Missouri Southern State University (MSSU) is a public comprehensive university in Joplin, Missouri, founded in 1937 as Joplin Junior College. It offers 140+ undergraduate and graduate programs emphasizing immersive learning, health/life sciences, and global education on a 381-acre campus near Route 66. Highlights include small classes (16:1 ratio), NCAA Division II Lions athletics, themed semesters, and proximity to Kansas City, Branson, and Tulsa.

State

Missouri

Student Population

3,881

Acceptance Rate

97%

GPA Range

3.0-3.5

SAT Range

1000-1100

Common Majors

Business, nursing, criminal justice, education, biology

"MSSU's Lion pride builds friendly community on our vibrant Joplin campus. Off-campus, Route 66 diners, Branson shows, and KC adventures await; students love small classes, prof connections, themed semesters, D2 games, innovation labs, cultural events, and affordable path to real-world success."

Team & Tuition

Divison

Division 2

Tuition (no scholarship)

$8,400 (in-state), $16,800 (out-of-state)

Conference

Mid-America Intercollegiate Athletics Association

Scholarships Available

Yes. Both athletic and academic.

Avg Men's Scores

74-75

Avg Women's Scores

76-78

Men's Team Notes

Missouri Southern men’s golf posts team totals in the high‑280s to low‑290s over 18 holes, with multiple players carding in the 70s and occasional low‑round scores in the 60s. The Lions consistently rank near the top of their conference fields, showing strong depth and the ability to climb leaderboards with solid counting‑round play.

Women's Team Notes

Missouri Southern women’s golf typically scores in the mid‑70s per round, with several players carding in the 70s and occasional scores in the 60s. The team is regionally competitive in multi‑round events, highlighted by steady counting‑round efforts and a tendency to finish in the upper half of the field.

Coaches

Men's Coach

Taylor Griffith

Women's Coach

Taylor Griffith

Men's Email

griffith-t@mssu.edu

Women's Email

griffith-t@mssu.edu

Men's Coach Bio

Taylor Griffith heads Missouri Southern men's golf, guiding Lions through MIAA schedules including NSU Fall Classic, HSU Battle for the Belt (Hot Springs CC), UCO Skip Wagnon (Kickingbird GC), and MIAA Championships (Jefferson City CC). A 2010 alum, Griffith builds Central Region contenders with assistant Catron, targeting postseason from Joplin base.

Women's Coach Bio

Taylor Griffith directs Missouri Southern women's golf alongside men's program in MIAA competition. MSSU graduate emphasizes dual-gender development through shared Midwest invitationals and conference events. With recruiting coordinator Derrick Catron, Griffith sustains Lions' DII competitiveness, academic honors, and regional contention from Joplin, Missouri facilities.

State

Student Population

Acceptance Rate

GPA Range

SAT Range

Common Majors

"MSSU's Lion pride builds friendly community on our vibrant Joplin campus. Off-campus, Route 66 diners, Branson shows, and KC adventures await; students love small classes, prof connections, themed semesters, D2 games, innovation labs, cultural events, and affordable path to real-world success."

Team & Tuition

Divison

Tuition (no scholarship)

Conference

Scholarships Available

Avg Men's Scores

Avg Women's Scores

Men's Team Notes

Women's Team Notes

Coaches

Men's Coach

Women's Coach

Men's Email

Women's Email

Men's Coach Bio

Women's Coach Bio

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Central Oklahoma

Central Missouri

Northeastern State