University of Missouri-Columbia (UMC) Academics and Admissions

Academics

The University of Missouri-Columbia is located in Columbia, Missouri. This research university opened in 1839 as the first public institution of higher learning located west of the Mississippi River. This university is the largest university in the state of Missouri. The University of Missouri-Columbia is the flagship of the 4 universities in the University of Missouri System. This university is the only university in Missouri that is a member of the Association of American Universities and one of only 34 public universities that are currently members.

The University of Missouri-Columbia is one of six universities that house a veterinary medicine school, a school of law, and a medical school on the same campus. The university is also the home of the first school of journalism in the world. The school opened in 1908. The largest university research reactor in the United States is The Missouri Research Reactor Center, which is located in the MU Research Park.

The School consists of several colleges and schools that include College of Arts and Science, College of Education, College of Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources; School of Law, School of Medicine, College of Engineering, Graduate School, School of Journalism, Trulaske College of Business, Sinclair School of Nursing, College of Veterinary Medicine, School of Social Work, School of Music, School of Health Professions, School of Accountancy, College of Human Environmental Sciences, School of Information Science & Learning Technologies, Harry S. Truman School of Public Affairs, and School of Natural Resources.

A few of the departments within the colleges and schools are the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Department of Marketing, Department of Journalism Studies, Department of Agricultural Education, Department of Animal Science, and the Department of Biochemistry.

The University of Missouri-Columbia offers associate’s, bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees in more than 280 degree programs. The University of Missouri-Columbia offers online degrees in undergraduate and graduate areas such as journalism, library science, nursing, education, architectural studies, and heath management and informatics.

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Information Summary

Ranks 10th in Missouri and 342nd overall. See the entire top 2,000 colleges and universities list
Overall Score (about)	89.3
Total Cost On-Campus Attendance	$26,766
Admission Success rate	N/A
ACT / SAT 75%ile scores	29 / 1290
Student Ratio Students-to-Faculty	20 : 1
Retention (full-time / part-time)	87% / 68%
Enrollment Total (all students)	29,843

Admissions

The university has a very selective admission process for incoming freshman. Students’ high school courses and ACT or SAT scores greatly influence admission into this university. Currently, a student’s high school coursework must consist of 4 units of English, one speech or debate course and two writing or composition emphasized courses; 4 units of math, Algebra or higher; 3 units of social studies, 2 units of foreign language, the same language; and 1 unit of fine arts. Students currently need a composite ACT score of 24 or higher and a combined SAT score of 1090 or higher on math and critical reading. Students who do not meet the criteria for admission may enter on a trial basis and take six college credit hours during the summer and earn a “C” or higher in order to enroll during the fall semester on academic probation.

Freshmen who wish to enroll in the Honors College currently must score a 29 or higher on the ACT and graduate in the top 10 percent in high school or earn a 3.710 GPA from a non-ranking high school.

International students need to submit academic transcripts, transfer authorization, a note about the family’s name, and proof of financial support. Students must also submit TOEFL scores if English is not the first language.

Those who desire to enter graduate school must submit an official mark sheet or transcript, standardized test scores (GMAT, GRE, MAT, etc.), and IELTS or TOEFL scores (international students). The additional information required for admission into the School of Law, School of Medicine, and College of Veterinary Medicine includes two letters of recommendation, a personal statement, and a resume. The application deadlines vary by school or college so check the University of Missouri-Columbia’s website for specific deadline dates.

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Financial Aid

The first step in the financial aid process is completing the FAFSA form to determine eligibility. The deadline to complete FAFSA forms is early March. Financial aid types include scholarships, grants, loans, and Federal Work Study. Completing the FAFSA form early offers the best opportunity for financial aid.

There are a number of scholarships that students may qualify for such as scholarships for international students, transfer students, continuing undergraduates, first-time college students who reside inside and outside of Missouri, and graduate and professional students. There are also a number of other scholarships that students may qualify for based of certain criteria. Students may also want to complete the MU Annual Scholarship application that qualifies students for automatic scholarships. This application considers students automatically for scholarships upon receiving admission into the university. Students can find the application on the University of Missouri-Columbia’s website under scholarships.

Student Financial Aid Details

Ranks 2418th for the average student loan amount.
Secrets to getting the best scholarships and financial aid in Missouri.

