As a new school year begins, the University of Minnesota Twin Cities campus is buzzing with students ready to return to the classroom.
With thousands of courses and more than 150 majors and minors to choose from, students can study just about anything that piques their interest.
From AI to rocketry, insects to esports, and anything in between, here are just a few cool courses that University of Minnesota undergraduates can choose from this fall.
All courses can be found through the University of Minnesota Twin Cities course catalog.
Earth and Environmental Sciences 1902: Minnesota's Water
Minnesota is known as the “Land of 10,000 Lakes.” But where does our drinking water come from?
In this course, students will explore the world around them and apply what they learn to better understand water quality and related activities such as water use, agriculture, flood control, mining, shipping, and more.
In doing so, students will explore ways for everyone to better take responsibility for their role in optimizing public health, maximizing economic benefits, and maintaining biodiversity by protecting surface water features and ensuring groundwater sustainability.
“In Minnesota, our lakes, rivers, landscape, and standard of living define us, so students in the course will have the same goals as all Minnesotans—to protect our water and nature, and to optimize quality of life,” says Earth and Environmental Sciences professor Harvey Thorleifson.
Honors Seminar 2252H: The Talking Dead – Using the Human Body as Forensic Evidence
The human body has many well-understood physiological functions that are maintained during life by homeostasis. But after death, these same physiological functions become chaotic and contribute to the decomposition of a body in somewhat predictable ways. During this course, students will understand how death and the progressive stages of decomposition are used to "talk" to scientists and assist them in forensic investigations.
“This course will teach students how to apply the scientific method, the importance of collecting accurate data, and also analyzing data without bias,” says Caroline Rowe, assistant professor in the Department of Integrative Biology and Physiology. “It will show how forensic principles are present in our everyday lives, from watching our favorite Dateline episodes to listening to the news. Forensic science inherently involves analyzing complex evidence, drawing logical conclusions, and solving mysteries. This process trains students to think critically, evaluate information, and develop strong analytical skills, which are valuable in all aspects of life and career paths.”
Aerospace Engineering and Mechanics 1305: Rocketry: Design, Build, and Fly
"Rocketry: Design, Build, and Fly" is hands-on freshman seminar that takes first-year students beyond "model rocketry" into the realm of "high-power rocketry," allowing them to design and build rockets to fly on H-class (or larger) motors, some capable of reaching altitudes of several thousand feet. In addition to learning basic rocketry physics, students will use computer simulation software to design custom rockets and predict their performance. Students will also learn to assemble and program microcontroller sensor suites to characterize actual performance. The class includes discussions of past, present, and future outer-space rocketry for manned and unmanned missions to low-Earth orbit and beyond.
"High-power rocketry is an exceptionally engaging way to get students involved in aerospace engineering,” says James Flaten, associate director of NASA's Minnesota Space Grant Consortium and Department of Aerospace Engineering and Mechanics professor. “Students learn new technical skills and hone teamwork skills, including doing technical reporting as a team in both written and oral formats—skills which will serve them well in other classes regardless of major. They also come away with exciting stories to tell from class field trips to out-of-town rocket launches."
Flaten also teaches a stratospheric ballooning course in spring, where students create a fully-functional spacecraft. Students in that course recently launched University of Minnesota mascot Goldy Gopher into space (see video above).
Philosophy 1922: Can We Be Friends with AI?
You talk to Siri, Alexa knows your taste in playlists, and ChatGPT may have helped with some tasks. But can artificial intelligence be your friend? And what does thinking about relationships with chatbots and other kinds of AI tell us about the value of human friendship? This freshman seminar explores these questions in discussions of readings from philosophy, science fiction, and other fields.
“Can We Be Friends with AI?” will be taught by Valerie Tiberius, a professor in the Department of Philosophy.
“We’ll spend the first part of the class reading, exploring, and talking about AI and friendship with the aim of identifying and articulating questions to investigate,” says Tiberius. “Starting with their own question, each student will create a research product of their choice (such as a written report, presentation, or podcast). We will spend time in class talking about how to do research, how to enjoy the process of writing and thinking for yourself, and why these things matter.”
Business Administration 1021: Design Your Life
At Minnesota Carlson, the “Design Your Life” course will help students make the most of their college experience. Grounded in what’s known as design thinking, the course provides tools and strategies for students to create a path that aligns with their values, interests, strengths, and goals. Through reflection, class activities, and assignments, students will prototype academic and career opportunities, define success on their own terms, identify potential barriers, build a community of support, and strengthen their decision-making skills and confidence.
A recent post-class survey found that 92 percent of students who took the course said that it helped them expand their idea of what is possible in college.
“Designing my life has really helped me understand my strengths and areas I need to work on,” one student wrote. “It’s been a process of introspection, allowing me to figure out what I genuinely like to do and what I truly desire in life. It’s also given me clarity on how to navigate my university experience, helping me make intentional decisions that align with my goals and values. Overall, it’s been a helpful tool in shaping the direction I want to take both academically and personally.”
Entomology 2884: The Six-legged Conquerors: How Insects Have Shaped Human History
Insects have had an immense yet under-appreciated impact on the course of human history and civilization. Through their effects as carriers of disease, insects have decided the outcomes of numerous battles and wars, often causing many more deaths than weapons did. On the other hand, beneficial insects have made important contributions to the development of many industries and serve as important sources of food in many cultures. In this class, students will discuss the major ways in which the fates of humans and insects have been intertwined throughout human history. The course is taught by George Heimpel in the Department of Entomology.
A recent graduate said: “I took this class as my last liberal education requirement at the University, but I have to say that this course was one of the most fun courses I have ever taken in my four years at the University. Thanks again for the absolutely fantastic course content and for making me really think about insects (which I will continue to do for the rest of my life now!).”
Sport Management 3181: Esports Performance and Healthy Gaming
As the global esports audience is projected to soar to 320 million in 2025, the demand for skilled esports management professionals is growing rapidly. But while esports are booming, behind the flash of high-stakes tournaments lies a growing concern for health, ethics, and equity.
This course will offer students the opportunity to learn about the emergence of esports and examine the challenges facing esports programs from a performance, health, and wellbeing point of view. Students will learn how to ethically develop competitively successful esports programs while ensuring the physical and mental health of esports athletes.
"Students will examine current trends and research and hear first-hand from guest speakers including coaches, team executives, agents, and former professional competitors," says instructor Brett Diamond.
Worth noting: The University of Minnesota’s School of Kinesiology launched a new undergraduate esports management minor in the spring of 2025.
Global Studies 3305: Science for Sale: Environment, Capital, and Medicine
In this course, students examine the connection between scientific discoveries and the deterioration of economies and environments that impact global health in its entirety. Topics will include food insecurity, pollution, antibiotic resistance, climate change, and the role of grassroots movements in creating positive social change.
"Through creative assignments, interactive discussions, and real-world case studies, students will develop critical thinking skills and learn to connect global challenges to everyday experiences,” says instructor and PhD candidate Ntombi Mpofu. “This class not only equips students with the tools to analyze health and environmental issues, but also empowers them to imagine and contribute to meaningful, community-driven solutions."
See more College of Liberal Arts courses that connect health and humanity
