School Overview
General Information
Missouri Southern State University (MSSU) is located in the large town of
Joplin, Missouri and was founded in 1937. This university is a
commuter campus with over 5,000 undergraduate students. MSSU offers
Associate, Bachelor's and Master's degrees among its four schools.
Missouri Southern is in partnership with Missouri State University,
Northwest Missouri State University, Southeast Missouri State
University, and University of Missouri-Kansas City. Through this
partnership, students have a vast connection to student resources and
faculty.
Admissions Information
For each regular application, there is a fee of $15.00. Students can
apply by mail or online. MSSU has an excellent 96% applicant admission
enrollment rate.
College Majors
MSSU offers a wide choice of college majors. The school confers
Associate and Bachelor's degrees, as well as graduate and certificate
options. Students can choose majors from the liberal arts, science,
business, education, health sciences, and the arts.
Undergraduate Programs
MSSU offers its students almost 200 degree options. These include:
School of Arts & Sciences: Art, Biology, Chemistry,
Communication, Criminal Justice, English, Environmental Health, Foreign
Language, Geography, Geology, History, Mathematics, Music, Paralegal,
Philosophy, Physics, Political Science, Pre-professional, Social
Science, Sociology, Theater
Robert W. Plaster School of Business Administration: Accounting,
Business Education, Computer Information Science, Engineering
Technology, Entrepreneurship, Finance & Economics, General Business,
International Business, Management, Marketing
School of Education: Kinesiology, Psychology, Teacher Education, Child Development Center, Project Speak
School of Health Sciences: Dental Hygiene, Health Science, Medical
Technology, Nursing, Paramedic, Pre-Engineering, Pre-Professional,
Radiologic Technology, Respiratory Therapy
Graduate Programs
Gain further education and enhance your critical analysis skills by
enrolling in one of the graduate programs of Missouri Southern. MSSU
offers a Master's in Teaching, Business Administration, Curriculum
& Instruction, Criminal Justice Administration, Dental Hygiene,
Early Childhood Education, Instructional Technology, and Nursing. The
Online Graduate Programs give students the resources and opportunities to
earn a Master's degree by completing work online at their convenience.
Online Degrees and Programs
The Distance Learning department at MSSU works diligently to provide
individuals with the resources to receive an education. MSSU believes
that education should extend outside the school's campus, and its
online offerings reflect that view. MSSU Online offers the following
undergraduate minors that can be combined with one of their online bachelor’s degrees or with any on-campus bachelor’s degree programs:
- Accounting
- American Studies
- Biology
- Corrections
- Criminal Justice Administration
- Entrepreneurship
- General Business
- Juvenile Justice
- Paralegal Studies
- Sociology
MSSU Online offers an Entrepreneurship Certificate and Paralegal Certificate completely online. MSSU Online also offers
the following Bachelor’s degree programs: Business Administration, Criminal Justice, and Health Science – Transfer Allied Health. They also offer degree completion programs in Environmental Health, General Studies (also Interdisciplinary), and Bachelor of Applied Science (designed to enhance and continue the area of specialization chosen in the associate degree).
The Honors Program allows for academically gifted students to pursue
the degree they desire, while challenging their intellectual growth
through advanced studies, and encouraging further social growth through
participation in social/community events. The Twilight Program is
intended to reach out to potential students with schedules that hinder
them from taking daytime classes. Certain degrees are available through
Night School and online courses.
Rankings
If you are from Kansas, Oklahoma, Arkansas, or certain counties in
Illinois, you may be eligible for MSSU in-state tuition rates. The U.S.
News & World Report listed MSSU as one of the top ten most affordable
institutions in the United States.
Accreditation
MSSU is accredited by the following institutions: The Higher
Learning Commission, the National Council for the Accreditation of
Teacher Education, the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary
Education, and the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology.
Departments, Colleges, and Schools
Missouri Southern is divided into the School of Arts & Sciences,
School of Business Administration, School of Education, and the School
of Health Sciences, Public Safety, and Technology.
Financial Aid and Scholarships
Missouri Southern understands that college education can get
expensive. That is why it has a financial aid office with the specific
purpose of providing students with the most financial aid possible. 88
percent of students receive financial aid at Missouri Southern.
Students in search of financial aid must complete their FAFSA. Most
students discover a range of grants, student loans, and scholarships
from which to choose. Some of the scholarships offered at Missouri
Southern are the Presidential Scholarship, the Excellence Scholarship,
the Transfer Scholarships, the Foundation Scholarship, and the A+
Leadership Scholarship for qualified first time freshmen. MSSU also
offers in-state tuition rates.
