Minnesota likes to do things big: The state is home to the Mall of America, the largest indoor shopping center in the U.S. with more than 500 stores and 50 restaurants. Minnesota offers a similar variety in higher education, with more than 30 public colleges and universities on 54 campuses--located in major metropolitan areas like the Twin Cities as well as smaller cities such as Marshall and St. Cloud. When it comes time for a break from your studies--whether they be at a university, community college or other type of school-- Minnesota has a variety of opportunities for you to explore your passions. Winter weather may be famously dramatic in Minnesota, but the state has more than 20,000 miles of snowmobile trails as well as cross-country skiing, downhill skiing and ice fishing locations.
Career outlook for those with a college degree
In addition to the Mall of America, Minnesota is home to the corporate headquarters of the retail chain Target, which was founded in Minneapolis in 1962. These retail giants could have promising opportunities in business and other career paths. Other areas where you could look for opportunities to use your job skills are in Minnesota's largest economic sectors, which include education, health services, government jobs, and trade, transportation and utilities, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Some of the fastest growing occupations requiring a bachelor's degree training or more in Minnesota include jobs for accountants and auditors, computer software engineers--applications; management analysts; network systems and data communications analysts; physicians and surgeons; and postsecondary teachers. These fields are all expected to experience growth from nine to 17 percent or more between 2008 to 2018 - growth that is considered at or above average. Some of the representative mean annual wages for these fields in Minnesota include, according to May 2010 BLS data:
During the economic downtown, the public colleges and universities through the state experienced increases in student enrollment, especially for those students age 25 to 34. That means adults are looking for stable job opportunities and ways to get ahead. You, too, can look toward your future with an education through one of the state's colleges or universities.
See also: Minnesota Vocational Schools and Career Training
The USC School of Social Work’s MSW@USC offers the opportunity to earn a Master of Social Work degree through the Virtual Academic Center without relocating to Southern California. This online program is designed to prepare social workers with the knowledge and skills to make a difference in world, improve the lives of people and communities and eradicate pressing societal problems.
Give your career a boost with University of Saint Mary. We offer online degree programs at the undergraduate and graduate levels to help make your educational and professional goals a reality.
As the largest private university in North America, University of Phoenix has more than 200 locations, and is available online in most countries around the world. Whether you're seeking a college degree at an associate's, bachelor's, master's, or doctoral level, we can help you reach your academic goal—and sooner than you might think.
Bellevue University makes it possible for motivated adult learners to earn a high-quality college degree.
Start your career with an education from Anna Maria College. We are a private, not-for-profit, regionally accredited university that offers online degree programs as an alternative to our traditional campus courses.
Brown College can help you get into a career you'll love. Located in Mendota Heights, Minnesota, Brown College is dedicated to providing quality Associate degree programs in Design, Broadcasting or Technology.
Advance your career and increase your earning potential with a masters or a doctoral degree from the University of Liverpool. Study online in small groups of business professionals.
UNC Kenan-Flagler is one of the world's top-ranked business schools. At UNC Kenan-Flagler, you develop the skills that make you a highly effective leader and prepare you for long-term career success. The strength of the UNC Kenan-Flagler MBA degree comes from a school culture in which members live the business school's core values of excellence, leadership, teamwork, integrity and community.
Take control of your career at Herzing College. Day and evening classes are offered in Business, Design/CAD, Electronics/Telecommunications and Information Technology.
Purdue University offers a strong foundation of tradition and history, an environment of intellectual curiosity and discovery, and a supportive, student-centered approach to learning.
Study online with Bethel University - College of Criminal Justice. We offer bachelor and master's degrees in criminal justice that can be completed 100% online.
Take the next step in your professional career with University of the Rockies.
Regis University offers a rich tradition of Jesuit education to enrich your life and further your career.
A graduate degree really can make a difference, especially when it's from DeVry University's Keller Graduate School of Management. Online, evening and weekend classes are available.
Articles on College Planning Minneapolis
We've been collecting links to universities and colleges in Minnesota, where you can find information on admissions, courses, degree programs and more. We hope these links help your Minnesota college search, but please note that each school is responsible for its own website, business practices and academic standards.