Admissions

How to Apply for Undergraduate Admission

Undergraduate students should complete the following steps at least six weeks prior to the semester for which they seek admission, but no later than the deadline for application published in the University’s catalogs. Midwestern State has an application fee of $25.00 for new undergraduate students and a $10.00 matriculation fee for returning students. Application fees are non-refundable and non-transferable. Students may apply online via Apply Texas at https://www.applytexas.org or at http://www.mwsu.edu/admissions/index. Students who are not accepted for admission by the printed deadlines or who fail to apply and have all credentials on file by the printed deadlines, may have to attend late registration for enrollment. A late registration fee of $25.00 will be assessed.

1. Application for Undergraduate Admission must be filed with MSU Admissions by the following deadlines:

An application for admission will not be processed until the application and/or matriculation fees have been received by MSU Admissions.

Beginning freshmen who receive test fee waivers from their high schools to take entrance exams (ACT/SAT) may submit the forms to be used to waive application fees for admission. All application fee waivers must be individually approved by the Director of Admissions.

2. Official Transcripts must be received from all institutions in which the student has previously enrolled (high school and each college or university). Official transcripts must be mailed directly from the institution attended to MSU Admissions. Hand-carried transcripts will be reviewed by the Director of Admissions to determine if they will be considered official. Failure to list all institutions attended will be treated as falsification of records.
    
3. ACT or SAT scores are required of all beginning freshmen under the age of 21, transfer students under 21 who have fewer than 18 earned non-developmental semester credit hours, and those who do not meet the high school rank/unit requirements. These tests are administered throughout the United States and in many foreign countries in September, October, December, February, April, and June. Applicants take the examinations no later than the fall semester of their high school senior year or at least four months prior to enrollment at MSU. Students should request official ACT or College Board exam scores from all testing sessions be sent directly to MSU Admissions. High school officials can provide further information. Prospective students who seek admission will be required to submit the writing portion of the ACT and/or SAT exams to complete their application files. In order to meet admission criteria, the writing component on the ACT or on the SAT taken prior to March 2016 will not be considered.  The university reporting code for MSU from ACT is 4132 and the College Board reporting code is 6408.
   
   If it is impossible for the applicant to take the national test, Midwestern State University offers residual ACT and institutional SAT tests prior to each semester. There is no pre-registration for these tests. A student must report to the test site with a picture I.D., #2 pencils, and the test fee. MSU Admissions receives the results of this test one to two days after the test date. Contact the Testing Center at http://testing.mwsu.edu.
   
   Please note that these institutional SAT (ISAT) scores cannot be used for Texas Success Initiative exemption; and these ACT or SAT scores cannot be used for athletic eligibility. Other colleges may not accept scores from an ACT or SAT test taken at MSU to meet admission requirements. Students may not retake a residual ACT within sixty days, or an institutional SAT within thirty days. For more information about the ACT or SAT tests, please contact MSU Admissions or the Testing Center. See Texas Success Initiative  for more information.

Early Notification of Acceptance: A beginning freshman student desiring early notification of acceptance to the University may submit an application by the printed priority deadline, ACT or SAT scores, and an official high school transcript reflecting grades through the sixth semester of the junior year. A projected date of graduation and class rank should be indicated on the transcript. Pending admission status may be given if all necessary information is not available to MSU Admissions. Early notification of acceptance may be advanced to full acceptance for admission after graduation from high school is verified with MSU Admissions by submission of an official high school transcript showing date of graduation and student’s class rank. Date of graduation must be prior to the applied term reflected on the application for admission. If a high school or other beginning freshman applicant enrolls in dual credit or concurrent enrollment courses at another university or college prior to enrollment at MSU, the student must inform MSU Admissions of all institutions attended. A student must meet transfer admission criteria and have a minimum cumulative grade point average of 2.0 on all collegiate transfer work to meet admission criteria. Failure to disclose this information will be treated as falsification of records. If official credentials are not received within three weeks from the first day of classes during the long term or two weeks during a summer term, or if the student does not meet the admission requirements when the credentials arrive and are evaluated, he/she may be automatically withdrawn from the University. A registration hold may be placed on the student’s record blocking future enrollment at MSU.

Falsification of Records: A student or applicant who knowingly falsifies or is a party to the falsifying of any official university record (including such records as transcripts, test scores, application for admission, Texas Success Initiative status, student personnel forms) will be subject to disciplinary action which may include suspension or enforced withdrawal from the University.

Re-enrolling MSU Students: A former MSU student who submits an application for admission by the printed application priority date may be eligible for early registration if all official credentials have been submitted to make an admission decision. Similarly, a former MSU student who submits an application for admission by the printed application deadline may be eligible for regular registration. An MSU student who fails to enroll in a fall or spring term must reactivate his/her admission to the University. If the student does not enroll for twelve months or more, a new application must be submitted to verify Texas residency. Applications will not be processed until the application fee has been received. All applications and application fees are non-transferable and non-refundable.

If all credentials are not received by the printed deadlines, a delay in an admission decision may require the student to attend late registration. A late registration fee will be assessed at that time.

