2014 – 15 Undergraduate admissions guide www.admissions.missouristate.edu
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Follow your passion Your passions motivate you all day, every day. They help you find your true friends, your career path, your calling. Ultimately, your passions become your purpose in life. Missouri State will help you find and follow your passion, no matter what it may be. MSU seeks to be inspiring, elevating, encouraging and helpful. You can follow your passion at Missouri State University!
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Contents
2 Academics
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4 Majors
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6 Professors
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8 Public affairs mission
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10 Career success
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12 Costs
Find your place Place means more than a spot on the map. It is a state of mind tied to the way an environment makes you feel. When you’re in a place that’s right, you just know it in your head and heart. Missouri State wants to help you find that feeling on our campus. Your place — and all of the exciting possibilities that go along with it — is waiting here at Missouri State University!
14 Living on campus
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16 College life
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18 About Springfield
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20 Transfer students
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22 Campus visit
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24 How to apply
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Seek knowledge You can explore endless academic possibilities thanks to our many outstanding majors and programs. You will find your passion for learning because we have advisors and professors who go the extra distance.
19:1 student-to-teacher ratio We have an average student-to-teacher ratio of 19-to-1, a great number for a university of our size. Instructors really get to know their students and care about their progress.
24+ average ACT score The average ACT score among Missouri State freshmen is well above the national average. That means your classmates will be engaged and active. That’s just what you want when it’s time to form a study group or discuss assignments. 2
We have a proven record of success: Our alumni have gone on to succeed at major national corporations, in private businesses, in Missouri State’s graduate programs and at elite graduate and professional schools across the country.
Experiences beyond the classroom
High-quality academics
We don’t just tell you what your career will be like: We let you experience it. Many majors require or encourage students to complete an internship, practicum or other training outside the classroom. This means education students observe teachers in actual classrooms, fashion students put on a runway show, nursing students experience a real patient environment, media students produce films, agriculture students see the workings of a ranch, accounting students produce tax returns — in other words, you graduate with the confidence to jump into your career.
Many of our programs are nationally recognized and accredited at the highest possible levels, and our students frequently win awards in competitions around the region, nation and world. Our students, even undergraduates, often assist faculty with research in a number of ways — everything from excavating artifacts to surveying species in a river. It’s not often you hear of a university that offers this many research opportunities for undergraduates! This means you will be trained for top-level graduate work.
Class sizes, types
Honors College: An enriched experience
You will have a mix of large and small classes, and you can take online classes. Even though we’re a large university, many of your classes in your major will be smaller and some may have as few as 20 people. You’ll have plenty of chances to interact with fellow students and your professors.
Students in the Honors College take enhanced courses and may live in honors housing. To be eligible for admission into the Honors College, students must have done the following: • Applied to Missouri State University and been admitted; • Earned an ACT score of 27 or higher (or SAT of 1220 or higher); and • Graduated in the top 10 percent of their high school class OR graduated high school with a 3.9 cumulative grade point average. www.missouristate.edu/honors 3
Explore majors Missouri State undergraduate students can choose from more than 85 majors that lead to more than 185 academic options. You can even create an individualized major if you know what you want to study but the specific degree is not offered.
