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Academic Programs and Degrees

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.

A list of all academic degrees
Program Type Level Offered Location
Accounting Emphasis (150 SH) Certificate Undergraduate Certificate Undergraduate On-Campus, Online
Accounting, AS Associate Degree Undergraduate On-Campus, Online
Accounting, BS Bachelor Degree Undergraduate On-Campus, Online
Accounting, Minor Minor Undergraduate On-Campus, Online
Acting/Directing, Minor Minor Undergraduate On-Campus
Adapted Physical Activity, Minor Minor Undergraduate On-Campus
Adapted Physical Education/DAPE, Minor Minor Undergraduate On-Campus
Administration and Management for Peace Officers, BAS Bachelor Degree
Advertising Design Communication, Minor Minor Undergraduate On-Campus
Agribusiness Management, AS Associate Degree Undergraduate On-Campus
Agribusiness Management, BS Bachelor Degree Undergraduate On-Campus
Agribusiness Management, Minor Minor Undergraduate On-Campus
Agricultural Communications and Leadership, BS Bachelor Degree Undergraduate On-Campus
Agricultural Economics, Minor Minor Undergraduate On-Campus
Agricultural Education, BS Bachelor Degree Undergraduate On-Campus
Agricultural Solutions, BS Bachelor Degree Undergraduate On-Campus
Agriculture, BAS Bachelor Degree Undergraduate On-Campus
Agronomy, BS Bachelor Degree Undergraduate On-Campus
Agronomy, Minor Minor Undergraduate On-Campus
Animal Science, Minor Minor Undergraduate
Applied Computational Mathematics, BS Bachelor Degree Undergraduate On-Campus
Art Education, BS Bachelor Degree Undergraduate On-Campus
Art, BA Bachelor Degree Undergraduate On-Campus
Autism Spectrum Disorders, Graduate Certificate Graduate Certificate Graduate Online
Biology Education, BS Bachelor Degree Undergraduate On-Campus
Biology, BA Bachelor Degree Undergraduate On-Campus
Biology, BS Bachelor Degree Undergraduate On-Campus
Biology, Minor Minor Undergraduate On-Campus
Business Administration for Non-Business Majors, Minor Minor Undergraduate On-Campus
Business Administration, AS Associate Degree Undergraduate On-Campus, Online
Business: Graduate - MBA Type Masters Graduate On-Campus, Online
Charter School Leadership, Certificate Graduate Certificate Graduate Off-Campus
Chemistry Education, BS Bachelor Degree Undergraduate On-Campus
Chemistry, BA Bachelor Degree Undergraduate On-Campus
Chemistry, Minor Minor Undergraduate On-Campus
Coaching, Certificate Undergraduate Certificate Undergraduate On-Campus
Coaching, Minor Minor Undergraduate On-Campus
Communication Arts and Literature Education, BS - English Bachelor Degree Undergraduate
Communication Arts and Literature Education, Communication Studies, BS Bachelor Degree Undergraduate On-Campus
Communication Studies, BA Bachelor Degree Undergraduate On-Campus
Communication Studies, Minor Minor Undergraduate On-Campus
Communication Studies: Broadcasting and Digital Media, BS Bachelor Degree Undergraduate On-Campus
Communication Studies: Public Relations, BA Bachelor Degree Undergraduate On-Campus
Community Psychology and Health Promotion, BA Bachelor Degree Undergraduate On-Campus, Online
Computer Science, BS Bachelor Degree Undergraduate On-Campus
Computer Science, Minor Minor Undergraduate On-Campus
Creative Writing, Minor Minor Undergraduate On-Campus
Criminal Justice, Minor Minor Undergraduate On-Campus
Culinology, BS Bachelor Degree Undergraduate On-Campus
Cybersecurity, Graduate Certificate Graduate Certificate Graduate Online
Cybersecurity, MS Type Masters Graduate Online
Data Science, BS Bachelor Degree Undergraduate On-Campus
Data Science, Minor Minor Undergraduate
Design/Technical Theatre, Minor Minor Undergraduate On-Campus
Digital Media Design, Minor Minor Undergraduate On-Campus
Digital Media Design, Minor Minor Undergraduate On-Campus
Early Childhood Education, BS Bachelor Degree Undergraduate On-Campus, Online
Early Childhood Special Education, BS Bachelor Degree Undergraduate On-Campus, Online
Education Specialist, Post-Graduate - Educational Administration & Leadership Post Graduate Graduate Off-Campus
Education, MS Type Masters Graduate Off-Campus, Online
Educational Studies, BS (Non-Licensure) Bachelor Degree Undergraduate On-Campus, Online
Elementary Education, BS Bachelor Degree Undergraduate On-Campus, Online, Off-Campus
