Minnesota State University-Moorhead

Minnesota State University-Moorhead History

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.

Minnesota State University-Moorhead Unique Programs

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 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.

Minnesota State University-Moorhead Students

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.

Minnesota State University-Moorhead 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.