College of Arts and Letters
College of Business
College of Education
www.coal.missouristate.edu
www.business.missouristate.edu
www.education.missouristate.edu
Art: Ceramics Computer Animation Digital Arts Drawing Metals-Jewelry Painting Photography Printmaking Sculpture
French
Accounting
General Business
German
Computer Information Systems
Information Technology Service Management
Child and Family Development
Construction Management
Art and Design Art History Communication: Communication Studies Ethical Leadership Health Communication Intercultural Communication and Diversity Interpersonal Communication Organizational Communication Rhetoric Classics – Latin Concentration Design: Graphic Design Graphic Design and Illustration Illustration Electronic Arts: Audio Studies Computer Animation Studies Interactive New Media Studies Video Studies
Global Studies v Journalism: Broadcast Journalism Print and Internet Journalism Mass Media: Digital Film Production Film Studies Media Production Media Studies Music:* Composition Instrumental Performance Jazz Performance Keyboard Performance Vocal Performance Musical Theatre †† Professional Writing Public Relations Socio-Political Communication Spanish Technical Writing Theatre and Dance: Acting† Dance Design/Technology/Stage Management Theatre Studies
English: Creative Writing Literature Graduate: Communication, English, Music, Theatre, Writing
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Teaching of English†
Early Childhood Education
Teaching of Family and Consumer Sciences †
Interior Design
Elementary Education
Teaching of French †
Entertainment Management
Logistics and Supply Chain Management
Middle School Education
Teaching of German †
Entrepreneurship
Management: Administrative Management Human Resources Management International Business Administration Operations Management
Special Education/Cross Categorical
Teaching of History †
Facility Management Healthcare Hospitality Industrial/Production Property Management Fashion Merchandising and Design: Fashion Design and Product Development Fashion Merchandising and Management Finance: Finance Financial Planning Real Estate
Marketing: Advertising and Promotion Marketing Management Marketing Research Sales/Sales Management Risk Management and Insurance Technology Management
Graduate: Accountancy, Business Administration, Business Education, Computer Information Systems, Family and Consumer Sciences Education, Health Administration, Project Management
Teaching of Agriculture Education† Teaching of Art and Design† Teaching of Biology: † Categorical Science Unified Science Teaching of Business Education† Teaching of Chemistry: † Categorical Science Unified Science Teaching of Earth Science Education: † Categorical Science Unified Science
Teaching of Mathematics † Teaching of Music: † Instrumental Vocal/Choral Teaching of Physical Education † Teaching of Physics Education † Teaching of Spanish † Teaching of Speech and Theatre: † Communication Theatre
Graduate: Counseling, Counseling and Assessment – Specialist in Education, Early Childhood and Family Development, Educational Administration-Specialist in Education, Educational Leadership, Elementary Education, Educational Administration, Educational Technology, Teaching, Literacy, Secondary Education, Special Education, Student Affairs in Higher Education
Not sure what your passion is yet? That’s OK with us! It’s fine to be undecided. We have so many choices that you can try courses ranging from animation to zoology before you find the path that best suits you.
College of Health and Human Services
College of Natural and Applied Sciences
www.chhs.missouristate.edu
www.cnas.missouristate.edu
Athletic Training ††
Biology:* Environmental Biology and Evolution Microbiology and Biotechnology Wildlife Biology
Cell and Molecular Biology Clinical Laboratory SciencesMedical Technology** Communication Sciences and Disorders: Audiology Education of Deaf and Hard of Hearing Speech-Language Pathology Dietetics Exercise and Movement Science: Health Studies Pre-Professional Gerontology
Health Services: Clinical Services Health Services Nursing: †† Generic, 4-Year Program RN Completion Program Physical Education Psychology
Chemistry:* Biochemistry Graduate School Industrial
Radiography:** Management Science
Civil Engineeringu
Recreation, Sport and Park Administration
Electrical Engineering u
Respiratory Therapy:** Management Science Social Work ††
Graduate: Athletic Training, Audiology (doctorate), Cell and Molecular Biology, Education of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing, Health Promotion and Wellness Management, Nurse Anesthesia, Nursing, Nursing Practice (doctorate), Physical Therapy (doctorate), Physician Assistant Studies, Psychology, Public Health, Social Work, Speech-Language Pathology
College of Humanities and Public Affairs
Computer Science
Geography:* Cultural and Regional Geography Environmental and Natural Resources Geotourism Geology Geospatial Sciences
Additional graduate programs: Administrative Studies (a cross-disciplinary program housed within the Graduate College), Library Science (offered in collaboration with the University of Missouri-Columbia)
Hospitality and Restaurant Administration Club Management Food and Beverage General Operations Lodging Senior Living Management Tourism
Pre-professional programs: These are not majors but are advisement programs that prepare students for admission to professional programs. For four-year programs of study, students pursue one of the majors on this page while receiving pre-professional advisement, and then apply to the post-bachelor program of study. For the two-year programs of study, students will take general education and other courses to prepare them to transfer to another university to complete their bachelor’s degree. A small number of pre-professional programs could be done as either a four-year or two-year program of study.
