Murray State University serves as a nationally recognized residential comprehensive university, with a strong extended campus and online presence, offering high-quality associate, baccalaureate, masters, specialist and doctorate degrees. Academic programs are offered in the core areas of arts and sciences, agriculture, business, health and human services, teacher education, communications, engineering and applied technologies, and nursing. Teaching, research, and service excellence are core values and guiding principles that promote economic development and the well-being of the citizens of the Commonwealth of Kentucky and the region.

Murray State University places a high premium on academic outreach, collaborative relationships with alumni, the public schools, business and industry, governmental agencies, and other colleges and universities at home and abroad. Murray State University prepares graduates to function in a culturally diverse, technologically oriented society and increasingly interdependent world. The University is committed to international education as an integral dimension of the university experience.

Murray State University emphasizes student-centered learning and educational experiences that include first year experience, the honors program, internships, study-abroad programs, service learning, research and creative projects, residential colleges, and student organizations.

In sum, Murray State University fosters an exciting and challenging learning environment.