Kansas City University logo

Kansas City University

Kansas City, MO

private nonprofitgraduate

Quick Facts

Wikipedia
1916
Founded
Private medical school
Type
23 acres
Campus
Special Focus Four-Year
Classification
President: Marc B. Hahn

Data from Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0) & U.S. Dept. of Education

About Kansas City University

Kansas City University: Pioneering health education with osteopathic, biomedical, and dental excellence.

Kansas City University (KCU) stands as a comprehensive health sciences university with a rich history of pioneering medical education. Established in May 1916 as the Kansas City College of Osteopathy and Surgery, it was the fifth osteopathic medical school in the nation, quickly becoming a vital institution for healthcare training. Over a century later, KCU has evolved significantly, expanding its programs and reach to address the growing needs of the health sector.

KCU is renowned for its Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (DO) program, which forms the bedrock of its educational offerings. Beyond osteopathic medicine, the university boasts a robust College of Biosciences, which opened in 2004 and offers Master of Science programs in Biomedical Sciences (both a one-year intensive and a two-year research track) and a Master of Arts in Bioethics. This blend of programs provides a strong academic foundation for students aspiring to diverse careers in healthcare and research.

The university's growth is marked by its two dynamic campuses: the historic Kansas City campus and a newer, expanding campus in Joplin, Missouri. The Kansas City campus is home to the cutting-edge Center for Medical Education Innovation (CMEI), a 56,000-square-foot facility opened in 2020, featuring advanced simulation labs and standardized patient exam rooms. The Joplin campus, established in 2016, further enhances KCU's impact, particularly with the opening of its College of Dental Medicine in 2023, offering a 4-year Doctor of Dental Medicine (DMD) degree. As a founding partner of BioNexus KC, KCU also plays a crucial role in advancing biomedical research within the greater Kansas City area, offering students valuable opportunities to engage in impactful scientific discovery.

Key Highlights

  • Founded in May 1916 as the fifth osteopathic medical school in the nation.
  • Operates two distinct campuses: one in Kansas City and a second in Joplin, Missouri.
  • Offers a comprehensive Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (DO) degree.
  • Home to a new College of Dental Medicine on the Joplin campus, offering a 4-year Doctor of Dental Medicine (DMD) degree, with the first class graduating in 2027.
  • Features a College of Biosciences providing Master of Science programs in Biomedical Sciences and a Master of Arts in Bioethics.
  • Houses the state-of-the-art, 56,000 sq ft Center for Medical Education Innovation (CMEI) on its Kansas City Campus, which opened in 2020.
  • A founding partner and stakeholder institution of BioNexus KC, fostering biomedical research opportunities.

Timeline

1916
Opened as the Kansas City College of Osteopathy and Surgery.
1921
Moved its campus to Kansas City's Historic Northeast neighborhood.
1970
Name changed to the Kansas City College of Osteopathic Medicine.
1980
Name changed to the University of Health Sciences.
1999
Joined founding partners of the Kansas City Area Life Sciences Institute (now BioNexus KC).
2004
College of Biosciences opened; university renamed Kansas City University of Medicine and Biosciences.
2016
Broke ground on a second campus in Joplin, Missouri.
2017
First class of medical students began instruction on the Joplin Campus.
2020
Center for Medical Education Innovation (CMEI) opened; university renamed Kansas City University.
2023
College of Dental Medicine at the Joplin Campus opened its doors.
🏛️
110 Years
of Excellence

Schools & Colleges

3 notable schools within Kansas City University

🏥

College of Osteopathic Medicine

Offers the Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (DO) degree, building on KCU's foundational history as an osteopathic medical school.

🔬

College of Biosciences

Provides Master of Science programs in Biomedical Sciences (one-year intensive and two-year research tracks) and a Master of Arts in Bioethics.

🏥

College of Dental Medicine

Located on the Joplin Campus, offering a 4-year Doctor of Dental Medicine (DMD) degree.

Leadership

via Wikipedia
Dean of Dentistry
Edward R. O'Connor
Provost

Data from Wikipedia CC BY-SA 4.0

Find Scholarships at Kansas City University

Sign up free to discover grants and scholarships you qualify for at this school and thousands more.

Start Your Free Search