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Studying a Postgrad Program in Missouri
Sitting in the Midwestern region of the United States is Missouri State otherwise known as the “Show Me” State. Ranked the 18th most populous and 21st largest state in the US, Missouri is home to over six million people. Its four largest cities are Kansas, Saint Louis, Springfield and Columbia. However, Jefferson City, the capital, is a distant fifteenth. One of the most distinctive features of Missouri State is the fact that it is located where the three greatest rivers in the US meet. Missouri and Mississippi Rivers converge near St Louis while the north of the Botheel witnesses the coming together of Ohio and Mississippi Rivers. The rest of the state has varying landscapes with the Ozark Mountains in the south and dissected till plains in the north. Since it is located in the inner region of the US, extreme temperatures are an experience to be prepared for. However, the general climate is cold, and snowy winters alternate with wet, humid and hot summers. Since there are no nearby oceans and high mountains to control the temperature, Missouri’s climate is left at the mercy of the Gulf of Mexico which brings in hot humid air and the Arctic which blows in the cold air. Neighbouring states include Tennessee, Illinois and Oklahoma.
Where can you study a postgrad program in Missouri?
The state of Missouri has a large number of colleges and universities. Some of them were established during the late nineteenth century and the early twentieth century in the quest to provide an institution of higher learning to every region of the state. Many of the universities are quite confusingly similarly named, including: Northeast Missouri State University, Southwest Missouri State University, Missouri Western State University, Missouri Southern State University and Missouri Central University. Here is a summary of some of the most prominent universities in Missouri:
University of Missouri Also known as MU, the University of Missouri is the largest university in Missouri. It is also the largest public research institution in the state. Its status as both a member of the Association of American Universities and its designation by the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching as a Doctoral/Research Extensive university puts it in its own class among the state universities. Nationwide, only 35 universities have such a status.
Saint Louis University A private Roman Catholic institution, SLU is a research university founded almost two centuries ago. This makes it the oldest university located in the west of Mississippi River. It is also the second biggest Jesuit University. In addition, it is a member of the Association of Jesuit Colleges and Universities. Out of its more than 13,000 enrolled students, close to 5,000 are graduate students.
Columbia College In 2009, Columbia College earned the 51st place in the ‘Best Universities – Masters’ in the Midwest by the US News & World Report. In addition, The Princeton Review has also given Columbia College the honor of the Best Midwestern College. It was also lauded for combining both affordability and quality of various online programs including MBA.
Postgraduate programs offered in Missouri
Some of the top universities in Missouri offer masters and doctoral programs. They range from Master of Science and Master of Arts to Doctor of Philosophy and Doctor of Education. This is in addition to advanced dual-degree programs and graduate certificates.
Tuition fees & living costs in Missouri
Different postgraduate programs in Missouri have different costs. Some universities base their tuition fees on how many credits of instruction a student enrolls in. Based on 18 credit hours, a non-Missouri resident pays slightly above $10, 000 for one academic year. Additional course fees including the cost of supplies are estimated at $1,000.
Other expenses include payment for boarding and transportation as well as personal items. For one year, you’ll be expected to use an approximate of $4,600 for off-campus accommodation. However; this will depend on where you choose to live.
By and large, a postgrad’s budget is usually tight. Nevertheless you can always find ways of not only saving your money but also boosting your kitty.
Admissions & applications for international students in Missouri
There are several requirements to take into consideration when applying to pursue your postgraduate studies in Missouri. They include proof of academic achievements and English language proficiency via an English language test such as Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL). In addition, you will be required to prove the ability to pay for your education and cover your living costs.
Each postgraduate program has its own requirements for academic qualification and you will have to submit official documents to your chosen university. You may also need to provide a personal statement and references, and maybe even attend an interview.
Student case study
A former student who attended Saint Louis University for both the masters and PhD programs in Psychology had an incredible experience not only with the professors but also with the fellow postgrads at the university. He says: “There was a strong bond between the students and the professors. In fact, one professor went as far as availing his house to his students for the purposes of socialising and unwinding after a long day of study. There are endless opportunities for research and a great load of motivation for publishing. I’m a PhD now and I teach in a couple of universities but I have never seen the care and the quality of learning high enough to rival that of SLU.”
Interesting Missouri alumni
Former NASA astronaut Linda Godwin (PhD) earned her BSc Degree in Mathematics and Physics from Southeast Missouri State before moving on to the University of Missouri in Columbia where she attained her MSc degree as a well as a doctorate in physics in 1980. To her name are four space flights with more than 38 days in space. In addition, she has won several honors recognising her efforts in space exploration. They include Outstanding Leadership Medal, NASA Distinguished Service Medal, NASA Outstanding Performance Rating and Sustained Superior Performance Award.
What can you do in Missouri when you're not studying
Missouri is well served by the musical world – including musicians Eminem, Tina Turner, Porter Wagoner and Charlie Parker. In addition, it is home to second oldest symphony orchestra in the United State. Branson is one of the most popular tourist destinations in America courtesy of its lively music theatres. If you are a music fan, therefore, you are spoilt for choice on where to spend your time when you are not studying.
If you are not the musical type and partying is not really your thing, you can always move away from all the bustle of urban life. On a good summer's day you can choose to visit a one of the many state parks and historical sites, including the Castlewood State Park, Taum Sauk Mountain State Park, Johnson’s Shut-ins and the Katy Trail among others.
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