Murray State University serves as a nationally recognized residential comprehensive university, offering high-quality baccalaureate and master's degree programs. Academic programs are offered in the core areas of arts and sciences, agriculture, business, Health and Human Services, teacher education, communications, engineering, and applied technologies. Teaching, research, and service excellence are core values and guiding principles that promote economic development and the well being of the citizens of the Commonwealth of Kentucky and the region.

Murray State University places a high premium on academic outreach, collaborative relationships with alumni, the public schools, business and industry, governmental agencies, Kentucky colleges, and other schools and universities at home and abroad.

Murray State University prepares graduates to function in a culturally diverse, technologically oriented society and increasingly interdependent world. Murray State University is committed to international education as an integral dimension of the university experience at Kentucky colleges.

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