Emotional Behavioral Disorders, Graduate Certificate Graduate Certificate Graduate Online
English, BA Bachelor Degree Undergraduate On-Campus
Entrepreneurship, Certificate Undergraduate Certificate Undergraduate Online
Entrepreneurship, Minor Minor Undergraduate On-Campus, Online
Environmental Education, Minor Minor Undergraduate On-Campus
Environmental Science, BS Bachelor Degree Undergraduate On-Campus
Environmental Science, Minor Minor Undergraduate On-Campus
Event and Meeting Management, Certificate Undergraduate Certificate Undergraduate On-Campus
Exercise Science, BS Bachelor Degree Undergraduate On-Campus, Off-Campus
Exercise Science, Minor Minor Undergraduate On-Campus
Filmmaking, Minor Minor Undergraduate On-Campus
Finance, BS Bachelor Degree Undergraduate On-Campus
Finance, Minor Minor Undergraduate On-Campus
Forensic Accounting & Fraud Investigation, Certificate Undergraduate Certificate Undergraduate On-Campus
Forensic Accounting & Fraud Investigation, Minor Minor Undergraduate On-Campus
General Studies, BA Bachelor Degree Undergraduate On-Campus
Graduate Licensures Other Programs Graduate On-Campus, Online
Graphic Design, Minor Minor Undergraduate On-Campus
Health Communication, Certificate Undergraduate Certificate Undergraduate On-Campus, Online
Health Communication, Minor Minor Undergraduate On-Campus
Health Education, BS Bachelor Degree Undergraduate On-Campus
Healthcare Administration, Certificate Undergraduate Certificate Undergraduate On-Campus, Online
Healthcare Administration, Minor Minor Undergraduate On-Campus, Online
Hispanic Studies, Minor Minor Undergraduate On-Campus
History, BA Bachelor Degree Undergraduate On-Campus, Online
History, Minor Minor Undergraduate On-Campus, Online
Honors Program: Experiential Pathway Other Programs Undergraduate On-Campus
Honors Program: Traditional Pathway Other Programs Undergraduate On-Campus
Honors Program: Transfer Pathway Other Programs Undergraduate On-Campus
Hospitality Management, BS Bachelor Degree Undergraduate On-Campus
Hotel Revenue Management, Certificate Undergraduate Certificate Undergraduate On-Campus
Hotel/Lodging Management, Minor Minor Undergraduate On-Campus
Human Resource Management, Certificate Undergraduate Certificate Undergraduate On-Campus, Online
Human Resource Management, Minor Minor Undergraduate On-Campus, Online
Human Services, Minor Minor Undergraduate On-Campus
Indigenous Nations and Dakota Studies, Minor Minor Undergraduate On-Campus
Individualized Interdisciplinary, BA & BS Bachelor Degree Undergraduate On-Campus
Interdisciplinary Fine Arts, Minor Minor Undergraduate On-Campus
Justice Administration, BS Bachelor Degree Undergraduate On-Campus
K-12 or 5-12 Licensure Other Programs Undergraduate On-Campus, Online
K-12 Principal, Graduate Certificate Graduate Certificate Graduate Off-Campus
Learning Disabilities, Graduate Certificate Graduate Certificate Graduate Online
Liberal Arts and Sciences, AA Associate Degree Undergraduate On-Campus
Literature Studies, Graduate Certificate Graduate Certificate Graduate Online
Literature, Minor Minor Undergraduate On-Campus
Management, BAS Bachelor Degree Undergraduate On-Campus, Online
Management, BS Bachelor Degree Undergraduate On-Campus, Online
Management, Minor Minor Undergraduate On-Campus, Online
Marketing, AS Associate Degree Undergraduate On-Campus, Online
Marketing, BAS Bachelor Degree Undergraduate On-Campus, Online
Marketing, BS Bachelor Degree Undergraduate On-Campus, Online
Marketing, Minor Minor Undergraduate On-Campus, Online
Mathematics Education, BS Bachelor Degree Undergraduate On-Campus
Mathematics, BA Bachelor Degree Undergraduate On-Campus
Mathematics, Graduate Certificate Graduate Certificate Graduate Online
Mathematics, Minor (Non-Teaching) Minor Undergraduate On-Campus
Mathematics, Minor - Gr. 5-8 Minor Undergraduate On-Campus
MBA, General Concentration Type Masters Graduate On-Campus, Online
MBA, Marketing Concentration Type Masters Graduate On-Campus, Online
MBA, Organizational Leadership Concentration Type Masters Graduate On-Campus, Online
Medical Laboratory Science, BA Bachelor Degree Undergraduate On-Campus
Middle School Communication Arts, Minor - Gr. 5-8 Minor Undergraduate On-Campus
