Diversity at Minnesota

Our Commitment

The global, population-based nature of public health demands that the School of Public Health seek and train students of all racial, ethnic, economic and educational backgrounds. Such diversity enriches the learning experience and helps build excellence in public health leadership. Currently, more than 18 percent of our students are students of color, while about 13 percent are international students. The majority of our students are women and the average age of our students is 29.

Diversity in the Twin Cities

The Twin Cities of Minneapolis and St. Paul are located within a major metropolitan area with something for everyone. Minnesota’s famed quality of life is a major draw for students and professionals alike. The cities are home to a nationally recognized arts and theater community, as well as music venues, crafts fairs, cultural celebrations, and world-class restaurants.

Immigrant communities thrive in the Twin Cities. Somalis, Southeast Asians and Eastern Europeans have in recent years joined the more established Hispanic and African American communities. Also included in the cultural blend are American Indians, who are represented in the Twin Cities and in greater Minnesota. 

The region is also home to a thriving and engaged business community, which boasts numerous Fortune 500 companies and multinational organizations. Historically, Minnesota is noteworthy for its progressive approaches to health and human services, medical innovation, computer technology, and public policy leadership.

For all these reasons and more, Minnesota is consistently ranked one of the best places to live in the United States.

A Note to McNair Scholars

If you are a current McNair Scholar participant in good standing and you wish to apply for a special program fee waiver, you must:

Download and print a SOPHAS McNair Scholar Fee Waiver Request Form

• Complete all required sections of your application so that it is ready for submission.
• Print and complete your section of the McNair Scholar Fee Waiver Request Form and give it to your McNair Scholar program administrator.
• Request that the McNair Scholar program administrator certify and send the McNair Scholar Fee Waiver Request Form to SOPHAS.
• You will be notified via email once your official confirmation letter has been received at SOPHAS.
• When you receive the confirmation e-mail from SOPHAS, e-Submit your application and choose the check/money order option as your form of payment. Please allow 2–3 days for your fee waiver to be applied to your application.

Funding Opportunities

School of Public Health Scholarship Awards
Our school and some majors make financial awards to incoming students each fall. To be considered for school-wide awards, complete your application by Dec. 1.

Community Health Initiative Scholarship (CHI)
This program supports students who are socially and economically disadvantaged and require financial assistance. For incoming and current MPH students. Application available spring semester.

Graduate School Awards
Graduate School awards and resources are available to new and currently enrolled M.S. and Ph.D. students. For more information on the awards offered, please visit the Graduate School Fellowship site.

DOVE Fellowship
The Office for Diversity in Graduate Education (ODGE) administers the DOVE Fellowship. The fellowship is awarded to approximately 20 first-year students from under-represented groups (U.S. citizens or permanent residents).

Resources

Community of Scholars Program
This program aims to create an institutional environment that supports the academic and professional success of graduate students who have historically been under-represented.

Graduate Student Organizations
We invite you to network and build a supportive community by becoming an active member in a graduate student organization.

Health Disparties Work Group
This group’s mission is to give greater visibility to health disparities research, foster collaborations, and ensure SPH students are well- trained to work in a diverse society.

Office for Equity and Diversity
The OED is responsible for the University of Minnesota’s systemwide equity and diversity initiatives and programs, and for infusing the core values of equity and diversity into all aspects of teaching, learning, research, service, and outreach.