Missouri Bill Advances to End University of Missouri's Exclusive Grip on Doctoral Degrees

On April 14, 2025, a Missouri House committee voted 10-1 to advance an amended Senate Bill 150, which includes a provision to end the University of Missouri System's exclusive right to award research doctorates and first-professional degrees in fields such as medicine, law, dentistry, and veterinary medicine. The measure, driven by Rep. Melanie Stinnett, R-Springfield, aims to broaden access to advanced education by allowing other public institutions, like Missouri State University, to independently offer these programs without UM System oversight.

Under current law, only the UM System's campuses in Columbia, Kansas City, St. Louis, and Rolla can grant these degrees, while other public colleges are limited to fields like podiatry or engineering and must partner with UM for broader offerings. The proposed change, now part of a bill originally focused on community college funding, seeks to remove these restrictions. "This is about giving students more options closer to home," Stinnett told the House Higher Education and Workforce Development Committee, highlighting the challenges faced by students unable to relocate to UM campuses.

Missouri State University, which already collaborates with UM on 10 doctorate programs, stands to benefit significantly. President Richard Williams argued that the bill would allow his institution to meet regional workforce needs, particularly in health care, where demand for advanced degrees is high. "We're ready to step up, but the law ties our hands," Williams said. Supporters, including Sen. Lincoln Hough, R-Springfield, who pushed a similar measure, say the change could keep talent in Missouri, as many students leave the state for doctoral programs elsewhere.

Critics, however, warn of unintended consequences. The University of Missouri Flagship Council, representing UM interests, contends that expanding doctoral programs to other universities could strain state budgets and lead to higher tuition. "New programs aren't cheap, and the funding has to come from somewhere," said council chair Chuck Brazeale in a statement. UM student Carson Howe raised similar concerns, noting that students might face increased costs or diluted program quality if resources are spread too thin.

The bill, which also incorporates reforms like expanded financial aid and transfer credit rules, reflects a broader effort to modernize Missouri's education system. Rep. Bill Allen, R-Kansas City, was the lone dissenter, citing worries about rushed changes. On X, reactions are split, with some users cheering—"More schools, more degrees, more opportunity!"—and others skeptical: "Mizzou's programs are strong; why mess with that?"

As the legislation moves to the full House, its passage could fundamentally alter Missouri's higher education landscape, empowering institutions like Missouri State to compete with UM. Yet, questions about funding, program quality, and long-term impacts remain unresolved, setting the stage for heated debate.