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Tent Theatre
Tent's summer comedies and musicals have attracted capacity crowds since 1963. Notable alumni include John Goodman, Tess Harper and Kathleen Turner.
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Family Weekend
This growing tradition packs a weekend each fall with activities for students and their families to enjoy on campus.
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Fountain Day
This tradition evolved as students celebrated the day the John Q. Hammons Fountain was turned on each spring.
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International Banquet and Show
A buffet showcases culinary traditions, then students put on a show with dances, music, skits and more.
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Homecoming
This week-long celebration of everything Missouri State is complete with a parade and tailgating at BearFest Village.
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Bear Path
Employees and current students line the sidewalks to welcome new Bears to Missouri State.
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Bear Bash
The first-week-of-school party includes free games, food and more. At least 5,000 students attend.
When you stand up.
When you have the world's attention.
When you have your chance to be heard.
What statement will you make?
This question is central to the positive impact we make in our state and beyond. With it, we empower students and campus community members to become global citizens who influence society for the better.
System overview
Missouri State University is a public university system with students who come from all over Missouri, the nation and the world.
We are a close-knit community of passionate and steadfast learners committed to ethical leadership, cultural competence and community engagement. Those are the pillars of the university’s unique public affairs mission, granted to us by the Missouri General Assembly.
The system has four physical campuses — three in Missouri and one in Dalian, China — and an outreach program for any time, any place learning.
The main campus in Springfield
Offering two-year associate's degrees
Focusing on fruit science and agriculture research
Take classes any time, anywhere
In partnership with Liaoning Normal University
26,001
122,000+
3,787
Public affairs mission
We empower our students to see the world differently and to follow their paths with integrity.
420,000+
Excellent academics
We’re committed to cultivating well-rounded citizens who are prepared to lead full, successful lives. Students who come to Missouri State find robust programs across seven academic colleges and the Graduate College.
We're classified as a doctoral university. Read stories and watch videos about how faculty work with students to dissect, analyze, innovate and discover.
102
170+ options
61
98 options
7
Students
Passionate. Engaged. Positive. Innovative. Welcoming. That's how people describe our student body.
2,609
1,435
1,618
Alumni
When students graduate, they transition into life as ready, able professionals who can address the world's most pressing issues.
Notable alumni
Television star and former NFL player
Retired U.S. Army Three-Star General
Former Philadelphia Phillies first baseman
Actor
Private giving
The fundraising arm of the university has raised more than $325 million and created more than 1,400 student scholarships.
Traditions
Our students often say they feel like they're part of something bigger, because they are.
Missouri State's traditions bring the entire campus community together with alumni and other friends to create a shared pride in the university.
Athletics
Student-athletes in our intercollegiate athletics program are leaders on and off the field. Exemplary coaches and support staff provide them with mentorship they'll carry with them for the rest of their lives.
Employees
Faculty and staff draw from the Public Affairs mission's three pillars to inspire, advise and mentor students.