Metropolitan State University

Accounting

A degree in accounting provides a strong foundation for careers in many aspects of business. Accountants create order and meaning out of data, manage information systems and work cross-functionally to accomplish goals. Accountants articulate and analyze economic activities to help organizations predict future results, allocate resources, and make decisions that drive long-term viability. Accounting graduates flourish in a variety of occupations throughout organizations.

Advocacy and Political Leadership

Alcohol and Drug Counseling

Prepare for a career as an alcohol and drug counselor. Save and enrich the lives of people struggling with addiction. You can reach these goals with a BS degree in Alcohol and Drug Counseling. Learn how to respond effectively to substance use disorder problems, whether you are a community college transfer student, someone who wants to complete an undergraduate degree or an allied professional (social worker, psychologist, nurse, school counselor, law enforcement officer).

Anthropology and Sociology

Applied Linguistics (TEFL-TESOL)

Got the travel bug and dream of teaching English to clients overseas? Or are you a homebody, eager to make use of rapidly changing apps and technologies to tutor English in real time from your home office? Or maybe you’re a fan of language, its mechanics, and its intersections with cutting- edge new artificial intelligence applications and software. You’re interested in laying the groundwork for later graduate work in linguistics.

Biochemistry

Biochemistry encompasses both biology and chemistry. Biochemists focus on the molecular aspects of living organisms, particularly the structures, functions, and interactions of biological macromolecules (proteins, nucleic acids, lipids, and carbohydrates). The biochemistry major provides strong foundation in experimental design, literature research, critical thinking, and analytical reasoning skills.

Biology (B.A.)

Biology is the study of life, from the simplest cells to the most complex ecosystems. When you study biology you develop an understanding of your own life and an appreciation for your connection to the natural world. The biology major provides students with scientific knowledge, laboratory skills, research experience, and intellectual training in analytical and quantitative reasoning.

Biology (B.S.)

Biology is the study of life, from the simplest cells to the most complex ecosystems. When you study biology you develop an understanding of your own life and an appreciation for your connection to the natural world. A Bachelor of Science in Biology degree helps open the door to a range of career fields including health care, food science, public health, biotechnology, conservation and natural resource management.

Business Administration

Do you want to prepare for a dynamic and challenging career in the ever-changing business world? And, gain skills in demand by businesses and other organizations? Then study Business Administration with us, either online or on-campus. Expect to be better positioned for career opportunities and promotions.

Chemistry

Chemistry is the study of the energetics, composition, properties, structure and reactions of matter. A student earning a B.S. Chemistry degree will learn to think creatively, to analyze data, to utilize instrumentation, and to understand human interaction with the material world from multiple perspectives. The chemistry major provides students with a broad introduction to the discipline of chemistry combined with detailed exploration of at least one area of interest.

Computer Forensics

The computer forensics certificate is a 24 credit program that is designed for students who have already earned a bachelor's degree and would like to re-shape their skills and knowledge in the field of computer forensics that prepares students with knowledge in computer forensics, digital incident investigation, cyberspace ethics, and computer laws.

Computer Forensics

The Bachelor of Applied Science in Computer Forensics is a four-year, 120-credit program offered through the Computer Science and Cybersecurity department. A computer forensics degree prepares students with knowledge in computer and digital incident investigation, eDiscovery, network and mobile forensics, legal and ethical issues in computing, and computer and privacy laws.

Computer Information Technology

Metro State's Computer Information Technology (CIT) major prepares students to be information technology professionals. This major provides a foundation of both theoretical and practical knowledge in the many aspects of information sciences and technology. Coursework develops analytical and problem-solving skills and is complemented by hands-on lab work in Metro State's computer labs.

Computer Science

The computer science major provides a firm foundation in computing principles, the development of effective problem-solving and mathematical skills, and the systematic application of theory to the design and development of software. Metropolitan State’s computer science program, available on campus in Minnesota and online, also provides preparation for graduate school in computer science.

Creative Writing

The Creative Writing program at Metropolitan State University is one of the richest and most diverse in the nation. Both our B.A. and minor in Creative Writing include workshops in fiction, poetry, memoir, and creative non-fiction; in writing children's literature, writing very short creative works, writing humor, writing the graphic novel, writing for publication and profit, and advanced creative writing.