A former MSU student who has attended another college or university since attending MSU will be considered a transfer student and must meet transfer admission criteria for readmission. Students may find the application for reactivation and readmission at http://mwsu.edu/admissions/index or www.applytexas.org. Failure to list all institutions attended since leaving MSU will be treated as falsification of records.

Undergraduate Admission Requirements

Midwestern State University reserves the right to change admission criteria in keeping with actions of the Texas State Legislature or the University Board of Regents. It is to the prospective student’s advantage to contact MSU Admissions.

State of Texas Uniform Admissions Policy

Texas Education Code (TEC) 51.803-51.809 requires that all students meet one of the following college readiness standards to be eligible to be considered for admission at a Texas Four-Year Public Institution.

1. Successfully complete a curriculum that is equivalent in content and rigor to the foundations plan with an endorsement, recommended, advanced or distinguished achievement plan at a high school program at a high school that is exempt from offering such programs; or
2. Satisfy the College Readiness Benchmarks on the SAT or ACT assessment
   • SAT - 1500 out of 2400 (Critical Reading + Math + Writing) for exams prior to March 2016
   • SAT - 1090 (Evidence-Based Reading/Writing + Math) for exams after March 2016
   • ACT - 18 English, 21 Reading, 22 Mathematics, and 24 Science

Automatic Admission

Students will be admitted if they graduate in the top ten percent of their class from an accredited Texas public high school and if they meet the following conditions:

1. graduated from high school within the two years prior to the academic year for which admission is sought; and
2. submitted a complete application and an official transcript from the high school before the deadline.

Unconditional Admission

For unconditional admission, students must graduate from a high school accredited by a regional accrediting agency or from a high school accredited by the Texas Education Agency and must meet the following high school unit, class rank, and ACT/SAT score requirements:

 *The old SAT scores above are comprised of Critical Reading and Math components only. The new SAT scores are comprised of Evidence-Based Reading/Writing and Math components. Entrance exam scores must be received from the College Board and/or ACT or be on official high school transcripts in order to be reviewed. MSU will super score test results but super scoring will occur only within the same version of the SAT, not across old and new versions.

Students who do not meet the minimum Midwestern State University and the State of Texas Uniform Admission Policy requirements will go through an individual review process. Consideration will be given to high school transcripts, rigor of curriculum, writing sample from entrance exam scores, grade point average, class rank, factors specified in section 51.805 of the State of Texas Uniform Admission Policy, and other factors deemed necessary to accomplish the institution’s stated mission.

Students admitted by individual review may be required to meet criteria determined by the University’s Academic Council to include the following unless exempted during the individual review process:

1. Restricted to no more than 15 semester credit hours in a long semester and not more than 6 semester credit hours in any one summer session. Of the hours enrolled in the first long semester, one course must be MWSU 1233 - College Connections .
2. The student will continue in this status until he/she has completed a minimum of 24 semester credit hours at MSU and is in good standing as stated in the Table of Academic Standards.

Failure to comply with the Admissions Committee’s recommendations could result in an enforced withdrawal.

Home Student Program/Non-Ranking High Schools

1. Home Student Program
   Students who graduate from home school programs, classified as a nontraditional secondary education, will be assigned a class rank for admission evaluation purposes.  The applicant will be assigned to the average high school graduating class rank of undergraduate applicants to the institution who have equivalent SAT (math and critical reading only for exams taken prior to March 2016 or the SAT Evidence-Based Reading/Writing and Math scores after March 2016) or ACT composite scores as the applicant (Section 51.9241 of the Texas Education Code).  The previous fall term will be used for the comparison group.
2. Students from Non-Ranking High Schools
   Students who graduate from non-ranking high schools will be assigned a class rank for admission evaluation purposes.  The applicant will be assigned to the average high school graduating class rank of undergraduate applicants to the institution who have equivalent SAT (math and critical reading only for exams taken prior to March 2016 or the SAT Evidence-Based Reading/Writing and Math scores after March 2016) or ACT composite scores as the applicant (Section 51.9241 of the Texas Education Code).  The previous fall term will be used for the comparison group.

Students must submit transcripts or details of course work completed to show proof of unit requirements.

GED Students

Students who pass the GED examination in lieu of the high school diploma must meet the requirements listed below.  The student must have been out of high school for at least six months and must meet all state requirements for GED testing.  The unit requirements will be met if a score of 50 (for those who tested prior to January 1, 2002) or a score of 500 (for those who tested after January 1, 2002).  An average of Test 1 and Test 4 is used for the English score.  Applicants who meet minimum state requirements on the GED and do not meet the unit requirements may be considered on an individual basis.  Beginning with the 2014 year, the GED test will have a passing score of 150 for each subject. Students will need to reach a score of at least 150 on each subject and a total score of 600 or higher across all four subjects in order to receive the GED test credential. Students who took the GED between 2002 and 2013, must have an average of 450 and no score lower than 410 to meet the unit requirements. All GED students are considered on an individual basis. GED students under 21 years of age must submit official ACT or SAT scores if the unit requirements on the GED are not met.

