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University of Missouri-Kansas City

Address: 5100 Rockhill Road, Kansas City, MO 64110, USA
Phone: +1 816-235-1000
Email: admissions@umkc.edu
Website: www.umkc.edu


About University of Missouri-Kansas City

Founded in 1933, the University of Missouri-Kansas City is a non-profit public higher  education institution located in the urban setting of the medium  city of Kansas City (population range of 250,000-499,999 inhabitants), Missouri. Officially accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, University of Missouri-Kansas City (UMKC) is a large-sized (uniRank enrollment range: 15,000-19,999 students) coeducational US higher education institution. University of Missouri-Kansas City (UMKC) offers courses and programs leading to officially recognized higher education degrees such as bachelor's degrees, master's degrees and doctorate degrees in several areas of study. See the uniRank degree levels and areas of study table below for further details. This 90-year-old US higher-education institution has a selective admission policy based on entrance examinations and students' past academic records and grades. The acceptance rate range is 70-79% making this US higher education organization a moderately selective institution. International students are welcome to apply for enrollment. UMKC also provides several academic and non-academic facilities and services to students including a library, housing, sports facilities, financial aids and/or scholarships, study abroad and exchange programs, online courses and distance learning opportunities, as well as administrative services.

Why University of Missouri-Kansas City

The University of Missouri-Kansas City (UMKC) is known for several key aspects that contribute to its reputation:

  1. Accelerated Medical Program: UMKC’s School of Medicine offers one of the few accelerated B.A./M.D. programs in the U.S., allowing students to earn both degrees in six years instead of the usual eight. This innovative program provides early clinical exposure, preparing students for medical careers through hands-on learning.

  2. Top-Tier Conservatory of Music and Dance: UMKC’s Conservatory of Music and Dance is highly regarded, producing accomplished musicians, dancers, and performing artists. The conservatory's connection with Kansas City’s vibrant arts scene gives students unique performance and networking opportunities, making it a hub for creative talent.

  3. Strong Health and Pharmacy Programs: UMKC is the only university in Kansas City with a School of Pharmacy and a comprehensive School of Dentistry. These programs are respected for their research contributions and hands-on clinical experiences. The pharmacy program, in particular, collaborates with healthcare institutions to prepare students for various roles in pharmaceutical sciences.

  4. Community Engagement and Urban Focus: Located in an urban area, UMKC has a strong emphasis on urban studies, public policy, and social work, and actively engages with Kansas City. Its School of Education focuses on urban education, preparing students to address challenges in diverse urban settings. This strong connection to the city also benefits students in internships and job placement.

  5. Entrepreneurship and Innovation: UMKC’s Henry W. Bloch School of Management is known for its entrepreneurship and innovation programs, bolstered by the Regnier Institute for Entrepreneurship and Innovation. The school’s focus on entrepreneurship, alongside local business partnerships, supports students interested in launching startups and developing business skills.

  6. Diverse Law Program with Practical Training: The UMKC School of Law offers strong programs in trial advocacy, public interest law, and urban law. The law school’s clinical programs give students opportunities for hands-on casework, particularly in public interest cases, helping them gain practical experience while serving the community.

  7. Research Contributions: UMKC conducts important research in areas such as health sciences, urban development, and environmental sciences. Its collaborations with local hospitals, businesses, and civic organizations amplify its impact, particularly in health, urban planning, and the environment.

  8. Regional and National Recognition: UMKC is well-regarded within the Midwest for its professional schools and its dedication to practical, community-focused education. This regional reputation makes it a popular choice for students in the Midwest and beyond.

UMKC’s integration with Kansas City’s industries and community, along with its specialized programs in health, law, the arts, and urban studies, make it a standout university that is well-respected for both academic and professional contributions.

The University of Missouri-Kansas City (UMKC) has specific English language proficiency requirements for international students whose first language is not English. Acceptable tests and minimum scores generally include:

  1. TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language):

    • Minimum score of 79 on the internet-based test (iBT).

  2. IELTS (International English Language Testing System):

    • Minimum overall band score of 6.0.

  3. Duolingo English Test:

    • Minimum score of 105.

  4. PTE Academic (Pearson Test of English):

    • Minimum score of 53.

  5. Exceptions:

    • International students who have completed secondary or post-secondary education in an English-speaking country or an institution where English is the primary language of instruction may be exempt.

It’s recommended to check specific program requirements, as some graduate programs may have higher language proficiency requirements.

The University of Missouri-Kansas City (UMKC) offers a range of specialized programs, making it a standout institution in various fields:

  1. Health Sciences:

    • School of Medicine: UMKC’s six-year combined B.A./M.D. program is unique and highly competitive, allowing students to complete their medical education in an accelerated format. The school is known for its emphasis on practical experience and early patient exposure.
    • Dentistry: The UMKC School of Dentistry is highly respected and offers a full range of dental programs, including D.D.S. and dental hygiene, with state-of-the-art facilities for clinical experience.
    • Nursing and Health Studies: This school offers both undergraduate and graduate programs, focusing on areas like nurse practitioner and health administration roles.

  2. Business:

    • The Henry W. Bloch School of Management is well-known for its strong programs in entrepreneurship, accounting, and public administration. The Regnier Institute for Entrepreneurship and Innovation supports students interested in launching and managing successful businesses.

  3. Law:

    • The UMKC School of Law offers JD and LLM programs with an emphasis on areas like public interest law, trial advocacy, and urban law. Its clinical programs allow students to gain practical legal experience through real-world case handling.

  4. Pharmacy:

    • UMKC's School of Pharmacy is the only pharmacy school in Kansas City and offers Pharm.D. and Ph.D. programs. Known for strong research and healthcare partnerships, the program prepares students for various roles in pharmaceutical sciences.

  5. Performing Arts and Music:

    • The Conservatory of Music and Dance at UMKC is renowned, offering programs in music performance, composition, dance, and theater. It has a long-standing reputation for producing talented performers and is integrated with the Kansas City arts community.

  6. Engineering and Computing:

    • UMKC’s School of Computing and Engineering offers strong programs in civil, mechanical, and electrical engineering as well as computer science. The program emphasizes hands-on learning and has ties with Kansas City's tech industry for internships and career opportunities.

  7. Urban Planning and Design:

    • This program is notable for its focus on urban revitalization, sustainable design, and city planning. Given UMKC's urban setting, students gain direct exposure to city development projects and gain insights into urban issues.

  8. Education:

    • UMKC’s School of Education offers programs for aspiring teachers, counselors, and education leaders, with an emphasis on urban education, special education, and STEM.

  9. Sciences and Biological Studies:

    • UMKC has strong programs in biological sciences and chemistry, often collaborating with the health sciences programs and contributing to research in areas like genetics, cell biology, and environmental sciences.

UMKC’s focus on practical learning and industry partnerships enhances these specialized programs, providing students with the skills and connections they need for successful careers.

The University of Missouri-Kansas City (UMKC) does not currently have any Nobel Prize laureates among its faculty or alumni. However, UMKC is recognized for its strong research contributions, particularly in the fields of health sciences, urban studies, law, and entrepreneurship, which have regional and national impacts.

UMKC's School of Medicine, School of Pharmacy, and Conservatory of Music and Dance are influential within their fields, and the university’s community-focused research, such as in urban planning and healthcare, is known for addressing challenges relevant to Kansas City and the broader Midwest. While Nobel Prizes are not directly associated with the university, UMKC remains respected for its commitment to community impact, applied research, and contributions to the arts and sciences.