Why Missouri State

Missouri State University is the second largest university in Missouri located in the southwest corner of the state. We are a comprehensive institution offering undergraduate and graduate programs, including the professional doctorate.

With an undergrad and graduate student population of over 26,000, our enrollment is at a record high. We have a strong financial position, with a balanced budget and a strong reserve. We are wrapping up a successful two-year academic realignment that has invigorated campus – without compromising our academic offerings or cutting positions. In fact, we have doubled down on arts and humanities by creating a new college that focuses just on that.

Founded in 1905, Missouri State University has the distinction of being the state-designated public affairs institution, educating students to be global citizen scholars. We are a close-knit community of passionate and steadfast learners committed to ethical leadership, cultural competence and community engagement.

Knowledgeable, dedicated faculty and staff work on behalf of our students in a diverse, learner-centered and success-focused environment. The university takes pride in providing an affordable, accessible and high-quality education to its students through classroom and online teaching.

Courses are offered through seven colleges:

• College of Business
• College of Education
• College of Natural and Applied Sciences
• Graduate College
• Reynolds College of Arts, Social Sciences, and Humanities
• McQueary College of Health and Human Services
• William H. Darr College of Agriculture

The rich array of 98 baccalaureate and 66 graduate programs includes ten professional doctoral degrees.

Missouri State's Bears athletes compete in 19 NCAA Division I intercollegiate athletic teams. The university will become an FBS football program following a transition to Conference USA July 1, 2025.

We are a public university system, with students who come from all over Missouri, the nation and the world.

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