University of Minnesota College of Liberal Arts

University of Minnesota College of Liberal Arts
Name	University of Minnesota College of Liberal Arts
Established	1868
Dean	John Coleman
City	Minneapolis
State	Minnesota
Country	United States
Campus	University of Minnesota Twin Cities
Website	cla.umn.edu

University of Minnesota College of Liberal Arts. It is the largest college within the University of Minnesota Twin Cities and one of the largest liberal arts colleges in the United States. Founded with the university itself, the college serves as the core academic unit for the humanities, social sciences, and arts. It provides foundational education for all undergraduates and offers a vast array of majors, graduate programs, and interdisciplinary research initiatives.

History

The college's origins are intertwined with the 1868 founding of the University of Minnesota under the Morrill Land-Grant Acts. Its early curriculum focused on classical studies, philosophy, and languages, evolving significantly after World War II with the expansion of the social sciences and area studies. A major reorganization in the late 20th century consolidated numerous departments under the College of Liberal Arts banner, strengthening its interdisciplinary mission. Key historical developments include the establishment of pioneering programs in fields like American studies and the integration of the former University of Minnesota General College in 2006.

Academics

The college grants Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Science, Master of Arts, and Doctor of Philosophy degrees across more than 70 majors and 60 minors. It is renowned for its programs in psychology, economics, political science, and journalism, with highly ranked graduate departments in fields like psychology and sociology. All undergraduates fulfill the University of Minnesota's Liberal Education requirements through the college's curriculum. It also houses prestigious honors programs, including the University Honors Program, and offers numerous study abroad opportunities through the Learning Abroad Center.

Departments and programs

Academic organization is divided into over 30 departments, including English, History, Philosophy, Cultural Studies and Comparative Literature, and Sociology. Notable interdisciplinary programs include the Institute for Advanced Study, the Center for Cognitive Sciences, and the Humanities Institute. The college is also home to professional schools such as the Hubbard School of Journalism and Mass Communication and the School of Statistics. Language and area studies are supported by departments like German, Nordic, Slavic & Dutch and the Institute of Linguistics.

Notable faculty and alumni

The faculty includes distinguished scholars such as historian Diane Mutti Burke, political scientist Lisa Hilbink, and economist V. V. Chari. Renowned former faculty include literary critic N. Katherine Hayles and philosopher John McDowell. Alumni encompass a wide range of fields: in literature and journalism, Garrison Keillor and Thomas Friedman; in government, Vice President Hubert Humphrey and Walter Mondale; in entertainment, actors Loni Anderson and Peter Krause; and in business, General Mills executive Stephen W. Sanger.

Campus and facilities

The college is primarily housed on the West Bank of the Minneapolis campus, with key buildings including Johnston Hall, Blegen Hall, and Anderson Hall. It shares and utilizes major university facilities such as the Weisman Art Museum, designed by Frank Gehry, and the Frederick R. Weisman Art Museum. Performance and research spaces include the Rarig Center for the performing arts and the Elmer L. Andersen Library, which hosts the University of Minnesota Archives. The Wilson Library serves as the main humanities and social sciences library.

Research and centers

Research is conducted through numerous centers and institutes, such as the Minnesota Population Center, a leader in demographic data, and the Center for the Study of Political Psychology. The Interdisciplinary Center for the Study of Global Change focuses on international issues, while the Immigration History Research Center is a premier archive on American immigration. Other significant units include the Center for Holocaust and Genocide Studies and the Institute on the Environment, which partners with the College of Food, Agricultural and Natural Resource Sciences.

Category:University of Minnesota Category:Liberal arts colleges in Minnesota Category:Educational institutions established in 1868