Science Students Do Great Things!...

Mission Statement

SMSU’s Science Department works collaboratively to provide both majors and non–majors with a foundation in science appropriate to their goals and with knowledge and skills that will allow them to function as responsible global citizens.

Our Goals

• To foster innovative teaching.
  
• To promote critical thinking and logical problem solving.
  
• To encourage regional collaborations between K–12 schools, government agencies, industry, and the department.
  
• To guide students toward becoming self–actualized individuals.
  
• To share our enthusiasm for science.
  
• To be life–long learners in, and contributors to, our specific disciplines.

SMSU Today Article: Lab Project Money Included in Governor's Recommendation
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Student Outcomes

Students who complete a science major should:

• Know and use current scientific explanations of the natural world.
• Generate, evaluate, and communicate scientific evidence.
• Demonstrate proficiency with a variety of scientific techniques.

After Graduation

After Graduation...Science Students Do Great Things!

After graduation, a number of SMSU’s Science students choose to pursue postgraduate studies at graduate institutions and professional schools. Recent graduates have been accepted to:
 

• Alaska Pacific University (environmental science)
• Creighton University (nursing; pharmacy)
• Logan College of Chiropractic
• Mayo Clinic (medical school; physical therapy; post-baccalaureate research education)
• Minnesota State University-Mankato (nursing; wetland ecology)
• Northwestern College of Chiropractic
• Purdue University (chemistry)
• St. Cloud State University, MN (communication science and disorders)
• St. Mary’s (occupational therapy)
• University of Kentucky (chemistry)
• University of Minnesota (aerospace; chemistry; motor behavior; nursing)
• University of Montana (geosciences)
• University of Nebraska (chemistry)
• University of South Dakota (physical therapy)
• University of Virginia (environmental science)
• University of Wisconsin-LaCrosse (exercise science; physical therapy)

Other SMSU graduates have been successful in securing internships as well as jobs in a wide range of fields including health care, government, and private industry. Recent graduates completed internships or were offered employment by many organizations including:
 

• Cardno Entrix, Florida (environmental consulting)
• Centrol Crop Consultants
• Glacial Lakes National Park (assistant park manager)
• Minnehaha Creek Watershed District (Education & Communications Associate)
• Minnesota Department of Natural Resources
• Minnesota Pollution Control Agency
• Sanford Hospital, Sioux Falls, SD
• Smithsonian Institute, Washington D.C.
• Summit Consulting Services, Alaska (Biology)
• Upper Iowa University
• Wenck Associates, Inc (consulting)
• Wyoming Game and Fish Dept

To see more student opportunities visit the
Agronomy, Biology, Chemistry, Environmental Science, and Exercise Science Program pages!

Department Information

The department of Science includes the Agronomy, Biology, Chemistry, Environmental Science, Exercise Science and Physics Programs. The chair of the Science Department is Dr. Elizabeth (Betsy) Desy.

Science Department
SM 178
Southwest Minnesota State University
1501 State Street * Marshall, MN 56258
Ph: (507) 537-6178 * Fax: (507) 537-6151