Mississippi State University forms a cohesive higher education-municipal community with Starkville, a growing agricultural-commercial-industrial city of nearly 24,000. The university is a comprehensive, doctoral degree-granting institution with a nationally and internationally diverse student body. A Carnegie Foundation R1-Very High Research Activity Doctoral University, Mississippi State is ranked among the National Science Foundation’s top 100 research institutions.At Mississippi State, classroom teaching and learning are combined with endless experiences for students to apply their knowledge in meaningful ways. With more than 175 programs leading to a baccalaureate, master’s or doctoral degree, MSU is preparing its students for bright, productive futures where academics is combined with the proper tools for tackling today’s tough issues and making a difference in society. The university’s diverse, award-winning faculty bring out the best in these students who are enrolled in the eight academic colleges that include Agriculture and Life Sciences; Architecture, Art and Design; Arts and Sciences; Business; Education; Bagley Engineering; Forest Resources; and Veterinary Medicine.The student communities enjoy many intellectual, cultural and recreational advantages. Among them are the MSU-Starkville Civic Symphony and Chorus; Starkville Community Theater; University Lyceum series, continuing intercollegiate athletic events in modern facilities, and varied recreational opportunities on playing fields and courts in neighboring forests, fields and lakes, and along the nearby Tennessee-Tombigbee Waterway.Located in the eastern part of north-central Mississippi, MSU is 125 miles northeast of Jackson and 23 miles west of Columbus. It is served by U.S. and state highways 82,12 and 25, along with feeder air service through the Golden Triangle Regional Airport 14 miles to the east.