University of Missouri-Columbia
Columbia, MO
Quick Facts
“Salus populi suprema lex esto (Latin)”("Let the welfare of the people be the supreme law")
Data from Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0) & U.S. Dept. of Education
About University of Missouri-Columbia
Mizzou: Pioneering public education and research west of the Mississippi since 1839.
The University of Missouri-Columbia, affectionately known as Mizzou, stands as a beacon of academic excellence and historical significance. As Missouri's flagship and largest university, it boasts a proud legacy as the first public university established west of the Mississippi River in 1839. This land-grant research powerhouse is recognized as an "R1: Doctoral University – Very high research activity," reflecting its deep commitment to groundbreaking discovery and innovation, and has been a member of the prestigious Association of American Universities since 1908.
Prospective students will find a vibrant academic landscape with over 300 degree programs across thirteen major academic divisions. Mizzou is home to the world-renowned Missouri School of Journalism, founded in 1908 as the first of its kind, and a pioneer in media education. Beyond journalism, the university's research impact is profound, notably through the University of Missouri Research Reactor Center, which is the United States' sole source of isotopes for nuclear medicine.
Beyond the classroom and lab, Mizzou offers a rich student experience rooted in tradition. Its NCAA Division I athletic teams, the Missouri Tigers, fiercely compete in the Southeastern Conference, embodying the spirit of the "Fighting Tigers of Columbia" militia from the Civil War era. The university also proudly lays claim to originating the American tradition of homecoming. With a substantial student body of over 31,500, students become part of a dynamic community that values both academic rigor and a spirited campus life.
Key Highlights
- ✦Founded in 1839 as the first public university west of the Mississippi River.
- ✦Designated an "R1: Doctoral University – Very high research activity" and a member of the Association of American Universities since 1908.
- ✦Home to the world's first journalism school, established in 1908.
- ✦Operates the University of Missouri Research Reactor Center, the sole source of isotopes for nuclear medicine in the U.S.
- ✦Missouri's flagship and largest university, enrolling 31,543 students in Fall 2024.
- ✦Claims to be the origin of the American tradition of homecoming.
- ✦Manages an endowment of $1.42 billion (MU only, 2023).
Timeline
Schools & Colleges
8 notable schools within University of Missouri-Columbia
Missouri School of Journalism
Established in 1908 as the world's first journalism school, publishing the Columbia Missourian and operating NBC affiliate KOMU.
Missouri University of Science and Technology (formerly Missouri School of Mines and Metallurgy)
Founded in 1870 as the Missouri School of Mines and Metallurgy, an offshoot that developed into a separate institution within the UM System.
School of Agriculture and Mechanical Arts
An academic division encompassing agricultural research and mechanical arts, established by 1890.
School of Medicine
One of the professional schools operating in conjunction with University of Missouri Health Care.
School of Law
One of the professional colleges offered by the university by 1890.
Normal college
A former college dedicated to the training of teachers for students through high school, offered by 1890.
Engineering college
One of the professional colleges offered by the university by 1890.
Arts and Science college
One of the core academic colleges offered by the university by 1890.
Find Scholarships at University of Missouri-Columbia
Sign up free to discover grants and scholarships you qualify for at this school and thousands more.
Start Your Free Search