Criminal Justice

At the School of Criminology and Criminal Justice, we offer a comprehensive undergraduate program in criminal justice that is designed to provide you with a deep understanding of crime, law, and society. Our program is taught by experienced faculty members who are passionate about social justice and bring their expertise and research to the classroom.

Cybersecurity

Cybersecurity is a computing-based field that prepares individuals for careers in securing computer systems. It is an interdisciplinary course of study, including instruction in information technology and assurance, computer architecture, programming and systems analysis; cryptography; security system design; applicable law and regulations; risk assessment and policy analysis; contingency planning; investigation techniques; and troubleshooting, often in the context of adversaries.

Cybersecurity

Students completing the Bachelor of Science in Cybersecurity degree program on campus in Minnesota or online will learn to assess the security needs of computer and network systems, recommend safeguard solutions to prevent unwanted security breaches, and manage the implementation of security devices, systems and procedures.

Data Science

The Data Science Bachelor of Science degree offers students skills and knowledge in advanced analytics, data mining, business analytics, and statistics for generating meaningful insights and developing data-centric strategies essential for industry. Students seeking a Data Science bachelor’s degree are part of a multi-disciplinary program integrating coursework in four areas: statistics, mathematics, computer science, and management.

Dental Hygiene

This program provides associate degree dental hygienists from accredited institutions an opportunity to complete a Bachelor of Science in Dental Hygiene (BSDH) degree. All Dental Hygiene Department educational programs are based on academic excellence, and the values of community involvement, ethical conduct and social responsibility. Completion of a baccalaureate degree provides dental hygienists with new and relevant employment opportunities as oral healthcare professionals.

Early Childhood Studies

Program overview Early Childhood Studies is designed for students seeking career enhancements in the field of child development including early care and education.

Economics

Economics describes and analyzes the organization and operation of an economic system. While much can be learned from the economic systems of other countries, most courses in this program focus on the western market economy. An understanding of economics is essential for all careers in management and to becoming a well-informed citizen and participant in society.

Electronic Discovery

Metropolitan State's Electronic Discovery Certificate is a 20-credit program intended for students who have already graduated with an earned bachelor's degree and would like to reshape their skills and knowledge in the field of electronic discovery, or also known as e-discovery. Students without a bachelor's degree in any field are not eligible for pursuing this certificate.

English

The English major guides students through the reading, analysis, and interpretation of powerful and beautiful works of literature. Students engage in close reading of literary texts, write significant interpretations about a text's implications, and create oral presentations establishing a thematic link between texts and works of art from the same cultural era.

English for Teaching

The BS in English for Teaching major is designed to provide broad knowledge of literacy and communication. Many students will also pursue an additional program of study that leads to a Minnesota teaching license: Communication Arts and Literature (Grades 5-12).

Entrepreneurship and Innovation

Build Your Dream with the knowledge, skills, experience, and career opportunities offered in the Entrepreneurship and Innovation curriculum. Whether your dream is to start a business, launch a career as an innovative manager within an existing organization, support a family business, become a franchisee, or build your inner leadership skills, this discipline will help you achieve your economic and personal goals. We value the work and life experience that our students bring to the classroom.

Environmental Science

Environmental Science is the study of the biological, chemical, physical and social science principles that govern the structure and functioning of the natural world. Through the study of environmental science the student develops an understanding of their own life and an appreciation for their multifaceted role in the natural world.

Ethical Game Design

The Ethical Game Designer Certificate taps into industry and community demands to increase the diversity of characters in games as well as create more ethical gaming environments for players and game makers. Through this certificate, students will gain skills and abilities in balancing and adjusting gameplay, providing useful feedback, creating core game mechanics, critical thinking, devising compelling missions and challenges, keeping ideas fluent, and originality.

Ethnic Studies

This degree program spotlights diverse ethnic communities in the United States within a globalized, transnational context. Our program centers on the experiences, voices, collective memories and in-group diversity of ethnic and racialized communities of color, as well as their coalitions and allies.

Evidence-Based Practices in Corrections

The Evidence-Based Practices in Corrections Certificate prepares students for working with justice-involved individuals. Developed in partnership with the Hennepin County Department of Community Corrections and Rehabilitation, this one-semester program provides the training and empirical basis for the techniques and tools used by correctional professionals in the field.

Finance

Finance affects all aspects of an organization, and financial considerations play a role in almost every decision. The Finance program provides solid academic grounding in areas such as investments, financing and risk management, and prepares students for careers in corporate finance, financial institutions and personal investment services. Finance involves application of tools and concepts from mathematics, statistics, and economics to financial decision making.

