The National Security Agency (NSA) and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) have designated the University of Missouri–St. Louis with a focus area specialization in Security Policy Development and Compliance through academic year 2021.

UMSL is the only institution within Missouri and all of its eight neighboring states to hold any of the 17 available focus areas. The University is a National Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense Education (CAE-CDE), a designation also granted by the NSA and DHS.

“This focus area specialization demonstrates the academic rigor of our cybersecurity program,” Assistant Professor of Information Systems Maurice Dawson said. “There are many cyber programs here in the St. Louis metropolitan region, but no one else has received the CAE designation. UMSL has gone a step beyond and achieved a focus area specialization. Within just three years of creating the program, UMSL has established itself as a premier institution for cyber education in the Midwest region.”

Focus area specializations are only available to centers of academic excellence. The process requires an extensive review of curricula including detailed course mapping and mandatory knowledge units.

UMSL’s cybersecurity program is a multidisciplinary effort between the Department of Mathematics and Computer Science in the College of Arts and Sciences and the Department of Information Systems in the College of Business Administration. This collaborative approach allows students to explore the many avenues of information security and adapt to the evolving nature of the field.

Students have a selection of undergraduate and postgraduate certificates as well as an undergraduate minor in cybersecurity. In fall 2019, UMSL has plans to offer undergraduate and graduate degrees in cybersecurity.

UMSL continues to proactively plan and develop services that optimally support students during the corona virus pandemic. This includes offering a number of high-quality online courses. UMSL is ranked at number 52 in the U.S. for the best online bachelor’s programs by the U.S. News and World Report for 2020.

The university has also adjusted certain elements of the acceptance criteria for students including waiving the GMAT for MBA and MS Information Systems programs for the fall semester of 2020. Waivers for the GMAT are also given to students applying for the MAcc program, subject to the assessment of their individual case. Students for the MAcc program can contact the university directly to find out whether they qualify.

Students should note that the university continues to offer English language courses and still accepts applications for scholarships and funding opportunities.

The University has much to be proud of, including:

• UMSL is one of the most culturally and ethnically diverse campuses in Missouri, enrolling 17,000 students from 44 states and more than 100 countries.
• The UMSL College of Business Administration is accredited by the Association to Advance College Schools of Business (AACSB) in Business and Accounting - the highest accreditation a business school can receive.
• U.S. News and World Report has consistently ranked UMSL’s doctoral program in Criminology and Criminal Justice among the best in the nation.
• UMSL’s undergraduate International Business program has been ranked in the top 25 nationally by U.S. News and World Report for 15 consecutive years.
• U.S. News and World Report counts UMSL among the best undergraduate Engineering Programs at schools where an Engineering doctorate is not offered.
• UMSL’s Whitney Harris World Ecology Center is the nation’s largest and most diverse program in biology conservation.
• UMSL is designated as a National Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense Education by the National Security Agency/Department of Homeland Security.

UMSL is renowned for its specialist courses and teaching. Some notable examples include:

• The UMSL College of Business Administration is accredited by the Association to Advance College Schools of Business (AACSB) in Business and Accounting – the highest accreditation a business school can receive.
• U.S. News and World Report has consistently ranked UMSL’s doctoral program in Criminology and Criminal Justice among the best in the nation.
• UMSL’s undergraduate International Business program has been ranked in the top 25 nationally by U.S. News and World Report for 15 consecutive years.
• U.S. News and World Report counts UMSL among the best undergraduate Engineering Programs at schools where an Engineering doctorate is not offered.
• UMSL’s Whitney Harris World Ecology Center is the nation’s largest and most diverse program in biology conservation.
• UMSL is designated as a National Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense Education by the National Security Agency/Department of Homeland Security.

College of Arts and Sciences (CAS)

CAS is the academic core of the University and offers 31 baccalaureate, 16 master’s, and 7 doctoral degrees through 18 departments in the humanities, social sciences, mathematics, and the sciences.

