School Description
Provided by Southwest Minnesota State UniversityThe mission of Southwest Minnesota State University is to provide high quality liberal arts, professional, and technical programs at the undergraduate and graduate level. Southwest Minnesota State University is dedicated to excellence in teaching and to preparing students to be life-long learners in a changing global, social, and natural environment. The University has a special commitment to the educational needs of people in its service region. This commitment is reflected in the curricula, cultural enrichment programs, cooperative relationships with other regional institutions, and in service and research contributions to both the public and private sectors of the region.
< CollapseSouthwest Minnesota State University
From Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia Southwest Minnesota State University is a public, four-year university that is part of the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities System. It is located in Marshall, Minnesota, a city of 13,000 people. The school has a full-time enrollment of approximately 3,500 students and employs 148 faculty members. It is divided into two major colleges, the College of Arts, Letters, and Sciences, and the College of Business, Education, and Professional Studies. SMSU is accredited by the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools. Southwest Minnesota State University was named the #1 college in its category nine times by U.S. News and World Report.
History
The university was founded in 1963 as Southwest Minnesota State College. It admitted its first class of students in 1967. The college became Southwest State University in 1975, and kept that name for nearly thirty years until adopting the current name of Southwest Minnesota State University in 2003.
The University went through a severe enrollment crisis in the Seventies. During the fall quarter of 1976, on-campus enrollment dropped to an all-time low of 1,624 students. This led to faculty retrenchment and concerns about the viability of the university.
The student newspaper was originally called The Impact. The name was changed to The Reader in 1974, and then back to The Impact in 1980. In 2003 the name was changed again to The Spur to be more consistent with the Mustang theme and to spur students into action.
The R/A (Recreation/Athletic) Facility was built in 1996 and serves as a 4,000 seat multi-purpose venue.
In December 2001, a fire destroyed the Student Center, which originally featured an underground living area and a glass dome. The concrete framework for the dome was incorporated into the new student and conference center, and is still visible in the food court area. The new student center was completed in 2005. When completed, it featured a replica of the original dome with the words "Student Center Dome: 1972-2002" written on it at the Alumni Heritage Center, located near the Mustang Zone in the upper level.
Quick Facts
- Location:
- Midwest
- Setting:
- Small Town Setting
- Type:
- Public
- Size:
- Large (5,000 to 10,000 Undergrad)
- Mascot:
- Mustangs
Students & Campus Life
- Undergraduate Enrollment:
- 5,262
- On Campus Housing:
- Available
- Full Time Students:
- 98%
- Athletic Programs:
- Available
Degree Programs at Southwest Minnesota State University
Associate's Level Programs
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Agriculture and Natural Resources
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Agriculture Business
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Agriculture Business
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Agribusiness/Agricultural Business Operations
This program teaches students to manage agricultural businesses and operations related to the agriculture industry. The program includes instruction in agriculture, agricultural specialization, business management, accounting, finance, marketing, planning, human resources management, and other managerial responsibilities.See more schools with programs in Agribusiness/Agricultural Business Operations
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Agribusiness/Agricultural Business Operations
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Agriculture Business
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Agriculture Business
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Business
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Accounting & Related Services
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Accounting & Related Services
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Accounting
An accounting program provides the tools to practice accounting and to perform related business functions. This program includes instruction in accounting principles and theory, financial accounting, managerial accounting, cost accounting, budget control, tax accounting, legal aspects of accounting, auditing, reporting procedures, statement analysis, planning and consulting, business information systems, accounting research methods, professional standards and ethics, and applications to specific for-profit, public, and non-profit organizations.See more schools with programs in Accounting
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Accounting
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General Business
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General Business
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Business Administration and Management
Generally, this program prepares individuals to plan, organize, direct, and control a firm or organization. To aid them in taking a leading role in business, individuals in this program study management theory, human resources management and behavior, accounting and other quantitative methods, purchasing and logistics, organization and production, marketing, and business decision-making.See more schools with programs in Business Administration and Management
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Business Administration and Management
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Accounting & Related Services
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Accounting & Related Services
Bachelor's Level Programs
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Agriculture and Natural Resources
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Agriculture Business
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Agriculture Business
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Agribusiness/Agricultural Business Operations
This program teaches students to manage agricultural businesses and operations related to the agriculture industry. The program includes instruction in agriculture, agricultural specialization, business management, accounting, finance, marketing, planning, human resources management, and other managerial responsibilities.See more schools with programs in Agribusiness/Agricultural Business Operations
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Agribusiness/Agricultural Business Operations
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Natural Resources and Conservation
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Natural Resources and Conservation
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Environmental Science
