Contact Information
General Contact
- School Code: 237500
- Phone: (651) 846-1600
- School Homepage
Admissions Office
Financial Aid Office
ACCEPTANCE RATE
63.91%FINANCIAL AID RATE
92%STUDENT TEACHER RATIO
15:1Average Grants + Scholarship Aid Awarded to Undergraduate Students
Percent of Full-Time Undergraduates Receiving Financial Aid
Percent of Students Paying In-State Tuition vs Out-of-State Tuition
Virtual Tour of Campus

College Video Tour
School Map
Special Education Degree
The special education program at Southwest Minnesota State University prepares students for careers in public schools, private schools, correctional facilities, private learning centers, and mental health facilities. The program focuses on teaching and other educational services to children with special learning needs or disabilities, and that may prepare individuals to function as special education teachers. Program courses include: diagnosing learning disabilities, developing individual education plans, teaching and supervising special education students, special education counseling, and applicable laws and policies. Get more details below including other Minnesota colleges that offer special education degrees.
Learn more by requesting information now!

Southwest Minnesota State University
235 Marshall Ave, Saint Paul, MN
SMSU, a public institution, offers a variety of educational opportunities, allowing students to choose which major is right for them. Located in Marshall, Minnesota, it offers a rural setting for students to study in. Nearly six thousand students enroll at SMSU per year.
Here is a list of some of the popular programs SMSU offers:
- Education
- Business And Marketing Studies
- Recreation And Fitness Studies
- Psychology
- Biological And Biomedical Sciences
Students applying for admission are usually required to submit an application, transcripts, test scores and any requested letters of recommendations, which will then be reviewed by the admissions office. Most students at SMSU scored within the range of 19 - 24 on the ACT. SMSU accepts approximately 80% of applicants annually. Of those applicants accepted, nearly 35% enrolled. More information on admissions can be found at smsu.edu.
The cost of undergraduate tuition is approximately $8,500 annually. Tuition prices may change for any number of reasons, and therefore students should use the school's tuition calculator to identify their personalized cost estimate of attendance. Housing may be available for students that would like to live on-campus at an estimated cost of $4,600 for the year. Financial aid may be provided to students that meet the necessary requirements by way of scholarships, grants, and loans.
Southwest Minnesota State University offers a variety of athletic programs overseen by the NCAA. Athletic programs that are available include:
- Baseball (NCAA Division II)
- Basketball (NCAA Division II)
- Football (NCAA Division II)
Students who would like to see more about Southwest Minnesota State University can visit their website at www.smsu.edu.
Students Enrolled in the Special Education Program
Get more details below regarding enrollment, academics, and school demographics. Southwest Minnesota State University has offered the following program levels for students:
- Bachelor's Degree
- Master's Degree
Students by Academic Level (2019)
Graduates | |
---|---|
Bachelor's Degree | 10 |
Master's Degree | 2 |
Students by Gender (2019)
Graduates | |
---|---|
Male | 1 |
Female | 11 |
Students by Race (2019)
Graduates | |
---|---|
Asian | 1 |
White | 9 |
Multiple Races | 1 |
Unknown | 1 |
Source: IPEDS Survey 2012-2020: Data obtained from the US Dept. of Education's Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS). Data may vary depending on school and academic year.
Career Options for Graduates
Upon completion of the Special Education program at Southwest Minnesota State University, most students have pursued careers in the following fields:Special Education Teachers, Preschool
Description
Teach preschool school subjects to educationally and physically handicapped students. Includes teachers who specialize and work with audibly and visually handicapped students and those who teach basic academic and life processes skills to the mentally impaired.
Special Education Teachers, Kindergarten and Elementary School
Description
Teach elementary school subjects to educationally and physically handicapped students. Includes teachers who specialize and work with audibly and visually handicapped students and those who teach basic academic and life processes skills to the mentally impaired.
Special Education Teachers, Middle School
Description
Teach middle school subjects to educationally and physically handicapped students. Includes teachers who specialize and work with audibly and visually handicapped students and those who teach basic academic and life processes skills to the mentally impaired.
Special Education Teachers, Secondary School
Description
Teach secondary school subjects to educationally and physically handicapped students. Includes teachers who specialize and work with audibly and visually handicapped students and those who teach basic academic and life processes skills to the mentally impaired.
Source: Job descriptions, estimated salary and wages, and projected job growth are taken from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).
Admission Requirements & Details
The admission details below may give an overview of the candidates Southwest Minnesota State University accepts. The details may include application requirements and recommendations, as well as any college or dual credits that may be transferred.
College Credits Accepted
- Dual Credits
- AP Course Credits
Academics & Student Services
Student Services
To help students and recent graduates, Southwest Minnesota State University may provide services including:
- Online classes
- Night and weekend classes available
- Remedial courses
- Career path counseling
- Employing students to lower education costs
- Helping students find work after graduation
- Child care
Intercollegiate Athletics
Southwest Minnesota State University is a Member of National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA), with many of the sports belonging to the NCAA Division II with football classification. The most popular sports played are listed below:
- Baseball (Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference)
- Basketball (Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference)
- Track and Field (Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference)
- Football (Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference)
- Golf
- Soccer
- Softball
- Tennis
- Volleyball
- Wrestling