Undergraduate Programs
SMSU offers a wide variety of undergraduate academic programs that lead to bachelor of arts, bachelor of science, bachelor of applied science, associate of science, and associate of arts degrees specific to your chosen major or area of study. The list below includes links to the program’s webpage as well as curriculum in the academic catalog. Scroll down to browse the alphabetical list or use the search bar to filter results.
Click on a category below to expand the group.
*Minors, emphases and certificates are not listed on this page. View the catalog page for these items. Graduate programs are listed here.
| Program | Degrees in the program |
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Accounting |
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Agribusiness Management |
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Agricultural Communications and Leadership |
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Agricultural Education |
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Agricultural Solutions |
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Agriculture |
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Agronomy |
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Anthropology |
Visit the Anthropology catalog page for degree and course information. |
Art |
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| Program | Degrees in the program |
|---|---|
Biology |
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| Program | Degrees in the program |
|---|---|
Chemistry |
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Communication Studies |
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Computer Science |
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Credentialing Education Courses |
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Criminal Justice |
Visit the Criminal Justice catalog page for degree and course information. |
Culinology |
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| Program | Degrees in the program |
|---|---|
Early Childhood Education |
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Education |
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English |
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Environmental Science |
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Exercise Science |
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| Program | Degrees in the program |
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Finance |
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Foreign Languages |
Visit the Foreign Languages catalog page for degree and course information. |
| Program | Degrees in the program |
|---|---|
Graduate Studies, School of |
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| Program | Degrees in the program |
|---|---|
History |
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Honors Program |
Visit the Honors Program catalog page for degree and course information. |
Hospitality Management |
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Humanities |
Visit the Humanities catalog page for degree and course information. |
| Program | Degrees in the program |
|---|---|
Indigenous Nations and Dakota Studies |
Visit the Indigenous Nations and Dakota Studies catalog page for degree and course information. |
Interdisciplinary Studies |
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| Program | Degrees in the program |
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Justice Administration |
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| Program | Degrees in the program |
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Management |
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Marketing |
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Mathematics |
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Music |
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| Program | Degrees in the program |
|---|---|
Nursing - RN to BSN |
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| Program | Degrees in the program |
|---|---|
Philosophy |
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Physical Education |
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Physics |
Visit the Physics catalog page for degree and course information. |
Political Science |
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Psychology |
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Public Administration |
| Program | Degrees in the program |
|---|---|
Social Work |
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Sociology |
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Special Education |
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Study Abroad |
Visit the Study Abroad catalog page for degree and course information. |
| Program | Degrees in the program |
|---|---|
Theatre Arts |
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| Program | Degrees in the program |
|---|---|
Women's Studies |
Visit the Women's Studies catalog page for degree and course information. |
Accounting Online
The B.S. in Accounting is based upon a comprehensive curriculum which offers an opportunity for students to learn about public, private, and governmental organizations; promotes an awareness of the context and consequences of professional decision-making; and emphasizes life-long learning.
Community Psychology and Health Promotion Online
Community Psychology is an applied and inherently interdisciplinary subfield of Psychology that emphasizes community development, strengthening natural support systems, prevention programming, advocacy, and mental health education. It is well suited for students interested in pursuing graduate studies in community psychology, health psychology mental health counseling, or health promotion.
Early Childhood Education Online
The Bachelor of Science in Early Childhood Education includes knowledge, skills, and dispositions from prenatal/birth through age eight. The major leads to Minnesota Early Childhood Education Licensure (birth through third grade). Most of the education classes offered include a related experience in an early childhood program. Students interested in majoring in early childhood education may make formal application for admission during the last semester of their sophomore year. There is a minimum cumulative GPA requirement of 2.8 from all colleges and universities attended, plus other requirements. Persons with previous degrees and/or current licensure interested in adding a licensure field or endorsement may request a transcript review any time.