Middle School Science, Minor - Gr. 5-8 Minor Undergraduate On-Campus
Music Education, BS Bachelor Degree Undergraduate On-Campus
Music, BA (with Emphasis in Management) Bachelor Degree Undergraduate On-Campus
Music, BA (with Specialized Music Emphases) Bachelor Degree Undergraduate On-Campus
Music, Minor Minor Undergraduate On-Campus
Nursing, BSN Bachelor Degree Undergraduate Online
Nursing, MSN - Nurse Educator Type Masters Graduate
Nutrition, Minor Minor Undergraduate On-Campus
Philosophy, BA Bachelor Degree Undergraduate On-Campus
Philosophy, Minor Minor Undergraduate On-Campus
Physical Education, BS Bachelor Degree Undergraduate On-Campus
Physical Education, BS - Teaching Bachelor Degree Undergraduate On-Campus
Physical Education, MS - Coaching of Sport Type Masters Graduate Online
Physics, Minor Minor Undergraduate On-Campus
Political Science, BA Bachelor Degree Undergraduate On-Campus
Political Science, Minor Minor Undergraduate On-Campus
Pre-Chiropractic Type Pre-Professional Undergraduate On-Campus
Pre-Dentistry Type Pre-Professional Undergraduate On-Campus
Pre-Engineering Type Pre-Professional Undergraduate On-Campus
Pre-Law Type Pre-Professional Undergraduate On-Campus
Pre-Law, Minor Minor Undergraduate On-Campus
Pre-Medicine Type Pre-Professional Undergraduate On-Campus
Pre-Mortuary Science Type Pre-Professional Undergraduate On-Campus
Pre-Nursing Type Pre-Professional Undergraduate On-Campus
Pre-Occupational Therapy Type Pre-Professional Undergraduate On-Campus
Pre-Optometry Type Pre-Professional Undergraduate On-Campus
Pre-Pharmacy Type Pre-Professional Undergraduate On-Campus
Pre-Physical Therapy Type Pre-Professional Undergraduate On-Campus
Pre-Physician Assistant Type Pre-Professional Undergraduate On-Campus
Pre-Veterinary Medicine Type Pre-Professional Undergraduate On-Campus
Professional Writing and Communication, BA Bachelor Degree Undergraduate On-Campus
Professional Writing, Minor Minor Undergraduate On-Campus
Professional Writing, Online Certificate Undergraduate Certificate Undergraduate Online
Psychology, BA Bachelor Degree Undergraduate On-Campus, Online
Psychology, Minor Minor Undergraduate On-Campus, Online
Public Administration, Minor Minor Undergraduate On-Campus
Public Relations, Minor Minor Undergraduate On-Campus
Reading, Graduate Certificate Graduate Certificate Graduate Online
Reading, Minor Minor Undergraduate On-Campus
Religious Studies, Minor Minor Undergraduate On-Campus
Religious Studies, Minor Minor Undergraduate On-Campus
Social Studies, Minor - Gr. 5-8 Minor Undergraduate On-Campus
Social Work, BS Bachelor Degree Undergraduate On-Campus, Online
Sociology, BA Bachelor Degree Undergraduate On-Campus, Online
Sociology, Minor Minor Undergraduate On-Campus, Online
Spanish, Minor Minor Undergraduate On-Campus
Special Education Director, Graduate Certificate Graduate Certificate Graduate Off-Campus
Special Education, Minor Minor Undergraduate On-Campus, Online
Special Education, MS Type Masters Graduate Online
Special Education-Academic & Behavioral Strategist, BS Bachelor Degree Undergraduate On-Campus, Online
Sport and Performance Psychology, Minor Minor Undergraduate On-Campus
Strength and Conditioning, Certificate Undergraduate Certificate Undergraduate
Strength and Conditioning, Minor Minor Undergraduate
Studio Arts, Minor Minor Undergraduate On-Campus
Superintendent, Graduate Certificate Graduate Certificate Graduate Off-Campus
Supply Chain Management, Certificate Undergraduate Certificate Undergraduate On-Campus, Online
Supply Chain Management, Minor Minor Undergraduate On-Campus, Online
Teaching English as a Second Language (TESL), BS - K-12 Bachelor Degree Undergraduate On-Campus, Online
Teaching English as a Second Language (TESL), Graduate Certificate Graduate Certificate Graduate Online
Teaching English as a Second Language (TESL), Minor - K-12 Minor Undergraduate On-Campus, Online
Teaching K-12 Multilingual Learners, Certificate Undergraduate Certificate Undergraduate
Technology for Training and Learning, Graduate Certificate Graduate Certificate Graduate Online
Theatre Arts, BA Bachelor Degree Undergraduate On-Campus, Off-Campus
Theatre Arts, Minor Minor Undergraduate On-Campus
Women's Studies, Minor Minor Undergraduate On-Campus
Writing Studies, Graduate Certificate Graduate Certificate Graduate Online

