OpenFieldHamline University is Minnesota’s first university, located in Saint Paul, renowned for legal studies, creative writing, education, social justice advocacy, and undergraduate research.
Founded in 1854, Hamline features the College of Liberal Arts and the School of Education and Leadership. Celebrated for pioneering forensic sciences, paralegal education (first ABA-approved paralegal program in Minnesota), public administration, and nationally acclaimed MFA in Creative Writing programs.
Undergraduate admissions evaluate high school GPA (average 3.40), course rigor, and personal statement; SAT/ACT is test-optional. Graduate programs require an accredited bachelor’s degree with 3.00+ GPA, resume, writing sample, and TOEFL iBT 80+ / IELTS 6.5+ for international candidates.
FEPAC-aligned curriculum covering crime scene reconstruction, forensic toxicology, trace evidence chromatography, and courtroom expert witness testimony.
Nationally celebrated low-residency creative writing program led by award-winning authors, exploring picture books, middle-grade fiction, and YA novels.
NASPAA-accredited professional graduate degree preparing leaders for municipal government, nonprofit management, public budgeting, and civic advocacy in the Twin Cities.
Renewable merit scholarship awarded to international undergraduate students demonstrating high academic achievement and global community commitment.
Undergraduate research fellowship conducting osteological analysis, forensic bone trauma documentation, and historic cemetery archaeological surveys.
Immersive legislative internship placed with the Minnesota Senate, House of Representatives, or state administrative agencies in Saint Paul.
Professor of Anthropology and Forensic Sciences · Department of Anthropology
Dr. Susan M. Myster is a board-certified forensic anthropologist consulting for law enforcement on human identification, bone histology, and forensic taphonomy.
View research profile ↗Director of the Wesley Center and Professor of Religion · Department of Religion
Dr. Deanna L. Thompson writes on virtual community formation, digital theology, and medical humanities, analyzing how digital communication reshapes trauma and grief.
View research profile ↗Associate Professor of Chemistry and Forensic Toxicology · Department of Chemistry
Dr. Betsy Hoium develops sensitive chromatographic separation methods for detecting synthetic opioids and metabolic byproducts in biological matrices.
View research profile ↗University profile compiled from official Hamline University academic bulletins and institutional directories reviewed on 2026-10-16. OpenField is an independent research guide.