Mathematics:* Actuarial Mathematics Applied Mathematics General Mathematics Statistics
Four-year programs: Pre-Dentistry Pre-Law Pre-Medicine Pre-Optometry Pre-Physical Therapy Pre-Physician Assistant Studies Pre-Veterinary Medicine
Physics: Astronomy and Astrophysics Engineering and Applied Physics Graduate Prep Physics Materials Physics Planning: Community and Regional Planning Tourism Planning and Development
Two-year programs: Pre-Engineering Four-year or two-year programs: Pre-Chiropractic Pre-Occupational Therapy Pre-Pharmacy
Wildlife Conservation and Management Graduate: Biology, Chemistry, Geospatial Sciences in Geography and Geology, Materials Science, Mathematics, Natural and Applied Science
Accelerated master’s degrees: These programs allow qualified students to begin earning credit toward a master’s degree while completing their requirements for a bachelor’s degree.
www.chpa.missouristate.edu Anthropology
Philosophy
Criminology
Political Science
Economics
Religious Studies
History
Sociology
Graduate: Applied Anthropology, Criminology and Criminal Justice, Defense and Strategic Studies, Global Studies, History, Public Administration, Religious Studies
William H. Darr School of Agriculture www.ag.missouristate.edu
* Offered as a free-standing major (e.g., mathematics) or as a major
with a specialization (e.g., mathematics with an option in statistics).
** Offered in cooperation with professional schools. Admission to
Agricultural Business: Enterprise Management Finance and Management Marketing and Sales Animal Science Environmental Plant Science Horticultural Crop Science Graduate: Plant Science
General Agriculture:* Agricultural Communication Agriculture Natural Resources Wildlife Conservation and Management
Missouri State does not guarantee admission to the professional school. See catalog for details on program requirements. Global Studies is an interdisciplinary major administered through the department of modern and classical languages. v
u
†
Offered in cooperation with Missouri University of Science and Technology. Admission limited to students from following Missouri counties: Barry, Barton, Cedar, Christian, Dade, Dallas, Greene, Jasper, Lawrence, McDonald, Newton, Polk, Stone, Taney, Vernon and Webster. Contact Dr. Doug Carroll, cooperative engineering program director, at 417-836-6208 or engineering@missouristate.edu.
These programs are housed in the department of the subject area.
†† A
competitive admission program. See catalog for details on admission requirements.
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Be inspired by your professors Many students say their professors are one of the best things about Missouri State. We have more than 700 full-time faculty members, and nearly 90 percent of our ranked faculty members have the highest degrees in their fields. Many of your instructors also have worked in their areas of expertise. This means they help you follow your passion in class and prepare you to find your place in the workforce.
Want to find out who might be leading your classes? You can watch videos and read stories about different Missouri State professors from areas including agribusiness, biology, communication, computer information systems, education, history and social work.
“The best thing about my job is working with the students — I get to know all of them. They mature so much between the time they start and finish this program. When they’re finishing their student teaching and getting ready to graduate, they are mature professionals. Probably the greatest joy I have is seeing how they have changed.” ›› Dr. Sue George Professor of early childhood education
“I offer ways for students to connect with working professionals on projects or case studies. … Each year I take a class to either St. Louis or Kansas City to meet with representatives from major agribusinesses. Many students end up getting internships or even jobs from trips like these.” ›› Dr. Arbindra Rimal Professor of agribusiness 6
“My first year here, I was able to connect with a lot of my professors. I learned a lot from them, and they are helping my college experience. I work in the news station, and it’s really hands-on, practicing what news anchors are doing — they make it look so easy but doing it is so intense! ... I think the hands-on experience in my major is the greatest thing.” ›› Loretha Cain, broadcasting major Hometown: St. Louis, Mo.
www.missouristate.edu/facultyvideos
“The real world starts here! We have close working ties with conservation and resourcemanagement professionals. These professionals may involve students with their projects, and provide internships on campus. Because many biology students end up working for state or federal agencies, these professionals show students what the work is really like and may serve as career role models.” ›› Dr. Christopher Barnhart Professor of biology
“I’ve got two archeological projects in Jordan. One is a medieval site with a 14th-century castle; it’s called Tall Hisban. I have a separate project in northern Jordan, in the lush green hills near the Sea of Galilee. Students may be involved in everything from the excavation of the objects in Jordan to studying objects once we bring them home and contributing to research that is published.” ›› Dr. Bethany Walker Associate professor of history 7
Participate in our unique mission Missouri State University has a public affairs mission. You might be wondering: What will that mean for my education? The mission helps you understand the world and make it a better place. You’ll find the mission everywhere on campus, from the classroom to special events.
