About Missouri Southern

Located in Joplin, Missouri, USA, in the foothills of the Ozark Mountains, Missouri Southern State University (MSSU) serves approximately 6,000 students with more than 140 academic programs and an engaging Intensive English Program on its beautiful 373-acre campus. Missouri Southern is home to students from nearly 45 different countries, and the institution prides itself on its diverse, inclusive environment, its immersive learning opportunities, and its leadership in international education. The university is located within minutes of some of the greatest scenery and waterways in the nation and within a one- to three-hour’s drive from major US cities.

In addition to its many quality academic programs, the outstanding NCAA Division II athletics programs, award-winning themed semesters, fun student activities, and enriching cultural events in theater, art, music, and film, create an engaging learning experience for all students. Graduates from MSSU work in their communities as leaders, entrepreneurs, artists, teachers, and innovators.

Scholarship opportunities

The MoSo Merit Scholarships, along with the Honors Program and multiple Foundation scholarships can help offset MSSU’s already affordable tuition. MSSU also offers Athletic and Academic Performance scholarships.

Global Leaders Program

This competitive leadership program offers special funding and leadership-focused opportunities and services to 50 students each year who demonstrate exceptional academic performance and outstanding leadership qualities.

Intensive English Program (IEP)

Students whose native language is not English or who do not meet the English requirement can hone their English skills in MSSU's Intensive English Program, which offers courses in reading, composition, grammar, speaking, and listening as well as classroom technology, American history and culture, from beginning through advanced levels. Additionally, IEP students can sign up for the Friendship Family Program or a conversation partner to supplement their IEP course work and improve their English much faster.

International-Themed Semesters

Every fall semester, the MSSU Institute of International Studies offers to the campus an international-themed semester, in which one selected country or region of the world becomes the focus across the curriculum for the entire campus. For example, a recent semester was known as the "Caribbean Semester," and the university provided many cultural events and presentations on various aspects of the Caribbean, including Caribbean music and Cuban baseball. All of the first-year students read a common book which correlates with the themed semester, and many instructors incorporate the theme into their courses for broader exposure. Ideally, degree seeking students will be exposed to four countries before they graduate!

Student/Campus Life

Life on Missouri Southern's campus is chockfull of activities and recreational events for students to enjoy outside the classroom. Students can choose from 80+ student organizations, attend cultural events, and enjoy MSSU's state-of-the-art recreation center, complete with workout equipment, an indoor track, basketball courts, and rooms for the many free fitness classes offered in the facility. The campus also offers intramural sports such as sand volleyball, basketball, table tennis, and miniature golf. MSSU’s Residence Life offers numerous housing options from traditional dormitory rooms to full suites right on campus with just a short walk to class.

International Student Support Services

The International Admissions Office at Missouri Southern prides itself on service to its students, from a robust orientation to immigration advising, to work authorization assistance, and providing fun activities (international prom, hiking trips, bowling, movies, and shopping excursions), students receive first-rate treatment as well as a friendly go-to for all things international students need in order to navigate on an American university campus and maintain their student status.

“I really think I hit the jackpot picking CIS at MSSU.” - Thales Vilar Computer Information Science