Early Childhood Special Education Online
Graduates will be prepared to obtain MN licensure for ECSE. Candidates will have the necessary foundation to work with infants and toddlers and young children with disabilities ages birth through the age of six. Licensure to teach is a professional program. Formal application for admission to the Education Program is required during the sophomore year. A minimum GPA of 2.8 from all colleges and universities attended along with other requirements are included in the Teacher Education Packet available in the Education Department.
Elementary Education Online
Students majoring in elementary education move through the Teacher Education Program with a course sequence beginning in the fall. Many students working toward the B.S. in Elementary Education choose an endorsement to focus their background in a particular content area. Most of the methods classes in education include classroom experience in area schools.
History Online
Southwest Minnesota State University’s History Program is designed to help students understand themselves and their world through the study of the past. The program encourages students to explore and analyze themes, events, and people in history in order to gain a stronger comprehension of the contemporary world. In the process, students also develop skills in writing, speech, and critical thinking, which will be useful in their careers.
Management Online
The Bachelor of Science in Management (B.S. in Management) degree is based on a strong curriculum that provides a comprehensive foundation in core Management skills. Our students select concentrations in Human Resource Management, General Management or the newly developed Supply Chain Management Concentration, as part of their degree.
Marketing Online
Students who are marketing majors at Southwest Minnesota State are trained in the analysis, strategy development and the communication tools related to the marketing profession. You will have the opportunity to learn the most current applicable technology and developments in the profession. We are able to provide individualized atten tion a s well as a wide offering of courses, including electives. Our faculty are involved and dedicated to assuring you have the knowledge and tools to succeed after graduation. The faculty couples terminal degrees in the field with practical industry experience completed prior to entering academe.
Nursing - RN to BSN Online
The Southwest Minnesota State University RN to BSN Program (Bachelor of Science in Nursing) is an accredited baccalaureate nursing program with a framework of science and liberal arts plus specialized courses in leadership and management, healthcare delivery systems and informatics, community and public health nursing, nursing research, and evidence based practice. Throughout the curriculum, aspects of rural nursing flow through the course content. The RN students come to the program with real-world experiences and abilities that enhance their learning in and out of the classroom. BSN graduates emerge as nurse generalists with a strong foundation for developing specialized clinical practice and other advanced practice roles, functioning effectively in complex environments; demonstrating critical thinking and flexibility; and translating and applying knowledge to enhance patient care quality and safety.
Psychology Online
Students in the Psychology Program at Southwest Minnesota State University develop an understanding of the major approaches, methods, and principles which psychologists use to explore human thought and behavior. Psychology Majors learn how to apply psychological research and theory so they can use this knowledge in a variety of areas, from industry to mental health.
Social Work Online
Southwest Minnesota State University’s Social Work Program offers a Bachelor of Science: Social Work degree in beginning generalist social work practice. A Bachelor of Social Work education combines liberal arts with professional social work foundation content to prepare to work effectively with individuals, families, small groups, communities, and organizations.
Sociology Online
The sociology major provides students with a broad sociological perspective and encourages development of a “sociological imagination.” You will gain an understanding of how social forces influence individual behavior and how interacting individuals, groups, and organizations affect society and social change.
Special Education Online
Students majoring in the Academic Behavioral Strategist (ABS) prepares students to earn the credentials to become a successful educator in a rewarding career. Students begin moving through education courses immediately in their first semester with ED 101: Introduction to Education. The road to the ABS licensure continues through a set of required courses and opportunities for field experiences. These field experiences will put your learning into action.
Teaching English as a Second Language Online
As classrooms continue to diversify, teacher candidates must be prepared to meet the needs of all their students. To help meet this need, SMSU offers the TESL program. Although the name varies across the nation and internationally, the focus of the program is the same, ultimately to help prepare teachers to support English learners learn English. SMSU has adopted the TESL abbreviation and course prefix to match the Minnesota Professional Educator Licensing and Standards Board language, ESL, and to distinguish between programs for ELs and programs for teachers of ELs. This K-12 Teaching ESL degree and licensure program at the undergraduate level provides the foundations in teaching with the Standards of Effective Practice and the core content courses and methods for teaching K-12 English as a Second Language. Graduates will be able to obtain a Tier 3 licensure in K-12 Teaching English as a Second Language.