2,546 ›› students participated in Citizenship and Service-Learning classes in 2012–13 56,754 ›› total hours contributed Community engagement You will learn to recognize needs in your community and discover how to use your skills to help. For example, we offer Citizenship and Service-Learning classes. These let you earn course credit while you apply your classroom learning in the community. Students have volunteered at schools, the zoo, fitness centers, homeless shelters, libraries and more. They have done activities such as preparing tax returns, designing computer software, creating landscape designs, teaching art courses, leading exercise classes, writing public relations plans and more. www.missouristate.edu/volunteer
Ethical leadership We want our students to have integrity and develop ethical and moral reasoning. The campus wants to lead by example, and one way we do so is sustainability. Missouri State seeks to be as green as possible by recycling, reducing pollution and using resources in a smart way. We also recognize students who are ethical leaders. About 50 students are selected each year for the Distinction in Public Affairs leadership program. We also give prestigious Citizen Scholar awards each year to six students who have significantly advanced the public affairs mission. 8
Every year, we have both a Public Affairs Week and a Public Affairs Conference. Amazing speakers who are national and international experts talk about topics like citizenship, democracy, leadership, the economy and giving back.
Cultural competence
Study away
You will be able to recognize and respect multiple perspectives and cultures. We celebrate diversity on campus and believe it comes in many forms, including differences in abilities, backgrounds, ideas, religious beliefs, gender, age, sexual orientation and ethnicity. MSU has an Office for Diversity and Inclusion on campus, and we hold events throughout the year dedicated to exploring different heritages and cultures.
Missouri State is committed to sending students abroad to amazing locations such as Australia, Botswana, Costa Rica, Denmark — almost anywhere in the world! Students also get a global perspective from the more than 1,500 international students on the Springfield campus.
Countries where our international students come from
www.missouristate.edu/globalscholar
70+
countries to choose from when deciding on a study-away program
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Expect lifetime success Our graduates get great jobs around the nation and the world. Here’s how we set you up for a rewarding career:
Things I learned in my major classes helped me tremendously in starting my own business. But other classes, like religious studies, anthropology and astronomy, had a profound impact on my world view. My studies all instilled in me a work ethic. I like to work hard and expect my job to give me a sense of satisfaction. I want to create something that’s greater than me. Valerie Jennings, ’03, creator of Hippie Chow gourmet granola, sold around the country
Largest internship program in the state Missouri State can match you with employers who offer you opportunities to get experience in your field of study. Internships give you a glimpse of the future you think you would like to have. They also can help you get a great job! Employers tell us these real-world experiences set our graduates apart. In addition, many students receive job offers from businesses where they have completed internships.
Many networking opportunities We have frequent career fairs where you can meet recruiters from top companies. Potential employers include representatives from business and industry, nonprofit organizations and government agencies.
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There are 100,000+ Missouri State University alumni putting their education into practice around the nation and world. This means you can network with Bears from Lebanon, Mo., to London, England!
I could not have imagined all of the great opportunities I have been blessed with. … My good fortune began right here on this campus when in my first week I met my favorite professor and my pre-law advisor. As you embark on your careers, the most critical factor in your success will be choosing great role models. Seek out their advice and guidance and be a willing student! Gabriel Gore, ’91, partner in the St. Louis law firm of Dowd Bennett LLP
Extensive career services All students have access to the free services of the Career Center on campus. The Career Center can help you choose a professional path, teach you how to write a résumé, walk you through a mock interview, help you find an internship, assist with your career search and more. Alumni can also use the Center’s services — we care about your career even after you graduate!
Graduate College on campus You may continue your education with us since Missouri State has options for master’s degrees, doctoral degrees and graduate certificates. Some undergraduate majors even let you earn credit toward a graduate degree starting in your junior year of college.
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Discover an unbeatable value If following your passion leads you to a trip abroad or a graduate degree, you might like to have some money in savings. At Missouri State, we offer you an unbeatable value. We invite you to compare us to other schools: Our cost is lower than most of our private and public competitors, and is better than the state and national averages. We also have numerous ways to help you pay for school. You can afford college, and we can help!
78%
of our students receive financial aid
Here are the typical yearly costs for tuition, room, board, books and supplies. A full-time undergraduate student living in a residence hall could also spend an estimated $3,915 per year on transportation, recreation, clothing and other personal expenses.
$6,908
$13,388
Room and board**
$7,428
$7,428
Books and supplies***
$1,000
$1,000
TOTAL PER YEAR
$15,336
$21,816
are subject to change. Costs are based on 15 credit hours per semester (includes student services fees). Online classes cost more than seated courses. Current costs are available online: www.missouristate.edu/costs
* The basic fee is $204 per credit hour
Missouri Non-Missouri resident* resident* Required student fees (yearly)â€
†Costs shown are for 2013-2014 and
for Missouri residents. The fee for nonresidents is $420 per credit hour.
