Physical Education, BS - Teaching
The Education Department now includes faculty members in PE and Health who offer programs in physical education, recreation, and sport management, with minors in coaching, adapted physical activities and DAPE (Developmental Adapted Physical Education).
Physical Education teaching majors gain knowledge and experience through courses, fieldwork, service-learning projects, pre-student teaching and student teaching. Education students are placed in the public schools beginning in their freshman Introduction to Education course and this continues throughout their SMSU careers to gain experience in the field. Students may also receive the Developmental Adapted Physical Education (DAPE) licensure upon completion of the minor certifying them to work with students with disabilities. Since licensure to teach is a professional program, formal application for admission to the Education Program is required during the sophomore year. Application forms may be obtained in the school of Education office. There is a minimum GPA requirement of 2.8 from all colleges and universities attended, plus other requirements, such as taking the Basic Math, Reading, and Writing MTLE exams and receiving a score of 201 or higher. Persons with previous degrees and/or current licensure interested in adding a licensure field or endorsement may apply to SMSU and have their transcripts sent (if not from a Minnesota State school) to have a transcript review of what courses they would still need.
Intakes
- Jan
- Aug
Application Processing Time in Days: 30
Minimum English Language Requirements
| English Level Description | IELTS (1.0 -9.0) | TOEFL IBT (0-120) | TOEFL CBT (0-300) | PTE (10-90) | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Expert | 9 | 120 | 297-300 | 86-90 | |
| Very Good | 8.5 | 115-119 | 280-293 | 83-86 | |
| Very Good | 8 | 110-114 | 270-280 | 79-83 | |
| Good | 7.5 | 102-109 | 253-267 | 73-79 | |
| Good | 7 | 94-101 | 240-253 | 65-73 | |
| Competent | 6.5 | 79-93 | 213-233 | 58-65 | |
| Competent | 6 | 60-78 | 170-210 | 50-58 | |
| Modest | 5.5 | 46-59 | 133-210 | 43-50 | |
| Modest | 5 | 35-45 | 107-133 | 36-43 | |
| Limited | 4 | 32-34 | 97-103 | 30-36 | |
| Extremely Limited | < 4 | < 31 | < 93 | < 30 |
Job Opportunity Potential
Southwest Minnesota State University (SMSU) offers strong job opportunity potential across faculty, administrative, and staff roles. Openings include positions such as Assistant Professors in fields like Finance, Art, Social Work, Special Education, and Management. Staff roles include positions in financial aid, development, and IT support. SMSU also frequently hires adjunct faculty and student workers. The Social Work program is expanding with new faculty appointments starting Fall 2025, including online and remote teaching opportunities.
Applications are processed through the SMSU Career Site (Workday) or the PeopleAdmin portal. Required documents typically include a CV, cover letter, transcripts, and references. Recruitment timelines can take several weeks to months, so timely application and follow-ups are recommended.
Employee reviews rate SMSU positively for its supportive culture, stable work environment, and good benefits. Some drawbacks include limited pay growth and communication challenges in management. Overall, SMSU provides a balanced and student-focused workplace, making it a good option for professionals seeking academic or administrative careers in higher education.
PSW Opportunity
Post-Study Work visa or permit, allowing international students on F-1 visas to work in the US after completing their studies, typically through Optional Practical Training (OPT).
Eligibility:
To be eligible for OPT, students must have been enrolled full-time in a US educational institution for at least one academic year and be seeking work related to their major.
Duration:
Students can apply for up to 12 months of OPT, either before they finish their studies (pre-completion) or after graduation (post-completion).
STEM OPT:
Students in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) fields can apply for an extended OPT period of up to 24 months.
Contact our PSA counselor for more information
Admission Requirement / Eligibility Criteria
Secondary Education: Completion of high school (roughly 12 years) with a minimum GPA equivalent to 2.5 on a 4.0 scale. Foreign transcripts require evaluation by services like WES, ECE, or TEC.
English Proficiency (IELTS minimum):
SMSU requires an overall IELTS score of 5.5 or higher for undergraduate admissions.
Other Accepted English Tests (with minimum scores):
TOEFL iBT: 61+
TOEFL PBT: 500+
TOEFL CBT: 173+
TOEIC: 600+
Duolingo English Test: 95+
Pearson PTE: 47+
Michigan Test of English Proficiency (MET): 64+
Cambridge English: B2 or higher
Completion of Level 109 at an English Language School also accepted.
- Course Type: Full Time
- Course Level: Bachelors/UG Degree
- Duration: 04 Year
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Total Tuition Fee:
87344 USD
Average Cost of Living: 14000 USD /year
Application Fee: 20 USD
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