Missouri State University

Carnegie Foundation Classification

Master's Colleges and Universities (larger programs)

General Characteristics

Highest offering	Doctoral degree
Calendar System	Semester
Years of college work required	N/A
Variable Tuition

Special Learning Opportunities

Distance Learning
ROTC — Army / Navy / Airforce	— / /
Study Abroad
Weekend College
Teacher Certification

Missouri State University History

Southwest Missouri State was founded in 1905 as the Fourth District Normal School, with the primary purpose of education teachers for the public school system. In the 1940s, the School had begun to include programs in the arts and sciences. By 1972, the College had begun offering undergraduate and graduate degrees, and thus changed its name to Southwest Missouri State University.

Southwest Missouri State University was founded as a normal school and is now the second largest university in Missouri. It is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association. It identifies itself as “a multi-campus metropolitan university system with a statewide mission in public affairs whose purpose is to develop educated persons while focusing on five themes: professional education, health, business and economic development, creative arts, and science and the environment.” It is classed as a Master’s College and University I by the Carnegie Institute.

Missouri State University Academics

SMSU provides over 150 undergraduate degree programs and 43 graduate degree programs, most of them being the largest or most prominent in the entire state. The average class size is approximately 30 students. Six colleges, as well as the University College, offer the University’s distinct undergraduate curriculum. The University College is dedicated to ensuring all students succeed at SMSU by offering such courses as “Introduction to University Life.” The National Association for Academic Advising has recognized SMSU faculty for their outstanding achievements in student counseling and mentorship. Overall, the SMSU undergraduate curriculum is designed to encourage retention and graduation.

Southwest Missouri State University has academic programs at both the undergraduate and graduate level. There are 9 colleges: the College of Arts and Letters, the College of Business Administration, the College of Continuing Education and the Extended University, the College of Education, the College of Health and Human Services, the College of Humanities and Public Affairs, the College of Natural and Applied Sciences, the Graduate College, and the University College. There is also an Honors College.

p. Bachelor’s degrees are offered in approximately 150 fields within the various academic colleges. Degrees at the bachelor’s level can be received in such areas as agronomy, accounting, antiquities, biology, dance, electronic arts, journalism, industrial management, library science, mass media, music, nursing, radiography, recreation and leisure studies, education, and Spanish. Many of these fields have areas of concentration. Minors are offered in many of the major fields and also in areas such as African American studies, ancient Greek, equine studies, law and society, and retailing/merchandising.

p. Graduate programs are offered in a number of fields. These include master’s level programs in biology, business, chemistry, communications, counseling, education, English, health Administration, material science, nursing, plant science, physical therapy, social work, theatre, and writing. A doctoral degree is offered in educational leadership and in audiology (AuD), and the Educational Specialist (Ed.S.) degree is offered in educational administration. There is an accelerated master’s program in 10 fields, including business, public health, nursing, and various sciences. There are seven graduate certificate programs.

Missouri State University Unique Programs

The Department of Defense and Strategic Studies provides academic preparation for students who plan to enter international security, national security policy, defense, arms control, or educational fields. Policy studies are emphasized, and students undertake a critical examination of strategic, defense, and arms control policies of the United States government.

The Clothing, Textiles & Merchandising program encourages students with a love of fashion and clothes into a successful career by obtaining a bachelor’s degree in the field. Students produce fashion shows including their own work and are given the opportunity to fill internships with some of the industry’s leading corporations.

Southwest Missouri State University has an undergraduate Honors Program. Students who seek admission to the Honors Program need to meet the following requirements: ACT score of 27 (SAT of 1220) and class rank in the top 10%. Once admitted to the Honors Program, students will take special Honors sections and work on a senior project. Students will also be part of the Honors Council and take part in social events with other Honors students.

p. Distance learning programs are offered in some undergraduate and graduate programs. Students enrolled in distance learning programs will take part in courses on-line, through interactive video, or through teleconferencing. The Jim D. Morris Center for Continuing Education offers computer training, American Sign Language and English as a second language instruction, culinary demonstrations, play therapy workshops, and yoga, among other activities.

Missouri State University Financial Aid

SMSU offers a number of institutional scholarship award programs, the most prestigious of which is the Presidential Scholarship. This award provides over $11,000 in support for incoming freshmen that have a 30+ ACT score (or the SAT equivalent) and rank in the top 10% of their class. Other scholarships such as the Board of Governor’s, the Academic, and the Recognition scholarships require similar ACT/SAT test scores and class rank, but also require a particular high school grade point average, the lowest acceptable GPA being 3.70. Other scholarships are available for multicultural students, student leaders, and applicants displaying similar qualities. The SMSU Financial Aid office also provides support in the form of grants, loans, and work study.

Tuition at Southwest Missouri State University is $164 per credit hour for the 2005-2006 academic year for in-state, undergraduate students attending full-time. Students applying from out of state and graduate students have higher costs. There are also supplemental course fees for some courses, and student service fees.

p. Financial aid is available in the form of grants, scholarships, and loans. Work-study programs are also available; students can work in area not-for-profit agencies as well as the traditional on-campus jobs. Students who seek financial aid will need to fill out the Federal Student Financial Aid Form, available on-line.

p. Graduate students may also receive financial aid in the form of teaching or research assistantships, including a stipend and a waiver of some or all of the tuition and other fees. Graduate students should consult with their individual department about what sort of assistantships or fellowships are available and about the details of the application process. There are several scholarships and fee-waiver programs for graduate students.

Missouri State University Students

SMSU is home to over 250 student organizations, and is always welcoming more. If a student does not find their interests represented in any of the cultural, spiritual, or social organizations that already exist, they are free to establish their own organization or affiliation. There are 28 social fraternities and sororities and 94 academic and professional clubs on campus. For the active student, the Student Activities office provides yoga, inner tubing, rock climbing, and other activities to keep students busy outside of class.

Student life at Southwest Missouri State University includes opportunities in a diverse range of activities and organizations. There are fraternities and sororities, academic and professional groups, religious organizations, cultural organizations, political groups, and special interest groups such as the Ballroom Dance Club, the Medieval Era Organization, and the Ozarks Amateur Astronomers Club. Intramural sports include flag football, dodgeball, whiffleball, and inner tube water polo. Students can take yoga, aerobics, dance, and self-defense courses, go on rock climbing and kayaking trips, or play games at the Games Center. There is a student newspaper.

Missouri State University Local Community

Southwest Missouri State University is located in Springfield, Missouri, which has a population of approximately 150,000 and is located in the Ozark mountains. Near-by attractions include a Double A minor league baseball team, a professional hockey team, a performing arts center, a zoo, and a fish and wildlife museum.

Springfield is Missouri’s third largest city. Around the city, the Ozarks provide students with plenty of opportunities for recreation and getting away from the busy life of a college student. An interesting statistic about Springfield is the fact that it is within 500 miles of nearly 50 percent of the U.S. population, making it one of the most accessible cities in the nation, an important factor for many parents and family members whose children attend SMSU. The city offers such diversions as the Hammons Hall for Performing Arts, Battlefield Mall, and the American National Fish and Wildlife Museum.