A new partnership between Missouri State University and Central State University (CSU) will enable more undergraduate students to pursue master’s degrees.

The universities recently signed a Memorandum of Understanding. Outstanding undergraduate students from CSU will have an opportunity to enroll in any of the accelerated master’s programs at MSU that are in line with CSU’s academic offerings.

CSU students will be able to start taking graduate course work in their program of choice during their junior or senior year. This option will be open to all students coming from 33 diverse areas of study.

“With this partnership, CSU students can complete their bachelor’s degree, while at the same time jump-start the process of earning a top quality master’s degree from MSU,” said MSU President Clif Smart. “This will save them time and money, and support their future academic and career success.”

The targeted date for the first group of CSU students to enter MSU’s accelerated options is fall 2021.

Why Central State University?

CSU was named the 2017 HBCU (Historically Black Colleges and Universities) of the Year. It’s a public, land-grant university located in Wilberforce, Ohio.

The university has a rich tradition of producing high caliber graduates from programs that align with MSU’s graduate offerings.

“It’s an honor for Central State University to partner with Missouri State, a university that aligns with our values and mission, which is focused on empowering students and campus community members to become global citizens who influence society for the better,” said CSU President Dr. Jack Thomas. “It certainly warms our hearts to partner with them as we develop the next generation of innovative leaders.”

This partnership with a HBCU is the first of its kind for Missouri State.