College of Business Administration

The College is accredited by the world's premier business school accrediting organization - the AACSB - in both business and accounting. Less than 2% of business schools worldwide have achieved this dual accreditation.

College of Education

The College of Education is one of the state of Missouri's larger preparers of educators, and an education innovation hub. It works to create a synergistic relationship between practitioners, researchers, and education innovators.

College of Nursing

The UMSL College of Nursing prepares nurses as clinicians, scientists and educators, and facilitates professional advancement through its innovative programs.

College of Optometry

The College of Optometry administers the only professional training program for optometrists in Missouri and is a member of the Association of Schools and Colleges of Optometry (ASCO).

• Tuition fee per year - $40,333

School of Fine and Performing Arts

The School’s internationally recognized faculty provides transformational learning experiences in classrooms, studios and galleries.

School of Social Work

The School has a diverse and dynamic faculty comprised of experts in child welfare, aging, economic development, health policy, mental health, and community development. It provides an educational experience that prepares students for work across various social service sectors.

Pierre Laclede Honors College

The Honors College is a writing intensive program open to undergraduates in all majors and includes discussion-based courses that satisfy general education requirements, an internship or independent study requirement, mentorship through a first year experience program, and other select topic courses.

Read more here…

UMSL is made up of eight colleges and departments.

College of Arts and Sciences (CAS)

CAS is the academic core of the university and offers 31 baccalaureate, 16 master’s, and seven doctoral degrees through 18 departments in the humanities, social sciences, mathematics, and the sciences.

College of Business Administration

The college is accredited by the world's premier business school accrediting organization - the AACSB – in both business and accounting. Less than 2% of business schools worldwide have achieved this dual accreditation.

College of Education

The College of Education is an education innovation hub and one of the state of Missouri's larger colleges in the field. It works to create a dynamic relationship between practitioners, researchers, and education innovators.

College of Nursing

The UMSL College of Nursing prepares nurses as clinicians, scientists and educators, and facilitates professional advancement through its innovative programs.

College of Optometry

The College of Optometry administers the only professional training program for optometrists in Missouri and is a member of the Association of Schools and Colleges of Optometry (ASCO).

School of Fine and Performing Arts

The school’s internationally recognized faculty provides transformational learning experiences in classrooms, studios and galleries.

School of Social Work

The school has a diverse and dynamic faculty comprised of experts in child welfare, aging, economic development, health policy, mental health, and community development. It provides an educational experience that prepares students for work across various social service sectors.

Pierre Laclede Honors College

The Honors College is a writing intensive program open to undergraduates in all majors and includes discussion-based courses that satisfy general education requirements, an internship or independent study requirement, mentorship through a first-year experience program, and other select topic courses.

Students who wish to pursue the undergraduate and postgraduate programs at UMSL will have to refer to the international student application and pay the USD 40 application fee.

Undergraduate students

Undergraduate applicants will be required to submit the following:

English proficiency

Prospective students must submit proof of English proficiency. The minimum requirements are 61 TOEFL, 5.5 IELTS, or 44 PTE-A.

Official transcripts

• Students in their last year of high school should submit transcripts for all years completed thus far. Students who have completed high school must submit final transcripts and degree certificates or exam results.
• Students who have studied at a college or university must submit university transcripts to date.
• Transcripts are required from all high schools or universities attended.

Entry to 2 + 3 Programs

2+3 programs allow students to earn a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in a shorter amount of time. UMSL currently has 2+3 programs for biochemistry and biotechnology, computer science, economics, history, math, philosophy, political science, and public policy administration. Students start out in a bachelor’s degree program and then apply for admission to the 2+3 once they have reached “junior-level” courses in their major with a GPA of 3.0 or higher. Learn more here…

Postgraduate students

Postgraduate applicants must apply with the below documents:

English proficiency

The minimum requirements for the proof of English language proficiency vary by department. It is recommended that students score at least a 79 TOEFL, 6.5 IELTS, or 53 PTE-A.