Library System
Students have access to the MSSU-Spiva Library. It is complete with
archives, articles, books, course reserves, curriculum kits, DVDs,
government documents, journals, legal information, microforms, and
reference materials. The library offers access off-campus, as well as
faculty/instructor services, which give explanatory information about
the curriculum and the learning process of students at MSSU. MSSU-Spiva
Library has a service called the InterLibrary Loan. Through this service
students can request books or articles from other universities, which
otherwise cannot be found at the Spiva Library.
Athletics
MSSU is a part of the Mid-America Intercollegiate Athletics
Association and the NCAA Division II. The MSSU athletic department is
focused on their student athletes to assist them in both their academic
and athletic development. Men can participate in baseball, basketball,
cross country, football, golf, and track & field. Women can
participate in basketball, cross country, soccer, softball, track &
field, and volleyball. All MSSU athletes take part in strength and
conditioning workouts.
Student Housing
Students can sign housing contracts to live in the residence halls,
allowing them to take full advantage of the campus experience and make
their study more efficient. They can choose from apartments, private
rooms, suites, or traditional dorm rooms.
General Information
|
Admission Office 3950 East Newman Road Joplin, MO 64801-1595 (417) 625-9378 (866) 818-6778 Fax: (417) 659-4429 [email protected] Contact: Derek Skaggs Director of Enrollment Services |
Main Address 3950 East Newman Road Joplin, MO 64801-1595 (417) 625-9300 www.mssu.edu |
|
Size Total undergrads: 5,219 First-time degree-seeking freshmen: 771 Degree-seeking undergrads: 5,189 Graduate enrollment: 45 Setting |
Degrees offered: |
Admissions Information
|
Application Fee College has an application fee: Yes Regular application fee: $15 Online application fee: $15 |
Enrollment Rates Percent applicants admitted: 96% Percent students who return sophomore year: 61% |
College Majors
|
Arts, Visual & Performing Drama/Theater Arts B Biological & Biomedical Sciences Bacteriology B Business, Management, & Marketing Accounting A,B Communications & Journalism Communications/Rhetoric B Computer & Information Sciences Computer Networking/Telecommunications A Education Art Teacher Education B Engineering Engineering – General A Engineering Technologies CAD/CADD Drafting/Design A English Language & Literature Creative Writing B Foreign Language & Literature French B Health Professions & Clinical Sciences Clinical/Medical Laboratory Technology A History History – General B Law & Legal Studies Paralegal/Legal Assistant C Liberal Arts & Sciences General Studies B Mathematics Computational Mathematics B Natural Resources & Conservation Natural Resources & Conservation – General B Parks, Recreation & Fitness Health/Physical Fitness B Physical Sciences Chemistry B Psychology Psychology – General B Security & Protective Services Fire Science/Firefighting C Social Sciences International Relations B |
Degree levels for each major are designated by the following letters:
B = Bachelor's degree C = Certificate or diploma |
*We do not guarantee the accuracy of information on this page. All
information is subject to change. You should confirm all information
with a college admissions officer.
Missouri Southern State University Highlights
School Information
| Phone Number: | (417) 625-9300 |
| Website: | www.mssu.edu |
| Type of School: | 4-year, Public |
| Apply Online: | https://mssu.force.com/onlineapplication/TX_SiteLogin?startURL=%2Fonlineapplication%2FTargetX_Portal__PB |
| Address: | 3950 E. Newman Road, Joplin, MO 64801-1595 |
| Setting: | City: Small |
| Campus Housing: | Yes |
Students & Programs
| Student Population: | 5,604 |
| 6-yr Graduation Rate (Bachelor's): | 33% |
| Student-to-faculty Ratio: | 17 to 1 |
| Distance Learning Programs: | Yes |
| Distance Learning Students*: | 2,768 (49% of total students) |
| Degree Levels Offered: | Certificates, Associates, Bachelor's, Master's |
* Students taking at least 1 distance learning course
Tuition & Financial Aid*
| In-state Tuition: | $6,803 |
| Out-of-state Tuition: | $13,606 |
| % of Students Receiving Financial Aid: | 95% |
| Avg. Amount of Grant or Scholarship Aid Awarded: | $5,735 |
* Full-time beginning undergraduate students. Financial aid is available to those who qualify.
