History
UMKC got its start in 1930 with a gift from William Volker, a man fondly remembered for his generosity. His purchase of 40 acres just south of The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art became the UMKC Volker campus.
Six years later, 80 students became the first graduating class at UMKC. Now, we host more than a dozen commencement ceremonies each year to accommodate all of our graduates.
Education
UMKC's Major Maps are detailed, undergraduate four-year course outlines that inform students on the classes they should take and when to take them. Outlines are updated yearly. Graduate students should visit their program's individual school for program outlines.
Research
The University of Missouri-Kansas City is the only urban-based research university in the Kansas City region. Our research faculty are focused on developing new knowledge and new solutions relevant to our community’s needs and aspirations; and to enhancing Kansas City’s global reputation for leadership in the arts, entrepreneurship and life sciences. UMKC works in partnership with our community’s leading businesses, hospitals, nonprofit organizations, civic groups, artists, scientists and thinkers on research initiatives that are catalysts for growth and progress that benefits the entire community. In short, our mission is translating ideas into innovation.
Distance Learning Courses
Business & Management (1)
- M.B.A. Business Administration
Education & Training (1)
Engineering & Technology (1)
- M.Sc. Civil Engineering
Student services
The division of Academic Affairs, together with the deans, directors and faculty of UMKC's college and schools, is responsible for a wide array of scholarly and academic endeavors, including the number and scope of degree programs offered by UMKC.
Housing services
UMKC is located in a vibrant community near downtown Kansas City. The area around campus thrives with shopping centers, restaurants, city parks, museums, theaters and a variety of housing options. UMKC and the city of Kansas City welcome you to campus and invite you to enjoy all the area has to offer.
Our facilities are some of the best in the country, providing you plenty of personal space but also giving you a chance to be a part of a bigger community. Two of our facilities are LEED Certified by the U.S. Green Building Council (meaning our facilities use sustainable building strategies and practices).ICT services
Information Services’ name says it all. IS provides our entire community everything they need to know about how to stay connected and informed. Updates on scheduled outages, email set up for mobile devices, software and AV support and identifying phishing scams are only a few of the dozens of resources found here.
Medical services
Student Health and Wellness can evaluate and treat acute illnesses and stable chronic illnesses. Student Health is staffed by Nurse Practitioners (NPs) and Registered Nurses (RNs) with physician consultation.
Campus life
Founded in 1929 as the University of Kansas City, UMKC has since expanded to two campuses, housing 11 different schools and colleges.
Sports facilities
The Durwood Stadium and Recreational Field is adjacent to the Swinney Center. Users must enter and check in at Campus Rec’s Welcome Desk prior to use.
Durwood is used for Campus Rec’s intramurals, UMKC Varsity Athletics, and numerous special events. Footballs, soccer balls, and more can be rented from the equipment checkout and used on the recreational field free of charge.Student clubs
With over 300 student organizations at UMKC, it’s easy to get involved. Learn more about the opportunities that await you — and how to create your own. This is your chance to make college everything you want it to be.
RooGroups is your way to connect to student organizations, communicate with other members and discover events happening on campus. Explore opportunities to get involved or start your own organization now!
The University of Missouri-Kansas City is accredited through the Higher Learning Commission. The Higher Learning Commission was founded in 1895 as one of six regional institutional accreditors in the United States and accredits degree-granting post-secondary higher education institutions in the North Central region of the United States.