Missouri State University (MSU or MO State), formerly Southwest Missouri State University, is a public university in Springfield, Missouri. Founded in 1905 as the Fourth District Normal School, it is the state's second largest university by enrollment, with an enrollment of 23,307 at its main campus in the fall semester of 2022. The school also operates a campus in West Plains, Missouri offering associate degrees, which had an enrollment of 1,744 in the fall semester of 2022. A bachelor's degree in business is offered at Liaoning Normal University in China. The university also operates a fruit research station in Mountain Grove, Missouri and a Department of Defense and Strategic Studies program in Fairfax, Virginia.
Within Missouri State University Springfield the social sciences are part of the Reynolds College of Arts Social Sciences and Humanities RCASH offering comprehensive study of human behavior societal structures and institutions. Students explore diverse fields including criminology economics geography history political science sociology anthropology and public administration. These programs foster critical thinking and analytical skills providing a deep understanding of the world and preparing graduates for a wide range of careers in areas like government non profits research and business. The focus aligns with the universitys public affairs mission emphasizing ethical leadership cultural competence and community engagement.
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