ABOUT THE UNIVERSITY
The University of Missouri-Columbia (MU), founded in 1839, is
Missouri's first, largest and most comprehensive public university
and its primary research institution. In 1870, the University was
approved as a land-grant university under the Morrill Act of 1862.
MU is the largest of the four campuses of the University of
Missouri system and the oldest state university west of the
Mississippi River. Other campuses are in St. Louis, Kansas City
and Rolla.
MU's primary mission in research and doctoral education provides
enhanced opportunities and challenges in the undergraduate areas
of humanities, arts, and sciences and in selected professional fields
and provides the basis for service to the people of the state via
outreach programs. MU continues its historic mission through its
emphasis on excellence in instruction, scholarship and service.
Master's Degrees were first awarded in 1846. The first Doctor of
Philosophy Degree was awarded in 1899. MU is one of the most
comprehensive and diverse universities in the United States. MU is
accredited by the North Central Association of Colleges and
Secondary Schools. As a member of the American Association of
Universities (AAU) and a university classified "Research I" by the
Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching, MU, with
its 18 schools and colleges, is a premier provider of undergraduate,
graduate and professional education.
The combination of diversity of academic and co-curricular
offerings in a predominantly residential student environment at
MU promotes interdisciplinary study and research. The
comprehensive nature of the University and the breadth of
graduate programs and professional schools are distinctive features
of the institution. The strength of MU in research, creative
achievement, and advanced graduate education enriches the quality
of instruction for both undergraduate and graduate students.
The activities of the University contribute to the improvement of
the quality of life and economic development for Missourians. The
University supplies research-based educational programs and
information through University of Missouri Extension to various
constituencies in every county throughout the state. International
studies and exchanges also lead to a broader understanding of
cultural and social values. MU serves as a local and regional
resource for the arts and other cultural activities.
Approximately one-third of MU's budget comes from state
appropriations. The sources of the remainder of the budget include
private gifts, grants, contracts, student tuition and fees, auxiliary
enterprises and University Hospital and Clinics. In 2004-2005, MU
received approximately $205 million from outside sources in
support of research and other scholarly activities. MU also enjoys
broad support from its alumni.
MU enrolls approximately 27,000 select and diverse students,
including 5,051 graduate and 1,069 professional students from all
50 states and from over 100 countries. Approximately 77% of the
total number of MU undergraduate students are Missouri residents.
The number of MU students who are National Merit/Achievement
Scholars places MU among the top 20 public institutions
nationally.
MU offers more than 2,000 different courses each semester leading
to nearly 290 degree programs. Our freshman retention rate is a
84.8%. The MU campus provides a rich environment in which
students and instructors can reach beyond traditional fields and
methods of study and expand their educational experiences.
The University offers many developmental experiences outside the
classroom, including concerts, theatrical productions, fine art, and
cultural exhibits and films. Many campus groups sponsor
specialized seminars and lectures by distinguished visiting
scholars.
The Columbia campus has approximately 6000 faculty, 6,120
graduate and professional students and 20,883 undergraduate
students. MU's graduate and professional students come from all
50 states and more than 100 countries. Many faculty and students
participate in international exchange programs.
The Campus's design
Mizzou, as it is affectionately called, is pleasantly landscaped and
located near the center of Columbia. The campus is divided
historically and architecturally into the White Campus and the Red
Campus. The Red Campus, centered around Francis Quadrangle,
dates to before the turn of the century and features buildings of red
brick manufactured at local refractories.
Dating from 1900, the White Campus spreads east and south of the
Red Campus and derives its name from the exterior building walls
of locally quarried white limestone. More recently constructed
buildings in each campus area have maintained these architectural
styles and colors. Many of the older buildings have been renovated
to house modern and efficient classrooms and laboratories but
retain their exterior character. Numerous parks, natural settings and
gardens are located throughout the campus. Ellis library and two
student unions are centrally located. Most buildings are handicap
accessible and the campus has outstanding recreational facilities.
As a part of the Big Eight Athletic Conference, MU shares a rich
tradition in major college athletic competition. MU teams compete
against nationally ranked teams. Kansas City and St. Louis also
have several professional sports such as football, baseball and
hockey. There are numerous local amateur teams that provide
opportunities for competition and fellowship.