Game Marketing Expert

This interdisciplinary certificate, Game Marketing Expert, is designed for anyone who wants to create their own games or work on the business, publishing, or marketing side of the games industry. Students will learn the principles and processes that go into writing a marketing report and go through the process with their own game (or as part of a group, if desired).

Game Scholar

The Game Scholar Certificate is designed for students who have an academic and scholastic interest in games. The certificate is designed to deepen your understanding of games and fun on a meta-level, improve your ability to analyze and critique games, and provide you the opportunity to tap into current topics of interest in the game community.

Gender Studies

Gender Studies offers students an interdisciplinary examination of the role of gender across the spectrum of human experience. The program investigates how gender functions and shapes the lives and experiences of women and men, including the institutional, social, and scientific forces that create meaning around gender; the struggles and achievements of women across cultures and time; and the study of LGBT (lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender) identity and communities.

Global Studies

Health Systems Studies

This program provides individuals holding a health related associate degree the opportunity to complete a baccalaureate degree, Bachelor of Science in Health Systems (BSHS). The growing and complex healthcare environment creates exciting opportunities within the health care industry.

History

Who controls the past controls the future; who controls the present controls the past. —George Orwell History is, along with philosophy and mathematics, one of the oldest academic disciplines still practiced today. History and astronomy are the only contemporary disciplines with their own Greek Muses (Ours is Clio).

Human Resource Management

The human resource management (HRM) major prepares students for professional career opportunities in business, government and nonprofit organizations. Examples of job titles are personnel representative/manager, interviewer, recruiter, job analyst, compensation specialist/manager, labor relations specialist/manager, training specialist/manager, manpower planner, employment specialist/manager and manager of employee relations.

Human Services

The Human Services major (BS), available in fully online, in-person, or hybrid courses, is for students preparing for a career as helping professionals, broadly trained to provide direct service, advocacy, coordination of services, and community care. Students complete nine core four-credit classes (36 credits), sixteen elective credits in areas such as violence prevention, family studies, disability studies or aging studies, and a 160-hour practicum at a community-based agency.

Human Services Family Studies

The human services family studies concentration is designed to expose and engage students in a variety of topics related to family function, family structure and family dynamics. Family studies is a multidisciplinary area. It is informed by sociological, historical, anthropological, psychological and other emerging perspectives. Students learn that families are shaped by, and adapt to, a range of economic, political, cultural and psychological factors.

Human Services Leadership and Administration

The Human Services Leadership and Administration concentration (57 credits) focuses on preparation for various administrative positions in a range of public and private nonprofit human service organizations. This area provides knowledge and skills for people who are, or intend to be, involved in planning, organizing, monitoring, evaluating, or coordinating social service programs or agencies.

Individualized Studies (B.A.)

For students who want to create their own academic path, the Bachelor of Arts in Individualized Studies program places the needs and dreams of those students at the center of their educational journey. Since 1971, our students have been able to design individual degree programs to meet their educational, professional, and personal goals. Your unique Bachelor of Arts (BA) degree can be customized to build on what you have already learned and accomplished in school, work and in life.

Individualized Studies (B.A.S.)

For students who want to create their own academic path with an occupational focus, the Bachelor of Applied Science in Individualized Studies program places the aspirations and dreams of those students at the center of their educational journey. Since 1971, our students have been able to design individual degree programs to meet their educational, professional, and personal goals.

Industrial and Applied Mathematics

The Industrial and Applied Mathematics Bachelor of Science degree is an innovative and flexible program, offering students the quantitative and computational knowledge and communication skills essential for careers in industry and further study of applied mathematics. The major builds upon and integrates coursework in mathematics, statistics, and computing, with a strong emphasis in modeling, data analysis, and oral and written technical communication.

Information Assurance

The Bachelors of Applied Science in Information Assurance is designed to manage and work with government agencies and businesses to protect their information systems. The coursework prepares students for careers in a high growth area, with a strong job market. Students will learn about vulnerability and threat analysis, computer security solutions guidance, network security assurance, security training, and more.

Interactive Narrative Specialist

The Interactive Narrative Specialist certificate is created to give students a chance to explore the creative and technical world of interactive narrative writing. This type of writing, often called writing in decision trees, takes unique skills that are applicable in a wide range of fields including Game Design.

