Find out more about Missouri State University

Ready to earn a living off of your love of writing?  Missouri State hosts an online BS in Professional Writing where you can master technical writing skills to communicate across a broad range of audiences.  This degree can lead to positions in editing, publishing, production and project management, to name a few.  Courses usually offered are:

• Writing Grant Proposals
• Writing for the Web
• Major World Authors

Offered 100% online by Missouri State, is this graduate Certificate in Technical & Professional Writing.  This short curriculum can take your career to new lengths, as you hone your writing for diverse audiences.  You will learn to write from scientific and technical angles, conveying clear and concise ideas.  Coursework might include:

• Writing for the Web
• Writing Grant Proposals
• Technical Writing

History can enlighten the future.  With this online MA in History from Missouri State, you will be well-prepared to teach history and educate others in a variety of environments.  From high schools to city hall, this versatile degree can open up opportunities in public, private or government sectors.  There is a thesis option available and students choose their mastery from three tracks:

• American Studies
• Global Area Studies
• US & World

Become a sought-after professional who can communicate clearly and concisely with an online MA in Technical & Professional Writing from Missouri State.  As a 100% distance-learning program, you will build upon your current writing talents.  You’ll not only focus on research methods, but also learn angles of writing for science and technology.  This graduate degree can lead to employment opportunities as:

• Food Writers
• Corporate Trainers
• Medical Communications Specialists
• Speech Writers

The online Bachelor of Science in Communication provides students with a solid foundation in public speaking, interpersonal communication, nonverbal communication and listening, and small group communication.  Graduates may pursue careers in fields such as fundraising, counseling and social services, mediation, speech writing, human resources, and management, or they may continue their educations in graduate study.

The online Bachelor of Science in Communication in Communication Studies offers the greatest flexibility of all the communication programs, providing broad exposure to all the specialties within the department.  Primary areas of study include interpersonal communication and public speaking, intercultural communication and health, nonverbal communication and listening, organizational communication, family communication and gender, and rhetorical studies.  Graduates are prepared to work in a variety of communication industry settings.

The online Bachelor of Science in Communication in Ethical Leadership provides a comprehensive study of the role of communication in understanding and enacting ethical leadership.  The primary areas of study include communication and ethics, communication and leadership, communication and diversity, interpersonal communication, and public speaking.  Graduates are prepared for careers in community relations, human resources, management, nonprofit administration, public service, and training and development, among others.

The online Bachelor of Science in Communication in Intercultural Communication and Diversity helps students better navigate diverse workplaces and populations, improving understanding of communication similarities and differences among diverse groups and developing practical applications for applying your communication skills in those settings.  This program explores practices, trends, and difficulties that arise when people from different cultural backgrounds attempt to communicate and understand one another while also examining current theory and research on communication and culture, race, sex, age, sexual orientation, disability, and other diversity issues.  Primary areas of study include communications and culture, diversity in the workplace, nonverbal communication and listening, public speaking, and social movements.

The online Bachelor of Science in Communication in Interpersonal Communication provides the knowledge and skills necessary to participate effectively and responsibly in a variety of interpersonal contexts including family, friend, work, and romantic relationships.  Students learn to apply that knowledge within these settings to recognize, explain, and respond to communication problems and encounters.  Primary areas of study include aging and ethics; conflict, negotiation, and mediation; family communication; gender and communication; nonverbal communication and listening; and public speaking.

The online Bachelor of Science in Communication in Organizational Communication emphasizes both the effects of the organizational context on communication and the role of communication in shaping organizational life and effectiveness.  Emphasis is placed upon identifying, analyzing, and explaining the processes of communication and organizing, which can then be used to enhance participation in other organizations, including those in civil, social, religious, and leisure arenas.  Primary areas of study include communication in organizations, interpersonal communication, leadership, small group communication, intercultural communication, and persuasion, argumentation, and presentation skills.

The online Bachelor of Science in Communication in Rhetoric prepares students to research, compose, and deliver persuasive communication messages.  Special emphasis is placed on production and critical analysis of spoken and written communication, specifically the texts of communication practitioners.  The primary areas of study include persuasion, argumentation, political communication, public speaking, and interpersonal communication.

The online Bachelor of Science in Finance prepares students to be managers of money by becoming the caretakers of the investments, the monetary and real estate affairs of individuals, private companies, or public agencies.  Graduates demonstrate the ability to communicate effectively, work effectively with others, think critically, and understand and appreciate the importance of the impact of globalization and diversity in modern organizations.  Students also learn about the legal and ethical environment impacting business organizations and exhibit an understanding and appreciation of the ethical implications of their decisions.

