Northwest Missouri State University

Northwest Missouri

It is a rural region of the state comprising 18 counties, known for its strong agricultural roots and home to cities like St. Joseph, Maryville, Chillicothe, and Trenton. The region borders Nebraska, Iowa, and Kansas and is characterized by rolling hills and grassy plains. 

Geography and Demographics of Northwest Missouri:

• Region: Northwest corner of Missouri, including counties from the 1836 Platte Purchase.

• Urban vs Rural: Primarily rural; the largest city is St. Joseph.

• Population: Approximately 525,000.

• Key Industries:

  • Food manufacturing

  • Fabricated metal products

  • Agriculture (crop and animal production)

Key Cities and Education

• St. Joseph: The largest city in the region and a major hub for the area.

• Maryville: Home to Northwest Missouri State University (NWMSU), a public, four-year university known for its programs in education, business, and agriculture.

• Chillicothe and Trenton: Other notable cities in the region. 

attraction Attractions and Points of Interest

Points of interest in Northwest Missouri largely focus on history, nature, and local culture. 

• Missouri Arboretum: Located on the campus of NWMSU in Maryville, featuring over 160 species of trees.

• Mozingo Lake Recreational Park: A popular spot in Maryville for outdoor activities like golf, camping, and water sports.

• Jesse James Farm and Museum: Located near Kearney, a historical site related to the famous outlaw.

• Historical Sites: The area features several historical attractions, such as the Squirrel Cage Jail in Gallatin and the Nodaway County Historical Society Museum in Maryville.

• Wineries: The region has local wineries and related events like the "Holiday Fare Wine Trail" (seasonal). Northwest Missouri State University offers a wide array of undergraduate and graduate programs spanning multiple disciplines, including Business, Education, Agricultural Sciences, Computer Science, Health Sciences, and Humanities. Many programs are available both on-campus in Maryville and online. 

  🎓 Popular Undergraduate Programs

  Some of the most popular majors for undergraduate students are: 

  • Business Administration and Management

  • Elementary Education

  • Psychology

  • Agribusiness and Agricultural Business Operations

  • Applied Health Science (specializations in Exercise Science, Sports Medicine, etc.)

  • Computer Science and Information Systems

  • Criminology

  • Nursing (RN to BSN)

  • Marketing 

  👨‍🎓 Graduate Programs and Specializations

  At the graduate level, the university offers numerous Master's (M.S., M.A., M.S.Ed., M.P.A., M.B.A., M.S.N.) and Specialist in Education (Ed.S.) degrees. Key areas of study include: 

  • Master of Business Administration (MBA): Specializations include Accounting, Business Analytics, Finance, Healthcare Management, Human Resources Management, and Marketing.

  • Education: M.S.Ed. programs in areas like Curriculum & Instruction, Early Childhood Education, Educational Leadership, Reading, and Special Education.

  • Applied Computer Science: Master of Science program focusing on practical, project-based learning.

  • Applied Health and Sports Science: M.S. programs with specializations in Recreation Management, Sport Management, and Therapeutic Recreation.

  • Other Master's Programs: Data Analytics, Geographic Information Science, Mathematics, Nutrition, Public Administration (MPA), and Strategic Communication. 

  🖥️ Online Learning

  Northwest Missouri State University provides a variety of fully online programs at both the undergraduate and graduate levels, offering flexibility for a range of students. 

  For a complete and detailed list of all course offerings, including minors and certificate programs, students can consult the official Northwest Missouri State University academic catalog.