Learning Communities for 2013-2014

MSU Moorhead’s 11 Learning Communities provide an outstanding way to increase your academic success. In fact, research shows that students who join Learning Communities attain higher GPAs, are more likely to earn a college degree and get more heavily involved in university programs and leadership opportunities.

Other benefits of joining a Learning Community at MSU Moorhead include:

• A close connection to faculty. Benefit from unique opportunities to interact with, learn from and even perform research alongside dedicated faculty members—a rarity for freshmen students.
• Expert guidance and mentoring. Enjoy exclusive access to a dedicated Dragon Mentor, an upperclass-student who shares your major, lives on your floor and can answer questions, provide advice, set up study groups and ensure you have the resources you need to succeed.
• Priority access to classes. Receive priority when registering for your Learning Community classes, which can help you get into classes you wouldn’t normally be able to take as a freshman.
• Hands-on learning. Take advantage of shared in-class and out-of-classroom experiences with fellow first-year students to develop your knowledge and hone your skills.
• Strengthened friendships. Develop close and beneficial relationships with fellow first-year students by sharing classes, study activities and living spaces.

Available Learning Communities at MSU Moorhead

We offer 11 Learning Communities. Most require you to have declared a major that is consistent with the focus of the Learning Community.

• Art & Art Education. If you’re an Art & Art Education major, join this community to strengthen your skills as an artist, build critical artwork analysis skills and learn from our dedicated, award-winning faculty.
• Biosciences/Chemistry. Exclusively for students majoring in Biology, Chemistry and Biochemistry and Biotechnology, this community provides outstanding opportunities to learn and participate in hands-on labs with fellow students and faculty and develop a solid foundation for pursuing a science or health-related career.
• Diversity and Inclusion. Open to students of any major, this community is ideal for students who have an interest in understanding the problems, issues, benefits and contributions of human diversity and social justice.
• Education. As a student majoring in Early Childhood, Elementary or Special Education, join this community to take classes and share experiences with others who share your passion for education.
• Exploration. Struggling to choose a major? This community helps Undeclared students like you discover your strengths and passions and choose the major that best fits your talents.
• Film. If you’re a Film studies major, join this community to join with others on challenging classroom projects and hone your skills under the guidance of our award-winning faculty.
• Graphic Communications/Music/Theatre. As a student pursuing one of these majors, join this community to explore your creativity, develop new skills and prepare for a fulfilling career.
• Honors. Exclusively for students admitted to the University Honors program, this community helps foster learning, leadership and service, while challenging you to perform at the highest level.
• Leadership. Open to students of any major, this community provides a unique opportunity for you to explore various elements of leadership and ultimately discover your own personal leadership style.
• Speech/Language/Hearing Sciences. If you're a SLHS major, joining this community will give you the opportunity to live with fellow SLHS majors, take classes together, connect closely with faculty, and grow academically through a positive and supportive learning environment.
• Technology. Exclusively for students majoring in Mathematics, Physics, Computer Science, Computer Information Systems and Computer Information Technology, this community promotes an in-depth exploration of science, mathematics and technology and provides outstanding preparation for careers in these fields.

The deadline for applying for a Learning Community for the 2013-2014 academic year is April 1, 2013. You can sign up for one on your Housing and Residential Life contract. For more information, please contact First Year Programs at 218-477-2649 or brakkeje@mnstate.edu.