Room-style: $3,514 per semester Suite-style: $3,730-$4,603 per semester
** The rate for room-style residence halls with a 19-meal plan plus Boomer Meals.
*** The actual cost of books will vary
based on your major, course load and availability of used textbooks. The total cost can be reduced if you resell used books.
General and departmental scholarships Missouri State has a wide variety of privately funded general and departmental scholarships, all with one common application. You must be admitted to the University to be considered for these. Check to see if your intended major or department has a scholarship for which you might apply! www.missouristate.edu/generalscholarshipsapp
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“I definitely think this school is one of the greatest values I could have found. I got a scholarship and have made so many great friends who I feel I have known forever. I feel like everyone’s always there for each other. And that’s a nice place to be.” ›› Jen Humphrey Exercise and movement science major, Spanish minor Hometown: Bloomington, Ill.
FAFSA code Fill out a FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) for federal, state and/or institutional financial aid. MSU federal code: 002503
Our priority deadline: March 31
Online: www.fafsa.gov
The net price of attending Missouri State Missouri State University is a tremendous value. You will be educated for a career and as a citizen at a price that is below the national average and significantly below other Missouri universities. We have a net price calculator online that allows you to see the cost of attending MSU and gives you estimates of federal, state and institutional aid: missouristate.studentaidcalculator.com
Sample scholarships for entering freshmen/transfers
AUTOMATIC
COMPETITIVE
Additional scholarship opportunities and information for freshmen and transfer students: www.missouristate.edu/scholarships Scholarship
Amount
Minimum ACT/ SAT equivalency
Presidential
$12,500 per year
30/1330*
Multicultural Leadership
$5,000 per year
No minimum
Hutchens/SGA
$1,250-$2,500
20/950*
Board of Governors
$5,000 per year
Provost**
Class rank AND
GPA/4.0 scale
Application deadline***
Top 10%
OR
3.90 or higher
December 1
Top 50%
OR
3.00 or higher
December 1
AND
Top 50%
OR
3.00 or higher
December 1
28/1250*
AND
Top 10%
OR
3.90 or higher
January 15
$2,500 per year
26/1170*
AND
Top 20%
OR
3.70 or higher
January 15
Deans’
$1,500 per year
24/1090*
AND
Top 20%
OR
3.70 or higher
January 15
Out-of-State Fee Waiver/ Midwest Student Exchange
$6,480
24 (freshmen) N/A (transfer)
OR
Top 25% 24 credits
OR OR
3.50 or higher 3.25
None
Transfer Academic
$1,500 per year
Completed (or will have completed prior to first semester at MSU) at least 42 transferable credit hours at a community college with a 3.50 cumulative GPA
Summer/Fall: March 1 Spring: October 1
A+ Recognition
$500 per year
Entering freshmen meeting regular admission to MSU and A+ requirements
January 15
* SAT score reflects the sum of the Critical Reading and Math portions of the SAT only ** Also available to students ranked first or second in their high school graduating classes after their sixth or seventh semester *** Must apply for admission and meet scholarship requirements on/before scholarship deadline to qualify
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Live and learn on campus Missouri State is known for having a compact, attractive and safe campus — in fact, the Arbor Day Foundation has recognized Missouri State as a Tree Campus USA university. Students get around easily because we have a smart layout, bike paths and shuttles.
Health care
Safety
Taylor Health and Wellness Center is right in the middle of campus. Taylor, which has doctors, nurses and pharmacists on staff, is dedicated to providing medical care for students. Your prepaid student health fee covers the cost of your basic office visits. You also get reduced charges for laboratory tests, X-rays, prescriptions, over-the-counter medications, appointments with specialists and more.
Safety is a priority at Missouri State. We have a city police substation on campus. We also have well-lit walkways, safety phones throughout campus, cameras in parking lots and swipe-card access to the residence halls. You can sign up for the Missouri State Alert, a system that’s used to contact students, faculty, staff and even parents in the event of an emergency or school closing due to bad weather.
www.health.missouristate.edu 14
www.missouristate.edu/safetran
“It’s basically impossible to not get involved on campus because there’s just so much going on. I’m in the Leading in Education to Approach Latinos group. LEAL members talk with Hispanic kids from surrounding communities to show them why they should come to Missouri State. My parents were both born in Mexico, and I am fluent in Spanish, so it’s nice having a little piece of my culture here on campus.” ›› Alonzo Perez, marketing major, Hometown: Monett, Mo.
