Graduate Student Profile

A doctoral student's experience at the University of Minnesota.

Retention Program

The Community of Scholars Program (COSP).

Diversity on Campus

The University of Minnesota is one of the top three public research institutions in the country (TheCenter: The Top American Research Universities, August 2002) and offers more than 150 graduate degree programs.  The graduate faculty numbers more than 3,000, ensuring that the student's graduate experience involves close contact with advisers and teachers.  Currently, there are 47,273 students of the Twin Cities campus.  Of these students, approximately 9,579 are graduate students who come from all 50 states and nearly 100 nations. 

The Graduate School Diversity Office coordinates and leads the Graduate School initiatives in support of the recruitment, funding, and retention of a diverse student body.   The Office of Graduate School Outreach was founded in 1973 with the mission of increasing the number of students of color in graduate programs at the University of Minnesota. Since then this mission has grown to include fostering a positive, enriching environment for graduate students of color and underrepresented students.  As of Fall 2003, over 6,047 students of color (U.S. Citizens and permanent residents), or approximately 13 percent of the student body population, are pursuing degrees on the Twin Cities campus.  Of these students, over 750 are enrolled in graduate programs.

Demographic information can be obtained on individual graduate school program.  Refer to the Graduate Programs website, select a program, and select "Program Statitics".   

Many factors need to be considered when choosing a graduate school. We think the observations of Carl Chung, a graduate student in philosophy, will be helpful for those considering the University of Minnesota.

"The thought of attending a school with upwards of 45,000 students was intimidating, especially since my undergraduate institution's enrollment was only 1,600. But I've found that there are many communities here--the community of scholars in my department, the community of graduate students, and the community of others of color. Each community has made me feel at home in its own way and has shown me that while such diversity can be daunting, the real meaning of diversity is opportunity."

We would like to invite you to explore that opportunity at the University of Minnesota. 

For more information on diversity at the University of Minnesota please refer to the Diversity Resources website.