A program that focuses on the application of biological, chemical, and physical principles to the study of the physical environment and the solution of environmental problems, including subjects such as abating or controlling environmental pollution and degradation; the interaction between human society and the natural environment; and natural resources management. Includes instruction in biology, chemistry, physics, geosciences, climatology, statistics, and mathematical modeling.See more schools with programs in Environmental Science
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Environmental Science
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Agriculture Business
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Agriculture Business
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Arts & Humanities
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English Language and Literature
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English Language and Literature
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Creative Writing
A program that focuses on the process and techniques of original composition in various literary forms such as the short story, poetry, the novel, and others. Includes instruction in technical and editorial skills, criticism, and the marketing of finished manuscripts.See more schools with programs in Creative Writing
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English Language and Literature
A general program that focuses on the English language, including its history, structure and related communications skills; and the literature and culture of English-speaking peoples.See more schools with programs in English Language and Literature
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Creative Writing
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Film and Theater
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Film and Theater
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Drama and Dramatics/Theatre Arts
A program that focuses on the general study of dramatic works and their performance. Includes instruction in major works of dramatic literature, dramatic styles and types, and the principles of organizing and producing full live or filmed productions.See more schools with programs in Drama and Dramatics/Theatre Arts
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Drama and Dramatics/Theatre Arts
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Foreign Languages
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Foreign Languages
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Spanish Language and Literature
A program that focuses on the Spanish language and related dialects. Includes instruction in Spanish philology, Modern Castillan, various Latin American dialects, regional Spanish dialects, and applications in business, science/technology, and other settings.See more schools with programs in Spanish Language and Literature
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Spanish Language and Literature
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General Studies
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General Studies
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General Studies
An undifferentiated program that includes instruction in the general arts, general science, or unstructured studies.See more schools with programs in General Studies
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General Studies
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History
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History
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History
A program that focuses on the general study and interpretation of the past, including the gathering, recording, synthesizing and criticizing of evidence and theories about past events. Includes instruction in historiography; historical research methods; studies of specific periods, issues and cultures; and applications to areas such as historic preservation, public policy, and records administration.See more schools with programs in History
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History
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Music
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Music
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General Music
A general program that focuses on the introductory study and appreciation of music and the performing arts. Includes instruction in music, dance, and other performing arts media.See more schools with programs in General Music
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General Music
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Visual Arts
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Visual Arts
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Art/Art Studies
Art and Art Studies is a general, introductory program that focuses on the study and appreciation of the visual arts. Students of these two or four year programs receive instruction in art, photography, and other visual communications media.See more schools with programs in Art/Art Studies
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Art/Art Studies
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English Language and Literature
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English Language and Literature
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Business
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Accounting & Related Services
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Accounting & Related Services
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Accounting
An accounting program provides the tools to practice accounting and to perform related business functions. This program includes instruction in accounting principles and theory, financial accounting, managerial accounting, cost accounting, budget control, tax accounting, legal aspects of accounting, auditing, reporting procedures, statement analysis, planning and consulting, business information systems, accounting research methods, professional standards and ethics, and applications to specific for-profit, public, and non-profit organizations.See more schools with programs in Accounting
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Accounting
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General Business
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General Business
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Business Administration and Management
Generally, this program prepares individuals to plan, organize, direct, and control a firm or organization. To aid them in taking a leading role in business, individuals in this program study management theory, human resources management and behavior, accounting and other quantitative methods, purchasing and logistics, organization and production, marketing, and business decision-making.See more schools with programs in Business Administration and Management
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Business Administration and Management
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Hospitality & Restaurants
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Hospitality & Restaurants
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Hotel/Motel Administration/Management.
