Southwest Minnesota State University

Southwest Minnesota State University (SMSU) is a public university located in Marshall, Minnesota, USA, established in 1963 and operating within the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities system to provide a high-quality, student-centered education grounded in liberal arts and practical professional development. The campus spans approximately 216 acres with modern academic buildings, student support facilities, a library, athletic complexes, and residential halls that create a safe and engaging learning environment connected to a supportive local community. SMSU offers over 50 undergraduate majors, several associate degrees, and master’s programs in a range of fields including business and management, education, health sciences, computer science, environmental sciences, criminal justice, arts and humanities, and pre-professional tracks such as pre-medicine, pre-law, and pre-engineering, emphasizing a balance between theoretical knowledge and hands-on application with internship and professional partnership opportunities. The university is noted for its smaller class sizes and low student-to-faculty ratio, fostering direct interaction and personalized academic support, and it features NCAA Division II athletics and a broad array of student organizations that enrich campus life. Situated in the small and welcoming city of Marshall, SMSU attracts students from across the United States and around the world, enhancing diversity on campus. Additionally, the university offers online degree programs that follow the same curriculum as on-campus courses and boasts high post-graduation employment rates, reflecting the practical strength of its academic offerings. An SMSU degree is recognized nationally, providing a solid foundation for graduate study or entry into various professional fields.