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Philosophy, BA

Philosophy is unlike any other field of study. It is unique both in its methods and in the nature and breadth of its subject matter. Philosophy pursues questions in every dimension of human life, and its approach applies to problems in any field of study or endeavor. As a discipline it encourages students to reject simple solutions to complex issues; it enhances their ability to perceive the relationships among the various fields of study, and it deepens their sense of the meaning and varieties of the human experience.

The mission of the Southwest Minnesota State University philosophy program is to promote the intellectual virtues that are at the core of liberal education. Chief among these is the notion that respect for oneself and others entails an honest and rigorous examination of core beliefs. The program focuses on the development of critical thinking skills, the capacity for moral reasoning, and an appreciation of the breadth and importance of the history of philosophical inquiry. Collectively, these outcomes prepare all students to pursue an examined life.

The philosophy program offers a major and minor. The major is small enough to allow students to combine it with virtually any other major at the University. The faculty in the program are committed to the ideal of a broad, liberal education as the best possible preparation for a world in which the only certainty is change.

Intakes

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.

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Southwest Minnesota State University

Marshall, Minnesota, United States