Open the links below to see the FIGs offered by theme.
Animal Science
Learn to perfect your résumé, plan your undergraduate years and navigate your way to a degree in animal science. Learn more about career paths in the field and what you can do with your love for the animal kingdom. Learn more about the Division of Animal Sciences.
Natural Resources
For students who would love to work outdoors. Explore various topics in Natural Resources, meet other students who enjoy the outdoors while exploring resources and activities that can help you succeed at Mizzou. Learn more about the School of Natural Resources.
Sports Management
Explore various careers and opportunities in sport! Connect with students, faculty and staff in all aspects of sport and gain insights into the industry. Grow professionally through resume building and skill workshops.
Storm Chasers
For students with an interest in weather and severe storms, this is the FIG for you! Learn about meteorology and the exciting careers in weather with other science-minded students. Also enjoy discussions of topical issues and hands-on field trips.
Art , Design, and Art History
Develop skills, explore new mediums and learn how past artists have shaped our world. Learn how art relates to your education at MU by meeting faculty, learning about campus resources, getting to know the local art scene and developing a peer group of creative thinkers. Learn more about the School of Visual Studies.
Film & Digital Storytelling
Become acquainted with the dynamic moving image culture at Mizzou and in downtown Columbia. Meet the faculty, visit the local cinema, and even have a chance to make your own short film. Learn more about the School of Visual Studies.
Accounting
Gain insight into how to succeed in the Trulaske College of Business. Learn time management, interview skills, professional development and how to develop a great résumé, as well as hear tips and tricks from School of Accounting faculty and students. Learn more about the School of Accountancy.
Economics & Social Problems
Climate Change. Inequality. Trade Wars. Discrimination. High Rents. These are all social and public policy issues that students (and citizens) care deeply about. They are also issues where a solid grounding in economics is vital for understanding. In this FIG, you will begin laying the foundations of your economic knowledge, develop your logical reasoning abilities, and enhance your mathematical/statistical skills, all of which are indispensable for competent policy analysis and evaluation. In addition, the proseminar will supplement the material from ECONOM 1014 (a diversity-intensive course) and focus on the economic approach to addressing social problems. Internship opportunities (recent placements include the Federal Reserve, the FBI, the Missouri Department of Economic Development, and many others) will also be introduced.
Exploring Business
Everything business, from international business to business technology. Learn valuable skills on how to thrive in the Truslake College of Business, interact with local businesses and learn how to work in a team. Start your first year by getting a head start on preparing for your career. Learn more about the College of Business.
Tomorrow’s Teachers
Learn what it means to be an educator. Engage in enriching activities and discussions covering topics in education and career preparation. Meet College of Education faculty in a small classroom setting. Learn more about the College of Education & Human Development.
TRiO
Explore leadership development and academic success. Participate in a pre-week the week before classes start. Please contact the TRiO office to determine if you would qualify at 573-882-2493. Learn more about TRiO Student Support Services.
Computer Science
Meet other engineering students and learn about a broad range of topics related to computer engineering. Develop critical thinking skills and explore how to integrate in the creative, professional, technical, ethical and educational aspects of engineering at Mizzou. Learn more about the College of Engineering.
Engineering
Meet other engineering students and learn about a broad range of topics related to engineering. Develop your critical thinking skills and explore how to integrate in the creative, professional, technical, ethical and educational aspects of engineering at Mizzou. Learn more about the College of Engineering.
The 21st century media landscape provides all of us with a wide range of benefits and challenges. We have access to the world’s knowledge, the means for connecting with others locally and around the globe, and all manner of information and entertainment to enrich our lives. At the same time, we also face constant threats of misinformation, manipulative commercial and political propaganda, and representations of persons and groups that encourage stereotypes and cause harm. Mizzou students in this FIG have the opportunity to explore this media landscape not just as information consumers but as knowledge creators. While learning about various concepts in communication and rhetoric you will have an opportunity to get involved in hands-on research to answer the questions that fascinate or concern you. Along the way you will develop crucial skills in oral and written communication that you need for success in college, as well as explore and reflect on the myriad opportunities for future career paths related to communication.
Trail Blazers: First-Generation College Students
Are you the first in your family to attend college? If so, Trail Blazers offers a FIG designed especially for you! This FIG is led by first-generation college students and will provide you with help, guidance, resources, and insight into navigating the sometimes daunting maze of higher education all while earning core credits toward your degree.
The Global Black Studies FIG focuses on the rich history, culture, politics, and economics of Africa and its diaspora. Our courses explore the experiences of Africans and their descendants in various parts of the world: the Americas, Europe, and elsewhere. You will examine key figures and movements that have shaped Africa and its diaspora’s past and present. The classes cover ancient African kingdoms, the transatlantic slave trade, emancipation, decolonization, Back intellectual thought, and global Black liberation movements. Our cultural studies courses offer insight into the traditions, languages, and artistic expressions of Africa and diasporic communities. The political courses provide an understanding of governance structures in African countries and the political experiences of Black communities worldwide. This FIG will give you a well-rounded understanding of global Black experiences, drawing connections between the past and present, between Africa and its diaspora.
Discovering Science: Biology
Learn how science ties into our daily lives. Explore an array of science topics in an environment designed to help you navigate first semester of college. An excellent choice for science-loving students who are interested in a biology degree or career. Learn more about the Division of Biological Sciences.
Discovering Science: Biochemistry
For students majoring in biochemistry, regardless of career plans. Discuss potential pathways in biochemistry, including academic research, industry and medicine. Explore resources and activities that can help you succeed at Mizzou and in your career. Learn more about the Department of Biochemistry.
