
102 Curris Center, Murray, KY 42071, USA


Courtesy of Murray State University
Murray State University was established in 1922 as a teacher's college to meet the growing demand for qualified educators in the region. Originally named Murray State Normal School, its initial mission focused on preparing teachers for public schools. Over time, the institution expanded its academic offerings and evolved into a comprehensive university. This transformation included the addition of various undergraduate and graduate programs beyond teacher education, reflecting a broader educational scope.
The university grew steadily through the mid-20th century, benefiting from increased enrollment and infrastructural development. Its designation changed to Murray State University to better represent its expanded curriculum and research initiatives. Throughout its history, the university has maintained a commitment to serving the educational needs of its community and surrounding areas while progressively adapting to the demands of higher education.
Today, Murray State University combines its origins in teacher preparation with diverse academic disciplines, offering students a wide range of fields to pursue. The institution's history is marked by a continuous effort to balance tradition with innovation, aiming to provide quality education that prepares students for a variety of professional pathways.
Murray State University offers a diverse range of academic divisions to cater to the varied interests of prospective students. The institution is organized into several distinct colleges, each housing specialized departments designed to provide focused education and research opportunities.
Among these, the College of Business and Public Affairs emphasizes programs in areas such as accounting, management, marketing, and public administration. This college aims to equip students with practical skills alongside theoretical knowledge, preparing them for leadership roles in both private and public sectors.
The College of Education and Human Services focuses on disciplines related to teaching, counseling, and human development. Its departments support aspiring educators and professionals seeking to contribute to community welfare and educational advancement.
Within the College of Humanities and Fine Arts, students can pursue studies in fields including communication disorders, art, music, and theater. This college fosters creativity and critical thinking through a variety of arts and communication programs.
The College of Science, Engineering and Technology provides rigorous training in fields such as biology, chemistry, computer science, engineering, and mathematics. It emphasizes both fundamental scientific principles and applied technological skills, preparing students for careers in research, industry, and innovation.
Additionally, the university offers programs through the College of Health Sciences, which prepares students for careers in nursing, health promotion, and respiratory therapy, among others, focusing on healthcare delivery and patient well-being.
Murray State University is situated in Murray, Kentucky, a small city that offers a quiet and accessible environment for students. The campus is located at 102 Curris Center, within the South area of the university grounds. Students benefit from the university's proximity to essential amenities and services in Murray, providing a balanced college experience away from large metropolitan distractions.
For travel convenience, the closest major airport is Nashville International Airport, which serves as a primary gateway for students and visitors traveling to and from the university. The local area code for Murray is 270, and the university's contact number is 4678, providing a direct line for student inquiries and services.
Murray State University is committed to providing a high-quality educational experience that fosters intellectual growth, critical thinking, and practical skills. The university emphasizes preparing students to succeed in diverse professional fields while contributing positively to their communities and society as a whole. Its mission focuses on nurturing well-rounded individuals through a combination of rigorous academics, experiential learning opportunities, and supportive campus resources.
The vision of Murray State University underscores the goal of becoming a nationally recognized institution known for academic excellence and innovation. It aims to cultivate a dynamic learning environment that encourages collaboration, creativity, and lifelong learning. By integrating research, community engagement, and personalized education, the university seeks to empower students to reach their full potential both during their studies and after graduation.
Name of the institution
Murray State UniversityLevel of institution
Four or more yearsControl of institution
PublicSetting type
Town: DistantInstitutional Category
Degree - granting, primarily baccalaureate or aboveInstitution size category
5,000 - 9,999School type
UniversityMain student body
CoeducationalCalendar system
SemestersFoundation year
1922
Certificate of less than 1 year
Associate's degree
Bachelor's degree
Postbaccalaureate certificate
Master's degree
Doctor's degree - professional practice
Doctor's degree - other
Certificate of at least 1 year, but less than 2 years
Certificate of at least 2 years, but less than 4 years
Post-master's certificate
Doctor's degree - research/scholarship
Other degreeDegrees
Accounting and Related Services
$40,996Agriculture, Agriculture Operations, and Related Sciences, Other
$37,777Biology, General
$30,368Business Administration, Management and Operations
$36,133Business/Commerce, General
$33,385Civil Engineering Technologies/Technicians
$58,121Computer Science
$43,888Criminal Justice and Corrections
$30,268Drafting/Design Engineering Technologies/Technicians
$43,114Engineering Physics
$59,115English Language and Literature, General
$24,308Fine and Studio Arts
$23,316Health and Physical Education/Fitness
$25,553History
$25,912Information Science/Studies
$46,964Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities
$31,376Marketing
$32,374Mathematics
$36,524Music
$29,528Public Relations, Advertising, and Applied Communication
$29,325Quality Control and Safety Technologies/Technicians
$65,448Radio, Television, and Digital Communication
$26,440Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing
$54,148Research and Experimental Psychology
$23,818Social Work
$26,989Special Education and Teaching
$32,844Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods
$32,714Wildlife and Wildlands Science and Management
$24,130