Residence halls Almost all students younger than 21 with fewer than 30 hours of transferable credit will be required to live in one of our award-winning residence halls. That’s a good thing! You’ll have everything you need, plus if you live on campus you are more likely to get involved because there are lots of people to meet and things to do. Lastly, living in a residence hall may mean better performance in class: Studies have shown you’re more likely to earn a higher GPA if you live on campus. www.reslife.missouristate.edu
Dining centers and food options You can choose from three dining centers. Each offers something different every day, and no matter your dietary needs you will come away full. You can even check each center’s menu online before choosing where to eat. Don’t have time to sit? There are grab-and-go food options and coffee shops throughout campus. www.reslife.missouristate.edu/DiningSvcs.htm
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Build your social life At Missouri State, it’s easy for you to be who you are and find a niche right for you. You’ll get the most out of college life since we have a student body known for being warm and welcoming.
300+
clubs and groups based on interests such as culture, religion, politics, socializing, intramural sports, academic interests and Greek life, including more than 25 fraternities and sororities www.missouristate.edu/studentengagement
Cheer for the Bears! Students get in free to almost all home athletic events during the regular season. Join Maroon Madness, one of the largest student organizations on campus, to be the ultimate Bear booster. Missouri State has the following NCAA Division I sports: Men: Baseball, Football Women: Cross Country, Field Hockey, Softball, Volleyball, Track and Field Men/Women: Basketball, Golf, Soccer, Swimming and Diving www.missouristatebears.com
Fitness and wellness The Campus Recreation office offers classes that range from ballroom dance to power yoga in our beautiful new Foster Recreation Center. The center has a pool, cardio and weight-lifting equipment, rock-climbing and bouldering walls, an indoor jogging track, basketball courts and more. Campus Rec also offers intramural sports and the Outdoor Adventures program, which lets you play in the beautiful Ozarks. www.missouristate.edu/recreation 16
“I would describe the student body as fun, busy and friendly. There is always something going on. I will just be on my bike and see somebody giving out free pizza or see a rock band playing. And as a business student, we have frequent career fairs. I’ve gotten to talk with recruiters from Conoco, Phillips 66, Accenture and Microsoft. I even have a summer internship offer.” ›› Zechariah Campbell, computer information systems major Hometown: Union, Mo.
Events for students, by students Student Activities Council brings awesome events to campus, open to the entire student body. You will be invited to comedy shows, concerts, free movies and much more. Recent headliners brought to campus by SAC include Macklemore & Ryan Lewis, 3OH!3, Phillip Phillips, Karmin, Brad Paisley, Daniel Tosh, Donald Glover, Michael Showalter, Zach Galifianakis and Wiz Khalifa. www.organizations.missouristate.edu/sac 17
Experience Springfield You will love Springfield, a college town with bigger-city amenities. It’s located in the Ozarks, a place known for natural beauty. Springfield is the third-largest city in Missouri. It is a great place to be during your college years because it’s laid-back, safe and there’s a lot to do — and almost everything is within 20 minutes of campus.
Student hangouts: Downtown (a fun, walkable area with shops and cafes); coffeehouses; movie theaters; live music venues; centers of worship; restaurants from Indian to Italian, Thai to tortillas and sushi to steak
Shopping: Battlefield Mall, with stores such as American Eagle, Forever 21, Old Navy and Hollister & Co; independent boutiques downtown and on the city’s south side
Outdoors and recreation: Tons of parks, from the Japanese stroll garden to the dog park; trails at Springfield Conservation Nature Center and Wilson’s Creek National Battlefield; bike paths around town; campgrounds, state parks and a national forest in easy driving distances
Arts and culture: Art museum; symphony orchestra; ballet; live theatre; live music; free First Friday Art Walk downtown each month; annual Artsfest and Cinco de Mayo Arts Fiesta
Sports: Missouri Sports Hall of Fame; Springfield Cardinals (affiliate of the St. Louis team); Springfield Lasers professional tennis team; venues for ice-skating, hockey, soccer and more 18
“To some people Springfield is big, to some people it is small — it has a bunch of stuff but it’s easy to get around. It’s a great place to start out on your own as a college student or young professional. I love all the local shops, such as the cupcake places and great flea markets.” ›› Arianna Johnson, double major in psychology and gerontology Hometown: Kansas City, Mo.