Denied Admission

Students denied admission may choose to resubmit updated test scores (SAT/ACT) and transcripts in addition to submitting a letter of appeal to the MSU Admissions Committee by writing a short essay explaining why he/she should be admitted. If the Admissions Committee upholds the initial denial, the student may appeal to the Vice President for Student Affairs and Enrollment Management as the final arbiter.

Students are also encouraged to retake the SAT/ACT or attend another institution of higher education, complete 12 non-developmental semester credit hours, and be eligible to enroll at all institutions previously attended. Students must submit a new application for admission (https://www.applytexas.org), an application fee, and have a minimum 2.0 cumulative grade point average to be evaluated. For more information about institutions of higher education, please visit this website: https://www.applytexas.org.

Access MSU

(High School Concurrent Programs)
http://mwsu.edu/admissions/hs-concurrent

There are several programs available for students who are still in high school. If the students qualify for admission under one of these programs, they must also comply with Texas Success Initiative regulations.

Individual Enrollees: Under the following guidelines, the University will consider applications from high school students to enroll in regular university freshman level classes concurrently. The student must

1. submit an application for ACCESS MSU admission by the printed deadlines;
2. submit an official high school transcript reflecting at least a “B” average in English, mathematics, science, and social studies;
3. have all official ACT scores including the writing portion and SAT scores sent directly from ACT and/or the College Board to MSU Admissions;
4. not have a failing score on any portion of the STAAR;
5. have parental approval, principal and counselor recommendations; and
6. take all sections of the TSI Assessment unless the student is exempt under the Texas Success Initiative requirements.

An official high school transcript, showing graduation date and rank, should be sent to MSU Admissions as soon as it is available. Official MSU transcripts will be available when the final high school transcript is received. If a transcript is required prior to graduation, the student should contact the MSU Office of the Registrar after receiving the approval of the Coordinator of the ACCESS MSU/High School Concurrent program in MSU Admissions.

University/School Programs: Midwestern State University has written agreements governing special concurrent enrollment programs with various area schools. Contact MSU Admissions for application information.

Special Admission

Admission as an Undergraduate External (Non-degree) Student: The program is intended to streamline the admission process for adults who wish to take only one or two courses for self or professional improvement. Courses taken under this status may not necessarily be applicable to certain University degree programs.

All non-degree students must meet University admission criteria. In addition, students must meet Texas Success Initiative requirements. Approval for admission is granted on an individual basis. Students who have been denied regular admission to the University may not apply for non-degree status. Students who anticipate enrolling in more than two semesters are encouraged to apply for regular admission. Students have ample time to order transcripts and process admission credentials after the beginning of a semester if late decisions are made.

Non-degree students are limited to a maximum of two courses per fall or spring semester and one course per summer term. A maximum of nine semester credit hours may be earned by students in this category. Such students must meet the same academic standards for continued enrollment as other students.

NOTE: Non-degree students are not eligible for financial aid. Students must meet all admission requirements to change from non-degree to degree status.

Individual Approval: Students who do not meet the admission requirements are encouraged to apply for individual consideration. In addition to the high school transcript and SAT/ACT scores, the student should supply information about socioeconomic background, bilingual proficiency, financial status and performance level of high school district, region of residence, family educational background, involvement in community activities, extra-curricular activities, responsibilities while attending school (employment and/or raising children), commitment to a particular field of study, admission to a comparable accredited out-of-state institution, and any other information which might be helpful to the Admissions Committee. Information should be sent to the Admissions Office. Students in this category may be required to enroll in certain courses during the first semester of enrollment. Official ACT/SAT scores must be submitted to the MSU Admissions from ACT and/or College Board.

MSU Admissions may determine that a prospective fall applicant may qualify for the Mustangs Pathway program, which is a program designed for students who are denied admission to the University. Students are invited to participate in the Mustangs Pathway program based on an individual review of the application for admission by the Director of Admissions. Participating in the Mustangs Pathway program does not guarantee admission to the fall term. Program invitation, application and terms are determined by MSU Admissions.

Academic Fresh Start Elective. At the time of application, a resident of this state may apply for admission and enroll as an undergraduate student under the academic fresh start program. If an applicant elects to seek admission under this program, Midwestern State University shall not consider academic credits or grades earned by the applicant ten or more years prior to the starting date of the semester. An applicant admitted to this program may not receive any credit for courses taken ten or more years prior to enrollment under the fresh start program.

A student applying to this program must meet the same admissions criteria as any other student seeking admission to the University; i.e., if all of the courses are under the fresh start program, the student must meet the beginning freshman criteria. Official copies of all transcripts are required even if the courses at the other institutions are included in the academic fresh start program.

An applicant seeking admission under the fresh start provisions must complete the appropriate form at the Office of the Registrar before registration. The student should carefully consider all provisions of the fresh start program, because after the student has chosen to enroll under this program and has filed the above-mentioned form, the decision cannot be revoked.

