Saint Cloud State University

Saint Cloud State University (SCSU) is a public institution of higher education located in St. Cloud, Minnesota, and is a major component of the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities system. Founded in 1869, the entity's core function is to provide comprehensive educational services, conduct academic research, and serve as a cultural and economic driver for the region. The university is a cornerstone of the St. Cloud community and prepares its graduates to meet the complex demands of the 21st-century workforce by offering a "Husky Experience" focused on applied learning and individualized support. It focuses on creating a robust and inclusive academic environment that blends traditional classroom learning with hands-on, real-world experience. SCSU is also recognized for its commitment to community engagement, holding the Carnegie Community Engagement Classification, and its operations generate a significant annual economic impact.

What the Entity Does

Saint Cloud State University is primarily a multi-level degree-granting institution that provides undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral-level education. Its operations are structured to facilitate student learning, career advancement, and the creation of new knowledge through research and scholarly activity.

• Educating Students: The primary function is to deliver rigorous and relevant academic experiences across a wide range of disciplines, preparing students for professional careers and responsible global citizenship. The university offers a strong focus on applied learning, encouraging students to turn academic experiences into marketable skills.
• Research and Scholarship: Faculty at SCSU are both top-notch educators and active researchers, inviting students to participate in the research process to make discoveries and solve problems in their respective fields.
• Workforce Development: A significant part of the mission is to directly address regional and global workforce demands, evidenced by a high rate of graduates employed in their field within one year of graduation.
• Community and Economic Engagement: As a public institution, SCSU plays a critical role in community outreach and economic support. It has been recognized for its efforts in community service and collaboration.

Products and Services

SCSU's offerings are categorized into its extensive academic portfolio and a variety of essential support and auxiliary services. The entity offers over 200 academic programs and nearly 30 graduate programs.

Academic Products (Degree and Certificate Programs)

The university offers a comprehensive selection of credentials spanning associate, bachelor's, master's, specialist, and doctoral levels.

• Undergraduate Degrees, Minors, and Certificates: Offers numerous distinct undergraduate degrees and certificates across 25 broad fields of study.
  • Examples of Majors: Accounting, Addiction Counseling, Computer Science, Cybersecurity, Electrical Engineering, Nursing, Social Work, Biomedical Sciences, Mass Communications, and Elementary/K-6 Education.
  • Specialized Certificates: Includes programs in Geographic Information Science (GIS), Information Assurance, Internal Audit, and Speech-Language Pathology Assistant.
• Graduate Degrees, Licensure, and Certificates: Offers a robust selection of professional graduate programs.
  • Degree Programs: Master of Arts (M.A.), Master of Science (M.S.), Master of Business Administration (M.B.A.), Master of Engineering Management, Master of Music, and the Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) in Higher Education Administration.
  • Professional Offerings: Specialist and sixth-year programs, as well as various licensure and certificate programs aimed at career advancement.
• Academic Colleges and Schools: Instruction is organized through several dedicated colleges and schools, ensuring specialized focus and resources.
  • Herberger Business School: Nationally-accredited, offering business majors and the M.B.A.
  • College of Science and Engineering and School of Computing, Engineering & Environment: Focuses on fields like biology, chemistry, computer science, and engineering disciplines.
  • College of Education and Learning Design: Dedicated to preparing teachers, administrators, counselors, and other school professionals.
  • College of Health and Wellness Professions: Educates nurses, social workers, speech pathologists, and sports scientists.
  • College of Liberal Arts: Offers programs in the arts, humanities, and social sciences, and houses student-run media like UTVS television studio and KVSC Radio.
  • Honors College: Provides an enhanced academic experience for high-achieving students.
• Alternative Delivery Formats:
  • Online and Accelerated Programs: Provides accelerated, online graduate degrees in business and education, as well as online bachelor's degrees in fields like Finance, Management, and Software Engineering.
  • Satellite Campuses: Operates an additional site in Plymouth, Minnesota, focusing on high-demand programs such as Applied Clinical Research and Regulatory Affairs, and an international campus at Anwick Castle, England.

Support and Auxiliary Services

The university offers a comprehensive suite of non-academic and administrative services essential to its operation and student well-being.

• Student Support Services: Offers individualized support, first-year academic support services, and various resources to facilitate student transition and success throughout their academic journey.
• Student Financial Services: Manages student tuition and fee billing, deposits, collections, and the distribution of student loans, grants, and scholarships.
• Administrative and Business Services: Handles the core business operations of the university, including the preparation of financial statements, accounting reports, employee and student payroll, and all purchasing, contracting, and travel expense reimbursements.
• Military and Career Support: Recognized for its military-friendly and "Best for Vets" status, it also provides robust career development services. ~~~