SMSU Early Childhood Education Program Ranked No. 1 in State

Published Friday, April 30, 2021

Undergrad Plexus 2021 Ranking

The Southwest Minnesota State University Early Childhood Education Program has been ranked No. 1 in Minnesota by PLEXUSS.

PLEXUSS is an education technology company that connects students to educational opportunities. The ranking is based on student demand and preferences. In addition to student feedback, the rankings and methodology incorporate extensive input from education partners, data scientists, employers, parents and high school counselors.

In determining which institutions have the best Education programs, PLEXUSS utilized data from the Department of Education and looked at key factors such as graduation rates, admissions yield, program popularity, and student retention rate. That information was then incorporated with subject-specific rankings from the most prominent and reputable ranking sources available: U.S. News, Times Higher Education, QS, and ARWU to create the final list.

SMSU’s Early Childhood Education Program graduates are prepared to provide developmentally appropriate activities for infants, toddlers, preschool and primary grade children. Private pre-school, child care, Head Start, Early Childhood Family Education, kindergarten, and primary grade teaching are possible career directions.

The program is accredited by the MN Professional Educator Standards & Licensing Board and offers on campus as well as distance learning options.

“We are excited to be identified as the No. 1 Early Childhood Education program in the state,” said Professor of Education and Department Chair Dr. Sonya Vierstraete. “To be recognized in this way affirms our commitment to the field of education serving our region, state and beyond.”

To learn more about Early Childhood Education at SMSU go to: https://bit.ly/3t690oV.