Students

The University of Missouri-Columbia has 23 residential halls on campus and leases three off-campus sites. The off campus sites include Campus Lodge Apartments, True Scholars House, and Campus View Apartments. A few of the on campus sites include Hawthorn Hall, Laws Hall, Discovery Hall, College Avenue Hall, Mark Twain Hall, and Jones Hall. Many of these residential halls offer learning communities and interests groups to interested students. The programs aim is to ensure student success while living on campus.

The fraternities and sororities on the campus of University of Missouri-Columbia are among the largest Greek life systems in the nation. The east and west portions of the campus is where students can find the Greek Life housing. There are over 50 national social sororities and fraternities on campus. Many of these Greek groups live in historical multi-million dollar residences. A notable accomplishment is that the University of Missouri-Columbia is that it is home to the first chapter of a current national fraternity founded west of the Mississippi at a public institution.

In the East Campus Area, students can find Beta Sigma Psi, Sigma Chi, Alpha Gamma Rho, Sigma Nu, and Kappa Alpha Order in a Greek Row. Most of the Greek organizations are located east of Memorial Stadium. Other sororities and fraternities on the campus include Alpha Delta Pi, Kappa Kappa Gamma, Delta Delta Delta, Alpha Chi Omega, FarmHouse, Pi Kappa, Delta Upsilon, Alpha Tau Omega, and Sigma Phi Epsilon.

There are many groups and activities on campus that students can enjoy. One of the most exciting days of the year is Tap Day. During this annual ceremony, the names of the members of the six secret societies are revealed. The ceremony first started in 1926 and takes place at the base of the columns on Francis Quadrangle.

Student Enrollment Demographics

Student Graduation Demographics

Athletics

The University of Missouri-Columbia participates in the NCAA Division I and is part of the Big 12 conference. The school’s colors are black and gold, and the mascot is Truman the Tiger. The sports teams at the university consist of wrestling, track, tennis, volleyball, women’s soccer, men’s and women’s basketball, baseball, cross country, softball, football, golf, gymnastics, and swimming and diving.

The university has quite a few amazing athletic facilities, including Mizzou Arena, men’s and women’s basketball; Memorial Stadium/Faurot Field, football; Hearnes Center, volleyball, wrestling, gymnastics, and track and field; Mizzou Athletics Training Complex, strength and conditioning; Audrey J.Watson Stadium, soccer and track and field; Mizzou Aquatics Center, swimming; Taylor Stadium/Simmon Field, baseball; University Field, softball; A.L. Gustin Golf Course, golf and cross country; Green Tennis Center, tennis; and Devine Pavilion, football.

The University of Missouri’s football team is the only school in the state that participates in the NCAA Division I Football Subdivision (FBS). The university is also the only school in the state that participates in the NCAA Division I.

One of the most fascinating football games in the school’s history took place on November 24, 2007. The game was against the team’s biggest rival, Kansas University. The Missouri football team defeated the Kansas University in a 36-28 victory at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, Missouri. Missouri was subsequently ranked #1 in the country, but later lost the Big 12 Championship in San Antonio, Texas, to Oklahoma in a 38-17 loss.

The men’s basketball team is noteworthy as well. The team has 22 NCAA tournament appearances. The basketball team has 15 conference championships and an undefeated season in 1994. In 2009, the men’s basketball team defeated Baylor and won its only Big 12 Championship.

Notable athletes who attended the university include Justin Smith, defensive end for the San Francisco 49ers; Hans Uldal, 2004 Olympic Games competitor; Roger Wehrli, 2007 inductee into the Hall of Fame; Max Scherzer, pitcher for the Detroit Tigers; Kareem Rush, NBA player for the Philadelphia 76ers; Gene Snitsky, WWE wrestler; Jeremy Maclin wide receiver for the Philadelphia Eagles; and Mark Ellis, MMA fighter.

Traditions

The Tiger Walk is one the traditions at the University of Missouri-Columbia. The event is held each fall semester in the Quad. This is the official welcome to all of the new students on campus. During this event, the students mix and mingle together. The four pillars of success, Discovery, Respect, Responsibility, and Excellence. Students march through the Quad and between any of the six columns (remnants of the burned down Academic Hall) toward Jesse Hall. This march symbolizes the students’ promise to leave the community and return as better individuals.

Bibliography

University of Missouri-Columbia. 15 April 2011. Web. 15 April 2011.
English, Earl. Journalism Education at the University of Missouri Columbia.Marceline: Walsworth Publishing, 1989. Print.
Richardson, Steve. Then Pinkel Said to Smith: The Best Missouri Tigers Stories Ever Told.Chicago: Triumph Books, 2008. Print.

University of Missouri-Columbia