
3950 E Newman Road, Joplin, MO 64801-1595, USA


Missouri Southern State University was established in 1937 as Joplin Junior College to address the community's need for accessible higher education. Over time, the institution expanded both its academic offerings and campus facilities, reflecting its growing student body and evolving mission. In 1964, the college transitioned to a four-year institution and was renamed Missouri Southern State College, signaling its new focus on bachelor's degree programs.
Throughout the following decades, Missouri Southern State University continued to develop its academic programs, including graduate studies, which led to its current designation as a university. The growth of Missouri Southern's campus infrastructure paralleled its academic expansion, with investments in modern classrooms, laboratories, and cultural facilities to support a diverse student population.
Rooted in a commitment to providing quality education to southwestern Missouri, the university has maintained its role as a regional hub for learning and community engagement. This history of responsive adaptation and steady growth helps prospective students understand the university's dedication to serving educational needs while enhancing its academic breadth and campus experience.
Missouri Southern State University offers a variety of academic faculties and departments designed to cater to a diverse range of interests and career goals. The university provides programs in fields such as arts and sciences, business, education, and health sciences, aiming to prepare students for professional success through comprehensive curricula.
Within the College of Arts and Sciences, students can explore disciplines including biology, chemistry, mathematics, communication, and the fine and performing arts. This college emphasizes both theoretical knowledge and practical application, fostering critical thinking and creativity.
The Business Department provides degrees focusing on areas like management, marketing, finance, and accounting. These programs are structured to equip students with a solid foundation in business principles along with opportunities for real-world experience through internships and partnerships.
Students interested in teaching and educational leadership will find programs within the College of Education that train future educators, counselors, and administrators. The curriculum combines pedagogical theory with hands-on practice to ensure readiness for careers in various educational settings.
The university also offers programs in health-related fields, supporting students aspiring to enter healthcare professions with relevant scientific knowledge and practical skills. These programs often include clinical experiences as part of their requirements.
Missouri Southern State University is located at 3950 East Newman Road in Joplin, Missouri, within the Midwest region of the United States. The university's setting in Joplin provides students access to a city with regional amenities, including the nearby Joplin Regional Airport, which offers convenient transportation options. Joplin's geographic position and infrastructure make it a practical choice for students seeking a Midwest campus experience with accessible travel connections.
Missouri Southern State University aims to provide a comprehensive educational experience that prepares students for meaningful careers and responsible citizenship. The university emphasizes a commitment to academic excellence, practical learning, and personal growth. It seeks to foster an environment where students develop critical thinking skills, creativity, and ethical values necessary to succeed in diverse professional and community settings.
The university's vision focuses on being a dynamic institution recognized for student-centered learning, innovation, and engagement with the broader community. It strives to maintain strong connections between classroom instruction and real-world applications, promoting lifelong learning and leadership. The institution prioritizes accessibility and inclusivity to support a diverse student body in achieving their educational and career aspirations.
Name of the institution
Missouri Southern State UniversityLevel of institution
Four or more yearsControl of institution
PublicSetting type
City: SmallInstitutional Category
Degree - granting, primarily baccalaureate or aboveInstitution size category
1,000 - 4,999School type
Comprehensive higher education institutionMain student body
CoeducationalCalendar system
SemestersFoundation year
1937
Certificate of less than 1 year
Certificate of at least 1 year, but less than 2 years
Associate's degree
Certificate of at least 2 years, but less than 4 years
Bachelor's degree
Postbaccalaureate certificate
Master's degree
Post-master's certificate
Doctor's degree - research/scholarship
Doctor's degree - professional practice
Doctor's degree - other
Other degreeDegrees
Biochemistry, Biophysics and Molecular Biology
Data not availableBiology, General
$26,859Business Administration, Management and Operations
Data not availableBusiness, Management, Marketing, and Related Support Services, Other
Data not availableBusiness/Commerce, General
$38,297Business/Managerial Economics
Data not availableChemistry
Data not availableClinical/Medical Laboratory Science/Research and Allied Professions
Data not availableCommunication and Media Studies
$31,697Computer and Information Sciences, General
$50,466Criminal Justice and Corrections
$31,903Dental Support Services and Allied Professions
Data not availableDrama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft
Data not availableEducation, General
$30,122English Language and Literature, General
$27,493Fine and Studio Arts
$21,863Geography and Cartography
Data not availableHealth and Medical Administrative Services
Data not availableHealth and Physical Education/Fitness
$31,440Health Professions and Related Clinical Sciences, Other
$47,016History
Data not availableIndustrial Production Technologies/Technicians
Data not availableInternational Relations and National Security Studies
Data not availableLiberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities
$29,462Mathematics
Data not availableMusic
Data not availablePhysics
Data not availablePolitical Science and Government
Data not availablePsychology, General
$29,594Public Health
$45,227Public Policy Analysis
Data not availableRegistered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing
$53,753Romance Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
Data not availableSocial Work
$29,866Sociology
$28,024Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods
$30,300