http://www.umn.edu/
612-625-5000
The College
Located in one of the major design cities and in one of the largest research universities in the U.S., the College of Design encompasses the full range of design disciplines at the University of Minnesota and is home to eight undergraduate degree programs, nine graduate degree programs, and ten research and outreach centers.
The faculty, students and staff in the college seek to advance the quality and value of the natural, designed, and social environments with an emphasis on sustainable, socially responsible, civically engaged, user-sensitive, critical and collaborative design work.
Quick Facts
Interim Dean
Becky Yust
Faculty
125
Staff
85
Current Undergraduates
1269
Current Graduates
278
Our Mission
Through a unique commitment to creativity and advancing technologies, the College of Design at the University of Minnesota leads, innovates, and educates in the full range of design fields by researching ongoing and emerging issues, exploring new knowledge, and addressing and solving real-world problems; all while adhering to socially responsible, sustainable, and collaborative design thinking.
Our Vision
As one of the most comprehensive design colleges in the country, the College of Design will be the recognized leader in advancing transformative thinking and practice, and reinventing our disciplines and professions for a new century.
In order to prepare our students to confront the real challenges of our time, every College of Design graduate from the University of Minnesota will:
- Be able to apply design thinking as a way to address issues big and small confronting the local and
world community - Understand and be prepared for the social, environmental, and economic ramifications of each problem they address and every decision they make in their work
- Not only be able to conceive unique ideas, but be capable of implementing those ideas through actionable plans, projects, or strategies.
Location
The College of Design, at the University of Minnesota, is located in the Twin Cities of Minneapolis and St. Paul. Nestled around the scenic Mississippi River, the Minneapolis campus sits under the shadow of a sparkling downtown skyline. The nearby St. Paul campus is home to rolling green space and historic architecture.
Our metropolitan location offers access to a thriving business community, a multitude of housing options, diverse arts and design scene, and an array of nationally renowned restaurants, parks, lakes, and green spaces.
About the Twin Cities
- Named the best Midwestern city in which to live.
- Home to 20 Fortune 500 companies (highest ratio in U.S.).
- Ranked 5th best city for new college grads in U.S.
- Named 5th most innovative city in America.
- Cited as 4th best city for female entrepreneurs.
- Named the number 1 healthiest city in the U.S.
- Ranked 3rd among cities with the highest well-being.
- Ranked 2nd “coolest community for young talent” by Next Generation Consulting.
- Named 2nd most bike-friendly state and Minneapolis is ranked 6th best city for running
in the nation. - The Twin Cities have more theater seats per capita than any world city other than New York.
- More than 50 Farmer’s Markets are available in the Twin Cities area, as well as 12 food co-ops.
- The area is supported by a robust public transportation system including bus, rail, commuter train, bike sharing, and more.
- The Twin Cities is home to eight professional sports teams, including the Timberwolves, Lynx, Twins, Vikings, Swarm, Thunder, Minnesota United, and Wild.
Academic Programs
College of Design Centers
Center for Changing Landscapes
Center for Sustainable Building Research
Center for World Heritage Studies
Midwest Universities Radon Consortium
Wearable Product Design Center
Other Areas of Interest
Consortium for Research Practices