Official transcripts

• Students in their final year of a bachelor's program should submit transcripts for all semesters completed thus far.
• Students who have already completed a degree must submit final transcripts and degree certificates.
• Transcripts are required from all universities attended.

Most postgraduate programs also require additional materials, including letters of recommendation, writing samples, and/or GRE and GMAT scores. Note that letters of recommendation must be sent directly from the author - do not send photocopies or scans of recommendations.

All application materials must be sent to International Student & Scholar Services.

Graduate Certificate Programs can only be completed during the course of a regular master’s or doctoral degree program.

There are a number of entry requirements which apply to all courses. International students will need to submit a specific application form – both undergraduate and postgraduate studies – and pay a USD 40 application fee.

Undergraduate students

Undergraduate applicants will be required to submit the following:

English proficiency

Prospective students must submit proof of English proficiency. The minimum requirements are 61 TOEFL, 5.5 IELTS, 44 PTE-A, or 85-90 Duolingo.

Official transcripts

• Students in their last year of high school should submit transcripts for their studies. Students who have completed high school must submit final transcripts and degree certificates or exam results.
• Students who have studied at a college or university must submit university transcripts to date.
• Transcripts are required from all high schools or universities that a student has attended.

Entry to 2 + 3 Programs

2+3 programs allow students to earn a bachelor’s and master’s degree in a shorter amount of time. Students start out in a bachelor’s degree program and then apply for admission to the 2+3 once they have reached “junior-level” courses in their major with a GPA of 3.0 or higher.

Postgraduate students

Postgraduate applicants must apply with the below documents:

English proficiency

The minimum requirements for the proof of English language proficiency vary by department. It is recommended that students score at least a 79 TOEFL, 6.5 IELTS, 53 PTE-A or 105-110 Duolingo.

Official transcripts

• Students in their final year of a bachelor's program should submit transcripts for all semesters completed thus far.
• Students who have already completed a degree must submit final transcripts and degree certificates.
• Transcripts are required from all universities attended.

Most postgraduate programs ask for additional materials, including letters of recommendation, writing samples and GRE or GMAT scores.

Graduate Certificate Programs can only be completed during the course of a regular master’s or doctoral degree program.

UMSL students join a vibrant campus community with numerous educational, social and recreational opportunities. Facilities include dedicated technology laboratories, a Recreation and Wellness Center, computing labs, on campus housing and the acclaimed Touhill Performing Arts Center.

Cybersecurity & Information Technology Innovation Lab (CITIL) and Information Systems (IS) Laboratory

UMSL is home to two state-of-the-art technology laboratories that provide students with access to the contemporary technologies and tools to help them learn both business and technical aspects of cybersecurity and information systems.

Recreation and Wellness Center

UMSL Campus Recreation operates out of the Recreation and Wellness Center, and focuses on promoting health, wellness, recreation, and fun.

Science Learning Building

The Science Learning Building features 18 high-tech laboratories, providing students with opportunities to undertake challenging research and collaborative projects.

Office of Student Involvement

The Office of Student Involvement provides programming and organizations to enrich campus life. From student organizations, leadership programs and campus events, the Office is at the center of student life.

University Libraries

The University Libraries are more than a repository for books. Services include free research consultations for UMSL students, a computer lab and access to an impressive array of online databases.

Residential Life & Housing

Living on campus offers three on-campus living options to meet any student’s needs, from first-time freshmen to graduate students with families. All options are affordable, conveniently located on campus, have amazing amenities on site, and live-in staff to help them.

There are a number of merit-based scholarships available.

Undergraduate scholarships

All international applicants applying for an undergraduate degree are automatically considered for competitive scholarships. Students who are admitted to study at the university prior to February 15^th for the September semester or August 15^th for the March semester are given priority consideration, with a maximum award of USD 18,000. Students are encouraged to visit the university website for more information.