A program that prepares individuals to manage operations and facilities that provide lodging services to the traveling public. Includes instruction in hospitality industry principles; supplies purchasing, storage and control; hotel facilities design and planning; hospitality industry law; personnel management and labor relations; financial management; marketing and sales promotion; convention and event management; front desk operations; and applications to specific types of hotels and motel operations.See more schools with programs in Hotel/Motel Administration/Management.
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Hotel/Motel Administration/Management.
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Management
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Management
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Non-Profit/Public/Organizational Management
A program that prepares individuals to manage the business affairs of non-profit corporations, including foundations, educational institutions, associations, and other such organizations, and public agencies and governmental operations. Includes instruction in business management, principles of public administration, principles of accounting and financial management, human resources management, taxation of non-profit organizations, and business law as applied to non-profit organizations.See more schools with programs in Non-Profit/Public/Organizational Management
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Non-Profit/Public/Organizational Management
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Marketing
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Marketing
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Marketing/Marketing Management
A program that generally prepares individuals to undertake and manage the process of developing consumer audiences and moving products from producers to consumers. Includes instruction in buyer behavior and dynamics, principle of marketing research, demand analysis, cost-volume and profit relationships, pricing theory, marketing campaign and strategic planning, market segments, advertising methods, sales operations and management, consumer relations, retailing, and applications to specific products and markets.See more schools with programs in Marketing/Marketing Management
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Marketing/Marketing Management
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Accounting & Related Services
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Accounting & Related Services
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Communication & Media
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Communication Studies/Speech Communication and Rhetoric
A program that focuses on the scientific, humanistic, and critical study of human communication in a variety of formats, media, and contexts. Includes instruction in the theory and practice of interpersonal, group, organizational, professional, and intercultural communication; speaking and listening; verbal and nonverbal interaction; rhetorical theory and criticism; performance studies; argumentation and persuasion; technologically mediated communication; popular culture; and various contextual applications.See more schools with programs in Communication Studies/Speech Communication and Rhetoric
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Communication Studies/Speech Communication and Rhetoric
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Education
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Teacher Training
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Teacher Training
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Art Teacher Education
Art Teach Education programs prepare individuals to teach art and art appreciation programs at various educational levels.See more schools with programs in Art Teacher Education
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Biology Teacher Education
This program empowers individuals to share their passion for biology by enabling them to teach biology programs at various educational levels.See more schools with programs in Biology Teacher Education
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Chemistry Teacher Education
Learn to teach the intricacies of chemistry at various educational levels.See more schools with programs in Chemistry Teacher Education
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Elementary Education and Teaching
A program that prepares individuals to teach students in the elementary grades, which may include kindergarten through grade eight, depending on the school system or state regulations. Includes preparation to teach all elementary education subject matter.See more schools with programs in Elementary Education and Teaching
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Health Teacher Education
A program that prepares individuals to teach health education programs at various educational levels.See more schools with programs in Health Teacher Education
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Kindergarten/Preschool Education and Teaching.
A program that prepares individuals to teach students in formal settings prior to beginning regular elementary school, usually ranging in age from three to six years (or grade one), depending on the school system or state regulations. Includes preparation to teach all relevant subject matter.See more schools with programs in Kindergarten/Preschool Education and Teaching.
