Missouri Southern State University (MSSU), located in Joplin, Missouri, is a public comprehensive university founded in 1937. Originally Joplin Junior College, it evolved into a four-year institution and joined the Missouri State University system in 2005. With approximately 5,000 students, MSSU emphasizes applied learning, international education, and community service. The campus spans 372 acres and features state-of the-art facilities like the Leggett & Platt Athletic Complex and the Spiva Art Center.
Jobs at Missouri Southern State University span faculty, staff, and administrative roles, contributing to its mission of providing accessible higher education. The university hires for positions in colleges such as Health, Science, and Athletics; Liberal Arts; Business; and Education. Employment here offers a chance to impact students in a mid-sized university setting in the heart of the Four State area (Missouri, Kansas, Oklahoma, Arkansas).
Missouri Southern State University recruits for diverse roles, from tenure-track professors to support staff. Common positions include assistant professors in nursing, criminal justice, and biology; lecturers in English and mathematics; and administrative jobs like directors of student services. For a full breakdown, explore our university job types guide.
Recent openings have included adjunct instructors for online courses and full-time counselors, reflecting MSSU's growth in distance learning.
To secure jobs at Missouri Southern State University, candidates typically need advanced degrees. Tenure-track faculty roles require a PhD or EdD in the relevant field, such as a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) for nursing professors or a PhD in criminology for justice studies. Master's degrees suffice for lecturers or adjuncts, often with 18 graduate hours in the teaching discipline per Higher Learning Commission standards.
Administrative positions may demand a bachelor's plus experience; for example, a director of financial aid needs a degree in business or education administration. Certifications like CPR for health roles or teaching credentials for education faculty are common.
MSSU prioritizes applied research aligning with its applied learning model. Expertise in STEM fields, particularly biology and chemistry, supports labs like the Greenwood Herbarium. Nursing faculty focus on clinical simulations and community health, while business professors emphasize entrepreneurship in the Joplin economy.
Criminal justice roles seek knowledge in forensics and law enforcement, given the Department of Public Safety partnerships. International business experts contribute to the Global Scholars program, fostering study abroad opportunities.
Preferred experience includes 3-5 years of teaching, publications in peer-reviewed journals, and grant funding. For staff, prior higher ed experience is valued. Key skills encompass strong communication, curriculum development, and technology integration like Canvas LMS.
The application process for jobs at Missouri Southern State University begins on the MSSU Human Resources website, where postings list requirements. Submit a cover letter, CV, transcripts, and references via Interfolio or email. Interviews often include teaching demos and campus visits.
Tips: Customize your CV to highlight regional ties to Joplin; reference MSSU's strategic plan. Network at Missouri Council of College Teachers of English conferences. Prepare for questions on student retention. Use our free resume template and cover letter template for success.
MSSU's Lion Pride Diversity Plan promotes equity through the Office of Multicultural Affairs, offering scholarships for underrepresented students and faculty development workshops. The TRIO programs support first-generation students, while affinity groups for LGBTQ+ and veterans foster belonging. Recent hires reflect commitment to diverse faculty, with initiatives like bias training and inclusive hiring practices.
Employees at Missouri Southern State University enjoy a supportive environment in Joplin, known for low cost of living and outdoor recreation like the Ozarks. Benefits include 24 vacation days, flexible scheduling, and wellness centers. Campus life features events like Homecoming, intramural sports, and the Fine Arts Festival. Faculty mentorship programs and sabbaticals aid balance, with remote options for some admin roles.
The 400+ acre campus includes walking trails and on-site childcare, enhancing quality of life.
Jobs at Missouri Southern State University offer rewarding opportunities in a vibrant community-focused institution. From faculty in high-demand fields to administrative support, roles align with regional needs. Explore more higher ed jobs, get higher ed career advice, browse university jobs, or post a job today on AcademicJobs.com. Stay updated on openings in Missouri via our Missouri jobs page or Joplin specifics.
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