1937
Joplin, MO

About Missouri Southern State University

Missouri Southern State University is a four-year, public institution of higher education that is located in Joplin, Missouri. MSSU was established in 1937 as Joplin Junior College to provide educational opportunities to Southwest Missouri residents.  

Missouri Southern State University awards certificates, associate’s degrees, bachelor’s degrees, and master’s degrees in more than 140 academic programs. Schools of study include:

  • School of Arts & Sciences
  • School of Education
  • Robert W. Plaster School of Business Administration
  • School of Health Sciences

MSSU Online offers degree options including degree completion programs, minors, and bachelor’s degrees with several areas of emphasis. MSSU Online believes that students shouldn’t be limited by time or location. Their goal is to offer unique programs and services designed for online students, providing flexible access to a high-quality education.

Accreditation & Licensing

Missouri Southern State University is accredited by:

Higher Learning Commission (HLC)

Type:

4-year, Public

Highest Level Offered:

Master's degree

Religious Affiliation:

Not applicable

Enrollment:

Undergraduate: 4,757 ; Graduate: 210

Percent of Fully Online Students:

Undergraduate: 20% ; Graduate: 57%

Graduation Rate:

42%

Transfer Rate:

26%

Median Earnings, 10-Years After Degree Completion:

$42,620

Median Debt After Graduation (4-Year Degree):

$19,174

Average Undergraduates Receiving Aid:

62%

Per Undergraduate Average Aid Award:

$7,609

Yellow Ribbon Program:

Yes

Credit for Military Training:

Yes

Online Programs offered by Missouri Southern State University

Check Program Availability

All Programs

Art & Liberal Arts

Bachelor of Applied Science
Bachelor of General Studies

Business

Best Buy degree
Bachelor of Science in Business Administration / Accounting
Best Buy degree
Bachelor of Science in Business Administration / General Business
Best Buy degree
Bachelor of Science in Business Administration / Human Resource Management
Bachelor of Science in Business Administration / International Business
Best Buy degree
Bachelor of Science in Business Administration / Management
Best Buy degree
Bachelor of Science in Business Administration / Marketing
Popular degree
Entrepreneurship Professional Credential Certificate
Management Specialist Certificate

Criminal Justice, Safety & Law

Popular degreeBest Buy degree
Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice Administration

Healthcare

Bachelor of Science in Environmental Health & Safety
Popular degreeBest Buy degree
Bachelor of Science in Health Science / Dental Hygiene
Bachelor of Science in Health Science / Paramedic
Best Buy degree
Bachelor of Science in Health Science / Radiology
Popular degreeBest Buy degree
Bachelor of Science in Health Science / Respiratory Therapy
Certificate in Environmental Health & Safety Environmental Protection
Certificate in Environmental Health & Safety General Awareness
Certificate in Hazardous Material Management

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Frequently Asked Questions About Missouri Southern State University

Is Missouri Southern State University accredited?

Yes. Missouri Southern State University is institutionally accredited by Higher Learning Commission.

How many online programs does Missouri Southern State University offer?

Missouri Southern State University offers 19 online programs currently listed on GetEducated.

What degree levels does Missouri Southern State University offer?

Missouri Southern State University offers bachelor's-level programs.

How should students contact admissions at Missouri Southern State University?

Ready to connect? Check Admission Details to get admissions, tuition, and timeline details directly from the school.

Is Missouri Southern State University expensive, and what are the tuition costs?

Roughly speaking, Missouri Southern State University falls into GetEducated’s $$ tuition tier, which points to a mid tuition range.

How quickly can I enroll at Missouri Southern State University?

Enrollment at any school can be a quick process; if all required admission requirements are met. This is where students can get hung up and slow down the process by taking too long to gather required documentation.

What should transfer students ask Missouri Southern State University first?

The first thing you must do is order your transcripts from any previous school you attended and have them provided to the new school immediately with the hopes of receiving an unofficial transfer credit evaluation quickly. In an ideal world, students would have an official transfer credit evaluation done prior to committing to enrollment at any school; however with the vast majority of schools, official transfer credit evaluations happen after you are already enrolled, typically in the first semester.

What GPA do most Missouri Southern State University programs require?

Most listed programs require a minimum GPA of 2.0.

Is Missouri Southern State University military friendly?

Missouri Southern State University shows Yellow Ribbon support. Check Yellow Ribbon eligibility before you apply, since program-level benefits can vary.

How can students request information from Missouri Southern State University through GetEducated?

Comparing schools right now? Request Information to get admissions, tuition, and start-date details sent directly to you.

What documents are most commonly required for Missouri Southern State University applications?

Most listed programs ask for Official High School Transcript/GED Score, Official College Transcript(s), and Occupational License. Getting these ready early can keep the application process moving.

Does Missouri Southern State University accept life experience credit?

Missouri Southern State University does not show a school-wide life experience credit policy. Check Transfer Options to confirm transfer-credit options for your specific program.

Are Missouri Southern State University programs fully online or mixed?

Missouri Southern State University programs are primarily listed as 100% Online, which can help students screen for schedule fit before applying.

What kinds of online programs does Missouri Southern State University offer?

Missouri Southern State University has online program options in areas such as Business, Healthcare, Art & Liberal Arts, and Criminal Justice, Safety & Law; start with the field that best matches your career goal, then compare cost, format, and admissions requirements. Compare Programs to get program, admissions, and cost details before applying.

Do any Missouri Southern State University programs have specialized accreditation?

Program-specific accreditors include Commission on Dental Accreditation, American Dental Association (CODA); National Environmental Health Science and Protection Accreditation Council (EHAC); Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP).

Are any admission tests required for Missouri Southern State University programs?

One recurring admissions-test item is Placement Test. Students should confirm whether it applies to their specific program.

Do in-state and out-of-state tuition totals differ at Missouri Southern State University?

For programs with both totals published, in-state and out-of-state tuition totals are typically the same.

Do any Missouri Southern State University programs have state authorization limitations?

State authorization restrictions are not prominent across available programs, but students should still confirm eligibility for their state. Check State Eligibility before applying to confirm whether your program is available where you live.

How often can students start at Missouri Southern State University?

Start times per year typically range from 3-6 for most schools. For Missouri Southern State University, students should confirm the next available start date for their specific program before applying.

How should working adults compare Missouri Southern State University programs?

Working adults should compare program format, pacing, total cost, and application requirements before choosing a path.

Featured Ranking Reports

Missouri Southern State University is featured in 6 of our ranking reports!

GetEducated continually compiles custom ranking reports to give you a complete snapshot of schools, degrees, tuition, and a detailed report on thousands of job categories throughout the entire education industry.

We provide these comprehensive ranking reports to you, for free. Click on any report below to learn more about how we ranked this school.

Geographic and Educational Overview

Google Map

Missouri Southern State University is located in Missouri

Missouri at a Glance:

State flag of MO
Jefferson City
6,154,913
69,707 sq mi
13
39
12
$9,800.00

Top Majors in Missouri:

Top Incentives in Missouri:

Top Career Pathways in Missouri:

Healthcare Management
  • Entry Level: Clinic Manager ($58,000)
  • Mid Level: Healthcare Administrator ($88,000)
  • Senior Level: Hospital Director ($135,000+)
  • Required Education: BS Healthcare Administration
  • Certifications: ACHE, RHIA
* Data is approximate and may be AI-enhanced