Metro College Alliance (formerly Tri-College University)

The Metro College Alliance is designed to adapt to the evolving higher education landscape, ensuring that students continue to benefit from the collaborative spirit of the five colleges and universities that adhere to the agreement: Concordia College, Minnesota State University Moorhead, North Dakota State College of Science, North Dakota State University, and Minnesota State Community and Technical College (M State).

Information concerning the Metro College Alliance agreement, policies and procedures may be found HERE.

Reserve Officers Training Corps (ROTC)

Air Force ROTC/Aerospace Studies

The Air Force Reserve Officer's Training Corps (AFROTC) program is an educational and training program designed to give men and women the opportunity to become Air Force officers while completing an undergraduate or graduate degree. In order to receive a commission, Air Force ROTC students must complete all requirements for a degree in accordance with University rules and regulations, as well as complete a variety of courses specified by the Air Force.

Contact Information: If you are interested in the AFROTC program through North Dakota State University, see the Registrar's Office for information on Metro College Alliance registration. You may also contact the department of Aerospace Studies at NDSU at 701-231-8186 or visit www.ndsu.edu/afrotc/for more information.

Army ROTC/Military Studies

The Army Reserve Officers' Training Corps (Army ROTC) prepares and commissions officers for the Active Army, Army National Guard, and the Army Reserves. ROTC is open to male and female students from Concordia College, North Dakota State University, and Minnesota State University Moorhead through the Metro College Alliance exchange program. Cadets must complete all degree requirements of their chosen major, in accordance with university rules and regulations, and complete required ROTC courses prior to commissioning as a Second Lieutenant. ROTC students also attend physical training and a hands-on leadership lab.

Contact Information: For further information, call the Department of Military Science office at 701-231-7575 or visit the NDSU Army ROTC website at www.ndsuarmyrotc.com. The Department of Military Science is located on the North Dakota State University campus at Bentson Bunker Fieldhouse.

National Student Exchange

Minnesota State University Moorhead is a member of the National Student Exchange (NSE) program, a consortium of 175+ colleges and universities across the  United States, Guam, Puerto Rico, U.S. Virgin Islands and Canada. 1500+ undergraduate students participate in NSE annually. Through the NSE, students may spend up to one full year in residence at a participating college as an exchange student. The largest single benefit of the NSE is the privilege of paying tuition at the in-state rather than out-of-state rates.

MSUM students have recently been placed at California State University-Northridge, Iowa State University, Western Washington University, the University of Puerto Rico, Rio Piedras, the University of Hawaii at Manoa and Hilo, and more! Through NSE, MSUM students have skied on Montana’s Rocky Mountains, surfed in the Pacific Ocean and explored the glaciers of Alaska. Some other exciting opportunities offered through NSE are Spanish and French language immersion, access to additional courses aligned with your academic and career interests, experiencing different cultures, and living in a new climate.

Students pursuing a professional/licensure degree need to consult with their advisor and plan their program carefully well before enrolling in National Student Exchange. Students wishing to participate in NSE should contact the NSE Coordinator. Information on the program can be found HERE.

Internship

An internship is a form of experiential learning that integrates knowledge and theory learned in the classroom with practical application and skills development in a professional setting. Internships give students the opportunity to gain valuable applied experience and make connections in professional fields they are considering for career paths and give employers the opportunity to guide and evaluate talent. (National Association of Colleges and Employers, 2012.)  An additional objective of internships is to allow students to gain applied experience that would not otherwise be possible in the classroom and to reinforce the choice of one’s major field of study. 

Internships can be paid or unpaid, for credit or not. They vary in length, and may be full time or part time. Some academic programs require an internship to graduate and some do not. All students are also encouraged to visit the Career Development Center to explore internship options, and review the many posted opportunities through DragonJobs (www.mnstate.edu/dragonjobs).

Students who wish to or are required to complete an internship for academic credit must meet with the internship coordinator in the academic major of their choice. Some academic internship coordinators receive internship listings that are not posted on the MSUM Career Development Center website. Academic internship coordinators are the contacts who determine academic and credit expectations for internships.

Study Abroad

The Study Abroad Office coordinates a variety of opportunities for students to study abroad. Detailed planning is essential to ensure a successful experience. Students must consult with their faculty advisors if they wish to receive credit toward their major or minor. Financial Aid may be applicable toward these study programs.

In addition to semester and year-long study, faculty in various departments organize one-, two-, or three-week study tours for credit. Students wishing to study abroad should contact the Study Abroad Office or further information can be found HERE.

Learning Communities

MSUM Learning Communities provide students who live on campus with an academic advantage. Communities help students make a smooth transition into college life and facilitate an environment that enhances learning potential outside the classroom. Students who are a part of a Learning Community gain exposure to campus resources, university faculty and staff, and to a support network of classmates who share the same major or similar interests. Learning Community students will take classes together, live on the same floor in the residence hall, and have full access to an upper-class mentor who lives on the floor. Students will have the opportunity to get to know faculty within their major. Learning Communities help students set academic goals, develop study skills, engage in leadership opportunities outside of the classroom, and provide students with the opportunity to volunteer within the campus and local community. Please visit Learning Communities online for more information.

Smart Start Program

SMART Start (Student Mentoring Academic Resource Team) is a program for motivated students who are ready to work hard to be successful in college.  Participants engage in a community that supports first year students’ transition to life at MSUM. Historically, after participating in SMART Start, students outperform their peers in all subject areas and become leaders on the MSUM campus.  More information on the requirements of this program can be found HERE.

Senior Citizens

Residents of Minnesota age 62 or older before the beginning of the term may either (a) audit a class free without credit or (b) receive credit by payment of an administrative fee of $20.00 per credit, if space is available after all tuition paying students are enrolled. Senior citizens also must bear the cost of any laboratory or course fees, regardless of whether credit is earned or not. Contact the Registrar's Office for additional information.