About Missouri State

Students on campus with the PSU Bear in the background.

When you stand up.

When you have the world's attention.

When you have your chance to be heard.

What statement will you make?

This question is central to the positive impact we make in our state and beyond. With it, we empower students and campus community members to become global citizens who influence society for the better.

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Discover our mission statement


System overview

Missouri State University is a public university system with students who come from all over Missouri, the nation and the world.

We are a close-knit community of passionate and steadfast learners committed to ethical leadership, cultural competence and community engagement. Those are the pillars of the university’s unique public affairs mission, granted to us by the Missouri General Assembly.

The system has three physical campuses — two in Missouri and one in Dalian, China — and an outreach program for any time, any place learning.

Springfield
The main campus in Springfield
West Plains
Offering two-year associate's degrees
Dalian, China
In partnership with Liaoning Normal University
Outreach
Take classes any time, anywhere
Students in the system

26,001

Alumni

122,000+

Employees

3,787

Public affairs mission

Be a Citizen Bear
We empower our students to see the world differently and to follow their paths with integrity.

 

Annual campus community service hours

420,000+


Excellent academics

Get the education you want
We’re committed to cultivating well-rounded citizens who are prepared to lead full, successful lives. Students who come to Missouri State find robust programs across six academic colleges and the Graduate College.
Research
We're classified as a doctoral university. Read stories and watch videos about how faculty work with students to dissect, analyze, innovate and discover.
Bachelor's programs

102

170+ options

Master's programs

61

98 options

Doctoral programs

10

Students

About our students
Passionate. Engaged. Positive. Innovative. Welcoming. That's how people describe our student body.
First-time, new in college students

2,609

Transfer students

1,435

International students on the Springfield campus

1,618

Alumni

Alumni are around the world
When students graduate, they transition into life as ready, able professionals who can address the world's most pressing issues.

Notable alumni

Clay Harbor
Television star and former NFL player
Karen Dyson
Retired U.S. Army Three-Star General
Ryan Howard
Former Philadelphia Phillies first baseman
John Goodman
Actor

Private giving

The Foundation
The fundraising arm of the university has raised more than $325 million and created more than 1,400 student scholarships.

Traditions

Our students often say they feel like they're part of something bigger, because they are.

Missouri State's traditions bring the entire campus community together with alumni and other friends to create a shared pride in the university.

  • Tent Theatre

    Tent's summer comedies and musicals have attracted capacity crowds since 1963. Notable alumni include John Goodman, Tess Harper and Kathleen Turner.

  • Family Weekend

    This growing tradition packs a weekend each fall with activities for students and their families to enjoy on campus.

  • Fountain Day

    This tradition evolved as students celebrated the day the John Q. Hammons Fountain was turned on each spring.

  • International Banquet and Show

    A buffet showcases culinary traditions, then students put on a show with dances, music, skits and more.

  • Homecoming

    This week-long celebration of everything Missouri State is complete with a parade and tailgating at BearFest Village.

  • Bear Path

    Employees and current students line the sidewalks to welcome new Bears to Missouri State.

  • Bear Bash

    The first-week-of-school party includes free games, food and more. At least 5,000 students attend.

Athletics

Let's go Bears
Student-athletes in our intercollegiate athletics program are leaders on and off the field. Exemplary coaches and support staff provide them with mentorship they'll carry with them for the rest of their lives.

Employees

A diverse workforce
Faculty and staff draw from the Public Affairs mission's three pillars to inspire, advise and mentor students.