Missouri Southern State University (MSSU) : Overview, Courses, Scholarships & Rankings
About Missouri Southern State University
Set on the edge of the Ozarks, Missouri Southern State University has a reputation for practical, student-centered learning across the sciences, professional fields, and the arts. Classrooms, labs, and studio spaces feel built for doing, not just listening, backed by a library that stays busy and student services that include advising, tutoring, and wellness support. The vibe is friendly and down-to-earth, with professors who tend to know names and a campus culture that values service and global curiosity.
Student life runs from club meetings and performances to intramurals and outdoor trips. The green-and-gold spirit shows up at games and long-held traditions, including internationally themed semesters that bring the wider world to Joplin. Career prep leans on internships, resume help, and employer connections across the Four-States. The city offers Route 66 character, local coffee, and quick access to trails and rivers. Notable alumni include NFL veterans Rod Smith and Brandon Williams.
Key Institutional Details
Contact & Profile
Academic & Institutional
Academic Programs & Fields of Study
Missouri Southern State University (MSSU) offers 74 degree programs across 22 major academic fields, graduating approximately 1,043 students annually. The most popular fields by graduate volume are Security & Safety (6 programs, 188 graduates), Business (3 programs, 183 graduates), Education (8 programs, 123 graduates), Health (9 programs, 123 graduates) and Liberal Arts (1 programs, 85 graduates). Explore program details, award levels, and graduate demographics below.
Security & Safety (6 programs, 188 graduates)
Emergency Management, Law Enforcement and Public Safety
| Program Name | Graduates | Gender Distribution | Award Levels | CIP Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Criminal Justice and Police Science | 95 |
|
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Associate's
Other Award
|
43.0107 |
| Criminal Justice Administration | 71 |
|
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Bachelor's
|
43.0103 |
| Law Enforcement Investigation and Interviewing | 16 |
|
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
|
43.0114 |
| Correctional Administration | 4 |
|
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
|
43.0113 |
| Juvenile Corrections | 1 |
|
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
|
43.0110 |
| Homeland Security | 1 |
|
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
|
43.0301 |
Business (3 programs, 183 graduates)
Business Administration, Marketing and Entrepreneurship
| Program Name | Graduates | Gender Distribution | Award Levels | CIP Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Business Administration | 156 |
|
Bachelor's
Other Award
|
52.0101 |
| Business Administration and Management | 25 |
|
Master's
|
52.0201 |
| Business and Management Services | 2 |
|
Bachelor's
|
52.9999 |
Education (8 programs, 123 graduates)
Educational Sciences, Teaching Methods and Pedagogy
| Program Name | Graduates | Gender Distribution | Award Levels | CIP Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Elementary Education | 50 |
|
Bachelor's
|
13.1202 |
| Secondary Education and Teaching | 25 |
|
Bachelor's
|
13.1205 |
| Middle School Education and Teaching | 13 |
|
Bachelor's
|
13.1203 |
| Curriculum and Instruction | 9 |
|
Master's
|
13.0301 |
| Educational Leadership and Administration | 8 |
|
Master's
|
13.0401 |
| English as a Second Language (ESL) Teaching | 7 |
|
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
|
13.1401 |
| Physical Education Teaching and Coaching | 6 |
|
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
|
13.1314 |
| Multiple Level Teacher Education | 5 |
|
Master's
|
13.1206 |
Health (9 programs, 123 graduates)
Healthcare Professions, Medical Sciences and Clinical Practice
| Program Name | Graduates | Gender Distribution | Award Levels | CIP Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Emergency Medical Technology | 24 |
|
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Other Award
|
51.0904 |
| Dental Hygiene | 23 |
|
Associate's
|
51.0602 |
| Registered Nursing | 21 |
|
Bachelor's
|
51.3801 |
| Health Administration and Management | 18 |
|
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Bachelor's
|
51.0701 |
| Environmental Health | 14 |
|
Bachelor's
Other Award
|
51.2202 |
| Respiratory Care Therapy | 10 |
|
Associate's
|
51.0908 |
| Medical Radiologic Technology | 9 |
|
Associate's
|
51.0907 |
| Clinical Laboratory Science and Medical Technology | 2 |
|
Bachelor's
|
51.1005 |
| Public Health Education and Promotion | 2 |
|
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
|
51.2207 |
Liberal Arts (1 programs, 85 graduates)
Liberal Arts Education, General Studies and Humanities
| Program Name | Graduates | Gender Distribution | Award Levels | CIP Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Liberal Arts and Sciences | 85 |
|
Bachelor's
|
24.0101 |
Computer & IT (5 programs, 58 graduates)
Computer Science, Information Technology and Cybersecurity
| Program Name | Graduates | Gender Distribution | Award Levels | CIP Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Computer and Information Sciences | 20 |
|
Bachelor's
|
11.0101 |
| Computer Programming | 18 |
|
Associate's
|
11.0201 |
| Web and Multimedia Management | 11 |
|
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
|
11.1004 |
| Computer Programming Applications | 8 |
|
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
|
11.0202 |
| Information Systems Security and Auditing | 1 |
|
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
|
11.1003 |
Psychology (5 programs, 49 graduates)
Psychological Sciences, Mental Health and Behavioral Studies
| Program Name | Graduates | Gender Distribution | Award Levels | CIP Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| General Psychology | 24 |
|
Bachelor's
|
42.0101 |
| Applied Behavior Analysis | 11 |
|
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Other Award
|
42.2814 |
| Clinical Psychology | 8 |
|
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
|
42.2801 |
| Developmental and Child Psychology | 5 |
|
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
|
42.2703 |
| Behavioral Neuroscience | 1 |
|
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
|
42.2706 |
Biological Sciences (2 programs, 40 graduates)
Life Sciences, Biotechnology and Biomedical Research
| Program Name | Graduates | Gender Distribution | Award Levels | CIP Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Biology and Biological Sciences | 25 |
|
Bachelor's
|
26.0101 |
| Biomedical Sciences | 15 |
|
Bachelor's
|
26.0102 |
Arts (8 programs, 34 graduates)
Fine Arts, Design Studies and Creative Performance
| Program Name | Graduates | Gender Distribution | Award Levels | CIP Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Studio Arts, General | 14 |
|
Bachelor's
|
50.0702 |
| Art Studies | 7 |
|
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Postbac Cert.