Population: 400,000+ (five-county metro area)
Road trips!
Temperature averages: Spring 45-67 F
Branson: 45 minutes Kansas City: 2.5 hours St. Louis: 3.5 hours Tulsa, Okla.: 3 hours
Summer 65 -88 F Fall 46 -67 F Winter 24 -45 F
Chicago
Missouri
2.5 hours Topeka
3.5 hours
If you need to get way out of town, say, to a beach for spring break, the Springfield-Branson National Airport can oblige.
Illinois
Kansas City
Kansas
St. Louis
Springfield Oklahoma
Tulsa
Fayetteville
3 hours
Arkansas
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Make a seamless transfer MSU welcomes thousands of transfer students each year from community colleges, private schools and public universities. We go the extra mile to make sure your transition is as smooth as possible.
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“I really enjoy the professors here. Any of them will talk to you — not only about class, but about why they went into education or their specific field of chemistry. ... I feel very confident in the education I am getting at Missouri State!” ›› Sam Zimmer, chemistry major Transferred from Ozarks Technical Community College in Springfield
Frequently asked questions Q: How do I start the transfer process? A: You don’t have to be done at your current institution to be admitted to Missouri State. Apply online at www.missouristate.edu/apply up to one year before transferring to Missouri State. Community college students should speak with their advisors about transferring to MSU.
Q: How will my credits transfer? A: We keep a database of the classes at many other institutions and what classes they are equivalent to at Missouri State. You can see it at www.missouristate.edu/transfercredit. If you don’t see what you are looking for, just call the Missouri State Office of Admissions. There is no limit to the number of credit hours you may transfer.
Q: What do I need to apply? A: A $35 application-processing fee and transcript(s) from all colleges and universities which you have attended, including transcripts from colleges where you earned dual credit.
Q: What if I have questions? A: Call 417-836-5517 or 800-492-7900 (toll-free), or email admissions@missouristate.edu.
More online! We have lots of details, including a transfer student to-do list and transfer equivalencies. www.admissions.missouristate.edu/transfer
Transferring to Springfield from Missouri State-West Plains The first step is to apply for admission. You do not need to pay another application fee. See the West Plains transfer website: www.missouristate.edu/wptransfer 21
Visit campus To find your place, you should come see our place! A tour is the best way to experience all Missouri State has to offer. Students say when they see our campus, they know this is the university for them.
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How to set up a tour When you set up a tour you can customize it for your needs. You will have the chance to see where you will be learning, studying, living, eating and hanging out. We can even set up visits with professors in your areas of interest. We’d love to welcome you and show you our campus. www.missouristate.edu/visit
417-836-6614
800-492-7900 (toll-free)
Can’t make it here? Try a virtual tour! Get a quick taste of what a campus tour is like, in English or en Español:
www.missouristate.edu/tour
School spirit Colors: Maroon and white Athletic teams: Bears Mascots: Boomer Bear and Growl Bear BearWear Friday: Every Friday students, professors, staff and even community members show their pride by wearing MSU gear. GoMaroon.com: Free ringtones, digital wallpapers and more 23
Apply to be a Bear It’s great that you want to be a Bear — we can’t wait to have you on campus! We encourage students to apply online because it speeds up the process and helps us go green by cutting down on paper. Find everything you need:
www.missouristate.edu/apply If you have a situation that keeps you from applying online, you may download a paper application from the website as well. You may also contact the Office of Admissions to request a paper application.
High school courses required in order to be admitted
Admission to Missouri State
The following high school core curriculum was established by the Missouri Department of Higher Education and is required of all students.
If you successfully complete the core curriculum before graduating from high school and meet any one of the following criteria, you will be automatically admitted to Missouri State University: • ACT score of 24 or higher (SAT 1090) • 3.5 cumulative grade point average on a 4.0 scale • Rank in the top 25 percent of your graduation class
ENGLISH: Four units, two of which must emphasize composition or writing. One unit may be speech or debate. MATHEMATICS: Three units (algebra I or higher, to include algebra II). If algebra I is taken in eighth grade, three acceptable units of math must be completed in high school. SOCIAL STUDIES: Three units (must include American history and at least one semester of government). Personal finance is NOT acceptable. SCIENCE: Three units, not including general science. One unit must be a laboratory course. VISUAL AND PERFORMING ARTS: One unit (graduates of accredited Missouri high schools meet this through completion of the fine arts requirement for graduation). ACADEMIC ELECTIVES: Three additional units of core electives selected from any combination of two or more of the above subject areas and/or foreign language. Computer science may also be used if it has a prerequisite of algebra I or higher. ADDITIONAL ELECTIVES: Must bring total to 24 units (required of Missouri high school graduates. Missouri high school graduates must have one unit each of practical arts and physical education and one-half unit each of health education and personal finance). For additional details and a list of acceptable courses, contact your high school counselor or the Missouri State Office of Admissions, or visit www.admissions.missouristate.edu/admpolicy.htm.
