- Credits: 120 total, including 50 for admission
- Tuition: $502.25/credit (resident); nonresident tuition varies | Fees
- Course Options: Day, evening, and online
- Tracks: Self-designed and interdisciplinary
Are you interested in studying more than one discipline? Are you struggling to find the right major that fits your life goals? If so, the self-designed, individualized Inter-College Program (ICP) may be for you.
Why Choose the Inter-College Program?
The ICP allows you to design a degree that will prepare you to succeed in an increasingly complex world. Our experienced advisers will work closely with you to:
- Explore your interests and the full range of options available at the University;
- Choose coursework that meets your needs;
- Offer ongoing support to ensure a rewarding academic experience.
Stories
Courses
You will build your unique Inter-College Program curriculum in close consultation with your adviser. ICP areas of study are defined by academic departments from around the University, such as Sustainability Studies, Psychology, Youth Studies, Applied Business, Carlson School of Management, Communications, etc.
BA degrees include course work in the arts, humanities, and social sciences.
- The two-area degree option consists of 20 upper-division credits in each large area and 10 upper-division elective credits.
- The three-area degree option consists of 20 upper-division credits in a large area, 12 upper-division credits in each of two smaller areas, and 6 upper-division elective credits.
- The thematic degree option requires 40 upper-division credits chosen from at least three departments and two colleges, with 10 upper-division elective credits. Course work must have a consistent theme throughout.
Language Requirement
BA degrees also require completion of second language studies, which can be satisfied with the completion of one of two options: 1) four semesters of a single second language or 2) two semesters of a single second language and at least eight credits of coursework focused on the cultural, historical, or political aspects of any country/region associated with that language.
BS degrees pertain to the physical or biological sciences, have quantitative or investigative tools/methods expectations, or have a pronounced applied/professional component (e.g., public health, education, business, social work).
- The two-area degree option requires 21 upper-division credits in each of two large areas and 8 upper-division supporting credits.
- The three-area degree option consists of 20 upper-division credits in one large area and 15 upper-division credits in each of two small areas.
- The thematic degree option requires 50 upper-division credits chosen from at least three departments and two colleges. Course work must have a consistent theme throughout.
Health and Wellness Theme
Thematic majors relate specifically to one unifying topic and coursework must draw from at least three departments housed in two colleges. The Health and Wellness bachelor of science degree (BS) below has been established by ICP, but you can choose from a variety of colleges and departments from across the University.
You may have the opportunity to study abroad as part of your degree. Talk to your adviser for more information.
Health and Wellness Theme
In the Health and Wellness thematic major, you'll build a curriculum rooted in science, communication and management, fitness and nutrition, ethics, and more.
A total of 50 upper-division credits is required for the major. Some courses in the upper-division Health and Wellness Core may also have specific prerequisites that are not included within the Foundation Prerequisites.
What Can I Do with a Health and Wellness Major?
Read these student stories to find out more:
- 5 Reasons to Consider an ICP Health & Wellness Major
- Nutrition Facts
- Olympic Hopeful
- Health and Wellness in Hmong Culture
- A Future in Nursing
Courses
A grade of C- or better is required in these courses
| Category | Course(s) |
|---|---|
| Biology (Pick one) | BIOL 1009, PSTL 1131, PSTL 1135 (Note: PSTL 1135 will not be approved in conjunction with a Life Science Focus.) |
| Chemistry (Pick one option) | Option A: CHEM 1061/1065 AND CHEM 1062/1066 Option B: CHEM 1015 with CHEM 1017 AND BioC 2011 |
| Economics (Pick one) | ApEc/ECON 1101 (preferred), ApEc/ECON 1102 |
| Nutrition | FScN 1112 |
| Social Science (Pick one) | Anth 1003W, PSTL 1211, PSTL 1281, PSY 1001, SOC 1001 |
A grade of C- or better and a minimum 2.0 GPA is required in these courses.
