UMS is institutionally derived from the Faculty of Teacher Training and Education (Guidance and Counseling) Jakarta Muhammadiyah University of Surakarta Branch, which was established in 1957.

The founders included Mother Sudalmiyah Suhud Rais, Radjab Month Hadipurnomo, Muhammad Syafa'at Habib, Sulastri Gito Atmodjo, and KH Syahlan Rosyidi, among others.

On September 18, 1958, the new university was inaugurated by the Mayor of Surakarta Municipality, Werdhisastro HM Salih.

Capital assets at inception were derived from the FKIP Jakarta Muhammadiyah University of Surakarta Branch, located at Jalan Lieutenant Colonel Sudiarto No.

In 1963, the majors were given the status equal to a diploma awarded at public universities (comparable to the Bachelor level) under the decree of the Minister of Higher Education and Science Number 106/A in 1963.

In 1965, the Guidance and Counseling Branch of Muhammadiyah Surakarta received permission to independently establish two Higher Education institutions, namely the Institute of Teacher Training and Education (Teachers' Training College) Muhammadiyah Surakarta, under the coordination of the Ministry of Higher Education and Science and the Institute of Islamic Muhammadiyah (IAIM) under the coordination of the Ministry of Religious Affairs.

In 1967, Muhammadiyah Surakarta IKIP added a department of Civic Law (CH) with registered status as a parent and received permission from Muhammadiyah University of Central Java, consisting of Muhammadiyah IKIP Klaten, Magelang, Holy, Purwokerto, Kebumen, Wates, Waterford, Wonogiri, Sukoharjo, Karanganyar, Banjarnegara, Prambanan, Purbalingga, Wonosari, and Sragen.

In addition, UMS also provides professional education for pharmacists, psychologists, lawyers, nurses, and teachers.