What advantages does our program have?

"There are dozens of facilities in need of attention in the immediate areas of northwestern Minnesota and eastern North Dakota that could serve as training and internship opportunities for students working on - and solving - real world environmental problems. ... Your graduating seniors will find immediate job opportunities in environmental remediation providing innovative solutions for clients in the agrochemical, petroleum, chemical manufacturing, and stormwater management sectors of our economy."
~ Chris Rog (Sand Creek Consultants)

• Choose from five emphasis areas: environmental ecology, agriculture and environmental stewardship, water quality, environmental health, or environmental toxicology and chemistry.
• Students grow socially and academically in a challenging yet nurturing environment.
• Our small class size provides a more personalized approach to student education than larger campuses.
• Most of our courses and labs are taught by professors with Ph.D.s who are focused primarily on student education, while still maintaining an appropriate level of scientific enquiry to be able to involve undergraduate students in research projects on a regular basis, either through our Undergraduate Research Opportunities Program (UROP) grants or outside funding.
• Some of our faculty have been involved in incorporating real research projects in course and laboratory curriculum.
• You can also minor in environmental sciences.

"According to a recent survey of graduates from the ESPM program in our college (University of Minnesota), well over 90% of our students either went on to graduate school or found employment in environmental science. The job market appears to be strong in this area for students graduating from science-based programs with strong academic rigor. I would anticipate graduates of your program would have similar experience."

~Jay Bell (University of Minnesota, Twin Cities)

What is the UMC Advantage?

Small Campus. Big Degree.
Earn a prestigious University of Minnesota degree in an affordable, close-knit campus setting. The University of Minnesota is one of the most comprehensive public universities in the United States and ranks among the most esteemed.  As a coordinate campus of the University of Minnesota system, the U of M, Crookston offers access to world-class teaching, learning and research resources, as well as enhanced internship and undergraduate research opportunities.  As a graduate, your diploma features one of the most respected names in higher education.

Individual Attention and Mentorship
You expect an education that not only focuses on your needs but also allows your talent and interests to shine through.  The dedicated faculty and staff at the U of M, Crookston serve as true mentors, offering personalized attention through a student-faculty ratio of 16:1 and by working closely with students as mentors and advisors.  You’ll have opportunities to design and conduct research or work alongside faculty on projects that add real value to your educational experience. 

A Technological Edge
Gain a competitive technological edge.  As the original “Laptop U” with more than 15 years of leadership in technology integration, the U of M, Crookston will provide you with a powerful laptop computer and will help you develop the technology skills so essential in today’s information economy.  You’ll gain experience in a day-to-day environment richly immersed in technology and its related applications.  From the classrooms to the residence halls, you’ll have 24/7 access to the Web and class projects, assignments, and presentations.  You’ll make use of current as well as emerging technologies.  Employers consistently report that the U of M, Crookston graduates they hire are extremely well prepared for the demands of today’s technological workplace.

Global Perspectives
The U of M, Crookston has made it a priority to promote an understanding of diversity and global perspectives and to offer you the resources, programs and activities necessary for you to succeed in today’s global economy.  Our international recruitment efforts bring students from more than 20 countries, and our Study Abroad program offers more than 300 opportunities for you to study in 67 different countries.  There are also numerous cultural activities and clubs to participate in.  We offer many ways for you to expand your worldview, gain international experience, and make connections with people from across the globe. 

Applied Learning and Internships
Learn and do!  Gain first-hand exposure to your career field through the U of M, Crookston’s distinctive hands-on approach to learning.  Working with our professional faculty and staff, you’ll not only learn concepts, but apply them through projects, field trips, site visits and interactions with professionals in the field.  Our internship programs give you the chance to practice the principles and theories you’ve learned in the classroom and make contacts with potential employers.  The Undergraduate Research Opportunities Program (UROP) even allows you to design and conduct research as an undergraduate!

No Out-of-State Tuition and Transfer-Friendly
The U of M, Crookston is the affordable choice for anyone! Whether you live just across the border, across the country or on the other side of the ocean, you pay the same as those who live in Minnesota.  We offer an incredible value that’s also extremely transfer-friendly.  Our staff will work with you to make sure your credits count.  Our faculty advisors will personally talk with you about career goals, degree interests and review your records to develop a plan, and our transfer specialist will help make the process as smooth as possible.          

Excellent Job Placement
The Crookston campus has a reputation for a job placement rate of more than 93% for students in their field of study within six months of graduation. Some programs on our campus have even a higher rate of placement.