About
Missouri Southern State University (MSSU) is a public university located in Joplin, Missouri. It is a member of the Missouri State University System and offers 100+ undergraduate and graduate degree programs. MSSU is known for its focus on immersive learning, unique focus on international education, and small class sizes. Missouri Southern State University has an enrollment of 4,358+ students, an acceptance rate of 97%, and a student-to-faculty ratio of 15:1.
Some of the popular majors at MSSU include business, criminal justice, education, nursing, and social work. The university also offers several pre-professional programs, such as pre-law, pre-med, and pre-pharmacy. The average annual tuition fee for international students at Missouri Southern State University is $16,052 for undergrad and $6,300 for graduates, annually.
MSSU is a NCAA Division II school and competes in the Great Lakes Valley Conference. The university's mascot is the lion, and the school colours are blue and gold. Missouri Southern State University's ranking in the 2022-2023 edition of Best Colleges is #127-166 in Regional Universities Midwest.
Top Reasons to Study in the Missouri Southern State University
- Missouri Southern State University offers various opportunities for students to learn outside of the classroom, such as study abroad programs, internships, and service learning opportunities.
- Missouri Southern State University has a strong focus on international education and offers more than 50 study-abroad programs in over 20 countries.
- Missouri Southern State University has small class sizes, which allows students to get to know their professors and peers well.
- Missouri Southern State University has a diverse student body, with students from all 50 states and over 30 countries.
- Missouri Southern State University has a strong alumni network, which can help students with job placement and networking opportunities after graduation.
Admissions
Avg acceptance rate (Bachelors)
96%
Application Fee
$60
How to Apply at Missouri Southern State University
Here are the steps on how to apply to Missouri Southern State University as an international applicant:
- Complete the Online International Student Application.
- Pay the application fee of $60: You can pay the application fee online or by mail
- Submit official transcripts from all previous institutions, translated into English and GPA converted to a 4.0 scale.
- Send your TOEFL, IELTS, or Duolingo scores.
- Send proof of finances, showing your ability to pay for one academic year at MSSU.
- Have a look at the F1 Student Visa requirements and make sure you are familiar with the process of applying for a student visa.
Documents Required to Apply to Missouri Southern State University
Documents needed to apply to Missouri Southern State University as an international student are:
- Completed Online Application.
- Official Transcripts.
- Application Fee.
- English Proficiency Test Scores.
- Financial Documents.
- Copy of Passport.
- Immunization Records.
Any other additional documents required by individual programs.
Exams Accepted By Missouri Southern State University
Missouri Southern State University accepts the following minimum scores from English proficiency tests from international students:
- TOEFL: 68
- IELTS: 6.0
- Duolingo: 95
Campus Life
Transportation in the city
There are several ways to travel around Joplin, Missouri:
- MAPS Transit provides curb-to-curb transportation on a prescheduled basis to the residents of the greater Joplin area. You can schedule a ride to be picked up from and taken to any destination within the MAPS operating boundaries. Service hours are Monday-Friday, 6:30 am - 5 pm. The fare for a one-way ride is $2.00 for adults and $1.00 for children ages 6-11. Seniors and people with disabilities ride free. You can purchase tickets online or at the MAPS office.
- Taxis: There are several taxi companies in Joplin. Rates vary, so it is best to call ahead for a quote.
- Uber and Lyft: These ride-hailing services are available in Joplin. Rates are usually lower than taxis.
- Car Rentals: There are several car rental agencies located in Joplin.
- Bicycles: Joplin has a bike share program called B Cycle. You can rent a bicycle for a fee and use it to get around town.
Services offered by the university
Missouri Southern State University offers various services to its students, including:
- Academic Advising: MSSU offers academic advising to all students. Advisors can help students choose courses, develop a degree plan, and stay on track to graduate.
- Career Services: MSSU’s Career Services office offers services to help students find jobs, internships, and volunteer opportunities. These services include resume writing, interview preparation, and job search assistance.