| Category | Courses (Pick One) |
|---|---|
| Anatomy | Anat 3001, Anat 3601, Anat 3611, Kin 3027 |
| Communication | ABUS 4023W, ABUS/HSM 4571, Writ 3029W, Writ 3221W, Writ 325, Writ 3562W |
| Complementary Medicine | CSpH 3001 (preferred), CSpH 5101, CSpH 1001 |
| Ethics | Phil 3302W, Phil 3305 |
| Health and Fitness | Kin 3001 |
| Management/Economics | ABus 4705, ABus 4707, HSM 3521, HSM 4541, HSM 4561 PubH 3801 |
| Nutrition | FScN 3612, 3614, 3615, 4612, 4614, FSCN/CSPH 3301; OR PubH 3905 |
| Pathology | LaMP 4177 |
| Physiology | Biol 3211, Kin 3385, Phsl 3051, Phsl 3061 |
| Public Health | PubH 3001 or PubH 3004 |
| Statistics | EPsy 3264, Nurs 3710, PSY 3801, Soc 3811, Stat 3011, Stat 3021 |
| Terminology | Phar 5201 (preferred), Phar 1002 |
You can also select a Health and Wellness Emphasis, which is different than a theme.
- Complete at least 12 to 16 upper-division credits in one departmental area.
- Emphases are not indicated on transcripts except as identified by approved certificates or minors.
- Emphases serve primarily as organizing principles for course selection.
- Courses are chosen in consultation with an adviser.
- Must earn a grade of C- or better in all courses. Overall Emphasis GPA must be at least 2.00.
Any relevant department, certificate, or minor can be considered. Some options include:
- Addiction Studies
- Business
- Communication
- Complementary Medicine
- Life Science
- Nutrition
- Pharmacology
- Public Health
- Sexuality
- Social Sciences
- Social Work
- Youth Studies
Admission
You can apply to the program once you've finished 50 credits. These credits may be taken at the U or at other colleges. Talk with an Inter-College Program adviser and visit Transferology for more information.
Fall Semester Application Deadline | Priority: March 1; Final: August 1
Spring Semester Application Deadline | Priority: October 1; Final: December 1
Admission Factors
- Completion of 50 credits with a preferred GPA of +2.5
- Grade trends
- Performance in relevant coursework
- Demonstrated ability to meet curricular and developmental expectations of individualized undergraduate education
Application Steps
- Attend an information session (if you can't make a session, call 612-624-4000 for other arrangements).
- Make an appointment with an adviser to discuss your goals and interests.
- Work with your adviser to apply for admission.
- Develop a written degree proposal, which includes a goal statement, educational history, and list of coursework.
While developing your proposal, you can begin registering for courses.
Career Outlook
Inter-College Program students find rewarding careers in areas such as finance, health care, business, and education, and many decide to go on to graduate school.
- 74% Paid employment
- 43.5% Additional education
Averages of graduates between 2010−2016.
Here are just some of the positions recent ICP graduates were able to secure:
- Marketing Account Executive
- Practical Nurse
- Special Education Teacher
- Investment Analyst
- Director of Development
- Bank Examiner
- Licensed Alcohol and Drug Counselor
- Clinical Research Coordinator
- Public Health Adviser
- VP for Community Development
- EMT
- Principal Talent Acquisition Specialist
- Construction Manager
- Mental Health Worker
- Graphic Artist
- Project Manager
- Pharmacy Technologist
- Information Technology Specialist
- Human Resource Specialist
- Senior Financial Analyst
- Director of National Accounts
- Product Design Specialist
- Social Media Marketer
- Private Investigator
Visit the Career and Internship Services website for more alumni data, job search and internship resources, and employment listings.
Resources
Forms
- Program Approval Form: Two-Area Degree
- Program Approval Form: Three-Area Degree
- Program Approval Form: Health and Wellness Thematic
- Program Approval Form: Thematic Degree
- ICP Amendment Form
- Permission to Share Your Proposal as a Sample
- Independent Study Contract for ICP 3093
- Petition form
- Change of Adviser Request
Student Resources
Contact Information
612-624-4000 or 800-234-6564 | ccapsinfo@umn.edu
20 Ruttan Hall, 1994 Buford Ave, Saint Paul, MN
In-Person Hours: Monday-Friday 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m.
Phone Hours: Monday-Friday 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m.