The online Bachelor of Science in General Business provides a broad education in all aspects of business operations preparing students for entry-level positions in both the private and public sectors, including management positions.  Graduates will be able to communicate effectively, demonstrate knowledge of the legal and ethical environment impacting business, understand the ethical implications of decisions, understand the impact of globalization and diversity in modern organizations, and practice critical thinking skills.  Graduates will demonstrate knowledge of current information, theories, and models, and techniques and practices in all the major business disciplines, including Accounting and Finance, Information Technologies, Management, Marketing, and Quantitative Analysis.

The online Master of Arts in Communication balances theory and research with service-learning and internship opportunities to prepare students for a variety of professional settings.  The faculty aim to deepen understanding of the communication process and develop skills in facilitating communication among other people, along with equipping students with excellent written and verbal communication skills.  Graduates find positions in fields such as consulting, development, communications instructor, and public relations, or are prepared for doctoral study and teaching at the university level.

Master’s of Business Administration online degrees are the perfect choice for anyone aspiring to leadership careers. This program is designed to help students advance through an accredited curriculum. With a proven history of student success, you are promised a high-quality education with excellent career prospects. Online MBA studies may cover topics such as:

• Economics
• Statistics
• Business management
• Business research

Expand your essential skill set in areas from finance to communications. Along with required coursework set in the foundations of business, this program includes electives and the opportunity to earn a graduate certificate in the student’s focus of choice. Consider advanced education in leadership, marketing, international business, cybersecurity, and more with Missouri State University online.

Earn your Project Management Master’s degree online with Missouri State University. This program, led by full-time faculty, offers the same accredited curriculum taught traditionally on-campus. Studies are in line with the Project Management Institute’s standards of knowledge and excellence, covering topics including but not limited to:

• Budgeting and scheduling
• Information technology
• Risk analysis

This program prepares students to enter a global marketplace with problem-solving, decision-making, and leadership skills to succeed. Graduates from this interdisciplinary STEM program may pursue PM jobs in any industry, from healthcare and government to nonprofit and corporate sectors. Students also can apply for an accelerated master’s in project management online to complete their degree faster.

With a specialization in Application Development, this online BSIT from MSU can take your career into the world of STEM. This program utilizes an industry-driven curriculum, where you’ll gain the skills to become an in-demand professional with knowledge to design and implement web or mobile applications and become a full-stack developer. Curriculum usually involves:

• Advanced C#
• Mobile App Development
• Database App Development

This specialization in IT Infrastructure, in the online BSIT from Missouri State, can lift your career to new heights. The curriculum is industry-driven, giving you skills and knowledge that is immediately applicable to the workplace. You’ll learn to manage network architecture, cloud computing and more. Curriculum usually involves:

• Cybersecurity Fundamentals
• Cloud computing
• Database App Development

This online graduate degree in IT from Missouri State, puts you in the crosshairs of success. You’ll be at the intersection business, technology and information. In this program, you’ll also improve your communication skills to bridge gaps between different departments. This AACSB - accredited curriculum prepares you for a broad range of managerial positions, through courses such as:

• Information Systems with Business Intelligence
• Digital Business Transformation
• Advanced Networking

Prepare to make your community and beyond safer with this online criminal justice bachelor degree.  You will learn ways to make the world a safer place as you study criminal behavior. Learn what motivates people to commit crimes and acts of terrorism. You will study problems in the criminal justice system and develop solutions to these problems. Topics covered include:

• Forensic science
• Criminal psychology
• Violence
• Gangs
• Human trafficking

Study wherever it is convenient while completing the same curriculum online as is taught on campus.

The online MS in Criminology & Criminal Justice degree program from Missouri State University prepares students to:

• Critically analyze and assess justice-relevant policy options
• Apply effective leadership and managerial strategies to strengthen agency practice
• Engage in theoretically-grounded criminal justice policymaking
• Use advanced research techniques to improve agency operations and control crime

Graduates are equipped to pursue careers in areas including federal, state, and local law enforcement, county jails, federal and state prisons, juvenile justice organizations, child victim advocacy, homeland security, and counter-terrorism.

With the rise in attacks on information systems, there is a corresponding increased need for professionals to secure and defend these systems. Help meet this need with this online cyber security degree. You will learn to protect information systems from malicious attackers. The curriculum provides a holistic view of cybersecurity. Learn about the technical, legal, and human side of corporate information security as you prepare for a senior management role in the field.  

The curriculum includes hands-on labs and exercises. It is taught by scholars and leading practitioners in the field.

Prepare to solve complex problems facing the U.S. and abroad with this online homeland security degree. You can choose between two track options: 

• General
• Weapons of Mass Destruction

The General track covers national security and defense as a whole. Study diplomacy and learn to analyze strategy, policy, and decision-making to keep the country safe. Choose the courses that best match your interests from a large number of options.

The Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMD) track specializes in weapons control, missile defense, nuclear deterrence, and more, preparing students to give advice and support strategic WMD issues. 

In either track, there are only two required courses, with the remainder of the curriculum being comprised of electives. This same curriculum is taught on-campus and online.

