Mission

Explore Boldly, Care Deeply, Impact Globally

institutional Mission: Missouri Southern State University educates and graduates knowledgeable, responsible, successful global citizens.

Distinct Statewide Mission: Missouri Southern stands alone in the state of Missouri as the only university whose mission integrates Immersive Learning Experiences, Health and Life Sciences, and Global Education as core pillars. This unique combination empowers our students to lead with vision, serve with compassion, and innovate with purpose—across every academic discipline.

Explore Deeply

Through immersive, hands-on learning, Lions don’t just study the world—they step into it, practice in it, and transform it.

Explore Deeply

Through immersive, hands-on learning, Lions don’t just study the world—they step into it, practice in it, and transform it.

Explore Deeply

Through immersive, hands-on learning, Lions don’t just study the world—they step into it, practice in it, and transform it.

51%

of first-year students participated in at least one High Impact Practice.

82%

of seniors participated in at least one High Impact Practice.

17%

of MSSU seniors study abroad compared to the 11% national average.

Real Stories, Real Impact

"The program felt like stumbling upon a goldmine. I’ve met some of the most inspiring people, from professors to fellow students, and the hands-on learning opportunities have been incredible. MSSU’s Criminal Justice program is nothing short of amazing.”

-Trinity Alley, 2025 MSSU graduate

Take Learning Beyond the Classroom

MSSU students gain hands-on experience in every discipline—through research projects, internships, fieldwork, creative endeavors, and more. No matter your major, immersive learning helps you grow, innovate, and make an impact.

Explore academic programs

Care Deeply

Today, the university’s commitment expands into health and life sciences, equipping students to solve critical challenges that affect communities worldwide.

Care Deeply

Today, the university’s commitment expands into health and life sciences, equipping students to solve critical challenges that affect communities worldwide.

Care Deeply

Today, the university’s commitment expands into health and life sciences, equipping students to solve critical challenges that affect communities worldwide.

100%

NCLEX pass rate for the past two years for Bachelor of Science in Nursing students.

#1

public, four-year university in the state of Missouri in number of health and life science undergraduate programs.

100%

pass rate for the past three years for Paramedic, Dental Hygiene, Radiology, and Respiratory Therapy.

Real Stories, Real Impact

"The biomedical science department has been everything I could have asked for and more. The department is filled with so many professors who want to see their students succeed, and of course, so many great friends who I am so thankful to have met."

-Alyssa Jerome, 2025 MSSU graduate

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Where Caring Becomes a Career

MSSU’s health and life sciences programs equip students with hands-on experiences that empower them to make a meaningful impact in their communities and beyond.

Explore health & life sciences

Impact Globally

For nearly 30 years, Missouri Southern State University has cultivated a tradition of preparing students to see beyond borders and engage with the world.

Impact Globally

For nearly 30 years, Missouri Southern State University has cultivated a tradition of preparing students to see beyond borders and engage with the world.

Impact Globally

For nearly 30 years, Missouri Southern State University has cultivated a tradition of preparing students to see beyond borders and engage with the world.

1,200

international students have studied on MSSU's campus over the past five years.

3,800

MSSU students studied abroad since 1998. Students who've studied abroad earn $4,159 more in their first job after graduation than those who did not.

150

international students representing nearly 40 countries on average attend MSSU annually.

Real stories, Real Impact

“MSSU’s community showed me what true compassion means—from professors who taught me how to carry myself with confidence, to staff who opened their homes during a crisis. MSSU transformed me.”

-Willis Porter, MSSU international student

Your Global Journey Starts at MSSU

For nearly 30 years, MSSU has prepared students to think globally and act with cultural awareness—through international programs, global coursework, and immersive experiences that connect learning to the world.

Explore global opportunities