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Missouri Southern State University Introduction

Missouri Southern State University, also simply referred to as MoSo, was founded in 1937 under the name of Joplin Junior College, converting to a full four-year, state-assisted college in 1968. In 2005, the school was given its definitive, current name of Missouri Southern State University, permanently dropping “Joplin.”

Missouri Southern State University Academics

MoSo has ongoing accreditation since 1949 from the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools.

The academic level of MoSo is that of a full four-year school, hence granting bachelor’s degrees in addition to a select few master’s degrees. The university is divided into four principal academic schools, which are the School of Arts and Sciences, the School of Business Administration, the School of Education, and the School of Technology.

The school has a particularly unique focus on international studies and affairs, an aim which is backed up by its Institute of International Studies. Each Fall semester, the school designates a given country as the theme of several seminars, lectures, etc., that take place throughout the campus and are open to all students.

Generally speaking, MoSo achieves a fairly sound balance between a liberal arts approach to higher education and professional/career training. This is reflected by the relatively balanced amounts of degrees granted in the business administration, education, security and law enforcement, and liberal arts fields, which collectively represent the most popular umbrella degree programs.

Among the schools master’s degree programs, students can pursue a Master of Science in Criminal Justice, in Nursing, or in Dental Hygiene; a Master of Arts in Teaching or in History; or a Master of Business Administration (available online).

Finally, MoSo has implemented different distance learning modules (via the internet as well as through television) to help students pursue their academic goals with an absolute minimum of campus visits necessary.

Missouri Southern State University Admissions

MoSo is a selective admissions school, though only barely; on average more than 95% of applicants are accepted to the school, most as incoming freshmen. The steps that incoming freshmen need to take care of to be fully considered for admissions include paying the $15 application fee, filling out the application form, submitting ACT scores along with an official high school transcript (including class rank and GPA), and taking the math and English placement exams. Special consideration is given to those applicants that, in addition to meeting basic admissions requirements, have either achieved a composite score of 21 on the ACT, are in the top 50% of their graduating class, or have exceeded a 2.25 cumulative GPA.

Other admissions categories include transfer students, international students, non traditional students, and re-admit students; generally, the requirements here are a little more lax than with first-time, degree-seeking freshmen applicants.

Missouri Southern State University Financial Aid

Financial aid for students is readily accessible at this school. Financial aid forms are FAFSA. In the same way, need based financial aid distribution is determined through Academics, Art, Music/Drama, Athletics, Minority Status, Alumni Affiliation, Job Skills, Leadership and State/District Residency. If you are not a need based student, non-need distribution for financial aid is determined by Academics, Art, Music/Drama, Athletics, Minority Status, Alumni Affiliation, Job Skills, Leadership and State/District Residency. Financial aid distribution is at twenty-five percent scholarships per grants and seventy-five percent loans per jobs.

Missouri Southern State University Students

Student life at MoSo is quite bustling, and there are two typical student residence buildings located on-campus in addition to a variety of apartment style complexes and even a dormitory suite building. Complementing the residence area of the MoSo campus is the Mayes Student Life Center, which houses the school’s gym, computer labs, commons, and cafeteria.

Greek life on the MoSo campus is not as intense as at other schools of its size and nature, although the set of three fraternities and two sororities does provide students with ample social opportunities. Separate from the Greek organizations are the school’s many student clubs and groups, of which a telling sample would have to include the Student Senate, several honors organizations, The Chart student newspaper, as well as a whole host of religious and special interest groups.

Rounding out the topic of student life, MoSo is the home of a very well coordinated and inclusive intramural sports program, with soccer, basketball, volleyball, softball, flag football, bowling and several other games making the list.

Missouri Southern State University Athletics

In light of the active intramural sports scene, it’s no surprise that MoSo fields various official school sports teams, all of which compete in the NCAA Division II and the Mid-America Intercollegiate Athletic Association. The school’s mascot is the Lion, and the school’s sports team colors are green and gold.

In total, the men’s teams are fielded in the sports of basketball, baseball, cross country, football, golf and track & field; on the other hand, women’s teams are fielded in basketball, cross country, soccer, softball, track & field and volleyball.

Information Summary

Demographics – Main Campus and Surrounding Areas

Reported area around or near Joplin, MO 64801-1595

Surrounding communitySmall city (inside urban area, pop. under 100,000)
Total Population32,628 (27,751 urban / 4,877 rural)
Households13,220 (2.36 people per house)
Median Household Income$30,367
Families8,347 (2.93 people per family)
Pop. — African American1,063
Pop. — Asian304
Pop. — Pacific Islander28
Pop. — American Indian / Alaskan Native979
Pop. — White (incl. Hispanic)30,721
Pop. — Other412
University of Phoenix
University of Maryland University College (UMUC)

Carnegie Foundation Classification

Baccalaureate Colleges — Diverse Fields

UndergraduateProfessions plus arts & sciences, no graduate coexistence
GraduateN/A
Undergraduate PopulationMedium full-time four-year, selective, lower transfer-in
EnrollmentVery high undergraduate
Size & SettingMedium four-year, primarily nonresidential

General Characteristics

Highest offeringMaster's degree
Calendar SystemSemester
Years of college work requiredN/A
Variable TuitionYes

Special Learning Opportunities

Distance LearningYes
ROTC — Army / Navy / Air Force NoNo / No / No
Study AbroadYes
Weekend CollegeYes
Teacher CertificationYes

Student Tuition Costs and Fees

What are the typical tuition costs and fees for attending Missouri Southern State University?

