Missouri Southern State University, also simply referred to as MoSo, was founded in 1937 under the name of Joplin Junior College, converting to a full four-year, state-assisted college in 1968. In 2005, the school was given its definitive, current name of Missouri Southern State University, permanently dropping “Joplin.”
| Overall Score (about) | 73.4 |
| Total Cost On-Campus Attendance | $17,666 |
| Admission Success rate | N/A |
| ACT 75%ile scores | 24 |
| Student Ratio Students-to-Faculty | 23 : 1 |
| Retention (full-time / part-time) | 61% / 26% |
| Enrollment Total (all students) | 6,006 |
MoSo has ongoing accreditation since 1949 from the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools.
The academic level of MoSo is that of a full four-year school, hence granting bachelor’s degrees in addition to a select few master’s degrees. The university is divided into four principal academic schools, which are the School of Arts and Sciences, the School of Business Administration, the School of Education, and the School of Technology.
The school has a particularly unique focus on international studies and affairs, an aim which is backed up by its Institute of International Studies. Each Fall semester, the school designates a given country as the theme of several seminars, lectures, etc., that take place throughout the campus and are open to all students.
Generally speaking, MoSo achieves a fairly sound balance between a liberal arts approach to higher education and professional/career training. This is reflected by the relatively balanced amounts of degrees granted in the business administration, education, security and law enforcement, and liberal arts fields, which collectively represent the most popular umbrella degree programs.
Among the schools master’s degree programs, students can pursue a Master of Science in Criminal Justice, in Nursing, or in Dental Hygiene; a Master of Arts in Teaching or in History; or a Master of Business Administration (available online).
Finally, MoSo has implemented different distance learning modules (via the internet as well as through television) to help students pursue their academic goals with an absolute minimum of campus visits necessary.
MoSo is a selective admissions school, though only barely; on average more than 95% of applicants are accepted to the school, most as incoming freshmen. The steps that incoming freshmen need to take care of to be fully considered for admissions include paying the $15 application fee, filling out the application form, submitting ACT scores along with an official high school transcript (including class rank and GPA), and taking the math and English placement exams. Special consideration is given to those applicants that, in addition to meeting basic admissions requirements, have either achieved a composite score of 21 on the ACT, are in the top 50% of their graduating class, or have exceeded a 2.25 cumulative GPA.
Other admissions categories include transfer students, international students, non traditional students, and re-admit students; generally, the requirements here are a little more lax than with first-time, degree-seeking freshmen applicants.
Financial aid for students is readily accessible at this school. Financial aid forms are FAFSA. In the same way, need based financial aid distribution is determined through Academics, Art, Music/Drama, Athletics, Minority Status, Alumni Affiliation, Job Skills, Leadership and State/District Residency. If you are not a need based student, non-need distribution for financial aid is determined by Academics, Art, Music/Drama, Athletics, Minority Status, Alumni Affiliation, Job Skills, Leadership and State/District Residency. Financial aid distribution is at twenty-five percent scholarships per grants and seventy-five percent loans per jobs.
Student life at MoSo is quite bustling, and there are two typical student residence buildings located on-campus in addition to a variety of apartment style complexes and even a dormitory suite building. Complementing the residence area of the MoSo campus is the Mayes Student Life Center, which houses the school’s gym, computer labs, commons, and cafeteria.
Greek life on the MoSo campus is not as intense as at other schools of its size and nature, although the set of three fraternities and two sororities does provide students with ample social opportunities. Separate from the Greek organizations are the school’s many student clubs and groups, of which a telling sample would have to include the Student Senate, several honors organizations, The Chart student newspaper, as well as a whole host of religious and special interest groups.
Rounding out the topic of student life, MoSo is the home of a very well coordinated and inclusive intramural sports program, with soccer, basketball, volleyball, softball, flag football, bowling and several other games making the list.
In light of the active intramural sports scene, it’s no surprise that MoSo fields various official school sports teams, all of which compete in the NCAA Division II and the Mid-America Intercollegiate Athletic Association. The school’s mascot is the Lion, and the school’s sports team colors are green and gold.
In total, the men’s teams are fielded in the sports of basketball, baseball, cross country, football, golf and track & field; on the other hand, women’s teams are fielded in basketball, cross country, soccer, softball, track & field and volleyball.
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