The University of Central Missouri is a public university in Warrensburg, Missouri. In 2019, enrollment was 11,229 students from 49 states and 59 countries on its 1,561-acre campus. UCM offers 150 programs of study, including 10 pre-professional programs, 27 areas of teacher certification, and 37 graduate programs

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Rankings and Recognition

Getting it Right

Many students who are considering a college or university often look for guidance at some of the nationally known publications, both online and in print, that either rank institutions or recognize them on the basis of certain characteristics. Some organizations also provide special recognition to institutions that are "getting it right" in terms of the education students are provided. Here are just a few examples of recognition the University of Central Missouri has earned:

Most Popular Colleges for Computer Systems Analysis in Missouri

U.S. News & World Report named the University of Central Missouri to its regional list of Best Public Colleges and Universities in its 2023 Best Colleges Guidebook. U.S. News & World Report ranked UCM as:

• Best Regional Universities (Midwest) - 2023
• Top Public School in the Midwest Region (#14) - 2023
• Best Colleges for Veterans (#29) - 2023
• Best Value School (#62) - 2023
• Top Performers on Social Mobility, a category based on success in helping economically disadvantaged students to finish college (#98) - 2023
• Best Nursing Programs - 2023
• Best Business Programs - 2023 
• Best Computer Science Programs (#308-537) - 2023
• Best Speech-Language Pathology Masters Programs (#189) - 2022
• Best Part-time MBA (#206-#273) - 2022
• Best Business Schools - 2022
• Best Nursing Schools: Master's - 2022
• Best Bachelor of Science in Nursing (#388) - 2022
• Best Online Masters in Nursing Programs - 2022
• Best Part-time MBA - 2022
• Best Online MBA Programs (#83) - 2021
• Best Online MBA Programs for Veterans (#48) - 2021
• Best Online Masters in Nursing Programs (#132-#173) - 2021

The Princeton Review named UCM a 2023 Best College in the Midwestern Region. UCM has earned this designation consecutively since 2004. The publication noted that a "top-notch education comes with a very low price tag" at the University of Central Missouri. Institutions are primarily recognized for their excellent academic programs, with selections based on data from each institution, school visits, and opinions of independent and high school-based college advisers whose recommendations are invited. Additionally, UCM was named to The Princeton Review's 2023 Best Online Nursing School Master's Programs.

Forbes has named UCM as one of the 2021 America's Top Colleges. According to Forbes, they "ranked colleges and universities in the U.S. based on the return on investment and outcomes they delivered for their students. Schools placed well if their students graduated on time, secured high salaries and low debt, and went on to have successful careers." 

VIQTORY named UCM as a Military Friendly® Gold School for 2023-2024. Institutions earning the Military Friendly® School designation were evaluated using both public data sources and responses from a proprietary survey. Other military recognitions include:

• Best Colleges for Veterans (top 20%) by College Factual - 2023
• Best Colleges for Military and Veterans by Abound - 2022
• Top College for Veterans (top 5%) by College Factual - 2021
• Top Education for Veterans (Top 10%) by College Factual - 2021

Colleges of Distinction has recognized UCM as one of the 2021-2022 Best Colleges for You. According to Colleges of Distinction, they hand pick colleges that are "well equipped to provide a personalized education catered to students' interests" using four distinctions - student engagement, teaching, community and outcomes. Additionally, University HQ has recognized UCM in their 2023 lists of Best Online Colleges in Missouri, Best Master's Degrees in Missouri, Best Bachelor's Degrees in Missouri, Best MBA Colleges in Missouri, Best MBA Leadership Colleges.

UCM has been recognized by a variety of entities for excellence in different areas including:

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English proficiency is required from all students, the students can take TOEFL, IELTS, or PTE. Following are the approximate test requirements

Students may require to take certain standardised tests for specific courses. SAT may be required to apply to Bachelors, GRE for Masters, and GRE and GMAT for MBA. Check the specific program websites for requirements or talk to our admission counselors for free

Minimum GPA requirement is 2.5, But certain programs may have higher requirements

Accreditation

Your Assurance of Excellencedfsdf

All programs at the University of Central Missouri are accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, a member of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools.