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Online Academics

Entrepreneurship Certificate

Geared towards professionals who want to gain additional information in Entrepreneurship.

Event and Meeting Management Certificate

The certificate is designed for professionals who need MEEC (meeting, events, exposition, and convention) industry skills and knowledge and provides the necessary expertise to expand or change their career paths.

Forensic Accounting & Fraud Investigation Certificate

The forensic accounting & fraud examination certificate at SMSU is structured to advance the knowledge-base of qualified undergraduate and graduate students, and working professionals.

Health Communication Certificate

The Health Communication certificate aims to provide experience in both information/persuasive campaigns intended to change population behaviors toward more healthy choices and improved interpersonal communication between providers and patients.

Healthcare Administration Certificate

Geared towards professionals who want to gain additional information in the healthcare administration field, or those preparing for the national AAHAM CRCS certification exams* and want to gain information to reinforce their knowledge-base.

Hotel Revenue Management Certificate

The certificate is designed to help professionals who want to expand, or change understand fundamentals of hotel operations and the most critical hotel revenue management techniques and strategies.

Human Resources Certificate

Geared towards professionals who want to gain additional information in the human resources field, or those preparing for the national SHRM-CP certification exams* and want to gain information to reinforce their knowledge-base. Alumni, past students, and potential students are welcome.

Professional Writing Certificate

The 12-credit, all online Certificate in Professional Writing maximizes your marketability by showcasing your skills in writing and communication.

Supply Chain Certificate

Geared towards professionals who want to gain additional information in the supply chain field, or those preparing for the national PMI certification exams* and want to gain information to reinforce their knowledge-base. Alumni, past students, and potential students are welcome.

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) Certificate

The Autism Spectrum Disorder Certificate is a stand-alone certificate, documentable on official transcripts for professional development. Those interested in licensure should refer to the ASD Licensure page.

Cybersecurity Certificate

There is considerable demand for experts in the field of cybersecurity. The Cybersecurity Certificate is a stand-alone certificate, documentable on official transcripts for professional development.

Emotional Behavioral Disorder Certificate

The Emotional Behavioral Disorder Certificate is a stand-alone certificate, documentable on official transcripts for professional development. Those interested in licensure should refer to the EBD Licensure page.

Learning Disabilities Certificate

The Learning Disabilities Certificate is a stand-alone certificate, documentable on official transcripts for professional development. Those interested in licensure should refer to the LD Licensure page.

Literature Studies Certificate

This Certificate in Literature Studies can be attractive for graduate students with a passion for lifelong learning and literature. The certificate will assist high school concurrent enrollment teachers looking to meet the faculty credentialing requirements set by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC).

Mathematics Certificate

This Certificate in Mathematics can be attractive for graduate students with a passion for lifelong learning and mathematics! The certificate will assist high school concurrent enrollment teachers looking to meet the faculty credentialing requirements set by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC).

Reading Certificate

The Reading Certificate is a stand-alone certificate, documentable on official transcripts for professional development.

Technology for Training & Learning Certificate

The Technology for Training & Learning (TTL) Certificate is a stand-alone certificate, documentable on official transcripts for professional development.

Teaching English as a Second Language Certificate

The Teaching English as a Second Language (TESL) Certificate is a stand-alone certificate, documentable on official transcripts for professional development.

Writing Studies Certificate

This Certificate in Writing Studies can be attractive for graduate students with a passion for lifelong learning and literature. The certificate will assist high school concurrent enrollment teachers looking to meet the faculty credentialing requirements set by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC).

Pre-Professional Coursework

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 pre-professional coursework, you should seek out an advisor in that area. 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 coursework in the following areas (followed by the recommended major/program advisor):

Pre-Chiropractic Coursework

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 Coursework

Dentistry is the science and art of preventing, diagnosing and treating diseases, injuries and malformations of the teeth, jaws and mouth.

Pre-Engineering Coursework

The Pre-Engineering program provides Mathematics, Statistics, and Computer Science courses for engineering students. This path allows students to 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-Medicine Coursework

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.) Coursework

Mortuary Science combines behavioral, physical, and applied sciences to prepare graduates for careers as funeral service professionals. Students perusing Mortuary Science may earn a bachelor’s degree. However, two years of college level coursework is typically required for admission into the program.

Pre-Nursing Coursework

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 Coursework

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 Coursework

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 Coursework

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 Coursework

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 Coursework

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 Coursework

Veterinary medicine is the branch of medicine that deals with the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of disease, disorder and injury in non-human animals.

Academic Catalog

Southwest Minnesota State University’s Academic Catalog is an important resource for SMSU students. The catalog contains brief descriptions for all courses offered through the University, graduation requirements, Core Curriculum requirements, academic policies, procedures, rules and regulations.

View Our Academic Catalog


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