Transfer student admission policy You will qualify for admission to Missouri State if you have completed 24 or more hours of transferable college credit after graduation from high school, with a cumulative grade point average of 2.00 or higher. If you will have fewer than 24 hours of college credit completed after high school, you must also meet the freshman admission requirements.
College credit earned in high school Missouri State gives credit for work from several programs: Advanced Placement, College Level Examination Program and the International Baccalaureate program. We also grant credit for some military experiences. Learn more: www.missouristate.edu/creditbyexam. 24
Applicants who do not meet one of the automatic admission criteria but have successfully completed the core curriculum requirement before graduating from high school can still be admitted if they meet the requirements in the sliding scale below:
How to use this scale
STEP 1: Using your class-rank percentile and grade point average, determine which will place you higher on this scale. For example, if your class rank percentile is 60 and your GPA is 3.30, you would use the line based on your GPA. If your school does not rank, your GPA will be used to determine your eligibility.
Class rank percentile
or
STEP 2: Follow the line you identified in Step 1 across the scale to determine the minimum ACT or SAT score you must have. Using the same example from Step 1, a student with a class-rank percentile of 60 and a GPA of 3.30 would need either an ACT composite of 19 or higher or an SAT total of 900 or higher.
GPA
ACT composite
or
SAT total †
75 or higher
3.50 or higher
No minimum test score required for admission
73 to 74
3.48 to 3.49
18
860
64 to 72
3.25 to 3.47
19
900
56 to 63
3.04 to 3.24
20
940
48 to 55
2.85 to 3.03
21
980
40 to 47
2.63 to 2.84
22
1020
34 to 39
2.48 to 2.62
23
1050
Below 34
Below 2.48
24
1090
† Sum of critical reading and math scores
Freshman admission alternatives As a selective-admission institution, our objective is to admit students with demonstrated potential for academic success. We recognize that some students have potential for success not clearly evident through standard measures of class rank, grade point average and test scores. If you do not meet the requirements listed above, please visit www.admissions.missouristate.edu/ admissionalternatives.htm for information on our individual review option and other options available to you. Some of these options have additional deadlines. Students currently in high school who will complete the core curriculum, but who do not meet the selection index requirement, may be admitted for the summer session (beginning in early June) without going through the individual review option.
Checklists for high school juniors and seniors Want to know if you’re on track to join us at Missouri State? We have lists that tell you when you should take the ACT, apply for admission and scholarships, fill out housing applications, take a tour of campus and other important activities.
www.admissions.missouristate.edu/checklists
Contact us
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Web: www.admissions.missouristate.edu
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Toll-free telephone: 800-492-7900
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25 iTunes Blogs
Office of Admissions 901 S. National Ave. Springfield, MO 65897
www.admissions.missouristate.edu
Missouri State University adheres to a strict nondiscrimination policy and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, ancestry, age, disability, veteran status, or on any basis (including, but not limited to, political affiliation and sexual orientation) not related to the applicable educational requirements for students in any program or activity offered or sponsored by the University. This guide is published for informational purposes only. Requirements, curricula, regulations, policies, fees, course and other matters described in this publication are subject to change. In compliance with the Student Right to Know/Campus Security Act, Missouri State provides information upon request to prospective students regarding campus security policies, crime statistics and graduation rates. To request this information, contact the Office of Admissions, 204 Carrington Hall, Springfield, MO 65897 or 417-836-5517. The annual security report prepared by the Office of Safety and Transportation is available on the Web at www.missouristate.edu/safetran/SafetyFolder/safety/annual-security.html.
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ADM 160 13 7/11 Written, designed and produced by the Missouri State Offices of Publications and Admissions. Photography and photo illustrations by Missouri State Office of Photographic Services. Printing by Lake Printing, Osage Beach, Mo.