A Great Place to Study
Missouri Southern State University produces graduates ready to play active roles in the global world. Located in Joplin, Mo., in the foothills of the Ozark Mountains, the University is within minutes from some of the greatest scenery and waterways in the nation.
Historic Route 66 runs through the city. Kansas City, Springfield, Branson, Tulsa and Fayetteville, Ark. are within one or two hours of campus, making Joplin a hub for educational, cultural, entertainment and recreational activities.
Missouri Southern serves nearly 6,000 students in more than 140 academic programs. MSSU’s outstanding NCAA Division II athletics programs, award-winning Themed Semesters, fun student activities and enriching cultural events in theatre, art, music and film create an engaging learning environment for our students and citizens of the region. Our graduates work in their communities every day as leaders, entrepreneurs, artists, teachers and innovators.
A Rich History
Since 1937, Missouri Southern State University has provided educational opportunities for Southwest Missouri and beyond. Missouri Southern has evolved from an outstanding junior college to its role today as a comprehensive four-year, state-supported institution.
The University’s academic programs are organized into four schools: the College of Arts & Sciences, College of Education, the Robert W. Plaster College of Business and the College of Health Sciences. The university also offers a division of Graduate Studies and Distance Learning.
For more than 75 years, Missouri Southern has developed outstanding, state and nationally accredited programs that prepare our students for the competitive and changing 21st century society. Learn more.
For the last several years, our affordable in-state tuition has been offered to residents of every several other states, through our Lion Pride Tuition Discount program. This means the students of Iowa, Illinois, Kentucky, Tennessee, Arkansas, Nebraska, Kansas, Oklahoma and Texas can take advantage of this excellent tuition discount.
Mission
Missouri Southern State University will educate and graduate knowledgeable, responsible, successful global citizens.
Vision
Missouri Southern State University will be a leader in offering relevant undergraduate and graduate programs that fulfill the educational needs of each student. To attain our vision, we will:
- Be the University of Choice for Students
- Faculty and Staff
- Create Transformative Experiences through Innovative Programs
- Promote our Culture of Excellence
- Engage in High-quality Scholarly Activities
- Grow and Thrive
Values
We believe in:
- Service
- Integrity
- Respect
- Transparency
- Global Perspectives
- Community
- Responsibility and Accountability
- Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
- Broad-based Learning
University Goals
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Attainment
Strategically grow enrollment and increase student attainment through graduation -
Affordability
Provide infrastructure, services and programs to meet workforce demand in a high-quality and affordable manner -
Quality
Continue to develop multiple pathways for student attainment of valuable and relevant credentials -
Research & Innovation
Strengthen research and engage in high-quality scholarly activities -
Investment, Advocacy & Partnerships
Increase the university’s regional, national and global impact by partnering with and serving as a resource for industry and communities