The world is varied and complex and can be looked at and understood from many different fields and perspectives. From heading out on ecoquests to finding meaning in the second half of life, the University of Minnesota Twin Cities offers thousands of classes, plus more than 600 majors, minors and certificates to prepare students to create the futures they want. Take a peek at just a few of the possibilities offered this fall.
All courses can be found through the University of Minnesota Twin Cities course catalog.
Courses from the college of the mind
The College of Liberal Arts excels at embracing the spirit of exploration and the freedom to be found in applying simple curiosity to complex challenges. The college of the heart and mind, in the figurative sense, College of Liberal Arts fall courses explore how humans tell stories, express our identity and make sense of the world around us.
American Studies (AMST) 1913: The Rise of the Bots (Freshman Seminar)
We’ve been told that artificial intelligence tools will revolutionize our lives, radically improve work productivity and transform healthcare. But every generation since the Industrial Revolution has been told a similar story.
“When I was a child, the future was predicted to be filled with flying cars and robots caring for us and our homes,” says instructor Bianet Castellanos.
This course explores the role of technology in extolling a future of “abundance and prosperity,” and how notions of progress and innovation have been used to decide who gets included and excluded.
History (HIST) 1934: The History of Tourism: From Global to Local Perspectives (Freshman Seminar)
The University of Minnesota Twin Cities has one of the largest study-abroad programs in the nation, and thousands of students take advantage of it every year. But what can tourism teach us about past and present societies? This course examines the global history of tourism from the 18th century to the present and engage students in creating a public history of the University of Minnesota Tourism Center.
A new opportunity to learn Vietnamese in the Twin Cities
Minnesota is home to one of the largest Vietnamese populations in the Midwest. Still, it has been more than 15 years since the University of Minnesota offered a local Vietnamese language program. That changes this fall, starting with VIET 1015: Vietnamese for Heritage Learners I. The first course in a new two-course Vietnamese language sequence (Vietnamese for Heritage Learners II is offered in spring) with the heritage learner in mind.
Courses that explore our natural world
Take a peek at the hands-on learning in FW 3108 as students work on techniques and methodologies that fisheries and wildlife biologists use to conduct research and carry out applied conservation and management efforts.
Who doesn’t love a good (eco)quest?
Before emptying into the gulf, the great Mississippi River gets its start as a trickle in Itasca State Park, where the University of Minnesota maintains the living laboratory of the Itasca Biological Station, offering students opportunities that cannot be found anywhere else.
“Ecohealth Quest: Headwaters at Itasca” (Nov. 13-15) will take health sciences students on a weekend of exploration in the park for an intensive, multi-day learning retreat — an experience that offers insight into rural health, social epidemiology, and the connections between human, animal and environmental health.
A second weekend trip, “Ecohealth Quest: North Shore,” will take place Oct. 16-18 at the Wolf Ridge Environmental Learning Center, overlooking Lake Superior. These are sure to be unforgettable learning experiences.
Forest & Natural Resource Management (FNRM) 1101: Dendrology: Identifying Forest Trees and Shrubs
Do you ever walk by a tree (or shrub) and wonder what kind it is? Wonder no more with this Department of Forestry Resources course (of which there are many), an excellent way to get to know nature and how it changes through the seasons on the beautiful University of Minnesota Twin Cities campus.
There is much to be gained from understanding Indigenous approaches to natural resource management. Students in this course will learn about diverse philosophies and cultural perspectives as well as strategies for building successful partnerships and working relationships with Tribal nations. The course includes field trips, guest speakers, local case studies and interviews with Tribal members.
Brand new courses
Artificial intelligence isn’t just a trend; it’s the new backbone of the global workforce. To meet this shift head-on, the University of Minnesota’s College of Science and Engineering is rolling out a bold new curriculum designed to turn every student — regardless of their major — into an AI-savvy professional. That includes two new classes and an AI minor:
Thinking with Machines: The Art, Science, and Ethics of AI will teach the mechanics of AI, while GenAI for Software Engineering will focus on the techniques and tools that integrate generative AI with traditional software approaches.
This new curriculum arrives alongside the opening of a new AI Makerspace, a cutting-edge hybrid learning space where all University students can learn, engage, and create with AI.
Certificates for new skills and professional development
For those who might be looking to pivot careers or sharpen their career skills, University of Minnesota online certificate programs are a great way to add a top-tier credential to your portfolio at your own pace.
AI for Business Operations Certificate
This new certificate is designed for professionals who want to identify high-impact opportunities for operational efficiency, strengthen cross-functional workflows and support implementation with appropriate governance guardrails.
Online AI for Business Certificate
Not to be confused with the business operations certificate, this certification goes deeper, helping build AI skills for business transformation through the University of Minnesota’s top-ranked business school, Minnesota Carlson. You’ll gain essential skills in generative AI, analytics, programming and other critical aspects of data science.
Trauma Informed Care Certificate
The term "trauma-informed" is showing up in healthcare, education, social services, law enforcement and even customer service. But many people have only a vague idea of what it means. A new fully online Trauma Informed Care Certificate will provide a framework for interacting with people in ways that build safety, trust and empowerment.
Successful change initiatives depend on leaders who can guide people through uncertainty, build trust and create momentum. This certificate is designed for professionals who want to develop practical skills for leading and supporting change initiatives across teams and organizations.
As organizations increasingly rely on data-informed decision-making, working professionals must know how to navigate information. The Data Analytics Certificate provides a practical foundation for data analysts to advance into data analytics roles or strengthen analytical work in their current position.
Finding meaning and connection in the second half of life
The University of Minnesota created the Midlife Academy to help adults with the many transitions that come during the second half of life. Whether you’re ready to shift the focus of your career, explore a meaningful retirement or discover new purpose and fulfillment, the Midlife Academy at the University of Minnesota is the place to gain clarity, reset priorities, renew purpose and consider what’s next.
Two upcoming courses — Next Chapter Reset: Creating Momentum and Cultivating Purpose: Bookend Retreat — will guide participants on how to step back from the busyness of life and think about the bigger questions of meaning, purpose, connection and contribution. Learn more about the University of Minnesota Midlife Academy.
Learning designed to empower Minnesotans
University of Minnesota Extension brings Minnesotans together to build a better future through practical, science-based expertise.
Customized training programs in financial wellness, health, mental health and youth development empower teams to better serve their communities, while expert-led continuing education and licensure programs meet Minnesota professional development requirements across agriculture, safety, environment and tax industries. Access these and more research-backed learning across the state through a searchable hub of online and in-person courses, workshops and events.