Health Sciences
For students interested in health-related careers. Meet the faculty, staff and resources in the School of Health Sciences. Explore clinical and non-clinical career paths and the requirements and processes to achieve professional goals. Learn more about the School of Health Sciences.
Honors Pre-Med
Get help in your studies and in preparing for future graduate applications. Network with Honors College faculty. Gain confidence in your future and place here at Mizzou. Learn more about the Honors College.
Medical Careers
Explore health careers outside of hands-on patient care, including health administration, pharmaceutical sales and practice management. Learn about ethical principles and the requirements for admission to post-graduate school. Become familiar with campus tools that can help your academic success.
Nursing
Prepared for your nursing classes, the interview process and clinical course work through active discussions of career options and ethical issues, hands-on activities, and presentations from nursing faculty. Learn more about the Sinclair School of Nursing.
Pre-Medicine
Good for all majors, especially biology. Prepare for a future in medicine by meeting current students in and applicants to the School of Medicine. Visit the cadaver lab and patient simulation lab. Discuss your four-year plan and other topics. Learn more about the Division of Biological Sciences.
Undergraduate Research
Explore the different resources on campus that can help you become involved in undergraduate research at Mizzou. Learn about the research process, poster creation, professionalism, how to find a research mentor, and how to succeed in college. Learn more about the Office of Undergraduate Research.
Honors Engineering
Meet other engineering students within the Honors College and learn about a broad range of topics related to engineering. Develop your critical thinking skills and explore how to integrate with the creative, professional, technical, ethical, and educational aspects of engineering at Mizzou. Learn more about the College of Engineering.
Honors Journalism
Gain the skills, mentorship and inspiration necessary to succeed in journalism. Challenge yourself to think critically about the changing media landscape, how your talents can serve different audiences, and how you can prepare for a fulfilling career. Learn more about the Missouri School of Journalism.
Honors Kinder Democracy Lab
Explore the intellectual and revolutionary origins of democracy in the United States and around the globe in the Kinder Institute Democracy Lab (KIDL) FIG. The KIDL features robust extracurricular programming for all participants, Honors and non-Honors course options, and the possibility to continue studying together as a cohort in the spring semester. All participants are also eligible to apply for need-based, merit-based, and general scholarships associated with the program (details here).
Scholarship Link
Honors Pre-Med
Get help in your studies and in preparing for future graduate applications. Network with Honors College faculty. Gain confidence in your future and place here at Mizzou. Learn more about the Honors College.
International Studies
This FIG is for any student who wants to jump into another culture, and especially those who are interested in International Studies at Mizzou. Develop intercultural competence, meet students from around the world, and listen to MU International Studies graduates share their experiences. Delve into the many ways through MU that you can learn about, and experience personally, the world beyond our borders.
Exploring Journalism
Learn about the resources, opportunities and challenges related to journalism and college life. Experience activities like the prestigious Honor Medal Banquet, and ethics and diversity discussions, while becoming a well-rounded journalist and student. Learn more about the Missouri School of Journalism.
Honors Journalism
Gain the skills, mentorship and inspiration necessary to succeed in journalism. Challenge yourself to think critically about the changing media landscape, how your talents can serve different audiences, and how you can prepare for a fulfilling career. Learn more about the Missouri School of Journalism.
Journalism & Innovation
Acquire the small group foundations to succeed in the School of Journalism while encountering numerous aspects of journalism and technology across media platforms. Connect with extracurricular groups in the J-School that are tailored to your interests, such as the Online News Association, Radio-Television Digital News Association, Women in Media and more. You will be co-enrolled with like-minded students in hands-on classes that help you expand your written and visual skills in journalism and strategic communication. Explore your interests across a broad spectrum of media, ethics and communication topics. Learn more about the Missouri School of Journalism.
Journalism Scholars
Learn the fundamentals of journalism, explore different career paths and find your strengths. Examine how culture on campus and diversity relate to journalism. Develop meaningful connections with fellow journalism students and faculty. Learn more about the Missouri School of Journalism.
Public Relations and Journalism
Find out what it means to “do” public relations and how courses in the School of Journalism prepare you for the ethical practice of Public Relations and Journalism. Students are exposed to a wide variety of resources and opportunities, while gaining practical tools to navigate the first semester at Mizzou. Experience activities like the prestigious Honor Medal Banquet, guest speakers from Public Relations Society of America, all while becoming a well-rounded student. Learn more about the Missouri School of Journalism.
Sports Journalism
Explore the connections between print and broadcast and ethics and diversity in sports. Expand your knowledge of how sports affects other areas of life. Gain hands-on experience practicing basic skills before entering higher-level courses. Learn more about the Missouri School of Journalism.
Explore the intellectual and revolutionary origins of democracy in the United States and around the globe in the Kinder Institute Democracy Lab (KIDL) FIG. The KIDL features robust extracurricular programming for all participants, Honors and non-Honors course options, and the possibility to continue studying together as a cohort in the spring semester. All participants are also eligible to apply for need-based, merit-based, and general scholarships associated with the program (details here).
Scholarship Link
This FIG is for students whose college plans include learning about issues of justice and equity in society and getting involved in movements for social change. Find out about efforts to celebrate and learn from our differences while creating positive community engagement. Meet leaders of student organizations and community groups working toward shaping a better tomorrow. Learn about the many possibilities for social action in college and beyond.