English

About the Program

English plays a critical role in contemporary society, both as a tool for understanding and creating culture and as a means of communicating in the professional world beyond graduation. Students who major in English will develop their abilities to recognize and prefer good literature, to respond to written works intelligently and sensitively, and to create a variety of texts of their own. Students will have the choice between two emphasis areas, creative writing or literature. Careers open to English students include secondary and higher education, publishing, technical communication, public relations, journalism, law, and business.

Cost & Financial Aid

Undergraduate Online tuition rates are affordable and banded for full time student enrollments.
SMSU offers in-state tuition to nearly everyone. No out-state rates. Reciprocity rates may apply.
U.S. Citizens & eligible noncitizens can apply for federal aid with the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)
Minnesota residents completing the FAFSA will also be considered for Minnesota State Grant and Federal Direct loan funds as well.
SMSU offers a variety of Scholarships that students can apply for!
Return on investment! SMSU graduates have a 99% Employment Rate within 6 months of graduation!

Students wishing to be considered for admission to Southwest Minnesota State University must present the following information:

Completed application for admission and a non-refundable application fee of $20.
Official high school transcripts(s).
Self-report GPA and/or standardized test scores (ACT or SAT)

Note: Final high school transcripts, complete with date of graduation, must be submitted to the Office of Admission prior to enrollment.

Transfer students wishing to be considered for admission to Southwest Minnesota State University must present the following information:

Completed Application for Admission and non-refundable application fee of $20.
Official transcripts from each post-secondary institution attended outside the MinnState System, transcripts must be sent directly from each institution to the Southwest Minnesota State University Office of Admission.

Online Student Services
Supporting Your Success!

Career Opportunities

SMSU has a long tradition of teaching English. Our professors are actively publishing in their chosen genres. Our workshops and literature courses will strengthen our students' writing abilities and prepare them for a variety of career opportunities! Several of our graduates have found careers in: