Public Four Year Universities in Mississippi

Mississippi is home to several distinguished public universities that offer a variety of academic programs and research opportunities. This document will explore each public four-year university in Mississippi, providing detailed information about their history, campus, academic offerings, research initiatives, and student life.

Alcorn State University (ASU)

History

Alcorn State University, founded in 1871, is the oldest public historically black land-grant institution in the United States. It was established by the Reconstruction Acts to provide educational opportunities for African Americans in Mississippi.

Campus

The main campus of ASU is located in Lorman, Mississippi, and spans over 1,700 acres. The campus includes historic buildings, modern academic and research facilities, and recreational amenities. Notable landmarks include the Oakland Memorial Chapel, the Dr. Clinton Bristow Jr. Dining Facility, and the Davey L. Whitney Complex.

Academic Offerings

ASU offers a wide range of undergraduate, graduate, and professional programs through its schools and colleges, including the School of Agriculture and Applied Sciences, the School of Arts and Sciences, the School of Business, the School of Education and Psychology, and the School of Nursing. The university is particularly known for its strong programs in agriculture, nursing, and business.

Research and Innovation

ASU is committed to advancing research and innovation, particularly in fields that impact the local and regional community. The university’s research centers and institutes, such as the Mississippi River Research Center and the Center for Biotechnology and Genomics, support interdisciplinary research and collaboration with industry and government partners.

Student Life

ASU offers a vibrant and diverse student life experience, with over 100 student organizations, including academic clubs, fraternities and sororities, and special interest groups. The university’s athletic teams, known as the Braves, compete in NCAA Division I and are a central part of campus life. Additionally, ASU’s rural location provides students with opportunities for outdoor activities such as hiking, fishing, and camping.

Delta State University (DSU)

History

Delta State University, founded in 1924, began as a teacher training institution and has grown into a comprehensive university offering a wide range of academic programs. It is located in Cleveland, Mississippi, and is known for its strong emphasis on community engagement and experiential learning.

Campus

DSU’s campus spans over 339 acres and includes modern academic buildings, research facilities, and recreational amenities. The campus features notable landmarks such as the Bologna Performing Arts Center, the Capps Archives and Museum, and the Robert E. Smith School of Nursing.

Academic Offerings

DSU offers a diverse array of undergraduate, graduate, and professional programs through its colleges and schools, including the College of Arts and Sciences, the College of Business and Aviation, the College of Education and Human Sciences, and the Robert E. Smith School of Nursing. The university is particularly known for its strong programs in aviation, business, nursing, and education.

Research and Innovation

DSU is dedicated to fostering research and innovation, with significant research activities in fields such as aviation, business, health sciences, and the arts. The university supports faculty and student research through various initiatives and centers, such as the Delta Music Institute and the Center for Community and Economic Development.

Student Life

DSU offers a vibrant and dynamic student life experience, with over 100 student organizations, clubs, and activities available to students. The university’s athletic teams, known as the Statesmen, compete in NCAA Division II and are a central part of campus life. Additionally, DSU’s location in the Mississippi Delta provides students with numerous opportunities for cultural, recreational, and professional experiences.

Jackson State University (JSU)

History

Jackson State University, established in 1877, is a historically black university with a rich history of academic excellence and social activism. It is located in Jackson, Mississippi, and is known for its strong emphasis on research, education, and community service.

Campus

JSU’s main campus spans over 245 acres and includes a mix of historic buildings, modern facilities, and green spaces. Notable landmarks on campus include the Ayer Hall, the Walter Payton Recreation and Wellness Center, and the Margaret Walker Center. The campus is situated in the heart of Jackson, providing students with access to a variety of cultural and professional opportunities.

Academic Offerings

JSU offers a wide range of undergraduate, graduate, and professional programs through its colleges and schools, including the College of Business, the College of Education and Human Development, the College of Health Sciences, the College of Liberal Arts, the College of Public Service, and the College of Science, Engineering, and Technology. The university is particularly known for its strong programs in education, health sciences, business, and STEM fields.

Research and Innovation

JSU is a leader in research and innovation, with extensive research activities in fields such as health sciences, engineering, social sciences, and the arts. The university’s research centers and institutes, such as the Jackson Heart Study and the Mississippi Urban Research Center, support interdisciplinary research and community partnerships.

Student Life

JSU offers a vibrant and active student life experience, with over 150 student organizations, clubs, and activities available to students. The university’s athletic teams, known as the Tigers, compete in NCAA Division I and are a significant part of campus culture. Additionally, JSU’s location in Jackson provides students with numerous opportunities for internships, cultural experiences, and professional development.

Mississippi State University (MSU)

History

Mississippi State University, founded in 1878 as the Agricultural and Mechanical College of the State of Mississippi, is a comprehensive public research university located in Starkville, Mississippi. It has a strong emphasis on agriculture, engineering, business, and the sciences.

Campus

MSU’s main campus spans over 4,200 acres and includes modern academic buildings, state-of-the-art research facilities, and extensive recreational amenities. Notable landmarks on campus include the Mitchell Memorial Library, the Davis Wade Stadium, and the MSU Botanical Gardens. The university also has research centers and agricultural experiment stations throughout the state.

Academic Offerings

MSU offers a diverse range of undergraduate, graduate, and professional programs through its eight colleges: the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, the College of Architecture, Art, and Design, the College of Arts and Sciences, the College of Business, the College of Education, the Bagley College of Engineering, the College of Forest Resources, and the College of Veterinary Medicine. The university is particularly known for its strong programs in agriculture, engineering, business, and veterinary medicine.

Research and Innovation

MSU is a leader in research and innovation, with extensive research activities in fields such as agriculture, engineering, health sciences, and environmental science. The university’s research centers and institutes, such as the Mississippi Agricultural and Forestry Experiment Station and the High Performance Computing Collaboratory, support interdisciplinary research and collaboration with industry and government partners.

Student Life

MSU offers a vibrant and diverse student life experience, with over 300 student organizations, clubs, and activities available to students. The university’s athletic teams, known as the Bulldogs, compete in NCAA Division I and are a central part of campus life. Additionally, MSU’s location in Starkville provides students with access to a variety of cultural, recreational, and professional opportunities.

Mississippi University for Women (MUW)

History

Mississippi University for Women, founded in 1884 as the Industrial Institute and College, was the first public college for women in the United States. It became coeducational in 1982 and is located in Columbus, Mississippi. MUW is known for its strong emphasis on liberal arts education and professional programs.

Campus

MUW’s campus spans over 114 acres and includes historic buildings, modern academic and research facilities, and recreational amenities. Notable landmarks on campus include the Callaway Hall, the Whitfield Hall, and the Fant Memorial Library. The campus’s historic charm and modern amenities provide a conducive environment for learning and personal growth.

Academic Offerings

MUW offers a wide range of undergraduate, graduate, and professional programs through its four colleges: the College of Arts, Sciences, and Education; the College of Business and Professional Studies; the College of Nursing and Health Sciences; and the College of Fine Arts and Humanities. The university is particularly known for its strong programs in nursing, education, business, and the arts.

Research and Innovation

MUW is committed to advancing research and innovation, with significant research activities in fields such as health sciences, education, and the arts. The university supports faculty and student research through various initiatives and centers, such as the Center for Creative Learning and the Nursing Research Center.

Student Life

MUW offers a vibrant and dynamic student life experience, with over 50 student organizations, clubs, and activities available to students. The university’s athletic teams, known as the Owls, compete in NCAA Division III and are a significant part of campus culture. Additionally, MUW’s location in Columbus provides students with numerous opportunities for cultural, recreational, and professional experiences.

Mississippi Valley State University (MVSU)

History

Mississippi Valley State University, established in 1950, is a historically black university located in Itta Bena, Mississippi. MVSU is known for its commitment to providing educational opportunities to underserved communities and fostering academic excellence.

Campus

MVSU’s campus spans over 450 acres and includes modern academic buildings, research facilities, and recreational amenities. Notable landmarks on campus include the James H. White Library, the H.G. Carpenter Auditorium, and the R.W. Harrison Health, Physical Education, and Recreation Complex.