|
50.0701 |
| Music Performance | 4 |
|
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Certificate (≥2 yrs)
Bachelor's
|
50.0903 |
| Musical Theatre | 3 |
|
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
|
50.0509 |
| Acting | 2 |
|
Bachelor's
|
50.0506 |
| Music Pedagogy | 2 |
|
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
|
50.0912 |
| Theatre Arts | 1 |
|
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
|
50.0501 |
| Theatre Directing and Production | 1 |
|
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
|
50.0507 |
Kinesiology (3 programs, 29 graduates)
Exercise Science, Sports Medicine and Physical Recreation
| Program Name | Graduates | Gender Distribution | Award Levels | CIP Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sports, Kinesiology, and Physical Education Fitness | 18 |
|
Bachelor's
|
31.0599 |
| Exercise Science and Kinesiology | 6 |
|
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
|
31.0505 |
| Sport and Fitness Management | 5 |
|
Bachelor's
|
31.0504 |
Admission Requirements & Test Scores
Comprehensive overview of admission criteria, standardized test score ranges, and application requirements for prospective students at Missouri Southern State University (MSSU).
Application Requirements
Data based on IPEDS for 2022-2023 academic year. Test score ranges represent the middle 50% of admitted students (25th-75th percentile). Requirements may vary by program.
Tuition, Fees & Estimated Costs
Overview of tuition rates, housing, and other annual education expenses for undergraduate and graduate students
Financial Aid & Student Support
Summary of scholarships, grants, student loans, and financial aid statistics for undergraduate students
Student Success Metrics
Graduation rates and post-graduation earnings to help assess student outcomes and long-term value of education.
Loan Burden & Repayment Outcomes
Breakdown of loan repayment rates and student debt levels by income and dependency status.
Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to the most common questions about Missouri Southern State University (MSSU)
How much does it cost to attend Missouri Southern State University (MSSU)?
The annual tuition at Missouri Southern State University (MSSU) is $8,400 for in-state students and $16,800 for out-of-state students. When including room and board, books, and other expenses, the total estimated cost is approximately $20,051 for in-state students and $28,451 for out-of-state students. Additional costs include room and board $7,172 (on) / $8,141 (off) and books and supplies $1,020.
Data based on IPEDS program completions for 2022-2023 academic year. Tuition and cost estimates are approximate and may not include all fees, personal expenses, or transportation costs.
What academic programs and degree levels does Missouri Southern State University offer?
Missouri Southern State University (MSSU) offers 74 academic programs across 22 major fields of study, with available degree levels: Certificate (1-2 yrs), Certificate (≥2 yrs), Associate's, Bachelor's, Postbac Cert., Master's, Other Award.
Most popular program areas include:
- Emergency Management, Law Enforcement and Public Safety (6 programs)
- Business Administration, Marketing and Entrepreneurship (3 programs)
- Educational Sciences, Teaching Methods and Pedagogy (8 programs)
- Healthcare Professions, Medical Sciences and Clinical Practice (9 programs)
- Liberal Arts Education, General Studies and Humanities (1 programs)
Data based on IPEDS program completions for 2023-2024 academic year. Numbers reflect programs where students graduated, not all offered programs.
What is the acceptance rate for Missouri Southern State University?
Missouri Southern State University (MSSU) has an 97.4% acceptance rate and a 25.8% yield rate, making it moderately selective.
Admission statistics breakdown:
- Total applicants: 2,302
- Students admitted: 2,243
- Students enrolled: 579
Data based on IPEDS for 2022-2023 academic year. Admission statistics may vary by program and application cycle.
What financial aid and scholarships are available at Missouri Southern State University?
Missouri Southern State University (MSSU) provides financial aid to 14% of first-time, full-time students, with average grants of $7,514 and average loans of $5,302.
Average financial aid amounts by type:
- Pell grants: $5,079
- State/Local grants: $2,473
- Institutional grants: $4,922
- Federal loans: $4,616
The university supports 501 students with grants and 224 students with loans annually.
Data based on IPEDS for 2022-2023 academic year. Financial aid amounts and percentages may vary by program, enrollment status, and individual circumstances.
What is the average salary for Missouri Southern State University graduates?
Missouri Southern State University (MSSU) graduates earn a median salary of $37,866 after 6 years and $42,620 after 10 years.
The salary range 10 years after graduation spans from $27,146 (25th percentile) to $61,890 (75th percentile), with top earners reaching $63,500 (90th percentile).
Data based on IPEDS for 2022-2023 academic year. Salary data reflects graduates who received federal financial aid (approximately 60% of all graduates). Actual earnings may vary significantly based on program, location, and individual circumstances.
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