Since the beginning of civilization, metropolitan areas have served as the world's trade centers. Metropolitan areas have been vital to the economy in terms of both production and consumption. Business and economic development, therefore, is central to the metropolitan conversation. With a diverse and thriving economy, the metropolitan area that includes Springfield and southwest Missouri provides a unique setting for the university's emphasis in business and economic development.
Understanding the free enterprise system within a public affairs context is an essential first step for all persons seeking the opportunity to work and provide for themselves. Southwest Missouri State University has broadly defined goals for its emphasis on business and economic development.
First, the university provides undergraduate, graduate and lifelong learning students, no matter what major field of study, with knowledge, capabilities and values to succeed and adapt in a changing dynamic global economy.
Second, SMSU engages in basic and applied research conveying results to the wider business and scientific communities.
And third, the university builds effective partnerships and seeks out cooperative opportunities with business, industry and government to benefit its students and the public at-large.
In the process of achieving its single purpose of "developing educated persons," Southwest Missouri State University strengthens the country's work force. Toward this end, SMSU's philosophy is to introduce students not only to theory and academic study, but also to the practical application of academic work in real world situations. This philosophy results in closely linking the university with business and industry of all types -- public and private, large and small, for-profit and not-for-profit.
Combining theory and practical experience has produced positive results. For almost a century, the university has provided a resource of graduates in many fields of expertise, thus contributing to the region's economic well-being. Alumni have been and are now the leaders of many of our state's businesses, educational institutions and governmental bodies. SMSU alumni play significant roles in all areas of the economy. The university will continue to develop well-prepared leaders for business and industry.
SMSU is uniquely positioned to address business and economic issues in both urban and rural settings. Located in a major metropolitan setting where business and industry range from large-scale national corporations to small town family-owned businesses, the university is familiar with a broad spectrum of business problems and challenges. This unique mix of clientele provides a wealth of learning opportunities for students, research opportunities for faculty, and service opportunities for the college and its centers.
Assets to support the business and economics development theme
- SMSU is one of only two public institutions in Missouri to have an AACSB-accredited College of Business.
- The university's AACSB-accredited School of Accountancy has a nationally-recognized internal auditing curriculum.
- The university has centers and research units in the following areas: business and economic development, scientific research, resource planning and management, industrial productivity, economic education and research, small business development, and social research.
- SMSU's Management Development Institute provides professional education opportunities for the business community, industry, and governmental entities.
- The university's Small Business Development Center, affiliated with the World Trade Center in St. Louis, is an integral part of developing international business opportunities in southwest Missouri.
- The two-year programs offered on the West Plains Campus support the business and economic development theme.
- The Research Campus at Mountain Grove, including the State Fruit Experiment Station, provides opportunities for collaborative efforts for the economic benefit of the state.
- The Office of Continuing Education, including the Center for Economic Education, provides customized training for businesses, industries and government agencies throughout southwest Missouri, as well as courses co-sponsored with the American Management Association.
- The Office of Cooperative Education provides opportunities for several hundred students each year to enhance their educations with practical work experience related to their major. Relationships developed between SMSU and local, state, national, and international businesses and organizations assist the university in developing educated persons.
- SMSU has a cooperative academic-industry relationship in applied materials research that has been in continuous operation for seven years.
- International internships and study programs prepare graduates to work and live in the global community.