International Business

The International Business program responds to the increasing interactions of American companies with worldwide marketing, purchasing, financial dealings and other business activities. Larger U.S. companies have historically had a presence or strategic relationship in other countries, and this is becoming increasingly true of small and medium-sized companies. Also, many types of intermediaries have emerged to find markets and/or suppliers around the world for U.S.

Liberal Arts

The Liberal Arts Major (LAM) provides an opportunity for students to pursue an individualized major within the College of Liberal Arts. Through this interdisciplinary, liberal arts program, students customize their degree based on individual interests and educational goals. The liberal arts major consists of at least 33 upper-division credits for which the student can articulate a rationale of coherence in writing.

Life Sciences Teaching

Program accreditation This program is accredited by the Minnesota Professional Education and Licensing Standards Board (PELSB) to meet the content standards associated with teaching licensure in this subject area.

Management

Do you want to develop the skills, knowledge, and behaviors that lead to effective managerial performance? And, gain skills in demand by businesses and nonprofits? Then study Management with us, either online or on-campus. Prepare to work as a manager and leader in a variety of organizations.

Management Information Systems

The management of information systems and information technology is a critical challenge for every organization. The MIS major prepares students for careers in high-demand IT occupations such as a business systems analyst, enterprise technology architect, application developer, data scientist, security analyst and help desk support. The MIS major provides knowledge and skills that enable students to succeed in a professional environment.

Marketing

Marketing activities play a critical role in the achievement of an organization's missions and objectives. Students in the marketing major will study the demographic, psychographic, social, economic, technological, environmental and cultural factors that influence the demands for consumer and industrial goods and services. This program offers courses related to marketing principles, buyer behavior, marketing research, marketing communications, international marketing, and others.

Mathematics

The Mathematics Bachelor of Arts program at Metro State offers rigorous study in mathematics that integrates both depth and breadth. The bachelor’s degree in mathematics program provides students with a strong undergraduate foundation in mathematics essential for graduate studies in pure or applied mathematics and preparation for innovative applications of mathematics in a variety of careers.

Mathematics Teaching

Program accreditation Metro State’s program to earn a mathematics degree to become a teacher is accredited by the Minnesota Professional Education and Licensing Standards Board (PELSB) to meet the content standards associated with teaching licensure in this subject area. Mathematics teaching degree candidates gain a solid foundation in the areas of statistics, calculus, analysis, geometry, modeling, and abstract algebra.

Nursing Prelicensure

The Metro State University Prelicensure Bachelor of Science in Nursing program is a four-year undergraduate program that prepares graduates to provide holistic, person-centered care to individuals, families, and communities from diverse backgrounds.

Nursing RN to BSN

Join us at one of our monthly information sessions to learn more about the RN to BSN program. This program is for registered nurses with an associate degree or a diploma in nursing who wish to complete a Bachelor of Science in Nursing. The RN to BSN program admits registered nurses only and students are expected to maintain an active, unencumbered license to practice professional nursing in the United States throughout the program. There are two cohort progression models: Online and Hybrid.

Organizational Administration

The goal of this program is to educate and to train prospective and current employees who wish to build upon the technical strength of their associate degree training in order to take on greater responsibilities and seek advancement beyond their technical training. Metropolitan State University organizational administration graduates can expect a dynamic and challenging career in ever-changing economic and global conditions.

Philosophy

Philosophy, meaning “the love of wisdom,” is the systematic and critical study of fundamental questions arising both in everyday life and in the practice of other academic disciplines. It is the most ancient of the academic disciplines, with sources from around the world dating back thousands of years.

Police Science

Metro State’s School of Law Enforcement and Criminal Justice (SLC) originated in the Minnesota legislature, by statute, to “advance the profession of law enforcement.” SLC has been a leader in professional peace officer education and applied police research for over 30 years.

Police Studies

Join the ranks of the 10,000 peace officers who serve the land of 10,000 lakes. This post-baccalaureate certificate program offers a pathway to policing for anyone who has obtained a bachelor's degree (or higher) in any discipline from a regionally accredited college/university and wants to become “license-eligible” in the state of Minnesota.

Political Science

Professional Communication

Communication specialists develop and apply a wide range of communication skills spanning health communication, organizational communication, media studies, and public relations. Communication specialists are flexible and adaptive, attuned to issues of equity and diversity. They utilize their skills to serve and improve their organizations and their communities.

