Truman State University is Missouri's premier liberal arts and sciences university and the only highly selective public institution in the state. As one of the very few publicly funded liberal arts schools in the nation, Truman successfully combines affordability with the type of education and personal attention typically only offered at a private institution.
Truman has established an impeccable reputation in the Midwest and throughout the nation for the high-quality undergraduate programs offered. In fact, for more than two decades, U.S. News & World Report has ranked Truman State University as the number one master's level public institution in the Midwest. A commitment to student achievement and learning is the focus of the University.
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Campus Visits Contact
Campus Visit Coordinator
100 E. Normal Ave.
Kirksville, MO 63501
Experience College Life
Pickler Memorial Library
Student Union Building
The Quadrangle
Starbucks
The Square (downtown district)
Farmer's Market
DuKum Inn Bar & Grille
Downtown Cinema 8
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8am to 5pm
660-785-4114
Dates: Year-round
Times: 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM
Average Length: 2 hours
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Admissions
Admissions
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Each applicant is evaluated for admission based upon academic and co-curricular record, ACT or SAT results, and the admission essay. Truman requires the following high school core: 4 units of English, 3 units of mathematics (4 recommended), 3 units of social studies/history, 3 units of natural science, 1 unit of fine arts and 2 units of the same foreign language.
Candidates are considered for admission on a rolling basis, although those interested in scholarship and financial aid programs are strongly encouraged to apply for admission and submit a resume/activity list by December 1. Students may apply online at the website listed below or through the Common Application. For further information or to schedule a campus visit, students should contact:
Office of Admission
Truman State University
100 East Normal
Kirksville, Missouri 63501
Telephone: 660.785.4114 or 800.892.7792
Fax: 660.785.7456
E-mail: admissions@truman.edu
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Academics
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Academic Programs
Truman also offers a challenging Honors Scholar Program. Students have the opportunity to select the most rigorous honors courses to satisfy the liberal arts component of their respective programs. Those who successfully complete this program benefit from an even richer academic experience at Truman and receive special recognition at graduation. Departmental honors are also available in several disciplines.
Students at Truman are active both inside and outside of the classroom. More than 400 Truman students participate in enriching and life-changing study abroad experiences each year. Students can participate in programs ranging from a couple weeks to a year in duration, and can choose from numerous destinations worldwide. The Chronicle for Higher Education recognized Truman as the top producer of Fulbright students for the 2017-18 school year among Master's institutions. This federal grant provides funds for studying or working abroad after graduation.
Truman offers a wide variety of experiential internships, a required component of some academic programs. The "Truman in Washington" program provides work-experience opportunities in the nation's capitol in such areas as foreign affairs/diplomacy, government affairs, criminal justice, international relations, health and human services, and communications as well as other areas. Truman also offers internship opportunities with the Missouri State Legislature. In recent years, students have completed internships with United States senators, the United States Supreme Court, the governor of Missouri, business and industry managers, advertising agencies, physical therapists, and artists. For the fall 2015 semester, Truman had three interns at the White House.
Majors and Degrees Offered
Undergraduate degrees offered by Truman include the Bachelor of Arts (B.A.), Bachelor of Science (B.S.), Bachelor of Music (B.M.), Bachelor of Fine Arts (B.F.A.), and Bachelor of Science in Nursing (B.S.N.). Truman offers more than forty areas of study in the following disciplines: Accounting, Agricultural Science, Art, Art History, Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Biology, Business Administration, Chemistry, Classics, Communication, Communication Disorders, Computer Science, Creative Writing, Economics, English, Exercise Science, French, German, Health Science, History, Interdisciplinary Studies, Justice Systems, Linguistics, Mathematics, Music, Nursing, Philosophy and Religion, Physics, Political Science, Psychology, Romance Languages, Sociology/Anthropology, Spanish, Statistics, and Theatre.
Professional paths include but are not limited to dentistry, engineering, law, medicine, optometry, pharmacy, physical therapy, occupational therapy and veterinary medicine.
The teaching degree at Truman is the Master of Arts in Education. Students wishing to pursue a teaching career first complete a bachelor's degree in an academic discipline and then apply for admission into professional study at the master's level. Master's programs in special education, elementary education, middle school education, and secondary education are available.
Truman also offers Master's level degrees in Accountancy (MAc), Athletic Training (MAT), Communication Disorders (MA), Counseling (MA), English (MA), Leadership (MA) and Music (MA).
The Liberal Studies Program is the heart of Truman's curriculum and is intended to serve as a foundation for all major programs of study. The philosophy behind the Liberal Studies Program is based upon a commitment that Truman has made to provide students with essential skills needed for lifelong learning, breadth across the traditional liberal arts and sciences through exposure to various discipline-based modes of inquiry, and interconnecting perspectives that stress interdisciplinary thinking and integration as well as linkage to other cultures and experiences.
Students at Truman complete a "capstone," or culminating experience their senior year. This experience prompts seniors to reflect on the knowledge they have gained throughout their learning experience and to integrate the knowledge, skills, and attitudes of liberal learning with an in-depth understanding of the major.