Students wishing to specialize in certain professional areas in which Southwest Minnesota State University does not offer professional degree programs may take sufficient pre-professional work to prepare for admission into a professional program.
Requirements vary significantly from institution to institution. Therefore, if you are interested in a pre-professional program, you should seek out an advisor in that program. That advisor can then discuss with you the specific details about courses and other requirements for the program and school(s) which interest you.
Southwest Minnesota State University offers pre-professional programs in the following areas (followed by the recommended major/program advisor):
Pre-Chiropractic Program
Chiropractors care for patients with health problems of the neuromusculoskeletal system, which includes nerves, bones, muscles, ligaments, and tendons. They use spinal adjustments, manipulation, and other techniques to manage patients' health concerns, such as back and neck pain.
Pre-Dentistry Program
Dentistry is the science and art of preventing, diagnosing and treating diseases, injuries and malformations of the teeth, jaws and mouth.
Pre-Engineering Program
The Pre-Engineering program provides Mathematics, Statistics, and Computer Science courses for engineering students. This program allows students take required, elective, or pre-requisite courses economically in small class environment.
Pre-Law Program
The practice of law is one of the most esteemed professions that one can undertake. The profession is broad in regards to areas of practice, and at the same time, richly rewarding.
Pre-Medical Laboratory Science Program
Medical laboratory scientists provide laboratory information and services needed for the diagnosis and treatment of disease. Medical laboratory scientists use sophisticated instrumentation and testing methods to generate accurate laboratory data needed to detect cancer, heart attacks, diabetes, infectious mononucleosis, and identification of bacteria or viruses that cause infections. Medical laboratory scientists work closely with other members of the healthcare team.
Pre-Medicine Program
Medicine is the science and practice of diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of disease. Contemporary medicine applies biomedical sciences and research, genetics, and medical technology to diagnose, treat, and prevent injury and disease.
Pre-Mortuary Science (B.S.) Program
Mortuary Science combines behavioral, physical, and applied sciences to prepare graduates for careers as funeral service professionals. Mortuary Science is a bachelor’s degree program. However, two years of college level coursework is typically required for admission into the program.
Pre-Nursing Program
There are a variety of ways to start a career in nursing. It is up to each individual to determine which pathway best matches their interest and goals. The information below is designed for students interested in pursuing a Bachelor’s in nursing (BSN) degree straight out of high school.
Pre-Occupational Therapy Program
Occupational Therapy (OT) is an applied science and health profession that provides skilled treatment to help individuals achieve and maintain independence in all facets of their lives. OT gives people the “skills for the job of living” necessary for independent and satisfying lives.
Pre-Optometry Program
Optometry is a profession concerned with the eyes and related structures as well as vision, visual systems, and vision information processing in humans. Optometrists are trained to prescribe and fit lenses to improve vision and diagnose and treat various eye diseases.
Pre-Pharmacy Program
Pharmacy is the science and technique of preparing and dispensing drugs. It is a health profession that links health sciences with chemical sciences and aims to ensure the safe and effective use of pharmaceutical drugs.
Pre-Physical Therapy Program
Physical therapy or physiotherapy is the health care profession primarily concerned with the remediation of impairments and disabilities and the promotion of mobility, functional ability, quality of life and movement potential through examination, evaluation, diagnosis and physical intervention.
Pre-Physician Assistant Program
A physician’s assistant (PA) is a nationally certified and state-licensed medical professional. PAs practice medicine on healthcare teams with physicians and other medical specialists. Physician’s assistants diagnose illness, develop and manage treatment plans, prescribe medications, and often serve as a patient’s principal healthcare provider.
Pre-Veterinary Program
Veterinary medicine is the branch of medicine that deals with the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of disease, disorder and injury in non-human animals.
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Last Modified: 8/20/20 10:08 AM