2024-25 Graduate Catalog

Northwest Missouri State University Graduate School

 

Statement of Non-Discrimination

Northwest Missouri State University emphasizes the dignity and equality common to all persons and adheres to a strict nondiscrimination policy regarding the treatment of individual faculty, staff, students, third parties on campus, and applicants for employment and admissions.  In accord with federal law and applicable Missouri statutes, the University does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, pregnancy, ancestry, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, or any other legally-protected class, in employment or in any program or activity offered or sponsored by the University, including, but not limited to, athletics, instruction, grading, the awarding of student financial aid, recruitment, admissions, and housing.  As an equal opportunity employer, the University promotes and maintains affirmative action programs to ensure that all individuals participate fully in every facet of employment opportunities.

Persons having inquiries concerning the University's compliance with this policy or any laws and regulations prohibiting discrimination are directed to contact the following:

 

  • An employee with questions or concerns about any type of discrimination in the workplace, including discriminatory harassment, is encouraged to bring these issues to the attention of the Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Officer, who may be contacted at: EEO Officer, Northwest Missouri State University, 800 University Drive, Maryville, Missouri, 64468-6001 (660-562-1128).
  • Questions or concerns regarding the University's compliance with Title IX may be directed to the University's Title IX Coordinator or Deputy Title IX Coordinators.  The University has designated the following Title IX Coordinator and Deputy Title IX Coordinators as named in the University's Title IX Policies and Procedures:

Marissa Hotujac, Interim Title IX Coordinator, 660-562-1476, marissa_hotujac@nwmissouri.edu

Krista Barcus, Assistant Vice President of Human Resources (Deputy Employee Coordinator), 125 Administration Building, 660-562-1128, kbarcus@nwmissouri.edu

Kori Hoffmann, Assistant Vice President of Student Affairs-Engagement & Development (Deputy Student Coordinator), 2450 Student Union, 660-562-1535, khoff20@nwmissouri.edu

 

  • For ADA/Section 504 related questions or concerns, please contact:

Marissa Hotujac, Interim Title IX Coordinator, 660-562-1476, marissa_hotujac@nwmissouri.edu

 

  • For all other inquiries related to discrimination at the University, please contact:

 Marissa Hotujac, Interim Title IX Coordinator, 660-562-1476, marissa_hotujac@nwmissouri.edu

No individual will be subject to any form of retaliation, discipline, or other adverse action for reporting conduct in violation of the University's nondiscrimination/EEO policy, assisting/cooperating in making a complaint, or assisting with the investigation of a complaint.  Any individual who believes they have experienced or witnessed retaliation should immediately notify the appropriate member(s) of the administration as identified above.  Those found to be engaging in any type of discrimination in violation of the law or University policy will be subject to disciplinary action, up to and including dismissal or termination of employment.

Copies of the University's Equal Employment Opportunity ("EEO") Guidelines are available in the Office of Human Resources.

 

Northwest's Mission, Vision and Values

Mission

Northwest Missouri State University focuses on student success - every student, every day.

Vision

We will be THE university of choice for a comprehensive, exceptional student experience.

Values

We value:

  • Student Success
  • Scholarship and life-long learning
  • Intercultural competence
  • Collaboration
  • Respect and integrity
  • Strategic thinking
  • Excellence

 

Core Competencies (STIR)

  • Safe: Preventative-based systems ensure students, employees, visitors, friends, and the community can learn, live, and work in a safe environment.
  • Trusted: Northwest employees do the right things for the right reasons; our genuineness and the sincerity result in a culture of institutional integrity.
  • Invested: Employees invest in student success on a personal level, resulting in rewarding relationships that benefit all involved.
  • Resourceful: We provide high value through drive and resilience, and thus achieve maximum results.

History

In 1953, Northwest Missouri State University began a feasibility study for a graduate program leading to the Master of Science in Education degree. This degree was designed specifically for elementary teachers, elementary supervisors and principals, and secondary teachers in the areas of Business, English, Health and Physical Education, and the Social Sciences.

Graduate work leading to a master’s degree was offered for the first time in the summer session of 1955, and the first degree was granted in 1957. The graduate program was accredited by the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools and by the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education following a visit by representatives in the summer session of 1958.

The University has been continuously involved in offering graduate work since 1955. In 1961, a cooperative graduate program was developed for the Master of Education degree which was awarded by the University of Missouri. Northwest Missouri State University phased out its own program over a period of two years and continued the cooperative arrangement until 1967. The last graduate in the M.Ed. cooperative program received his degree in 1969. A cooperative program for the Specialist in Education degree in Educational Administration with the University of Missouri was begun in the 1970 summer session under the auspices of the University of Missouri. Although this program was phased out in 1982, NCA approved the Specialist in Education degree in Educational Administration as offered by Northwest since 1981.

Graduate courses have been offered off site beginning in 1978 when programs were first offered in the St. Joseph area. In 2006, the Kansas City Center was created which firmly established program offerings in the Northland Kansas City area. Since 1997, Northwest and the University of Missouri-Columbia offer a cooperative doctoral degree in leadership. This degree is awarded by the University of Missouri and requires two summers of coursework on the University of Missouri campus with the remainder of the coursework offered on the Northwest campus. Program cohorts have also been established in numerous locations throughout the state to bring educational opportunities at distance locations.