Admission by Transfer

An applicant with fewer than 18 non-developmental semester credit hours completed must have a minimum cumulative grade point average of 2.0, must be eligible to enroll at all institutions attended, and meet beginning freshmen admission requirements. Applicants with 18 or more non-developmental semester credit hours completed must have a minimum cumulative grade point average of 2.0 and be eligible to enroll at all institutions attended.

Before a transfer student may register, he/she must submit official transcripts from all post-secondary educational institutions and colleges attended regardless of whether transfer credit was earned. Registration cannot be completed until these official transcripts are on file with MSU Admissions. Midwestern State accepts transfer work from accredited institutions.

If a student has successfully completed the core curriculum at another Texas public college or university, as verified by the transcript, that block of courses will fulfill Midwestern State’s academic foundations and core curriculum. A student who has not completed the core curriculum elsewhere will be required to complete Midwestern State’s core curriculum.

After eligibility to re-enroll in all previous institutions attended has been established, the transfer student’s scholastic record is then evaluated on the basis of minimum scholastic standards in effect at Midwestern State University. A student who has been suspended at prior institutions will maintain the suspension(s) in his/her academic history. For example, a student who was suspended once at a prior school will be assessed a second suspension if the MSU minimum academic standards are not met at the end of the first semester at MSU. (See Table of Academic Standards.)

Grades of D will be accepted in transfer from accredited institutions. Evaluation of course credit earned at other institutions by MSU Admissions does not decree approval of the credit for use toward degree requirements. The academic dean of the college offering the program in which the student is enrolled has authority for determining which courses will be applied toward the student’s major or minor. It is the student’s responsibility to be aware of the individual program’s degree requirements. A student transferring a D in a course should check with the individual department to see if the course will be accepted to meet the degree requirement.

If the student does not present an overall C average on the courses accepted in transfer, he/she must make up the grade point deficiency on work attempted at Midwestern State University. For example, a student transferring a D in a course would have a grade point deficiency of three. The student must earn at least a B in a course at Midwestern to offset the D accepted in transfer.

To qualify for a degree from Midwestern State University, a student must earn a minimum grade point average of 2.0 on the courses attempted at Midwestern State University. A student must also earn a minimum grade point average of 2.0 in the major and a 2.0 in the minor. A student must have a C (2.0) major, minor, and cumulative grade point average based on Midwestern State University work, as well as transfer work accepted, to graduate. A student with a grade point deficiency based on transfer work accepted must have sufficient grade points earned at MSU to remove the deficiency in the major, minor, or cumulative average. Some programs require more than a 2.0 grade point average on major and minor hours. The student should consult with the academic advisor about specific program requirements.

No more than 69 semester credit hours, including exercise physiology activity courses, from a community college may be applied to a degree program (excluding RN/BSN, BSRS, and BSRC) at Midwestern State University.

Any student transferring from a Texas public institution that offers an undergraduate academic degree program to Midwestern State University shall have the same choice of catalog designating degree requirements as the student would have had if the dates of attendance at the university had been the same as the dates of attendance at the previous Texas public institution. To facilitate the transfer of courses, Midwestern State University participates with other Texas schools in designating the common course number. Refer to Texas Common Course Numbers (transfer)  for specific course listings or the website: http://www.tccns.org/.

Denied Admission

Students denied admission may choose to resubmit updated test scores (SAT/ACT) and transcripts in addition to submitting a letter of appeal to the MSU Admissions Committee by writing a short essay explaining why he/she should be admitted. If the Admissions Committee upholds the initial denial, the student may appeal to the Vice President for Student Affairs and Enrollment Management as the final arbiter.

Students are also encouraged to attend another institution of higher education, complete 12 non-developmental semester credit hours, and be eligible to enroll at all institutions previously attended. Students must submit a new application for admission (https://www.applytexas.org), an application fee, and have a minimum 2.0 cumulative grade point average to be evaluated. For more information about institutions of higher education, please visit this website: https://www.applytexas.org.

Transfer Disputes

The following procedures shall be followed in the resolution of transfer disputes involving lower college courses:

1. If Midwestern State does not accept course credit earned by a student at another institution of higher education, MSU shall give written notice to the student and the sending institution that transfer credit is denied.
2. The two institutions and the student shall attempt to resolve the transfer of the course credit in accordance with Coordinating Board rules and/or guidelines.
3. If the transfer dispute is not resolved to the satisfaction of the student or the sending institution within 45 days after the date the student received written notice of the denial, the institution whose credit is denied for transfer shall notify the Commissioner of Higher Education the denial.

The Commissioner of Higher Education or the Commissioner’s designee shall make the final determination about a dispute concerning the transfer of course credit and give written notice of the determination to the involved student and institutions.

Housing

After acceptance for admission, the Office of Residence Life will forward information to all applicants who indicated on the application for admission that they plan to live in university housing. University housing includes traditional-style residence halls, suites, apartments, and family housing (apartments). Contact the Office of Residence Life at 940-397-4217 or http://housing.mwsu.edu.

International Students

Admission - International applicants to Midwestern State University must meet entrance requirements as outlined for all students and the items listed below to be considered for admission.

