The University of Missouri-St. Louis is one of four campuses that constitute the University of Missouri. Established in Columbia in 1839 on the ideals of Thomas Jefferson, the University of Missouri became a land-grant institution upon passage of the Morrill Act by Congress in 1862. With more than 16,000 students, UMSL is the largest public research university in eastern Missouri. It provides excellent learning experiences and leadership opportunities to a diverse student body whose influence on the region upon graduation is immense.

UMSL offers bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degree programs including the only professional training program for optometrists in Missouri. Its nine colleges and schools, as well as its joint engineering partnership, are anchored by its award-winning faculty and nationally ranked programs, offering each student a high quality, invaluable and diverse educational opportunity.

The university is spread across 470 acres in suburban St. Louis County. It has a mix of modern and historic academic buildings as well as a variety of student residence halls, condominiums and apartments. UMSL provides the perfect setting for students to gain unique insights from outstanding faculty and work experience from internships at companies and organizations found only in this world-class metropolitan region.