Faculty and Class Information
Graduation Rates
Majors
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AGRICULTURE, AGRICULTURE OPERATIONS, AND RELATED SCIENCES.
Agricultural Business and Management, General.
Plant Sciences, Other.
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BIOLOGICAL AND BIOMEDICAL SCIENCES.
Biochemistry and Molecular Biology.
Biology/Biological Sciences, General.
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BUSINESS, MANAGEMENT, MARKETING, AND RELATED SUPPORT SERVICES.
Accounting.
Business Administration and Management, General.
Organizational Leadership.
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COMMUNICATION, JOURNALISM, AND RELATED PROGRAMS.
Speech Communication and Rhetoric.
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COMPUTER AND INFORMATION SCIENCES AND SUPPORT SERVICES.
Computer Science.
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ENGLISH LANGUAGE AND LITERATURE/LETTERS.
Creative Writing.
English Language and Literature, General.
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FOREIGN LANGUAGES, LITERATURES, AND LINGUISTICS.
Classics and Classical Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics, General.
Foreign Languages and Literatures, General.
French Language and Literature.
German Language and Literature.
Linguistics.
Romance Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics, General.
Russian Language and Literature.
Spanish Language and Literature.
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HEALTH PROFESSIONS AND RELATED PROGRAMS.
Athletic Training/Trainer.
Communication Sciences and Disorders, General.
Public Health Education and Promotion.
Registered Nursing/Registered Nurse.
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HISTORY.
History, General.
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HOMELAND SECURITY, LAW ENFORCEMENT, FIREFIGHTING AND RELATED PROTECTIVE SERVICES.
Criminal Justice/Safety Studies.
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LIBERAL ARTS AND SCIENCES, GENERAL STUDIES AND HUMANITIES.
Liberal Arts and Sciences/Liberal Studies.
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MATHEMATICS AND STATISTICS.
Mathematics, General.
Statistics, General.
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MULTI/INTERDISCIPLINARY STUDIES.
Multi-/Interdisciplinary Studies, Other.
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NATURAL RESOURCES AND CONSERVATION.
Environmental Science.
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PARKS, RECREATION, LEISURE, AND FITNESS STUDIES.
Kinesiology and Exercise Science.
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PHILOSOPHY AND RELIGIOUS STUDIES.
Philosophy and Religious Studies, Other.
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PHYSICAL SCIENCES.
Chemistry, General.
Physics, General.
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PSYCHOLOGY.
Psychology, General.
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SOCIAL SCIENCES.
Economics, General.
Political Science and Government, General.
Sociology.
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VISUAL AND PERFORMING ARTS.
Art/Art Studies, General.
Drama and Dramatics/Theatre Arts, General.
Fine/Studio Arts, General.
Graphic Design.
Music Performance, General.
Music, General.
Students Say
This is "a very academically rigorous and challenging school" with "interesting classes galore," and "if you plan to attend any form of graduate school, this school definitely prepares you."
Every student "has to actually attend classes in order to get something out of the experience," but "the workload is manageable." To keep students involved and engaged, many classes are discussion-based and include projects called Facilitations, where students lead the class in a discussion related to a specific topic. Students appreciate the just-right size of the university and say "student-professor relationships are great for mentoring purposes and for future networking opportunities." Many professors have daily office hours "and even more answer emails outside of normal hours or even give students their personal contact info"; they "truly care about individual students, but in a tough love sort of way."
Degrees
Certificate
Master's
Post-Bachelor's certificate
Post-Master's certificate
Career Services
Alumni Network
Alumni Services
Classes
Interest Inventory
Internships
Regional Alumni
Coop
Experiential
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Notable Faculty
Prominent Alumni
Academic Rating
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Career Services
Alumni Network
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Interest Inventory
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Students Say
Tuition & Aid
Tuition & Aid
Overview
From The School
Tuition, Room, Board and Fees
Tuition for Missouri residents for the 2017-18 academic year is $7,352; out-of-state tuition is $14,136. The average room and board rate for both Missouri residents and nonresidents is $8,638. Additional fees include a one-time freshman orientation fee, and annual fees including an activities fee, an athletic fee, a Student Health Center fee, a sustainability fee, a technology fee, and a parking fee for those with a vehicle, plus costs of books and personal expenses.
Financial Aid
Truman offers automatic scholarships ranging from $500 to $5,000. Competitive scholarship awards vary from $500 up to full tuition, room and board, plus a $4,000 study-abroad stipend. The application for admission also serves as the application for the automatic and competitive scholarship programs.
A limited number of scholarships are awarded to students for excellence in fine arts, debate or foreign language. These scholarships are available for instrumental or vocal music; acting or dramatic production; studio art or art history; speech or debate; and foreign languages offered at Truman. Of special interest to piano students is the Truman Piano Fellowship Competition, a February competition offering scholarships to top pianists.
Truman, a National Collegiate Athletic Association Division II member, offers 20 men's and women's sports. The NCAA and the University authorize a limited number of grants to outstanding athletes. The value of this aid may vary with each individual recipient.
Truman accepts the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FASFA) and participates in all Federal Title IV financial aid programs. Financial aid estimates are available upon request.
