of fields within the various academic colleges. Degrees at the bachelor’s level can be received in such areas as accounting, American studies, art, business administration, chemistry, East Asian studies, geosciences, legal studies, medical technology, music industry, education, nursing, and theatre arts. There are also pre-professional programs in the health professions and several other fields. Undergraduate certificate are awarded in several areas of education and in E-Business. A dual degree program with the University of Minnesota allows students to receive a B.S. degree in Engineering from the University of Minnesota and a B.S. in either physics or chemistry from MSUM.
Graduate programs are offered in at the master’s level in counseling & student affairs, creative writing, music, liberal arts, nursing, educational leadership, curriculum & instruction, school psychology, special education, speech-language pathology, and Public, Human Service & Health administration. The Educational Specialist (Ed.S.) degree is offered through the College of Education in school psychology and in educational administration. There are no doctoral programs. Several graduate certificates are offered in areas of education.
MSU Moorhead is also part of the Tri-College University, whose other partners are Concordia College and North Dakota State University. Students enrolled at MSUM can take courses at either other school without going through a separate application procedure. Several degree programs are only available by taking some courses at one of the other schools.
MSUM advocates itself as giving students what they want: a complete education, a foundation in the liberal arts and humanities, challenging programs, and real-world experience. Faculty members are hands-on and have ample time to commit to their students. There are dozens of majors to choose from in the University’s various Colleges: Arts & Humanities, Business & Industry, Education & Human Services, and Social & Natural Sciences.
Most Popular Fields of Study
The top 5 fields of study completed at Minnesota State University-Moorhead.
The American Studies program is described as a balance: students are required to complete a few, core courses. But then they are free to choose the studies that suit their interests best. It is obviously an interdisciplinary curriculum focused around cultural and social studies that develops skills in research, writing, and presentation of information. The American Multicultural Studies and Humanities Department offers the program, and has founded it in the array of cultures they know best: Native American, Chicano, and American cultures.
The Industrial Distribution Program educates distribution professionals for wholesale operations, warehouse management, and service to an increasing number of manufacturers and industries. Students gain experience in technology, business, and the liberal arts. Students can pair these studies with studies of chemistry, engineering, or business administration for a promising future in the industrial sector. The program is fully accredited by the National Association of Industrial Technology (NAIT).
Minnesota State University, Moorhead has an undergraduate Honors Program. Students who seek admission to the Honors Program need to meet the following requirements: a 3.6 GPA during either semester in their freshman year at Moorhead. Once admitted to the Honors Program, students will be able to take some special Honors Courses.
Distance learning programs are offered in some undergraduate and graduate programs, including nursing and educational leadership. Students enrolled in distance learning programs will take part in courses on-line, through interactive television, or through instructional packages, depending upon the program.
Minnesota State University-Moorhead
Admissions
Students who have graduate from high school or earned their GED must have achieved an ACT composite score of 21 or greater, an SAT combined score of 1000 or greater, or ranked in the upper half of the graduating class and scored a minimum of 17 on the ACT (830 SAT). Applicants must submit separate applications for admission and financial aid. Students must submit a complete application package, a $20 non-refundable application fee, and official copies of their high school transcript and standardized test scores. Faxes are not accepted. Thos students who truly desire a MSUM education but do not meet the regular admission requirements may have their application materials reviewed for consideration. Such consideration will assess a student’s preparedness based on coursework, grade point average, academic preparedness, and academic scores. For such students, MSUM offers the Corrick Center for General Education, which offers enrollment options for students who have not met general admission requirements but demonstrate the ability to succeed in a University environment. For students who do not meet the Corrick Center’s criteria, the Gateway Program is a partnership between MSUM and Minnesota State Community and Technical College that offers students the opportunity to ease into university life.
Minnesota State University, Moorhead has an open undergraduate admissions deadline. The application fee is $20. Applications can be submitted on-line. Students who are enrolled in high school at the time of application will need to have their official final high school transcripts sent after graduation to the Admissions Office.
As part of their application, students should submit high school transcripts and ACT or SAT test scores. Students must generally meet the following minimum requirements: ACT scores of 21 or above (SAT 1000, but ACT is preferred), or high school class rank in the top 50 % with an ACT minimum of 17.
Transfer students and international students will have varying requirements depending upon their prior educational background.
Students applying to the graduate programs at Minnesota State University, Moorhead should consult the individual department and/or school to which they are applying. Applications can be submitted on-line, and the application fee is $20. General requirements include the GRE or other appropriate test scores (such as the GMAT) and a bachelor’s degree. The graduate application deadline is generally April 15 for the fall semester, but some programs have earlier deadlines.