Program-Specific Accreditations

UCM is a state leader in program-specific accreditations. UCM academic programs are accredited by the following national accrediting organizations:

Undergraduate Programs

• Art National Association of Schools of Art and Design
• Commission on Accreditation of Athletic Training Education Programs
• National Automotive Technicians Education Foundation (NATEF)
• Association of Technology, Management, and Applied Engineering
• Aviation Accreditation Board International (AABI)
• Council on Social Work Educationsdfsdfsdf
• The Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB) – International
• American Association of Family and Consumer Sciences
• National Science Teachers Association
• Commission on English Language Program Accreditation (CEA)
• Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology, Inc. (ABET)
• American Council for Construction Education
• Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND) the accrediting agency for the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics
• Association for Childhood Education International
• Early Childhood Education, National Association for the Education of Young Children
• American Association of Family and Consumer Sciences
• Council for Interior Design Accreditation
• National Council of Teachers of Mathematics
• National Middle School Association
• National Association of Schools of Music
• Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
• Applied Science Accreditation Commission of ABET
• Certification in Education for Public Relations
• National Council for the Social Studies
• Council for Exceptional Children
• Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP)
• National Association of Schools of Theatre

Graduate Programs

• The Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB) – International
• Commission on English Language Program Accreditation (CEA)
• Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Progress
• Educational Leadership Constituent Council
• International Society for Technology in Education
• Applied Science Accreditation Commission of ABET
• Association of Technology, Management, and Applied Engineering
• American Association of School Libraries
• International Literacy Association
• National Association of Schools of Music
• Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
• Council on Academic Accreditation in Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology
• Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP)
• Association of Technology, Management, and Applied Engineering
• National Association of Schools of Theatre

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UCM Traditions

 Each year since 1871, generations of students have stepped foot on the UCM campus and brought with them the excitement for new experiences, meaningful opportunities, and the future they’re about to create for themselves here. Being a Mule means a lot of things. It means working hard and inspiring innovation. It means finding your pack, creating friendships and making memories that will stick with you for a lifetime. It means graduating with a valuable degree and making a difference. UCM is your stomping ground – it’s time to show your school spirit! Check out some of our time-honored traditions below.

Show Your Red and Black Spirit

Welcome Walk

At our annual Welcome Walk, faculty and staff line the walkway in front of the Administration building while first year students are headed to Convocation. Students are welcomed by our live mule mascots, the marching band plays, Mo gives high fives and our cheerleaders, faculty, and staff wave pom-poms, cheer and ring bells. 

Convocation

Just as graduation marks the end of your university journey, Convocation is a ceremony that marks the academic beginning of your journey at UCM. Our faculty wear their academic regalia and welcome you on your journey to success. 

Week of Welcome

One Week: Endless Possibilities. At the beginning of each school year, we welcome our students back with a week-long series of spectacular programs that’ll leave you saying “WOW.”

Get the Red Out

Join us at Get the Red Out, our yearly street fair, to socialize with student organizations, local businesses, and the Warrensburg community! It’s a great way to get involved and enjoy free family fun.

Family Weekend Talent Show

Watch our students unleash their hidden talents! Enjoy the star quality of our musicians, dancers, magicians, and more — or the cash prizes awarded to the top three finalists.

The Color Run

The highlight of UCM’s annual Family Weekend since 2013, the Color Run is a crowd favorite that has never failed to brighten up campus.

Homecoming

Homecoming at UCM isn’t anything less than the biggest (campus and community) celebration of the year. Students, alumni, and their families are all invited to show their school spirit as the university honors this tradition with week-long competitions, a pep rally, and the annual parade.

Moonlight Breakfast

During Finals Week, UCM’s campus food provider, Sodexo, invites students to take a break from studying to enjoy a free late-night breakfast and enter drawings to win prizes.

Founders Day

UCM’s annual Founders Day birthday bash includes a picnic lunch in the Quad, a special reading of UCM’s founding night in 1871, appearances by our live mules, UCM band, Mo the Mule and more!

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