Psychology

Psychology is the scientific study of human behavior. Students completing the BA in Psychology are prepared for careers in many diverse areas including management, social services, research, non-profit organizations, mental health, rehabilitation, public service, prevention, community service, consulting, recreation/activities, sales, and many other areas.

Real Estate and Community Development

The goal of Metropolitan State University’s Undergraduate Certificate in Real Estate and Community Development is to build students’ understanding in the areas of community development, real estate, and the important intersection between them.

Screenwriting

Focused on exceptional visual storytelling and inspirational content, the Screenwriting Program at Metro State teaches artistic individuals how to create commercially viable, socially conscious media (scripts, films, TV shows, documentaries, web series, etc.) by building creative & technical skills, offering critical perspectives, and providing practical preparation for a career in professional screenwriting, filmmaking and/or media production.

Secondary Education Licensure with Social Studies for Teaching

Social Science

Social Studies for Teaching

Why Social Studies for Teaching? The Social Studies for Teaching Major (BS) is ideal for students who wish to become a social studies teacher (grades 5-12). The major is designed to provide students with both a strong foundation in social science disciplines and the intellectual skills necessary for excellence as a social studies teacher, grades 5 through 12.

Social Work

The mission of the Social Work program is to integrate the values, knowledge and skills inherent to social work into an academic program that will enable multi- culturally competent bachelor's level students to engage in generalist social work practices that will meet the needs of the increasingly diverse Twin Cities communities.

Studio Arts

The Bachelor of Arts in studio arts at Metropolitan State University gives students the opportunity to cultivate their creativity while developing marketable skills. A core curriculum in drawing, painting, and digitally-based arts is supplemented by other media and techniques, community-based internships, and coursework in related disciplines.

Substance Use Disorders Post-baccalaureate

This certificate program is designed for individuals who already have a baccalaureate degree or higher from an accredited institution and are seeking licensure in Substance use Disorders Post-baccalaureate certificate in the state of Minnesota. Most courses in this program are offered in the evening.

Supply Chain and Operations Management

Supply chain management and operations management are concerned with the flow of materials, information, and money between suppliers, producers and servicing organizations, and customers. The procurement of goods and services, management of inventories, transportation to and from production and service facilities, distribution of goods and services, and information systems support are all key issues in supply chain and operations management.

Teaching English as a Second Language (ESL)

The BS Teaching ESL (English as Second Language) major is designed for students interested in the knowledge, skills, methods, and strategies for working with urban multilingual language users in K-12 schools. This program is designed so that students can meet the requirements to obtain an initial K-12 ESL teaching license as part of a major and bachelor’s of science degree.

Technical Communication and Professional Writing

The major in Technical Communication and Professional Writing provides students with a foundation in the writing, editing, research, and digital communication skills that are essential for writing professionals in industry, government, nonprofit, and freelance careers. Faculty who teach in the program combine academic and workplace experience, educating students in both ideas and implementation, principles and practice.

Theater

The Theater Program is designed to provide students with an understanding of and critical appreciation for the basic elements of theater, including acting, directing and playwriting. This program does not emphasize specific tracks in theater, and among the hallmarks of the theater degree is an emphasis on students creating original work, allowing valuable insight into the creative process and its practical applications.

Urban Early Childhood Education for Birth-Grade 3 Licensure

Share your passion for learning and teaching with young children in diverse, urban settings. Prepare for a career as a licensed, Birth-Grade 3 early childhood educator who is committed to working with children and their families in urban settings. Make a difference in the lives of young children by setting a strong education foundation that will last a lifetime.

Urban Elementary Education for K-6 Licensure

Gain a Minnesota Teaching License in the Elementary Education (K–6) and make a difference in the lives of urban children by setting a strong education foundation that will last a lifetime. Share your passion for learning and teaching with children in diverse, urban elementary schools. Empower yourself with the content knowledge, teaching skills, urban field experiences, and professional poise you need to give urban students a high-quality education.

Urban Special Education for K-12 ABS Licensure

This is an undergraduate licensure program, intended to certify educators with an initial certification to work as academic and behavior strategist (ABS), in addition to earning a Bachelor of Science degree. The ABS certification program provides experiences in foundations, methods, content, and practicum experiences associated with teaching urban students with exceptionalities, urban students with disabilities, and urban students with gifts and talents.