The Missouri State University logo should be used on all core brand communications and should be easily seen in all applications.
To ensure consistency throughout our suite of logo options, please review our policies and follow these usage guidelines.
Op1.03-5 Registered Trademarks
The Missouri State University name is a registered trademark and may not be used without consent from the Missouri State University System. The official wordmark, Carrington Hall logo and Bear Head logo also are registered trademarks and must be used according to approved policies.
To ensure protection of its registered rights, the "TM" symbol must appear following the name "Missouri State University" or "Missouri State" when applied to merchandise. Additionally, the "TM" symbol also must appear following the University’s name when used as a title/banner, logo or symbol within electronic/web applications, or printed documents, especially on the front, back and inside cover pages.
The "TM" symbol also must accompany reference to Missouri State University-West Plains and Missouri State University-Mountain Grove.
Use of the official Missouri State University wordmark is encouraged to address each of the conditions listed above and will meet the registered trademark requirements.
Op1.03-4 Standardized Logo
Standardized unit logos convey Missouri State University’s academic quality and further its visual identity. As such, the Missouri State University wordmark may include the name of a University college, division, department, office or organization. It is recommended the unit name be set in Helvetica Neue 75 Bold. The point size of the standardized name should be comparable to the size of the word "University" in the wordmark.
Op1.03-1 Acceptable Logo Uses
In addition to the acceptable logos shown throughout this site, the variations included below also are approved Missouri State University logos.
The Missouri State University wordmark may be reversed out of a solid color or dropped out of a photograph. When dropped out or reversed, the words Missouri State University may appear in white.
The wordmark and "M" Missouri State logo may be used in one-color applications for merchandise/apparel to create a tone-on-tone effect.
The Bear Head logo may be used on a dark background as shown. When the dark background is black, use the Bear Head logo specifically developed for a black background. The Bear Head logo may never be reversed to white or another color (see unacceptable uses).
A one-color maroon Bear Head logo is acceptable for print applications as well as merchandise/apparel. A one-color black Bear Head logo is only acceptable in print applications.
The "®" symbol must always appear as shown on all Missouri State University marks.
Missouri State University wordmark reversed out
"M" Missouri State logo used in one-color application
Bear Head logo used on dark background
Bear Head logo used in one-color application
All Missouri State University marks must include the "R" symbol
Op1.03-8 Unacceptable Logo Uses
The marks outlined in this document have been created to establish a strong identity for Missouri State University. Only approved variations of the marks may be used. Under no circumstances should the wordmark or any logo be altered or distorted.
It is unacceptable to alter the maroon color of the following: Carrington Hall logo, Bear Head logo, "MSU" logo and the "M" Missouri State logo. These marks must appear as shown in the Logo Variations section (a maroon outline also is acceptable).
For use in one-color print applications, black is acceptable.
While the wordmark and "M" Missouri State logo may be used in one-color applications for merchandise/apparel to create a tone-on-tone effect, applying the logos in all black is not acceptable for apparel.
Do not distort the logos.
Do not alter or fill the logos.
Do not invert the logos.
Do not create photo or texture masks with the logos.
Do not add outlines to the logos.
Do not overlay text onto the logos.
Do not create patterns with the logos.
Op1.03-2 Clear Space (Logos)
A specific clear space around Missouri State University marks is required. No other graphic element may touch, overlap or be combined with any mark. The clear space requirement is intended to ensure the visibility and impact of University marks.
A minimum clear space around the mark is equal to the height of the capitalized “M” of the Missouri State University wordmark. This applies to the minimum distance from the edge of the page or fold, typography, other logos or graphics.
Only the Missouri State University Wordmark, Carrington Hall Logo and Princeton Review Logo are approved for general web use.
The Bear Head, “MSU” with wordmark, “M” Missouri State, and Missouri State University Seal logos may not be used on the web without approval from the creative services or web strategy and development.
The West Plains campus offers wordmark logos customized to its color and features.
If you would like an official logo in a different size or background color, please contact the web strategy and development.
The Bear Head logo may be used as a supporting identity element for non-athletic applications. Proper consideration should be given to the audience and purpose of the logo.
Despite its flexibility, the Bear Head logo should never be used as a replacement for identifying non-athletic units of the university. It should only be used when the audience has high awareness of the master brand.
Acceptable uses of the Bear Head logo for non-athletic applications include:
We do not permit the use of the Bear Head logo in:
Op1.03-10 Clothing and Merchandise
The Missouri State University system of marks allows for uses in silkscreen printing and embroidery for apparel and merchandise applications.
All Missouri State University-branded merchandise must be obtained from a vendor who has entered into a trademark license agreement with the university. Licensing clearance may be obtained through Collegiate Licensing Company.
For assistance obtaining the correct high-resolution marks, contact the office of creative services.
No colors other than maroon, white and black may be used in the Bear Head logo, and accompanying wordmark, if applicable. The official thread colors are:
For embroidery, khaki, beige or tan thread may be used in place of white thread.
To ensure the proper embroidery stitch fill and representation of the Bear Head, a specific set of logos have been developed. Please contact the office of creative services for assistance.
Pantone 505 maroon, white and black may be used in silkscreen printing the Bear Head logo, and accompanying wordmark, if applicable. The light fabric colors of khaki, beige and tan can appear in the white areas of the Bear Head logo.
Silkscreen color variations of the Bear Head must be approved through Collegiate Licensing Company.