Honors College Merit Scholarships

Offered in addition to any other scholarships, the Honors College Merit Scholarship can be awarded to any Honors College student and are renewable each year.

Postgraduate Assistantships

Most departments with established postgraduate programs offer teaching and research assistantships to qualified degree-seeking postgraduate students who are in good academic standing. Appointments are usually half-time and carry stipends.

Postgraduate fellowships

Masters recruitment fellowships are awarded by the Postgraduate School. The fellowship is a one-off award of up to USD 2,000 and one is made every academic year.

Postgraduate School Dissertation Fellowships are offered to help students complete their dissertation, and a stipend of up to USD 15,000 is available for a single academic year.

The Whitney R. Harris World Ecology Center offers two fellowships to biology postgraduates, offering a fully funded masters or PhD fellowship in animal or plant conservation.

Postgraduate Scholarships

In addition to assistantship opportunities, degree-seeking postgraduate applicants are automatically reviewed for a limited number of international student scholarships. A separate application form is not required. Students who are admitted to study at the university prior to February 15^th for the September semester or August 15^th for the March semester are given priority consideration, with a maximum award of USD 6,000.

Undergraduate applicants

Undergraduate applicants may be eligible for merit-based scholarships.

• Undergraduate scholarships
  All degree-seeking international applicants are automatically reviewed for competitive scholarships, with awards ranging up to USD 10,000 per year.
  
• Honors College Merit Scholarships
  Each Honors College student admitted in good standing qualifies for an Honors College Merit Scholarship. These scholarships are offered in addition to any other scholarships awarded by UMSL and are renewable.

Postgraduate applicants

UMSL offers several postgraduate scholarships, including:

• Postgraduate Assistantships
  Most departments with established postgraduate programs offer teaching and research assistantships to qualified degree-seeking postgraduate students who are in good academic standing. Appointments are usually half-time and carry stipends.

• Postgraduate fellowships
  Postgraduate fellowships offered by UMSL include:

• Masters Recruitment fellowships
  These fellowships are awards funded by the Postgraduate School to attract top-quality masters and specialist students to UMSL. This fellowship is a one-time award of USD 2,000 to be posted to the students account. There will be one award per program every academic year.

• Postgraduate School Dissertation fellowships
  The Postgraduate School Dissertation fellowships support the completion of the dissertation by providing a stipend of USD 15,000 for the academic year.

• The Whitney R. Harris World Ecology Center offers fellowship opportunities to suitably-qualified, highly-motivated Biology postgraduates. Opportunities include fully funded master’s or Ph.D. fellowships in animal or plant conservation.
  
• Postgraduate Scholarships
  In addition to assistantship opportunities, degree-seeking postgraduate applicants are automatically reviewed for a limited number of international student scholarships. A separate application form is not required.

The campus community at UMSL is vibrant and sociable, with a variety of academic and social opportunities in dedicated facilities, including technology laboratories, a Recreation and Wellness Center, computer labs, on campus housing and the acclaimed Touhill Performing Arts Center.

Cybersecurity & Information Technology Innovation Lab (CITIL) and Information Systems (IS) Laboratory

These state-of-the-art laboratories provide students with access to contemporary technology and tools, so they can learn the technical and wider business context of cybersecurity and information systems.

Recreation and Wellness Center

The base for UMSL Campus Recreation, its focus is on promoting health, wellness, recreation, and fun.

Science Learning Building

Featuring 18 high-tech labs, students can undertake research projects in a challenging and collaborative environment.

Office of Student Involvement

It coordinates and programs the organizations which enrich campus life. Be it student run organizations, leadership programs or campus events, it is at the center of student life on campus.

University Libraries

More than just a repository of books, the library service includes research consultations, a computer lab and access to online databases to help students maximise their studies.

Residential Life & Housing

There are a number of on-campus living options for all student needs, including accommodation for first-time freshmen to graduate students who have families. They are affordable options, located close to campus and with extensive facilities on-site and live-in staff on hand to help.