Minnesota State University at Mankato

Minnesota State University, Mankato is a fine school that will work for almost everyone. My major was Recreation, Parks, and Leisure Services. As the only accredited Recreation Management course in the state, it gave me a detailed look in the career of an average Park Ranger. This was many years ago, but most of the focus was primarily based on practical legal theory as well as it's application at a managerial level. I was required to do two internships prior to graduating. I did feel that the course... Read More was missing some practical aspects of the career such as signage creation and legal enforcement, but those concerns seemed to be addressed slightly after I graduated with some of the newer staff professors. I did like that the entire course was essentially ran as a worker Co-op, as it kept the group projects (which is basically that entire course) running smoothly.

Amenities in the college are pretty basic (gym, counseling, clubs), but you have to take into account that it's a smaller college in a small town.

This was the absolute worst university I have ever experienced. My advisor did not review my transcript after I transferred from the University of Minnesota, and I ended up repeating one course and taking two that did not apply to my degree at all. There is no communication whatsoever. I tried to get in contact with my advisor for three months through phone calls, emails, etc. and was never responded to. I had to leave the program and transfer to the complete lack of communication, and irresponsibility... Read More of these professionals.

My experience at Minnesota State University, Mankato was underwhelming. The town is small and uninteresting with virtually nothing to do aside from party, and honestly the party scene there isn't that great. The majority of the people I met there I found to be one dimensional with typical rural Midwestern upbringings. Not saying that's bad, it just didn't make for stimulating conversation. I did of course make friends there but no one I would consider to be close with, and our friend group dissolved... Read More quickly after we left. The campus itself is surprisingly small for the student population and there's not much offered in terms of entertainment. Most of the general courses were led by an apathetic professor who just sees you as a number on the clipboard (like all colleges). The core classes were fun but I found once I graduated that they didn't really prepare me for any career within the field. It was a disappointing four years and I would strongly advise looking elsewhere when picking a college.

I have mixed feelings about my experience. Also, it was a long time ago and I am sure that many things at the university have changed. At the time, I felt the course work and instructors were interesting and challenging. The campus was nice, easily accessible and offered a well rounded experience. I do not feel the career services were up to par. I did not fully understand the cost of college and what my income potential would be with my chosen degree (Spoiler: it was poor and the loan was substantial-still... Read More paying it off with income based repayment).

Minnesota State University, Mankato has professors that are involved, rigorous, and caring about all of their students. The professors take the time to get to know all of their students and address them by name. They have a genuine interest whether you're learning the material or struggling with a topic. They are personal, without being too personal, and are always there if you have worries or questions. With the recent issues going on in the government, all of my professors and the President of... Read More the University made it their goal to communicate with all of their students to let them know that they (students) are safe, they are welcome, and they are always a priority no matter what their gender, race, or sexual orientation. I have never been around more considerate professors and individuals.

My department at Minnesota State University, was political science. Overall my experience there helped me somewhat become open to different perspectives, and understanding political views from International students that I became friends with on my own. If not for me being an extrovert, I doubt MSU programs would have provided sources for students to interact socially. The program teachings were sub-par. Many of the professors weren't engaged with students. In my opinion solely, I felt they were... Read More just there for a paycheck and not supporting the idea that they are in charge of inspiring and preparing students for life events and job placement. There is not a strong alumni support group for political science majors. It was/is difficult for students to network, and develop resources to help with job placement. The reality is that many students who have graduated before weren't given the necessary help to land careers in the poli-sci field. I do feel the department needs to develop better resources so that students graduating are able to secure careers in what they obtained the degrees on.