1. An application for admission by the following deadlines:

2. An evaluation fee of (U.S.) $50.00.
3. Official academic transcripts for all preparatory schools, colleges, and universities attended. These documents, along with official translation if in a language other than English, must be sent directly from the institution to the Office of International Services. (To be acceptable, the transcripts must reflect above average scholastic capabilities.)
4. Official Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) scores. Applicants must submit a score of at least 550 on the paper-based TOEFL exam or a score of at least 213 on the computer-based exam or 79 on the Internet-based exam (iBT) to meet the university requirement for unconditional admission. Students taking TOEFL iBT will be required to score a minimum total test score of 79, with preferred scores on each of the sections of the test as follows:

IELTS Test score of 6.0 will serve as an acceptable alternative to the above TOEFL requirement.
ITEP Test score of 4.0 will serve as an acceptable alternative to the above TOEFL requirement.
PTE Test score of 53 will serve as an acceptable alternative to the above TOEFL requirement.

A language proficiency test is not required if English is the native language.  A local English proficiency examination may be required.

5. An official bank financial statement accompanied by either a letter of sponsorship or an MSU Affidavit of Support that shows the availability of financial funding adequate to meet the tuition, living, book, insurance, and incidental expenses of the first year. The availability of funds from the same or equally reliable source must be assured for the duration of the program of study.
6. Health insurance, including repatriation and medical evacuation benefits must be purchased for the duration of studies prior to initial enrollment.

NATO personnel stationed in Texas OR their dependents must meet requirements 3 and 6. Local English proficiency examinations are required for admissibility in lieu of the TOEFL and will be scheduled upon request. Applicants are required to contact the Office of International Services to determine eligibility.

International students on F-1 visas may not be enrolled primarily in internet courses in any given semester. Students should consult an international advisor well in advance of each semester to ensure compliance.

Information on Evening and Summer Programs

The Evening Program

Midwestern State University offers a comprehensive academic evening program for individuals who wish to undertake a university educational program on a non-traditional schedule. The University’s admission requirements and academic standards apply equally to the evening program. Credits earned in academic evening classes may be applied to undergraduate and graduate degrees without restriction.

Several undergraduate and graduate degree programs are currently offered within the evening program, and substantial progress toward the completion of other degrees can be made at night. Contact the appropriate dean’s office for information on particular degree programs and the extent of the evening offerings.

The Summer Session

Midwestern State University conducts a summer session consisting of two terms and some additional class formats of varying lengths. A schedule of undergraduate and graduate classes is offered. Regular faculty members and visiting instructors teach during the summer terms. The facilities of the University are available to summer school students.

Summer Guests

Students who are attending another undergraduate institution and desire to enroll for summer sessions only may apply as summer guests/transient students. Students must apply by the printed deadlines and submit application fees to MSU Admissions through https://www.applytexas.org. Official transcripts from all institutions attended verifying enrollment and the minimum 2.0 grade point average are also required.

Students in this status must also comply with Texas Success Initiative regulations. For more information regarding the Texas Success Initiative, students should see here , or visit the TSI website at http://mwsu.edu/registrar/success/index.

The dates for the summer terms are listed in the University Academic Calendar .

Bacterial Meningitis Vaccination Requirement

Effective January 1, 2012, all Texas colleges and universities, including Midwestern State University, are required by Texas Senate Bill 1107 to collect documentation of the bacterial meningitis vaccination status for all first-time, former, and transfer students. The vaccination must have been received at least 10 days before the beginning of classes. Students who received the bacterial meningitis vaccination more than 5 years ago will need to be re-vaccinated. There are certain conditions where the vaccination will not be required. For more information, visit http://www.mwsu.edu/healthcenter/meningitis/index.

Scholarships

University scholarships are available in recognition of a student’s academic achievement, special abilities as indicated by the applicant’s academic transcript, entrance exam scores, participation in extracurricular activities, and other criteria as defined by specific scholarship programs. Scholarship information is available at http://www.mwsu.edu/donations/scholarship-apps and through the academic departments.

A scholarship recipient may be held responsible for repayment of all scholarship funds awarded if the student’s academic and/or enrollment status changes during the term in which the scholarship is received.

Competitive tuition waivers may be awarded to non-residents of Texas if they receive a university scholarship of $1,000 or more in one academic year. An academic year begins with the fall term and ends after the second summer session.

According to Senate Bill 1325, TEC 51.969, a person is eligible to receive a scholarship originating from and administered by an institution of higher education or university system if the person is related to a current member of the governing board of the institution only if the scholarship is based on academic merit.

Determination of Residence for Tuition Purposes

On the application for admission, the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board has included questions to determine residency for tuition purposes. Answers to the questions will be reviewed to determine each student’s residency classification. If answers affirm the student’s claim to residency, the core questions are sufficient for documenting the student’s classification. However, if the student’s answers to the core questions are inconsistent, the institution must acquire and maintain appropriate documents to support the student’s classification as of the census date of the relevant term.

To resolve issues raised by responses to the Core Residency Questions, documentation may be requested by the institution. The listed documents may be used to establish that the person is domiciled in Texas and has maintained a residence in Texas continuously for 12 months prior to the census date. Documentation must be on file no later than the official enrollment date to be valid for any given semester or summer term and subsequent enrollments. Failure to provide the information to MSU Admissions may delay reclassification.