- Disability Services: MSSU’s Disability Services office provides accommodations to students with disabilities, including extended time on exams, note-takers, or assistive technology.
- Financial Aid: MSSU’s Financial Aid office helps students apply for financial assistance, such as scholarships, grants, and loans.
- Health Services: MSSU’s Health Services Center provides medical, dental, and mental health services to students.
- Transportation: The university offers a shuttle service that transports students around campus and to off-campus destinations.
Student life at Missouri Southern State University
- Join A Student Organization: This is a great way to meet new people and make friends. There are organizations for just about every interest, from academic clubs to fraternities and sororities.
- Attend Campus Events: The university hosts several events throughout the year, such as concerts, dances, and sporting events. These are a great way to have fun and get involved on campus.
- Get Involved In Intramural Sports: Intramural sports are a great way to stay active and have fun. There are teams for all skill levels, so you are sure to find one that is right for you.
- Take Advantage Of The Recreation Centre: The Beimdiek Recreation Center has a variety of facilities, including a gym, swimming pool, and basketball courts. You can also take fitness classes or participate in wellness events.
- Explore Joplin: Joplin is a vibrant city with a lot to offer. There are plenty of restaurants, shops, and cultural attractions to explore.
On campus accomodation at Missouri Southern State University
Missouri Southern State University offers several on-campus housing options for students, such as:
- Lion Village is a suite-style residence hall with traditional, private, and semi-private rooms. Each suite has a private bathroom, kitchen, and living room.
- East Hall is a traditional residence hall with suites that have a bedroom and bathroom that you will share with a roommate.
- Quads is a traditional residence hall with four-bedroom suites that you will share with three roommates.
- Apartments are available for upperclassmen and graduate students, having one or two bedrooms and one or two bathrooms.
Cost: The cost of housing for the 2022-2023 academic year is as follows:
- Lion Village Traditional: $2,200 per semester.
- Lion Village Private: $2,400 per semester.
- Lion Village Suites: $2,750 per semester.
- East Hall Suites: $2,517 per semester.
- Quads: $2,826 per semester.
- Apartments: $2,495 per semester.
Faculty
University Faculty:Student Ratio
University Faculty Stats
Some facts about the Missouri Southern State University faculty:
- There is a total of 291 faculty members.
- The student-to-faculty ratio is 15:1.
- The average faculty teaching load is 12 credit hours per semester.
- The faculty are involved in a variety of research projects, both individually and collaboratively.
- The faculty are active in the community, serving on boards and committees and volunteering their time.
Career Opportunities
Internship opportunities at Missouri Southern State University
Some internship and part-time job opportunities are offered at Missouri Southern State University:
Internships:
- Art Internship
- Business Internship
- Education Internship
- Engineering Internship
- Health Sciences Internship
- Human Services Internship
- Information Technology Internship
- Media and Communication Internship
- Social Science Internship
- Sport Management Internship
- STEM Internship
Part-Time Jobs:
- Admissions Assistant
- Athletics Ticket Office Clerk
- Bookstore Clerk
- Dining Services Worker
- Financial Aid Assistant
- Library Assistant
- Residence Hall Assistant
- Student Government Association Intern
- Tutor
To find more internship and part-time job opportunities, you can visit the Missouri Southern State University Career Services website.
Placement of Missouri Southern State University
Placement: According to the Missouri Southern State University (MSSU) Career Services Office, 90% of MSSU graduates were employed within 6 months of graduation.
Hiring Companies: The top ten employers of Missouri Southern State University graduates include:
- BKD
- Community Bank and Trust
- Countryside Self Storage
- Crowder College
- Evan & Associates, CPA's
- Home Instead Senior Care
- Kindred CPA
- Liberty Public Schools
- Liberty Utilities
- Missouri Office of the Public Counsel
- New-Mac Electric Cooperative
Salaries: The median salary of Missouri Southern State University graduates is $45,760.
Photo Gallery
Popular Courses · 1
Last updated August 14, 2026