You can prepare to educate children and their families with the Master of Science in Early Childhood & Family Development. This online early childhood education master’s degree allows for vast flexibility in our choice of classes.

The online early childhood education graduate program also allows flexibility in scheduling your coursework. You can take one or more classes per semester to fit your schedule.

As this degree prepares you as a whole professional, employers appreciate the level of professional development that graduates of this program show. Potential employers include the following:

• Private businesses
• Not-for-profit agencies
• Higher education
• Public and private schools

You can become a leader in instructional and training strategies with the Master of Science in Education / Educational Technology from MSU. This online instructional design master’s degree teaches you to plan, develop, implement, communicate, and evaluate technology-rich strategic plans.

Through the online instructional design graduate program, you gain the ability to do the following:

• Evaluate tools and processes for bringing technology into K-12 classrooms
• Mentor new or experienced teachers in instructional technology trends
• Write curriculum to meet specific goals
• Develop training programs for corporations and nonprofit organizations

Teachers, writers, and HR specialists appreciate the value this program provides. Possible career options include course developer, technology coordinator, instructional designer, or technology trainer.

You can design your program of study with the Master of Science in Education / Elementary Education from MSU. This online elementary education bachelor’s degree lets you select up to half of your classes from a diverse range of electives.

Designed for educators with a current teaching certificate, this online elementary education graduate program will strengthen and inform all areas of your teaching. Candidates can also earn a graduate certificate through careful planning of elective courses. Graduate certificates include curriculum and instruction and dyslexia as well as the following:

• Environmental STEM
• Gifted and talented education
• Literacy
• Educational technology

You can change lives through reading with the Master of Science in Education / Literacy from MSU. This online reading and literacy master’s degree provides career advancement as a reading professional.

As a certified teacher, completion of this online reading and literacy program leads to your DESE special reading teacher certification for K-12 for elementary and secondary education. The online coursework allows you to save time and money. Practical and field experiences can occur in your local school.

Upon completion of this online reading and literacy master’s degree, graduates move into such roles as:

• Reading teacher
• Literacy coach
• Director of reading programs

You can become a champion for those with vision challenges through the Master of Science in Education / Special Education, Blindness & Low Vision from MSU. This online gifted and special education master’s degree provides research-based instruction for assessment and targeted programming.

Besides emphasizing Braille instruction, your online special education coursework covers the use of educational technology to support those with blindness or low vision. Other topics of study include the following:

• Principles of orientation and mobility
• Low vision: anatomy and physiology of the eye
• Independent living skills for people with blindness or low vision
• Application of technology in special education

The online RN to BSN degree program from Missouri State University is a flexible, community-based program designed for registered nurses who have already graduated with their associate's degree in nursing or from a diploma nursing program. Graduates may pursue careers in:

• ​Acute care (hospital or clinics)
• Community organizations
• ​Travel nursing
• Military nursing
• School nursing

Do you have an MSN but want to advance further in your nursing career?  The Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP), an online nurse practitioner degree from Missouri State University, offers an abundance of advanced nursing opportunities.  You will be a leader in the field, capable of teaching, managing, and leading in educational or clinical settings.  Graduates are prepared for roles in administration, policy, population health, teaching, family practice, and more.  Students even have the skills to improve healthcare for under-served groups and to address health disparities for at-risk and rural populations.  

The DNP degree has two options, depending on your future goals:

• BSN to DNP option
• Post-Master’s DNP option

The online MSN / Nurse Educator degree program from Missouri State University provides students with the knowledge and skills required to design, evaluate, and teach curriculum to future nurses, nursing professionals, and the community. Coursework covers topics such as:

• Advanced roles and leadership in nursing
• ​Population health
• Issues in women's health
• ​Mental health
• Pharmacology
• Teaching/Learning for health care educators
• Curriculum design and program development

The MSN with a concentration in Population Health Leadership is an online nursing administration degree program.  This degree is designed for RNs with an interest in improving the healthcare beyond specific communities to entire populations.  You will use research and data analysis to improve the healthcare of the world.  The curriculum prepares you to design, plan, implement, and evaluate patient-centered programs as you shape healthcare policies that 
impact current and future generations.  Graduates are prepared for careers as:

• Epidemiologists
• Healthcare executives
• Healthcare administrators
• Nursing home administrators
• Clinical managers

The online bachelor’s in Psychology from Missouri State University emphasizes diversity, psychological concepts, career opportunities, and research methods. Students will learn about human behavior and how it is related to mental processes. Critical thinking and investigative skills will be used to research, discover, and present findings effectively. 

Graduates will be able to use the skills they have gained through this bachelor’s in Psychology online to identify negative behavior patterns and a corrective course of action so people can reach their highest potential. Understanding human dynamics can benefit careers in a wide variety of fields.

Graduates can find employment in positions such as:

• Case manager
• Career counselor
• Probation and parole officer
• Rehabilitation specialist
• Social services specialist
• Personnel manager
• Recreation director