SMSU Announces Plans to Develop Two New Academic Programs

Published Sunday, January 12, 2025

SMSU campus and the Welcome Walkway

Southwest Minnesota State University (SMSU) has begun developing two new academic programs to meet student interest and to address critical workforce needs. These include a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) and a Master of Social Work (MSW).

The healthcare and social work sectors are experiencing unprecedented demand, creating an urgent and growing need for qualified professionals. Both the BSN and the MSW programs build on areas of strength for SMSU and will provide new opportunities for graduates to address the pressing need for educated healthcare and mental health professionals in southwestern Minnesota and across the state.

In response to increasing demand from prospective students, the SMSU Nursing Department is in the process of developing a four-year pre-licensure program in partnership with Avera Health. SMSU currently offers the RN to BSN program as well as the Master of Science in Nursing Education. By combining the clinical expertise of Avera with the academic excellence of SMSU, the program will deliver a robust educational experience that meets the highest standards of healthcare education.

The current SMSU Bachelor of Science in Social Work program has experienced extraordinary growth over the past few years, and the MSW will create additional opportunities for graduates in this area. The MSW will train students to become licensed counselors, capable of addressing the growing need for more mental health professionals and providing essential support to individuals and families.

The SMSU MSW program will have two concentrations. One will prepare clinical practitioners who will address the growing need for more mental health professionals around the country. Clinical social workers are the most common provider of mental health services in the United States.The SMSU MSW program will also offer a leadership concentration to prepare social workers who can lead organizations of all sizes. Social work is one of the fastest growing careers in the United States according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics and provides excellent income opportunities for MSW graduates around the country.

Both programs will focus on providing a high-quality educational experience for students with an emphasis on hands-on learning opportunities as part of the innovative curriculum. By expanding offerings in these academic areas, SMSU will be providing new opportunities for traditional high-school graduates as well as current professionals seeking continued education to further their careers. Graduates will be well prepared to take the NCLEX-RN nursing licensure exam and the Association of Social Work Board (ASWB) master's level exam.

SMSU Provost, Dr. Ross Wastvedt, supports SMSU faculty working to develop the curriculum and navigate the extensive approval process. Each program requires approval by the Minnesota State system and by the Higher Learning Commission, with the BSN also requiring approval by the Minnesota Board of Nursing. “Contingent on this process, SMSU seeks to launch each program in the Fall of 2026,” says Wastvedt. “We have outstanding faculty leadership for each of these programs, and they are working diligently to meet all external requirements in a timely way.”

The Marshall community, healthcare providers, and government agencies across the region will see many benefits from the new programs. Graduates will be well-prepared to serve in high demand roles, helping to alleviate the shortage of qualified nursing and mental health professionals and improve patient care. The collaboration between SMSU and Avera is a wonderful example of the impact that can be made when two organizations work together to meet the workforce needs of the community.

"We are thrilled to be developing these new programs, which will not only provide our students with valuable educational opportunities but also help meet the growing demand for healthcare and social work professionals in our region," said Dr. Kumara Jayasuriya, President of SMSU. "Our commitment to academic excellence, the needs of our students, and community service is reflected in these new offerings."

“We appreciate our relationship with SMSU, and we are proud to support the university in the expansion of their nursing program,” said Debbie Streier, Avera Marshall Regional President and CEO. “Ensuring a trained health care workforce is a major priority for Avera, and nurses play an important part in the delivery of high-quality health care. As Avera continues to grow and expand the services we offer in our region, the need for registered nurses will continue to increase. This added opportunity for nursing education right here in Marshall will help ensure we have the professionals to provide the care our community needs.”

About SMSU: SMSU is a well-respected institution of higher education, dedicated to providing high-quality academic programs and fostering a supportive and inclusive learning environment for students. With a commitment to innovation and community engagement, SMSU prepares students to make a positive impact and become leaders in their chosen fields.

About Avera Health: Avera is a leading healthcare provider in South Dakota and Southwest Minnesota, dedicated to delivering high-quality patient care and advancing medical knowledge through innovative practices and community partnerships.