Missouri Southern State University Programs
See the degree programs that are offered at Missouri Southern State University.
| Degree Name | Cert | Assoc | Bach | Mast | Doct |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Biological and Biomedical Sciences | 2 | ||||
| Business, Management, Marketing, and Related Support Services | 1 | 3 | 2 | ||
| Communication, Journalism, and Related Programs | 1 | ||||
| Computer and Information Sciences and Support Services | 1 | 1 | |||
| Education | 2 | 3 | 3 | ||
| Engineering Technologies and Engineering-related Fields | 4 | 2 | 1 | ||
| English Language and Literature/Letters | 1 | ||||
| Foreign Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics | 3 | 1 | |||
| Health Professions and Related Programs | 3 | 3 | 4 | ||
| History | 1 | ||||
| Homeland Security, Law Enforcement, Firefighting, and Related Protective Service | 8 | 1 | 1 | 1 | |
| Legal Professions and Studies | 1 | ||||
| Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities | 1 | ||||
| Mathematics and Statistics | 1 | ||||
| Parks, Recreation, Leisure and Fitness Studies | 1 | ||||
| Physical Sciences | 2 | ||||
| Psychology | 1 | ||||
| Public Administration and Social Service Professions | 1 | ||||
| Social Sciences | 1 | 4 | |||
| Visual and Performing Arts | 4 | ||||
| Grand total | 23 | 7 | 34 | 6 |
* Based on programs that produced 2019-2020 graduates
Tuition & Financial Aid
See what it costs to enroll at Missouri Southern State University and how many students are receiving scholarships, grants, or loans as financial aid to help cover the costs of tuition.
Undergraduate Student Tuition
Average tuition and fees for academic year:
| Tuition and Fees | 2019-2020 |
|---|---|
| In-state | $6,803 |
| Out-of-state | $13,606 |
| Books and supplies | $827 |
Graduate Student Tuition
Average tuition and fees for academic year:
| Tuition and Fees | 2019-2020 |
|---|---|
| In-state | $6,300 |
| Out-of-state | $6,300 |
Undergraduate Student Financial Aid, 2018-2019
Full-time Beginning Undergraduate Students
| Type of Aid | Number Receiving Aid | % Receiving Aid | Avg. Amt. of Aid |
|---|---|---|---|
| Any student financial aid | 817 | 95% | – |
| Grant or scholarship aid | 792 | 92% | $5,735 |
| Student loan aid | 448 | 52% | $5,146 |
All Undergraduate Students
| Type of Aid | Number Receiving Aid | % Receiving Aid | Avg. Amt. of Aid |
|---|---|---|---|
| Grant or scholarship aid | 3,866 | 66% | $5,846 |
| Federal student loans | 2,663 | 46% | $6,284 |
Admissions & Enrollment
See the admission requirements for Missouri Southern State University. Find out how many students apply and how many are accepted. View a graphical breakdown of the gender, age, and ethnicity of currently enrolled Missouri Southern State University students.
Undergraduate Admissions, Fall 2020
| Total | Male | Female | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Number of applicants | 2,295 | 846 | 1,449 | Percent admitted | 100% | 95% | 94% |
| Percent admitted who enrolled | 32% | 37% | 29% |
Admissions Considerations
| Required | Recommended | Optional | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Secondary school GPA | |||
| Secondary school rank | |||
| Secondary school record | |||
| Completion of college-preparatory program | |||
| Recommendations | |||
| Formal demonstration of competencies | |||
| Admission test scores | |||
| Other Test (Wonderlic, WISC-III, etc.) | |||
| TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language |
Missouri Southern State University Enrollment, Fall 2020
| Total Enrollment | 5,604 |
|---|---|
| Undergraduate enrollment | 5,475 |
| Graduate enrollment | 129 |
Undergraduate Attendance
Undergraduate Gender
Undergraduate Age
Undergraduate Race/Ethnicity
Undergraduate Distance Education
Undergraduates taking 100%, Some, or No Distance Education
Graduate Distance Education
Graduate students taking 100%, Some, or No Distance Education
Missouri Southern State University Accreditation
This institution is accredited by Higher Learning Commission
Specialized institution accreditations:
- Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing, Inc. ? May 6, 2013 Formerly: National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission
- Nursing (NUR) - Baccalaureate program
- American Dental Association, Commission on Dental Accreditation
- Dental Hygiene (DH)
- Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
- Nursing (CNURED) - Nursing education programs at the graduate degree levels
- Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology
- Radiologic Technology (RAD) - Programs for radiographers
- Missouri State Board of Nursing
- Baccalaureate Degree Nursing Programs
- National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education
- Teacher Education (TED) - Baccalaureate and graduate programs for the preparation of teachers and other professional personnel for elementary and secondary schools
*General information for this school has been gathered from the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) database, a service provided by the U.S. Department of Education. CollegeAtlas.org does not guarantee the accuracy of information on this page. All information is subject to change. You should confirm all information with a college admissions officer.
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