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Mathematics Teacher Education
A program that prepares individuals to teach mathematics programs at various educational levels.See more schools with programs in Mathematics Teacher Education
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Music Teacher Education
A program that prepares individuals to teach music and music appreciation programs at various educational levels.See more schools with programs in Music Teacher Education
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Physical Education Teaching and Coaching
A program that prepares individuals to teach physical education programs and/or to coach sports at various educational levels.See more schools with programs in Physical Education Teaching and Coaching
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Speech Teacher Education
A program that prepares individuals to teach speech and language arts programs at various educational levels.See more schools with programs in Speech Teacher Education
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Art Teacher Education
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Teacher Training
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Teacher Training
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Fitness, Recreation and Leisure Studies
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Physical Fitness
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Physical Fitness
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Health and Physical Education
A general program that focuses on activities and principles that promote physical fitness, achieve and maintain athletic prowess, and accomplish related research and service goals. Includes instruction in human movement studies, motivation studies, rules and practice of specific sports, exercise and fitness principles and techniques, basic athletic injury prevention and treatment, and organizing and leading fitness and sports programs.See more schools with programs in Health and Physical Education
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Health and Physical Education
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Physical Fitness
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Physical Fitness
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Life Science
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Biology
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Biology
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Biology/Biological Sciences
Students in this program study general biology at an introductory level. This major provides students with a broad overview of biology and includes instruction in general biology and programs covering a variety of biological specializations.See more schools with programs in Biology/Biological Sciences
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Biology/Biological Sciences
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Biology
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Biology
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Mathematics and Statistics
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General Mathematics
A general program that focuses on the analysis of quantities, magnitudes, forms, and their relationships, using symbolic logic and language. Includes instruction in algebra, calculus, functional analysis, geometry, number theory, logic, topology and other mathematical specializations.See more schools with programs in General Mathematics
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Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods
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General Mathematics
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Natural Sciences
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Chemistry
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Chemistry
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General Chemistry
A general program that focuses on the scientific study of the composition and behavior of matter, including its micro- and macro-structure, the processes of chemical change, and the theoretical description and laboratory simulation of these phenomena.See more schools with programs in General Chemistry
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General Chemistry
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Chemistry
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Chemistry
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Security and Protective Service Careers
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Criminal Justice & Law Enforcement
A program that prepares individuals to apply theories and practices of criminal justice to structuring, managing, directing and controlling criminal justice agencies, including police departments, sheriff's departments, law enforcement divisions and units, and private protective services.See more schools with programs in Criminal Justice & Law Enforcement
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Criminal Justice/Safety Studies
A program that focuses on the criminal justice system, its organizational components and processes, and its legal and public policy contexts. Includes instruction in criminal law and policy, police and correctional systems organization, the administration of justice and the judiciary, and public attitudes regarding criminal justice issues.See more schools with programs in Criminal Justice/Safety Studies
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Criminal Justice & Law Enforcement
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Social Sciences
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International Relations and Affairs
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International Relations and Affairs
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General Political Science and Government
A general program that focuses on the systematic study of political institutions and behavior. Includes instruction in political philosophy, political theory, comparative government and politics, political parties and interest groups, public opinion, political research methods, studies of the government and politics of specific countries, and studies 0f specific political institutions and processes.See more schools with programs in General Political Science and Government
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General Political Science and Government
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Psychology
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Psychology
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General Psychology
A general program that focuses on the scientific study of individual and collective behavior, the physical and environmental bases of behavior, and the analysis and treatment of behavior problems and disorders. Includes instruction in the principles of the various subfields of psychology, research methods, and psychological assessment and testing methods.See more schools with programs in General Psychology
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General Psychology
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Sociology
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Sociology
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Sociology
A program that focuses on the systematic study of human social institutions and social relationships. Includes instruction in social theory, sociological research methods, social organization and structure, social stratification and hierarchies, dynamics of social change, family structures, social deviance and control, and applications to the study of specific social groups, social institutions, and social problems.See more schools with programs in Sociology
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Sociology
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International Relations and Affairs
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International Relations and Affairs
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Social Work
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General Social Work