Ranks 1939th for total cost of attendance

  In District In State Out of State
FT Undergraduate Tuition $4,050 $4,050 $8,100
FT Undergraduate Required Fees $226 $226 $226
PT Undergraduate per Credit Hour $135 $135 $270
FT Graduate Tuition $4,050 $4,050 $8,100
FT Graduate Required Fees $19 $19 $19
PT Graduate per Credit Hour $225 $225 $450
Total Cost of Attendance — On-Campus $11,920 $11,920 $15,700
Total Cost of Attendance — Off-Campus w/out Family $13,689 $13,689 $17,469
Total Cost of Attendance — Off-Campus with Family $7,306 $7,306 $11,086

Student Tuition Cost History and Trends

Three year history and trends on the cost of attending

  In District In State Out of State
Published Tuition & Fees $3,668 trend  $4,006 $3,668 trend  $4,006 $7,168 trend  $7,786
  Cost (regardless of residency)
Books & Supplies $600 trend  $600
On-Campus – Room & Board $4,930 trend  $5,214
On-Campus – Other Expenses $2,100 trend  $2,100
Off-Campus w/out Family – Room & Board $5,000 trend  $6,383
Off-Campus w/out Family – Other Expenses $2,800 trend  $2,700
Off-Campus with Family – Room & Board $2,800 trend  $2,700

Admission Details

Application Fee RequiredN/A
Undergraduate Application Fee$15
Graduate Application Fee$15
First Professional Application FeeN/A
Applicants 1,425 (633 male / 792 female)
Admitted 1,404 (618 male / 786 female)
Admission rate 99%
First-time Enrollment 818 (370 male / 448 female)
FT Enrollment 769 (352 male / 417 female)
PT Enrollment 49 (18 male / 31 female)
Total Enrollment5,549

Admission Criteria

What criteria does Missouri Southern State University use for admissions?

Required = Required, Recommended = Recommended, Neither required nor recommended = Neither required nor recommended
Open AdmissionsNo
Secondary School GPA / Rank / RecordRecommended / Recommended / Required
College Prep. CompletionRecommended
RecommendationsN/A
Formal competency demoN/A
Admission test scoresRequired
TOEFLRequired
Other testsN/A

Admission Credits Accepted

What types of credits does Missouri Southern State University accept?

Dual CreditYes
Life ExperienceYes
Advanced Placement (AP)Yes

Athletics - Association Memberships

Sports / Athletic Conference Memberships NCAA
NCAA Football Conference Mid-America Intercollegiate Ath Assoc
NCAA Basketball Conference Mid-America Intercollegiate Ath Assoc
NCAA Baseball Conference Mid-America Intercollegiate Ath Assoc
NCAA Track & Field Conference Mid-America Intercollegiate Ath Assoc

ACT Test Admission

Ranks 517th for 75pctl scores

Applicants submitting ACT results 89%
Verbal scores (25/75 %ile) 18 / 25
Math scores (25/75 %ile) 17 / 24
Cumulative scores (25/75 %ile) 19 / 25

Student Services

Remedial ServicesYes
Academic / Career CounselingYes
PT Cost-defraying EmploymentYes
Career PlacementYes
On-Campus Day CareYes
Library FacilityYes

Student Living

First-time Room / Board RequiredNo
Dorm Capacity720
Meals per WeekN/A
Room FeeN/A
Board FeeN/A

Student Financial Aid Details

How many students use Financial Aid, and how much do they use?

Missouri Southern State University Ranks 4676th for the average student loan amount.

  Average Users % of Attendees
Federal Grant Aid $2,698 380 pie   45%
State & Local Grant Aid $1,700 25 pie   3%
Institutional Grant Aid $2,005 686 pie   82%
Student Loan Aid $2,300 442 pie   53%
Any financial aid type   805 pie   96%

Student Enrollment Demographics

How many students are enrolled at Missouri Southern State University?

  Men Women Total
Non Resident Alien
4163104
Black Non-Hispanic
10570175
Hispanic
4861109
Asian / Pacific Islander
324375
American Indian / Alaskan Native
4391134
White Non-Hispanic
2,0012,9514,952
Race Unknown
N/AN/AN/A
Total 2,270 3,279 5,549

Student Graduation Demographics

How many students graduated at Missouri Southern State University?

