History, Affiliations and Rankings
Missouri State University began as the Fourth District Normal School in 1905. The institution's principal objective in its early years was to prepare instructors for public school systems in Missouri's southwest region. The Missouri Legislature established the State Fruit Experiment Station in Mountain Grove, Mo., at first. It was a governmental entity until 1974, when it merged with State Fruit Experiment Station to form Missouri State University. The university has sporting affiliations with NCAA Division I – MVC. The Higher Learning Commission is responsible for Missouri State University's regional accreditation. Missouri State University has been continually accredited by the Higher Learning Commission since 1915, based on a 10-year review cycle. U.S. News and World Report ranked the University at #299-#391 in National Universities, #220 in Top Performers on Social Mobility (tie) and #156-#209 in Top Public Schools. The Times Higher Education positioned the university at #> 600th in the US College Rankings 2022.
Infrastructure, Campuses and Courses
The system comprises four physical campuses, three in Missouri and one in Dalian, China, as well as an outreach program that allows students to learn at any time and in any location. The main campus of Missouri State University in Springfield, with over 40 buildings, is situated on 225 acres (91.1 ha) in central Springfield. The eastern boundary is formed by National Avenue, which is bordered on the west by South Holland and Kimbrough Avenues, on the north by Cherry and Elm Streets, and on the south by Grand Street. There are more than 90 undergraduate majors, 60 graduate programs, 170 certifications, and 37 degree courses available at the university. Business, Psychology, and Elementary Education are among the popular majors.
Accomplishments and Alumni
The university is 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 them by the Missouri General Assembly. The generation, discovery, dissemination and preservation of knowledge developed through research and creative activity are a significant part of the university. The people and their ability to foster an environment of respect for all individuals within a climate of civility, trust and collaboration is of utmost importance at MSU. There are currently around 110,000 graduates and former students in the alumni population. The Alumni Association maintains contact with alumni through the production of the Missouri State magazine, Bear Bulletin, e-news blasts, and programmes, events, and activities that assist alumni stay connected to the university. Some of the notable names include Ryan Howard, Baseball first baseman, Kathleen Turner, American actress and Todd Tiahrt, Former United States Representative.
Student Diversity and Visiting Companies
A total of 23,618 students are enrolled at the Missouri State Springfield campus. There are 1,618 international students. 2,609 are first time college attending students. MSU has over 3,787 staff from domestic and international backgrounds. Freshmen can join over 200 recognized student organizations to broaden their horizons. Among the top employers of university graduates are Mercy, Cerner Corporation, Jack Henry & Associates, Walmart and Edward Jones.