A program that prepares individuals for the professional practice of social welfare administration and counseling, and that focus on the study of organized means of providing basic support services for vulnerable individuals and groups. Includes instruction in social welfare policy; case work planning; social counseling and intervention strategies; administrative procedures and regulations; and specific applications in areas such as child welfare and family services, probation, employment services, and disability counseling.See more schools with programs in General Social Work
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Public Administration
A program that prepares individuals to serve as managers in the executive arm of local, state, and federal government; and that focuses on the systematic study of executive organization and management. Includes instruction in the roles, development, and principles of public administration; the management of public policy; executive-legislative relations; public budgetary processes and financial management; administrative law; public personnel management; professional ethics; and research methods.See more schools with programs in Public Administration
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General Social Work
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Technology
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Information Systems Operation and Management
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Information Systems Operation and Management
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General Computer Science
A general program that focuses on computers, computing problems and solutions, and the design of computer systems and user interfaces from a scientific perspective. Includes instruction in the principles of computational science, and computing theory; computer hardware design; computer development and programming; and applications to a variety of end-use situations.See more schools with programs in General Computer Science
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General Computer Science
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Information Systems Operation and Management
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Information Systems Operation and Management
Master's Level Programs
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Business
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General Business
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General Business
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Business Administration and Management
Generally, this program prepares individuals to plan, organize, direct, and control a firm or organization. To aid them in taking a leading role in business, individuals in this program study management theory, human resources management and behavior, accounting and other quantitative methods, purchasing and logistics, organization and production, marketing, and business decision-making.See more schools with programs in Business Administration and Management
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Business Administration and Management
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General Business
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General Business
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Education
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General Education
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General Education
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General Education
A program that focuses on the general theory and practice of learning and teaching; the basic principles of educational psychology; the art of teaching; the planning and administration of educational activities; school safety and health issues; and the social foundations of education.See more schools with programs in General Education
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General Education
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Special Needs Education
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Special Needs Education
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Special Education and Teaching
A general program that focuses on the design and provision of teaching and other educational services to children or adults with special learning needs or disabilities, and that may prepare individuals to function as special education teachers. Includes instruction in diagnosing learning disabilities, developing individual education plans, teaching and supervising special education students, special education counseling, and applicable laws and policies.See more schools with programs in Special Education and Teaching
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Special Education and Teaching
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General Education
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General Education
Certificate Programs at Southwest Minnesota State University
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Business
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Accounting & Related Services
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Accounting & Related Services
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Accounting
An accounting program provides the tools to practice accounting and to perform related business functions. This program includes instruction in accounting principles and theory, financial accounting, managerial accounting, cost accounting, budget control, tax accounting, legal aspects of accounting, auditing, reporting procedures, statement analysis, planning and consulting, business information systems, accounting research methods, professional standards and ethics, and applications to specific for-profit, public, and non-profit organizations.See more schools with programs in Accounting
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Accounting
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Accounting & Related Services
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Accounting & Related Services
Students
General
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Full-Time vs. Part-Time
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Men vs. Women
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Race/Ethnicity
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Geography
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In State vs. Out-of-State
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Top States for Incoming Freshman
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| Percent of Students International: | 2% |
Housing
| On-Campus Housing Available: | Yes |
| Percent of Students Living On-Campus: | 20% |
| Freshman Students Required to Live on Campus: | Yes |
Athletics
| Member of: | NAA, NCAA |
| Sports Include: |
Football (Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference) Basketball (Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference) Baseball (Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference) |
| Tuition & Fees (undergraduate) | Expenses | ||
Published Tuition and Fees: |
$ 5,854 | ||
Average Tuition for Full-Time Undergrads: |
$ 5,016 | ||
Required Fees for Full-Time Undergrads: |
$ 838 | ||
| Financial Aid | Avg. Amount Received | % of Students Receiving Aid | |
Federal Grants: |
$ 2,977 | 33% | |
State and Local Grants: |
$ 1,901 | 50% | |
Institutional Grants: |
$ 1,927 | 51% | |
Student Loans: |
$ 4,468 | 66% | |
Any Aid: |
84% |
Selectivity (Undergraduate Only)
| Acceptance Rate: | 76% (Selective) |
| Test Scores | |
| ACT Scores: | |
| % of Students Submitting ACT Scores: | 92% |
| Bottom 25th Percentile: | Composite: 18, Verbal: 18, Math: 18 |
| Top 75th Percentile: | Composite: 24, Verbal: 24, Math: 24 |
Application Requirements (Undergraduate Only)
| Application Fee: | $ 20.00 |
| Formal Demonstration of Competencies: | Not Required |
| High School Diploma or Equivalent: | Recommended |
| High School GPA: | Recommended |
| High School Rank: | Required |
| High School Record: | Recommended |
| Recommendations: | Not Required |
| TOEFL: | Required |
| Test Scores: | Required |
