Murray State University offers 11 associate, 64 bachelor's, and 42 master's and specialist programs to its students, which are provided through five academic colleges, one school, 30 departments, and one joint program shared by the College of Business and Public Affairs together with the Department of Industrial and Engineering Technology.

Murray State University operates as a national all-round residential university that is ready to offer quality baccalaureate and master’s degree programs. These programs are provided in the core areas such as: arts and sciences, agriculture, business, health and human services, teacher education, communications, engineering, and applied technologies.

Graduates of Murray State University are prepared to function in a technologically oriented and culturally diverse society and ever more interdependent world. The university is dedicated to international education as an essential aspect of the university experience.

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

Application
In order to be considered for admission each applicant has to received or be receiving a high school diploma or a GED certificate before the term for which he/she is applying.
To enter Murray State University students should meet the following admission requirements:
- have to submit an application for admission with a $30 application fee
- must have a high school transcript mailed directly to Admissions Services from the applicant’s high school counselor
- must have an official ACT score report sent to Admissions Services
- must provide any documents requested by Admissions Services to verify residency for tuition purposes.
Besides the traditional four-year campus experience, MSU provides degree opportunities that suit your circumstances and location.