Financial Aid
More than 85% of the University’s degree-seeking students receive some form of financial aid award or package. While MSUM is the least expensive four-year, residential university in the state, all students can benefit from some tuition assistance at one point or another. The most prominent scholarship program offered at MSUM is the President’s Scholarship, which pays students $1,500 for their freshman year. Students must have scored a 28 on the SAT and ranked in the top 5% of their high school graduating class. Other aid awards are available for students with other academic accomplishments.
Tuition at Minnesota State University, Moorhead is $4,494.70 for the 2005-2006 academic year for in-state, undergraduate students attending full-time. Students applying from out of state and graduate students have higher costs. Students from North Dakota, South Dakota, and Wisconsin are eligible for reduced out-of-state tuition.
Financial aid is available in the form of grants, scholarships, and loans. Work-study programs are also available. Students who seek financial aid will need to fill out the Federal Student Financial Aid Form, available on-line. More than 85% of students who attend receive financial aid.
Graduate students may also receive financial aid in the form of an assistantship, including a stipend. Graduate students should consult with their individual department about what sort of assistantships or fellowships are available and about the details of the application process.
Special financial aid programs for minority or non-traditional students include the Access Scholarship, which is need-based and covers tuition for 4 years. It is for students from culturally diverse backgrounds, students who are first generation college students, or students whose environment limited their college preparatory opportunities.
Student Financial Aid Details
How many students use Financial Aid, and how much do they use?
Minnesota State University-Moorhead 1725th for the average student loan amount.
Secrets to getting the best Minnesota scholarships and financial aid
Moorhead offers students the option of seven different resident halls and residential communities, including traditional dormitory-style living and newly remodeled apartment communities. Amenities include a weight room, television lounge, vending machines, and study rooms. For the active student there are a number of student organizations and intramural sports to choose from, as well as social fraternities and sororities. Moorhead regularly welcomes musical acts and hosts theatrical productions and films for its students.
Student life at Minnesota State University, Moorhead includes opportunities in a diverse range of activities and organizations. There are cultural, academic, religious, recreational, political, and Greek organizations, as well as special interest groups including the Anime Club, the Gamer’s Club, and the Photo Guild. Ever February, students can take part in the DragonFrost week of activities, which include a Snow Court. Students can visit the university planetarium or attend musical or dramatic events during the Performing Arts Series.
Student Enrollment Demographics
How many students are enrolled at Minnesota State University-Moorhead?
The Minnesota State University Moorhead Dragons compete in the NCAA and the Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference. Men’s sports include basketball, cross country, football, track & field, and wrestling. Women’s sports include basketball, cross country, golf, soccer, and softball. The flagship of Minnesota State Moorhead athletic facilities is Alex Nemzek Hall. This comprehensive and beautiful facility includes a modern weight room, fitness center, 8 different basketball courts, a rehab/training room, racquetball courts, locker rooms, a swimming pool, and indoor tracks. It is also home to Alex Nemzek Stadium, which seats as many as 5,000 for Dragon football games. The Dragons football team are coming off a devastating season, with a winless overall record of 0-11, including 7 defeats at the hands of conference opponents and five defeats at home. The Dragons were outscored during the season 132-448. By contrast, the women’s basketball team finished with a 24-7 overall record and an impressive 13-1 run at home and a 12-2 record against conference opponents.
Minnesota State University, Moorhead is an NCAA Division II School. Teams compete in the Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference. Men’s sports include basketball, cross country, football, track & field, and wrestling. Women’s sports include basketball, cross country, golf, soccer, softball, swimming & diving, tennis, track & field, and volleyball. The sports teams are supported by a spirit squad, which includes an all women’s cheer team, a co-educational cheer team that enters cheer competitions, and a dance team. The team nick-name is the Dragons.
Athletic facilities at Minnesota State University, Moorhead include a fieldhouse, a stadium, a track, a pool, a softball field, a wrestling room, a soccer field, and the Alex Nemzek Hall, which has 8 basketball courts. The pool and wrestling room are in this building, which is part of a sports complex.
Local Community
Minnesota State University, Moorhead is located in Moorhead, Minnesota, which has a population of approximately 32,000 and is located across the Red River from Fargo, North Dakota. The surrounding environment is rural. Near-by attractions include Buffalo River State Park, a dude ranch, an air museum, several historical sites, the Fargodome, a winery, an art museum, the Red River Valley Speedway, and the Roger Maris Museum.
Moorhead is a self-described “gate city” to the state and its natural, outdoor recreational activities. The mountains and lakes of Minnesota are abundant and provide enough diversion and entertainment for everyone. Points of interest include a dozen community parks, the local river, and an authentic Viking ship that actually crossed the Atlantic Ocean between American and Norway.
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Moorhead, MN 56563
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