  Men Women Total
Non Resident Alien
N/AN/AN/A
Black Non-Hispanic
81119
Hispanic
6713
Asian / Pacific Islander
246
American Indian / Alaskan Native
61420
White Non-Hispanic
322391713
Race Unknown
N/AN/AN/A
Total 344 427 771

Most Popular Fields of Study

The top 5 fields of study completed at Missouri Southern State University.

  Men Women Total
28 35 63
30 31 61
3 57 60
16 28 44
4 37 41

Student Completion / Graduation Demographics

How many students are successful graduates?

  Non Resident Alien Black Non-Hispanic Hispanic Asian / Pacific Islander American Indian / Alaskan Native White Non-Hispanic Race Unknown Total
Accounting 1 32 2 35
Art/Art Studies, General
Biochemistry 2 2
Bioinformatics
Biology/Biological Sciences, General 1 1 27 1 30
Business/Commerce, General 30 2 32
Chemistry, General
Clinical Laboratory Science/Medical Technology/Technologist
Communication Studies/Speech Communication and Rhetoric 1 3 4
Computer Science 1 1 2
Computer Systems Analysis/Analyst 2 9 11
Computer Systems Networking and Telecommunications 1 4 5
Computer Teacher Education 1 1 2
Computer Technology/Computer Systems Technology
Computer and Information Sciences, Other 1 1
Computer and Information Sciences, General 5 5
Criminal Justice/Law Enforcement Administration 4 56 1 61
Criminal Justice/Police Science 19 19
Dental Hygiene/Hygienist 18 18
Drama and Dramatics/Theatre Arts, General 2 2
Education, General
Elementary Education and Teaching 2 58 60
Engineering Technologies/Technicians, Other 1 1
English Language and Literature, General 1 15 16
Environmental Health 1 7 8
Finance, General 1 1
Financial Planning and Services 1 1 6 8
Fine/Studio Arts, General 10 10
French Language and Literature 1 1
German Language and Literature 2 2
Health Professions and Related Clinical Sciences, Other 1 12 13
Health and Medical Administrative Services, Other 1 1
Health and Physical Education/Fitness, Other 11 11
History, General 2 2
Industrial Engineering 2 2
International Business/Trade/Commerce 1 1 5 1 8
International Relations and Affairs 3 3
Junior High/Intermediate/Middle School Education and Teaching 4 4
Kindergarten/Preschool Education and Teaching 2 2
Liberal Arts and Sciences/Liberal Studies 2 1 2 57 1 63
Machine Shop Technology/Assistant 3 3
Management Science, General 1 34 2 37
Manufacturing Technology/Technician
Marketing/Marketing Management, General 1 2 26 29
Mass Communication/Media Studies 1 6 1 8
Mathematics and Computer Science
Mathematics, General 3 3
Mechanical Drafting and Mechanical Drafting CAD/CADD 2 2
Medical Radiologic Technology/Science - Radiation Therapist 10 10
Music Performance, General 5 5
Nursing/Registered Nurse (RN, ASN, BSN, MSN) 2 38 1 41
Operations Management and Supervision 2 4 6
Physics, General 1 1
Political Science and Government, General 1 9 10
Psychology, General 2 1 1 21 25
Public Relations/Image Management 1 3 4
Respiratory Care Therapy/Therapist 19 19
Secondary Education and Teaching 1 1 1 1 39 1 44
Sociology 16 16
Spanish Language and Literature 1 10 11
Technical and Business Writing 2 2
Web/Multimedia Management and Webmaster 1 1
Total 9 11 6 7 14 661 14 722

Faculty Compensation / Salaries

Missouri Southern State University Ranks 1388th for the average full-time faculty salary.

Tenure system Yes
Average FT Salary $55,739 ($57,447 male / $52,833 female)
Number of FT Faculty 208 (131 male / 77 female)
Number of PT Faculty N/A
FT Faculty Ratio N/A
Total Benefits $3,188,673
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Missouri Southern State University School Images

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Missouri Southern State University Summary

The following paragraph provided courtesy of wikipedia.

Missouri Southern State University(formerly Missouri Southern State College), is a public, state university located at 3950 E. In 2003, the Missouri General Assembly authorized the renaming of the college to Missouri Southern State University – Joplin, and in 2005 the university dropped Joplin from its name. MSSU’s mission is to provide an international education, defined by the state of Missouri as, “develop such academic support programs and public service activities it deems necessary and appropriate to establish international or global education as a distinctive theme of its mission.” The main group of buildings consist of Billingsley Student Center, Webster Hall, Spiva Library, Hearnes Hall, Kuhn Hall, Reynolds Hall, Thomas E. Taylor Performing Arts Center, Matthews Hall, and Gene Taylor Hall. Hearnes Hall is the location of offices and classes for the English Department, as well as administrative services.

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over 2 years ago

MSSU is awesome. If you have the chance, come here. I know first hand that the Art Department and the Teaching Department are awesome! The Internation Studies program is awesome too. I'll be going to Europe in 2 weeks! Choose MSSU!