University of Central Missouri

Carnegie Foundation Classification

Master's Colleges and Universities (larger programs)

General Characteristics

Highest offering	Post-master's certificate
Calendar System	Semester
Years of college work required	N/A
Variable Tuition

Special Learning Opportunities

Distance Learning
ROTC — Army / Navy / Air Force	— / /
Study Abroad
Weekend College
Teacher Certification

University of Central Missouri History

Central Missouri State University was founded in 1871 as a teacher’s college. It is classed as a Master’s College and University I by the Carnegie Institute. The average class size is 23.

University of Central Missouri Academics

Central Missouri State University has academic programs at both the undergraduate and graduate level. There are 4 academic colleges: the College of Business Administration, the College of Arts and Sciences, the College of Applied Sciences and Technology, the College of Education and Human Services.

p. Bachelor’s degrees are offered in a variety of fields within the various academic colleges. Degrees at the bachelor’s level can be received in such areas as accounting, agricultural technology, chemistry, communication disorders, general recreation, journalism, nursing, photography, Spanish, technology education, tourism, and theatre. Minors are offered in many of these fields, as well as in other specialties such as African studies, anthropology, clothing, creative writing, international studies, philosophy, religious studies, and security.

p. Graduate programs are offered in multiple fields and at several levels. These include master’s level programs in accountancy, business administration, counseling, English, industrial hygiene, library science and information technology, mathematics, rural family nursing, teaching, and theatre. Doctoral degrees are offered in two areas: an educational leadership doctorate with the University of Missouri, Columbia, and a technology management degree with Indiana State University. The Educational Specialist (Ed.S.) degree is offered through the College of Education in the following areas: administration, curriculum & instruction, guidance & counseling, learning resources, special education, and technology & occupational education.

Central provides 150 programs of study for associate’s, bachelor’s, master’s, or education specialist degrees. Also offered are 10 pre-professional programs and 27 areas of teacher certification. The Central Missouri business school is one of the oldest in the Midwest, and the honors program is the second oldest in that region. Central Missouri provides a Department of Academic Enrichment to amplify students’ academic success. The provide academic preparation services, credited coursework, and the federally funded Student Support Services Program and the McNair Scholars Program. Credited coursework includes College Success Strategies, Pre-Algebra Review, and Speed Reading.

University of Central Missouri Unique Programs

Central offers the state’s only undergraduate major in actuarial science. Particular coursework includes computing, microeconomics, discrete mathematics, and statistics. The program is offered through the Department of Mathematics and Computer Science.

The Central broadcasting and film program houses one of the country’s first all-digital, wide-screen production studios. The program is housed in the Department of Communication, which employs 21 faculty members and includes approximately 500 undergraduate majors studying speech, journalism, broadcast media, and public relations.

Central Missouri State’s International Center provides a central repository for cultural study and information in the region. In addition to public-access programs and community activities, the Center provides an international studies minor for students majoring in such fields as business or other internationally relevant disciplines.

University of Central Missouri Financial Aid

Over 80% of the University’s students qualify for some form of financial aid through federal, state, loan, or work-study programs. More than $4 million in institutional aid is awarded every year. For future freshman students, CMSU offers a number of scholarship opportunities, including merit-based awards, the CMSU Foundation Scholarship, awards for children of CMSU alumni, non-resident scholarships, and other opportunities. The financial aid office also provides links to several resources where students can identify their own opportunities. Merit awards are approved based on students’ applications for admission; a separate scholarship application is not necessary.

Tuition at Central Missouri State University was $185 per credit hour for the 2004-2005 academic year for in-state, undergraduate students attending full-time. Students applying from out of state and graduate students have higher costs.

p. Financial aid is available in the form of grants, scholarships, and loans. Work-study programs are also available, including some off-campus jobs with community service organizations. Students who seek financial aid will need to fill out the Federal Student Financial Aid Form, available on-line.

p. Graduate students may also receive financial aid in the form of teaching or research assistantships, including a stipend and a waiver of some or all of the tuition and other fees. Graduate students should consult with their individual department about what sort of assistantships or fellowships are available and about the details of the application process. There are also scholarships and awards designated for graduate students.

University of Central Missouri Students

The Elliott Union is considered the “living room” of the campus, providing dining, meeting space, conferences, and other student support areas. The Union also houses a computer lab, travel agency, copy center, and study lounges. The Smiser Alumni Center is also housed in the Union. CMSU is home to three art galleries, including the Art Center Gallery that is home to 208 linear feet of wall space for student and traveling exhibits. A number of theaters on campus provide students the opportunity to see campus-produced theatre, as well as guest performers. The Greek community accounts for approximately one-tenth of all students at CMSU, which is about 1,200 students. Greeks at CMSU raise over $40,000 annually for national charities.

Student life at Central Missouri State University includes opportunities in a diverse range of activities and organizations. Organizations include fraternities and sororities, academic and professional groups, religious groups, and special interest groups such as CMSU Anime Club, the Lucky 7 Swing Club, the Photographic Society, and the Student Alliance for Peace.

University of Central Missouri Traditions

The “Mule Train” is a kind of booster club for CMSU athletics. Participants and members have access to pre- and post-event socials, up-to-date information on all the CMSU athletic teams, and special gifts and prizes. The members of the top tier of the Mule Train—the Wagon Masters—receive season football tickets and free passes to other events.

University of Central Missouri Local Community

Central Missouri State University is located in Warrensburg, Missouri, which has a population of approximately 17,000. The surrounding environment is rural, but Kansas City is approximately an hour’s drive away. There are dozens of small streams nearby, and Knob Noster State Park is within 15 miles, as is Whiteman Air Force Base.

The city includes a small business district, restaurants, and bars. Warrensburg is also home to Whiteman Air Force Base, which houses the world’s only B-2 stealth bomber wing. Warrensburg Main Street, the revitalized portion of Warrensburg downtown district, includes coffee shops, a farmer’s market, and public works of art.