Academic Offerings

MVSU offers a diverse range of undergraduate, graduate, and professional programs through its colleges and schools, including the College of Arts and Sciences, the College of Professional Studies, the College of Education, and the College of Graduate Studies. The university is particularly known for its strong programs in education, social sciences, and business.

Research and Innovation

MVSU is committed to advancing research and innovation, particularly in fields that impact local and regional communities. The university supports faculty and student research through various initiatives and centers, such as the Center for Excellence in Teaching and Learning and the Center for HBCU Research. These centers focus on interdisciplinary research and community engagement.

Student Life

MVSU offers a vibrant and diverse student life experience, with numerous student organizations, clubs, and activities available to students. The university’s athletic teams, known as the Delta Devils, compete in NCAA Division I and are a central part of campus life. Additionally, MVSU’s rural location provides students with opportunities for outdoor activities and community involvement.

University of Mississippi (Ole Miss)

History

The University of Mississippi, commonly known as Ole Miss, was founded in 1848 and is the state’s flagship university. Located in Oxford, Mississippi, Ole Miss is known for its rich history, academic excellence, and vibrant campus life.

Campus

Ole Miss’s main campus spans over 2,000 acres and includes a mix of historic buildings, modern facilities, and green spaces. Notable landmarks on campus include the Lyceum, the Grove, and the Gertrude C. Ford Center for the Performing Arts. The campus is renowned for its beauty and southern charm.

Academic Offerings

Ole Miss offers a wide range of undergraduate, graduate, and professional programs through its various colleges and schools, including the College of Liberal Arts, the School of Business Administration, the School of Engineering, the School of Law, the School of Pharmacy, and the School of Journalism and New Media. The university is particularly known for its strong programs in law, business, pharmacy, and journalism.

Research and Innovation

Ole Miss is a leader in research and innovation, with extensive research activities in fields such as health sciences, engineering, social sciences, and the humanities. The university’s research centers and institutes, such as the National Center for Natural Products Research and the Mississippi Center for Supercomputing Research, support interdisciplinary research and collaboration with industry and government partners.

Student Life

Ole Miss offers a vibrant and dynamic student life experience, with over 400 student organizations, clubs, and activities available to students. The university’s athletic teams, known as the Rebels, compete in NCAA Division I and are a significant part of campus culture. Additionally, Ole Miss’s location in Oxford provides students with access to a variety of cultural, recreational, and professional opportunities.

University of Southern Mississippi (USM)

History

The University of Southern Mississippi, commonly known as Southern Miss, was founded in 1910 as a teacher training school. It has since grown into a comprehensive university offering a wide range of academic programs. Southern Miss is located in Hattiesburg, Mississippi, and has additional campuses on the Mississippi Gulf Coast.

Campus

USM’s main campus in Hattiesburg spans over 300 acres and includes modern academic buildings, research facilities, and recreational amenities. Notable landmarks on campus include the Aubrey K. Lucas Administration Building, the Thad Cochran Center, and the Hattiesburg campus’s All-American Rose Garden. The Gulf Park campus in Long Beach offers additional academic and research opportunities.

Academic Offerings

USM offers a diverse array of undergraduate, graduate, and professional programs through its various colleges and schools, including the College of Arts and Sciences, the College of Business and Economic Development, the College of Education and Human Sciences, the College of Nursing and Health Professions, and the College of Science and Technology. The university is particularly known for its strong programs in marine science, polymer science, education, and business.

Research and Innovation

USM is a leader in research and innovation, with extensive research activities in fields such as marine science, polymer science, education, and health sciences. The university’s research centers and institutes, such as the Gulf Coast Research Laboratory and the Mississippi Polymer Institute, support interdisciplinary research and collaboration with industry and government partners.

Student Life

USM offers a vibrant and active student life experience, with over 200 student organizations, clubs, and activities available to students. The university’s athletic teams, known as the Golden Eagles, compete in NCAA Division I and are a central part of campus life. Additionally, USM’s location in Hattiesburg and on the Gulf Coast provides students with access to a variety of cultural, recreational, and professional opportunities.