Northwest Missouri State University

According to the school, Northwest Missouri State University is a learning-centered institution founded in 1905 as a normal school to train teachers for 19 counties in northwest Missouri. Since that time the University has evolved into a comprehensive coeducational, state-assisted, regional university. The University offers 103 undergraduate majors, 36 masters programs, 3 specialist degrees and a cooperative doctorate in educational leadership program. Business, Education, Geography, and Agriculture graduate the largest number of students each year. Northwest also offers cutting-edge interdisciplinary programs in interactive digital media and nanoscience. Three baccalaureate degree programs in Business Management, Accounting, and Computer Science, as well as two masters degree programs in Geographic Information Systems and Education; both are available over the web. \r\n\r\nAt Northwest, students receive well-rounded educations through small classes where professors know their names. Learning extends beyond the classroom at Northwest. Education majors gain real world experience in the Horace Mann Laboratory School on campus, agriculture majors get their hands dirty on the University Farm, students research alongside growing businesses in the Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship, and students staff numerous University publications, the campus TV station and two campus radio stations. In addition, about 1,000 students build their resumes through jobs right on campus. More than 70 percent of our students actively participate in student organizations, and more than 800 students donate their time to volunteering and service learning every year. Whether through a student organization, research opportunities, on-campus job, hands-on learning experiences or service learning, Northwest students become involved starting their freshman year. Northwest has a history of ensuring student access and providing a quality education at an affordable price. A laptop and primary textbooks are included in student’s tuition, ensuring students have the tools they need to be successful in the classroom. The textbook rental program alone saves students an average of $900 per year. Northwest values student success. At 72 percent, Northwest has a higher freshman success rate than the national average, and a significantly higher rate than other moderately selective universities in Missouri. At 58 percent, Northwest’s graduation rate is significantly above the national average of 45 percent. \r\n\r\nAdditionally, 95 percent of Northwest’s graduates find employment or continue their education within 6 months of graduation. Northwest students are more likely to continue their education after their first year, graduate, and find employment within 6 months. Northwest graduate programs are offered in a number of venues. The cooperative online MBA with Missouri Southern State University allows students to earn an accredited MBA on their schedule. The Northwest Missouri State University St. Joseph and Kansas City Centers offer graduate programs in education and business, and support numerous cohorts throughout the state of Missouri. Traditional graduate programs are also available on campus. Northwest is home to the Missouri Academy of Science, Mathematics and Computing, a two-year residential program for high-achieving high school students who graduate the program with both their high school diploma and their associate’s degree. Northwest also values social responsibility, which includes taking care of natural resources. The Northwest campus is designated as the official Missouri State Arboretum, and has more than 1,300 trees of 125 different species. Additionally, Northwest has used alternative fuels since 1982, providing more than 80 percent of thermal energy needs and saving tax payers about $13 million.