The Future of Minnesota Starts in CLA

Graduate looking a columns of Northrop

The Future of Minnesota Starts in CLA

As one of the largest colleges in the state, CLA prepares Minnesota’s workforce and cultivates the informed, curious, and engaged citizens our communities need.

Two graduates pose at Commencement with Goldy Gopher

Class of 2026: The Future of Minnesota

CLA prepares students to become thoughtful citizens, innovative problem-solvers, and leaders in every sector of society. From healthcare and education to business, public service, media, science, and the arts, CLA graduates strengthen Minnesota’s workforce and communities.

These stories about undergraduates from the Class of 2026 reflect the many ways liberal arts students are preparing to make a difference — in their professions and in the lives of the people around them.

Stories from the Undergrad Class of 2026

We Are Liberal Arts

3,185
Number of Class of 2026 Undergraduates
26%
Graduating with distinction or high distinction, based on their grade point average
2,491
Bachelor of Arts degrees

Meet this year’s Undergraduate Commencement Student Speakers

Dean GerShun Avilez speaking at Commencement podium

Dean’s Corner: Minnesota Needs CLA

“As one of the state’s largest colleges, CLA plays a vital role in educating and preparing Minnesota’s workforce. Today’s CLA students are tomorrow’s teachers, physicians, entrepreneurs, artists, researchers, public servants, journalists and community leaders – people who will shape the future of Minnesota in every sector of society.”

Dean's Corner

Scott Z. Burns speaking from podium at CLA Commencement

Big Careers Begin Here

From (unintentionally!) predicting a global pandemic in Contagion to exploring climate change and the future of humanity, Scott Z. Burns (BA ‘85, English) has built a career asking some of the biggest questions of our time. Read more about the acclaimed screenwriter and his advice for Minnesota graduates.

Scott Z. Burns

Degrees that deliver

Pride points from the Class of 2025:

  • 93% were employed or continuing education within 9 months of graduation
  • 65% were employed within 9 months of graduation
  • 28% were enrolled in graduate or professional school
  • Of those employed, 71.5% are employed in MN
  • Top MN employers include the University of Minnesota, Fraser, Hennepin County, Target, Allina Health, Best Buy, Meridian Services, Minnesota Senate, SPS Commerce

Pomp with Purpose

Diyah Larasati
Shaking hands on stage at Graduate Commencement
Elisia Cohen

Faculty reflect on commencement traditions and share advice for graduates.

Faculty Reflections
A view of graduates' mortarboards facing the Commencement stage

CLA Scholars Shaping Our Future

CLA is home to more than 1,400 graduate students whose curiosity, creativity, and scholarship make our college, and our world, a better place. 

Graduate Student Appreciation Week

Last year, the college’s Office of Research and Graduate Programs collected employment outcomes data for 96 doctoral students:

  • Top three employers: University of Minnesota, University of Tennessee, AbbVie
  • Top industries: higher education, K-12 education, biotech, pharmaceutical, chemical manufacturing & international affairs
  • Top three destination states: Minnesota, California, Illinois
  • Top five professions: college/university instructors, college/university tenure-track faculty, post-docs, economists, administrators

Invest in Minnesota’s Future Workforce

Preparing Minnesota’s workforce means supporting students both inside and outside the classroom. These funds help CLA students access internships, continue their education through financial challenges, and build the skills and experiences that shape future leaders.

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