Murray State University

Academic Programs

Murray State University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges and offers Bachelor’s Degrees, post-baccalaureate Certificates, Master’s Degrees and Doctorates in over 70 fields of study. Noted for Nursing, Art & Design, Teacher Education and Music and Theatre, the largest programs on campus are in Healthcare fields and Business. The University is comprised of six academic colleges and schools: Arthur J. Bauernfeind College of Business, College of Education and Human Services, College of Humanities and Fine Arts, Hutson School of Agriculture, Jesse D. Jones College of Science, Engineering, and Technology, and the School of Nursing and Health Professions. There are a handful of online programs as well as a robust study abroad program. Per the Mission Statement, “Murray State University… [offers] high-quality associate, baccalaureate, masters, specialist and doctorate degrees. Academic programs are offered in the core areas of arts and sciences, agriculture, business, health and human services, teacher education, communications, engineering and applied technologies, and nursing. Teaching, research, and service excellence are core values and guiding principles that promote economic development and the well-being of the citizens of the Commonwealth of Kentucky and the region.”

Student Life

There are over 9000 undergraduate students enrolled in Murray State University, most of whom live on campus in the residence halls and apartments. There is a significant Greek presence as well. The University sponsors over 150 clubs and student organizations, including club sports and intramurals. For the varsity athlete, the Navy blue and gold Racers, led by Dunker and featuring Racer One (a genuine racehorse) field teams in 10 sports and participate in NCAA Division I-AA competition. Among the annual campus traditions are the Campus Lights, Tent City before the homecoming football game, All Campus Sing and Midnight Breakfast during Finals. Students learn the Core Values of the school during their academic career: “Murray State University places a high premium on academic outreach, collaborative relationships… [and] prepares graduates to function in a culturally diverse, technologically oriented society and increasingly interdependent world. The University is committed to international education as an integral dimension of the university experience. Murray State University emphasizes student-centered learning and educational experiences that include first year experience, the honors program, internships, study-abroad programs, service learning, research and creative projects, residential colleges, and student organizations. In sum, Murray State University fosters an exciting and challenging learning environment.