World Class. Right Now.
What Makes Us a World-Class University?
We partner with the best in our community and the world to enhance our students' experiences and advance our region. Our researchers work to make us healthier, safer and more informed. Our students get a world-class education that strengthens our community. Our faculty are recognized around the world for excellence. We dare to break the norm in pursuit of world-changing academic excellence.
World-Class Innovation
Right here in Kansas City, we're tackling some of the world’s biggest challenges. Read how Rose Wang, assistant research professor at the UMKC School of Dentistry, is leading a cross-departmental team in using artificial intelligence and infrared technology to detect cancer before it starts.
World-Class Research
Being a world-class university means being entrusted with research that tackles some of today’s biggest challenges.
Cybersecurity and AI
We are the first university in the country to sign a cooperative research and development agreement with United States Cyber Command to tackle complex cybersecurity challenges, benefiting national security interests and technological development.
Transportation
A $10 million federal grant to the School of Science and Engineering will fund research to develop innovative approaches to improve the sustainability and equity of transportation infrastructure.
Environmental Health
Our partnership with U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Region 7 facilitates joint research projects and opportunities for teaching, mentoring and internships that will strengthen both organizations.
World-Class Partners
Being in a world-class city means that our local partners aren’t just among the best in the region — they are among the best in the world.
Our partners make things happen
Our partnerships provide our students with unmatched access to industry connections, specialized knowledge and once-in-a-lifetime experiences. Our partners include championship teams like the Chiefs, the Royals, the Current and Sporting KC. They also include educational leaders that are making a difference in people's lives and communities.
World-Class Community Care
We are working to get world-class care to the underserved communities in our region that need it most.
Nontraditional avenues
The UMKC School of Medicine received the Association of American Medical Colleges' Spencer Foreman Award for Outstanding Community Engagement for its commitment to provide healthcare to underserved populations through low- and no-cost clinics and community events.
Equity and access
The Our Healthy Jackson County community initiative is our partnership with Jackson County, neighborhood leaders and the business sector that aims to promote equity in healthcare by combining fun, family events with free healthcare services.
Community-oriented care
The UMKC School of Pharmacy is one of 17 schools designated as a Community Pharmacy Center of Excellence by the American Association of Colleges of Pharmacy. The awards recognizes advances made by the school, which will serve as a model for community-oriented care for other programs.
Teaching just comes naturally to me. Seeing these kids grow makes me happier than performing perfectly on stage.
En-Ting Hsu
The doctoral candidate in viola performance at the UMKC Conservatory brings her world-class musical training to the community as the lead violin teacher for String Sprouts, a free music education program for children ages 3-8.
World-Class Faculty
Our award-winning faculty are leaders in their fields. They have Pulitzers, Grammys, Guggenheims and more.
Clancy Martin
Clancy Martin, professor of philosophy, has been featured on CBS, NPR and in the New York Times for his memoir “How Not to Kill Yourself." He was a Kirkus nonfiction finalist and received the University of Missouri System Thomas Jefferson Award.
Chen Yi
Chen Yi, the Lorena Cravens/Millsap/Missouri distinguished professor of composition at the UMKC Conservatory, was recognized as one of the country’s leading composers when she was inducted into the American Academy of Arts and Letters.
World-Class Experiences
Being in the heart of Kansas City means UMKC students can apply what they learn in the classroom to real-world projects for some of Kansas City's top organizations, including the Kansas City Chiefs, Sporting KC, KC Streetcar, Kansas City Zoo & Aquarium, University Health, Starlight Theatre and Kansas City International Airport.
World-Class Programs
First Gen Roo
The Center for First-Generation Student Success recognizes UMKC as a First Gen Forward school for our First Gen Roo program that provides support for students who are the first in their family to go to college.
Supplemental Instruction
Supplemental Instruction, our innovative, global academic support program targeting high-risk courses rather than high-risk students, is celebrating its 50th anniversary.
MFA in costume design
For the sixth year in a row, the Master of Fine Arts in costume design at the UMKC Conservatory was ranked among the Top 10 by The Hollywood Reporter.