Major/Minor
Health and Physical Education
Health and Physical Education (HPE) majors prepare to work with people of all ages and in many movement-related settings. Those who complete a major in HPE with state teaching licensure are typically preparing for work in K-12 educational settings, such as in Physical Education (Phy Ed., P.E.), and coaching. Majors also pursue graduate study in kinesiology-related disciplines. See sample courses and careers here.
First Forward Network - Center for Inclusive Excellence
The First Forward Network supports first-generation students at Gustavus through community, resources, and mentorship to help them thrive in college and beyond.
Major/Minor
Geology
Gustavus Geology majors/minors study the history of Earth and its life forms, learn about our changing global systems, and discover and preserve natural resources. Field, laboratory, and analytical research are emphasized, and you'll work with a close-knit community of faculty and students as you study landscapes, climate, natural hazards, mountain building, and the evolution and extinction of life on field trips in Minnesota and beyond. It's rocks and fossils and so much more. You'll graduate with the skills for multiple career paths.
Our People
Scott Moore
Scott Moore has enjoyed more than four decades of experience as a musician and educator. His career includes over a thousand concerts with renowned American orchestras and jazz legends to collaborating with pop music icons and touring Broadway productions. He is the only bass trombonist to have studied in the Juilliard School's Professional Studies program.
Now that he has moved beyond the stage, Dr. Moore is a dedicated mentor at the College, where he challenges students to rethink their attitudes and perspectives. His core message to students is to cultivate resilience by embracing a positive outlook and understanding the powerful idea that we can become what we think about. He has served as a department chair and has taught a wide range of courses, from music theory and history to technology and academic research. Currently, his courses on pop music and seminars for first-year and advanced students focus on a powerful lesson: the joy of creation should always be celebrated over the stress of competition.
Major/Minor
Arts Entrepreneurship
The minor in Arts Entrepreneurship provides students with an introduction to the skill set required to effectively create, manage, and promote creative programs and institutions related to the arts. It is a minor is available to all Gustavus students.
Major/Minor
Pre-Pharmacy
Pre-pharmacy students major in Chemistry, Biology, or Biochemistry and Molecular Biology. You'll receive a strong science foundation for graduate school, plus the freedom to explore through elective courses. It's academic rigor, a supportive community, and the advantages of an immersive on-campus experience. Plus, the Office of Health Professions provides comprehensive support, from navigating prerequisites to pharmacy school applications.
Major/Minor
Pre-Physical Therapy
Students studying pre-physical therapy major in Exercise Physiology and/or Biology on their way to leading rehabilitation treatment programs for sports and other injuries. You'll get a strong academic foundation in the core classes needed for PT and orthopedic PT school, plus the freedom to explore through electives. You'll also be supported by the Office of Health Professions, from prerequisite courses through grad school application.
Our People
Justin Knoepfel
Dr. Justin Knoepfel, recipient of the Dr. Carlo A. Sperati Award, joined the Gustavus faculty in 2009. He currently serves as the Chair of the Department of Music, conductor of the Gustavus Symphony Orchestra (GSO), and instructor of viola. Transitioning from a career as a professional string player to the podium, Dr. Knoepfel brings a deep understanding of technical complexity and expressive nuance to his conducting, providing a rigorous yet engaging experience for his ensembles.
Beyond campus, Dr. Knoepfel is a highly sought-after clinician, guest conductor, and adjudicator. He recently served as the guest festival conductor for the Dorian Orchestra Festival. Under his leadership, the Gustavus Symphony Orchestra maintains a robust performance schedule—including high-profile events like Christmas in Christ Chapel and the Nobel Conference—and tours annually. The GSO embarks on international tours every four years, with the most recent journey to Ireland and Scotland.
As an accomplished violist, Dr. Knoepfel’s performance credits include the Minnesota Orchestra, Minnesota Opera, and the South Dakota, Mankato, and La Crosse Symphony Orchestras. His artistry has taken him across the United States and Europe, performing at prestigious venues. He frequently collaborates with members of the Minnesota Orchestra and the Saint Paul Chamber Orchestra. A dedicated educator, he has served on the faculty for programs such as the Lutheran Summer Music Academy, MNSOTA Summer String Camp, and the International Viola Congress. His freelance career is equally diverse, ranging from sharing the stage with legends like The Eagles and Idina Menzel to performing privately for King Carl XVI Gustaf and Queen Silvia of Sweden.
Dr. Knoepfel resides with his wife, Elisa, and their five children. The household is completed by Regan, a Bernedoodle, and Avery, a Ragdoll cat. Above all his professional achievements, family remains the center of his life.
Major/Minor
Pre-Occupational Therapy
You'll major in Exercise Physiology and/or Psychological Science for a future as an occupational therapist. You'll get a strong academic foundation in the classes needed for grad school, plus the freedom to explore a range of electives. It's an ideal blend of academic rigor, supportive community, and immersive campus experience. And the Office of Health Professions provides comprehensive support, from prerequisite course requirements to graduate school applications.
Major/Minor
Political Science
Political Science majors/minors engage in critical and analytical exploration of governance, social movements, and policy. Graduates attend law and graduate schools, and work in advocacy, politics, and for local, state, and federal governments. Check out sample classes and career paths here.
Major/Minor
Theatre Performance
As a Gustavus Theatre Performance major/minor, you'll perform, create, and design unique theatrical experiences. You'll gain an understanding of the theatre-making process from different perspectives. You'll work on mainstage productions. And you'll be acting in them, of course, on our multiple stages. You'll also dive into the rich history, literature, and theory of drama and performance.