Other information regarding definitions and rules concerning residency may be found at the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board website: http://www.thecb.state.tx.us.

Residence reclassification requests or questions concerning eligibility for Texas residency status should be directed to MSU Admissions. Reclassification requests must be initiated by the student because residence status changes are not made automatically.

Academic Standards

(Undergraduate)

It is desirable that students maintain at least a C (2.0) cumulative grade point average since that standard is required for graduation. Each student is responsible for knowing whether he/she is eligible to continue or enroll at the University. An ineligible student who nevertheless registers at the University will be withdrawn. The student shall not receive special consideration on the plea of lack of knowledge of academic status.

The following minimum academic standards have been established to assure that students make satisfactory progress toward graduation.

The total hours attempted for the purpose of determining the required minimum grade point average is the sum of Midwestern State University hours attempted and hours attempted at all other institutions attended, including developmental courses.

Earned hours are the hours earned at MSU and hours accepted in transfer. Higher education quality hours are all hours attempted at MSU and elsewhere, including developmental courses.

The cumulative grade point average is determined by dividing the total grade points earned at MSU (quality points) by the total hours attempted at MSU (quality hours). Grade point averages will be computed at the end of each semester or term. Prior to Fall 1996 developmental courses (ENGL 1003, ENGL 1013, MATH 0003 , MATH 1003 ) were not computed in the grade point average.

Table of Academic Standards

Students on probation or suspension who have restrictions on their registration status should contact the MSU Admissions Office.

Academic Probation

Academic probation is a warning that the level of performance must improve if the student expects to continue in the University. A student whose Midwestern State University cumulative grade point average falls below the standards stated in the Table of Academic Standards will be placed on academic probation.

Beginning and transfer freshman students who are on academic probation after their first semester at MSU are required to participate in the First Year Probation Program (see First Year Probation Program ).

A student on academic probation should take no more than 13 semester hours in a regular semester and no more than 6 semester hours in a summer term.

Continued Academic Probation

A student on academic probation who fails to raise the cumulative grade point average to the level outlined in the Table of Academic Standards but who earns a semester average of 2.0 (possible 4.0) or above will be on continued academic probation.

Academic Suspension and Dismissal

A student on academic probation who fails to raise the MSU cumulative grade point average to the required level and who fails to earn a 2.0 semester average will be placed on academic suspension. Suspension or dismissal will be posted to the academic record and will remain as a permanent entry.

Should the student be admitted to another institution while on suspension and then seek readmission to MSU, the transferred work must meet MSU academic requirements, or the student will be subject to further academic penalty at the time of readmission (See Admission by Transfer). Work completed at another institution while the student is on suspension from Midwestern State University will not decrease the suspension period or remove the student from academic probation at MSU.

Limits on Readmission

The Academic Readmission Committee will review petitions for early reinstatement from students on first and second academic suspension only. A student will be allowed only one appeal during his/her academic career at MSU. If reinstatement is denied by the committee, the student may appeal the committee’s decision to the Vice President for Student Affairs and Enrollment Management. The status will be reflected on the student’s MSU transcript.

First Academic Suspension

1. A student suspended at the close of the fall semester is eligible for readmission to the following summer session.
2. A student suspended at the close of the spring semester is eligible for readmission to the following spring semester. A student on first suspension is permitted to attend the following summer session at MSU and may be reinstated for the fall semester if he/she has earned a 2.0 grade point average and a minimum of 6 semester hours during the summer sessions.
3. At the close of each summer session, only an academic deficiency of probation will be assessed.

Second Academic Suspension is for a period of one calendar year beginning with the end of the semester that the suspension was assessed.

Third Academic Suspension results in academic dismissal, which is for a period of two calendar years beginning with the end of the semester that the suspension was assessed. The Academic Readmission Committee will not review a petition for reinstatement of a student in this category.

Permanent Academic Dismissal

Beginning with the Fall 2006 term, the MSU Board of Regents approved the permanent academic dismissal status. Students who are on the third academic dismissal from Midwestern State University will be assessed a permanent dismissal status. Students on permanent dismissal can petition the Academic Readmission Committee one time and be reinstated only under extraordinary circumstances. If reinstatement is denied by the committee, the student may appeal the committee’s decision to the Vice President for Student Affairs and Enrollment Management. The status will be reflected on the student’s MSU transcript.

NOTE: It is strongly recommended that a student re-enrolling after a period of academic suspension take only repeats of Midwestern State University courses in which grades of D or F were previously awarded. Counseling is offered through MSU Admissions.

Readmission After Academic Suspension

A student whose suspension period has passed and who meets all requirements for readmission may re-enroll on academic probation. The student must submit a reactivation form or application for readmission and applicable fees by printed deadlines. If, at the end of the semester following readmission, the student’s academic performance does not meet the minimum academic standards or he/she does not have a current semester average of at least 2.0, the student will again be suspended. A student who has been on suspension at previous schools will maintain the suspension in his/her academic history.