Dates
Required Forms
Financial Aid Statistics
Expenses per Academic Year
Available Aid
Federal TEACH Grant
Need-Based College/University Scholarship or Grant Aid from Institutional Funds
Need-Based Federal Pell
Need-Based Other
Need-Based Private Scholarships
Need-Based SEOG
Need-Based State Scholarships
Direct Subsidized Stafford Loans
Direct Unsubsidized Stafford Loans
Federal Nursing Loans
Financial Aid Rating
Student Body
Student Body
Overall
From The School
With approximately 250 student organizations to choose from, encompassing service, Greek, honorary, professional, religious, social, political and recreational influences, Truman students have tremendous opportunities to become involved on campus and in the Kirksville community. Truman student organizations sponsor a number of events throughout the year, such as Truman Live, International Idol, guest speakers, poetry slams, musical performances, dance recitals, volunteering events, and ever-popular food nights.
The Kohlenberg Lyceum Series also provides a variety of cultural programs that interest students throughout the year. Past programs have included brilliant performances by the Peking Acrobats, American Shakespeare Center, Vocalosity, and the Russian Festival Ballet.
Truman's Student Activities Board sponsors a variety of entertainment events. Recent SAB concerts include Andy Grammer and Sara Bareilles. Comedic acts and speakers like Donald Glover, Adam DeVine, and John Oliver have also come to Truman's campus in recent years.
Student Body Profile
Demographics
Students Say
Campus Life
Campus Life
Overview
From The School
Location
The Truman campus is beautifully situated on 180 acres in Kirksville, a town of approximately 17,000 located in the northeast corner of Missouri. The historic downtown area is within walking distance of the Truman campus and provides a connection to the Kirksville community with local restaurants, shops, and entertainment.
Campus Facilities & Equipment
Students take advantage of numerous academic resources and facilities available to them. Improvements to campus facilities have included major renovations to Baldwin Hall one of the most historic buildings on campus housing classrooms, faculty offices, and Baldwin Auditorium, a 1400 seat performance space and home of the Lyceum Series.. Barnett Hall has a modern Student Media Center encompassing facilities for the student-produced newspaper, Midwest travel magazine, radio station, and TV studio. Students also enjoy dining, socializing, and relaxing in the newly renovated Student Union Building.
The Health Sciences Building houses a speech and hearing clinic for Communication Disorders students, an independent learning center for Nursing students, a Human Performance lab, and the Fontaine C. Piper Movement Analysis lab. Additional facilities include a biofeedback laboratory, an organic chemistry lab, an observatory, a 400-acre university farm, a multicultural affairs center, student health center, and a career center. Athletic facilities include a 5,000-seat football stadium, a 3,000-seat arena with three basketball courts, an Olympic-size swimming pool, soccer and rugby fields, baseball and softball fields, tennis courts, a dance studio, and a Student Recreation Center.
Truman has been measuring its energy consumption and is implementing appropriate measures to lower it. Solar panels are located on five different buildings across campus. During the first year of implementation, Truman saw a reduction of 113.5 tons of CO2 emissions producing 108 kW of useable energy from these panels. Efforts to manage the consumption of our natural resources are also a priority. We are proud of our beautiful campus, which has been named a Tree Campus USA site by the Arbor Day Foundation.
Residence halls also provide comfortable and enriching living environments for students. Most of the halls have been renovated within the last five years. All residence halls offer lounges, kitchenettes, laundry facilities, high-speed internet (including wireless), cable TV, and many other amenities. Students can eat in dining halls or in the food court style dining in the Student Union Building.
Campus Life
Housing Options
Apartment Single
Disabled Student
Dorms Female
Frat Sorority
Theme Housing
Students Say
When students need some downtime, there is "a state park close to Kirksville where you can go hiking and go to the lake," and "when the weather is nice it's such a mental health support being able to just sit on the Quad." There are various housing options for students, including the Living Learning Communities for students that want to share living space with others with similar academic interests. Kirksville is a college town, so every year the school has a community service day called The Big Event, and students show their appreciation of the surrounding community by performing volunteer services such as cleanup and maintenance tasks.
Special Needs Admissions
Special Need Services Offered
Student Activities
Sports
Basketball
Cross Country
Football
Soccer
Swimming
Track Field Indoor
Track Field Outdoor
Cross Country
Golf
Soccer
Softball
Swimming
Tennis
Track Field Indoor
Track Field Outdoor
Volleyball
Student Services
Womens Center
Army ROTC Offered on-campus
Sustainability
Campus Security Report
The Jeanne Clery Act requires colleges and universities to disclose their security policies, keep a public crime log, publish an annual crime report and provide timely warnings to students and campus employees about a crime posing an immediate or ongoing threat to students and campus employees.
Please visit The Princeton Review’s page on campus safety for additional resources: http://www.princetonreview.com/safety
The Princeton Review publishes links directly to each school's Campus Security Reports where available. Applicants can also access all school-specific campus safety information using the Campus Safety and Security Data Analysis Cutting Tool provided by the Office of Postsecondary Education of the U.S. Department of Education:
Other Information
Wellness Program/Clinical Offerings
Education & Training
Available for faculty & staff;
Available for faculty & staff;