Academic Programs and Degrees

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.

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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.

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English, Creative Writing Emphasis

The Creative Writing Program balances writing practice and literary study in the context of a liberal arts education. Students work closely with our faculty of published writers and often have the opportunity to work with other renowned writers as part of the SMSU Visiting Writers Series.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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Hospitality Management, Hotel & Event Mgmt Concentration Online

Welcome to the world of Hospitality Management. This academic area is full of opportunities to travel and work with people from all over the world. The industry is fast-paced and high-energy and allows you to work in some of the most beautiful vacation spots on Earth! Southwest Minnesota State University offers the Bachelor’s degree in Hospitality Management.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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Political Science

Studying political science at Southwest Minnesota State University allows students the opportunity to investigate political phenomena ranging from the behavior of individual voters to relations among nations.

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Professional Writing and Communications

Students become flexible and ethical writers and communicators through the Professional Writing and Communication (PWC) major.

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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.

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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.

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Sociology Online

The sociology program at Southwest Minnesota State University is designed to help students understand human social activity and the world around us. Mastering the basics of sociology teaches you to understand situations of people different than you, another advantage in this rapidly changing world. As a sociology student, you will gain skills in critical thinking, public speaking, writing ability, cultural competence, and self-awareness.

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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.

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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.

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Entrepreneurship Certificate

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

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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Professional Writing Certificate

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

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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.

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Master of Business Administration (MBA) Degree

The Master of Business Administration (MBA) at Southwest Minnesota State University, Marshall is designed to provide the leaders of tomorrow with the knowledge and skills required to succeed in a global business economy.

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Master of Science Cybersecurity (MS) Degree

Southwest Minnesota State University offers a fully online Master of Science in Cybersecurity (MS).

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Master of Science in Education (MS)

The Master of Science in Education is available as a fully online program. Participants will integrate current research into effective practices and develop the leadership capacities necessary to implement effective educational practices in local settings.

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Physical Education: Coaching of Sport (MS)

The Master of Science in Physical Education: Coaching of Sport is available as a fully online program that advances the knowledge, skills, and philosophies of students in the profession of coaching. Throughout the program, students will develop a portfolio documenting the NASPE standards accomplished.

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Master of Science Special Education (MS) Degree

The Master of Science in Special Education is available as a fully online program.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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).

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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).

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Reading Certificate

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

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Technology for Training & Learning Certificate

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

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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.

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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).

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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.

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Pre-Dentistry Program

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

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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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