Students who have been on suspension will be required to participate in the following programs during the first semester in which they enroll at MSU following their suspension:

1. the Scholastic Support Program offered by the Counseling Center; or
2. MWSU 1003 - Skills for Success  unless the student has already successfully completed the course.

MSU Admissions notifies the Counseling Center of students who have been allowed to return.

The policy regarding non-compliance of students participating in the First Year Probation Program or students who are readmitted after Academic Suspension is as follows:

1. Students who are in non-compliance with requirements of the First Year Probation Program waive the option of appeal to the Academic Readmission Committee for early reinstatement in the event they are suspended from the University. (see First Year Probation Program )
2. Students who have re-entered the University after Academic Suspension and are in non-compliance with University requirements waive the option of appeal to the Academic Readmission Committee for early reinstatement in the event they are again suspended from the University.

Petitions for Reinstatement

Written petitions for early reinstatement for a student on first or second academic suspension will be submitted to MSU Admissions for referral to the Academic Readmissions Committee. The petition should be submitted at least three weeks prior to registration for the semester to which readmission is sought. (A student may petition for early reinstatement only one time in his/her academic career at MSU.)

The Academic Readmissions Committee only meets prior to each regular registration period. The committee does not meet during late registration. Students should check the semester schedule of classes for specific meeting dates or contact MSU Admissions.

Credit by Examination

MSU will accept up to 60 semester credit hours of credit by examination, limiting CLEP, DANTES, and Proficiency Exams to a maximum of 30 semester credit hours. Contact the Testing Center at http://testing.mwsu.edu. MSU Admissions evaluates CLEP, DANTES, AP, and IB credit as transfer credit. MSU Proficiency Exams will be posted to the student’s academic record upon completion of nine semester credit hours at MSU.

Credit by examination may be earned through the College Board Advanced Placement Program, Proficiency Exams administered through the MSU College Offices, the College Level Examination Program (CLEP) Subject examination only, International Baccalaureate Program, and the DANTES standardized examinations. DANTES credit will not be accepted for business, speech, history, English, or foreign language courses.

Credit by examination may not be used to satisfy the minimum residence requirements for degrees or for honors awarded at graduation. Credit by examination assumes the student has had no formal classroom instruction, as an enrolled student or as an auditor, in the course being challenged.

College Level Examination Program (CLEP) – Subject Examinations

The College Level Examination Program (CLEP) is a national testing program administered by the Educational Testing Service of Princeton, New Jersey. The CLEP is administered in two parts, the CLEP General Examinations and the CLEP Subject Examinations. MSU is a test center for Subject Examinations and the reporting school code is 6408. MSU does not award credit on the basis of CLEP General Examinations. MSU will grant credit on the basis of CLEP Subject Examinations scores according to the following policy effective July 1, 2001:

CLEP Subject Examinations Minimum Scale Scores

Conditions for CLEP Subject Examinations

1. Credit will be granted only if the student enrolls at Midwestern State University.
2. Credit earned by examination while enrolled at Midwestern State University may not be used to meet the minimum residence requirement for that degree or for honors awarded at graduation.
3. Credit by CLEP examination assumes the student has had no formal classroom instruction, as an enrolled student or as an auditor, in the course being challenged.
4. If a student tested prior to October 17, 2014, there is a six-month waiting period before repeating an exam. If a student tested October 17, 2014, or any time after that date, there is a three-month waiting period before repeating an exam.
5. CLEP exams are administered by appointment through the MSU Testing Center.

Credit for the Midwestern State University course number and hours will be posted to the permanent record, but will be designated as CLEP credit.

College Board Advanced Placement Program

High School students with superior academic achievements in any of the following fields may earn college credit through the College Board Advanced Placement Program. Midwestern State University reserves the right to change policy in keeping with actions of the Texas State Legislature or the University Board of Regents. It is to the prospective student’s advantage to contact MSU Admissions. The following grades may be awarded for the test scores: 5 = A, 4 = B, and 3 = Credit. The course and grade are posted to the student’s permanent record and are designated as Advanced Placement credit.

If the student takes both English Literature & Composition and English Language & Composition and scores at least a 4 on both exams, the student will receive three hours for ENGL 1143  and three hours of sophomore literature elective credit.

The College of Science and Mathematics accepts AP scores of 3 or better for college credit in science and mathematics.  However, if a student wishes to continue as a major in the College, AP scores of 4 or 5 are recommended for science and mathematics courses.  In some circumstances students with AP credit will be advised to take an introductory course for credit at MSU in order to ensure sufficient background for the major.

Please note that some subjects require a higher score to receive college credit. Those subjects are noted by an asterisk (*), and scores of 4 or 5 are required.

The College Board Advanced Placement Program is administered only through cooperating high schools and only once each spring. Arrangements for the testing are to be made with the high school counselor.

Midwestern State University’s College Board Code Number is 6408.

