History
In 1916 Murray added college level courses, was officially named the Murray State School of Agriculture in 1924 and began granting associate degrees. The workforce demands of WWII reduced enrollment but bounced back with the return of veterans financed through the GI Bill. Throughout the 1950s and 60s, young women were interested in home economics and commerce, while agriculture and engineering were popular for young men. Arts and Sciences programs attracted both men and women.
The Oklahoma Legislature has changed the institution’s name three times since 1908. In 1955, it became Murray State Agricultural College, and then the Murray State College of Agriculture and Applied Science in 1967. In 1971, the college was vested with its own governing board and became known as Murray State College in 1972.
Throughout the 1970s and 80s, the institution added programs like Computer Science, Gunsmithing, Nursing, and Veterinary Technology to its list of offerings. The Nursing program quickly became one of Murray State’s fastest-growing programs and continues to attract students in southern Oklahoma and online.
In the 1990s and 2000s, Occupational Therapy Assistant and Physical Therapist programs were added. New construction included the Student Services building. In the early 2000s, Murray State experienced record enrollment and began offering online courses. Concurrent enrollment also expanded to allow many high school students an opportunity for higher education.
Campus
Today, the Tishomingo campus provides a traditional college experience, with a variety of dormitories, student activities, athletic and intramural events. Campus features traditional classrooms, student services, the Academic Resource Center, athletic facilities, a cafeteria and more.