Defense Activity for Non-Traditional Education Support (DANTES)

Credit will be awarded in some programs for DANTES Standardized Subject Tests based on ACE recommendations or on a percentile level which reflects at least 50% of test questions being answered correctly. Acceptable percentile levels are generally at the 40th percentile or above. DANTES SST’s are not considered as part of the 12 hour limit on military credits. Credit will not be accepted for business, English, foreign languages, history, or speech courses.

CLEP tests administered and reported by DANTES will be accepted according to MSU’s published CLEP guidelines. Midwestern’s school code is 9870.

International Baccalaureate Program

Midwestern State University’s prospective students who earn the International Baccalaureate (IB) diploma are offered unconditional admission status to MSU. Students under 21 years of age must submit official SAT or ACT scores with the required writing portion. Scholarships will be offered to diploma students through the University scholarship program if MSU Admissions is notified by March 1, and if students enter MSU directly from high school. It is the responsibility of the prospective IB student to notify MSU Admissions. Students from high schools that offer IB courses but not the diploma may receive credit according to the same criteria. An official IB transcript must be sent to MSU Admissions. All IB students must show proof of meeting the Texas Success Initiative requirements prior to their initial enrollment at Midwestern State and meet published university application deadlines.

Midwestern State University recognizes the value of the International Baccalaureate program and has approved the granting of credit for the IB Higher and Standard level exams when a score of 5 or higher is obtained. A score of 4 or higher on any Higher or Standard level exams will be awarded to IB diploma candidates only.

* Any new student receiving the IB diploma with a score of at least a 4 on all subjects will be granted a minimum of 24 semester credit hours.

Higher Level Exams: Grades accepted: 7 or 6 = A, 5 = B, (4 = credit for diploma candidates only*)

⁺Incoming students from IB programs will need to take a music theory placement exam for advising purposes.

Standard Level Exams: Grades accepted: 7 or 6 = A, 5 = B, (4 = credit for diploma candidates only*)

⁺Incoming students from IB programs will need to take a music theory placement exam for advising purposes.

Proficiency Examinations

The college dean may allow a currently enrolled student to challenge a course in that college and receive credit by examination. Credit and grades obtained by proficiency examinations are used in determining the grade point average for the semester in which the credit is posted, and they are used in calculating the cumulative grade point average; however they cannot count toward residency hours or graduation with honors. When an examination for credit is taken, only a grade of C or better will be recorded. Credit earned by proficiency examination will be posted to the academic record after the student has earned 9 semester hours in residence at MSU. For continuing students who take a proficiency test, the grade earned is posted to the semester in which the test was taken. If the test was taken during the summer, the student may request that the grade be posted to the preceding spring semester, as long as the student was enrolled during that semester. The request to post credit to the preceding spring semester must be made prior to the end of the summer term in which the test was taken.

Credit by examination assumes the student has had no formal classroom instruction, either as a regularly enrolled student or as an auditor in the course being challenged. It is the responsibility of the college dean to validate the student’s request. If approved, the student pays a $35.00 testing fee per course at the University Business Office and presents the receipt to the college dean who will make arrangements for the test.

Correspondence Work

Midwestern State University does not offer correspondence credit. However, a limited amount (not to exceed 18 semester hours) of correspondence work from a regionally accredited institution may be applied toward the requirements for the bachelor’s degree.

A student enrolled in residence must secure the written permission of the dean of the major college prior to enrolling for a correspondence course. The student may make arrangements to take the final examination at Midwestern. The examination is administered by the Director of the Testing Center.

Credit by correspondence for a course failed in residence will not be accepted toward graduation. No graduate credit can be earned through correspondence.

Seniors must make sure transcripts of correspondence work necessary for graduation arrive in the Office of the Registrar at least one week prior to graduation.

Other Non-Traditional Credits

Credit for U.S. Military Service. Students who have previously served in or are now on active duty in the armed forces may receive academic credit for their military educational experience up to a maximum of 12 semester hours toward a bachelor’s degree excepting the BAAS. No credit is allowed toward graduate degrees.

For active service under honorable conditions for a continuous period of at least six months and less than one year, the University will grant 1 semester hour of physical activity credit; for one year or more of continuous active service, 2 semester hours of physical activity credit. Note: This credit will not be awarded if credit for two activity courses has been previously earned or if the student is majoring in kinesiology.

Credits will be allowed for successful completion of technical or specialized schools attended while on active duty (not allowed for reserve duty) to the extent that the material is applicable toward degree requirements at Midwestern State University. Elective credit hours will not be awarded. Transcript evaluations are based upon the recommendations in the American Council on Education publication, A Guide to the Evaluation of Educational Experiences in the Armed Services.

Students who have been discharged must submit a copy of the DD 214 or other document to MSU Admissions and request that an evaluation be made. Students currently on active duty should process a DD 295 through the appropriate installation education office and have it forwarded to MSU Admissions.

USAFI: Credit will be allowed for college courses completed through the United States Armed Forces Institute (USAFI) by correspondence study only, subject to the usual rules involving credit by correspondence. USAFI credit is not considered as a part of the 12 semester hour maximum listed above.

DANTES: See Credit by Examination.

General Comments about Non-traditional Credits. A student whose non-traditional work is not approved for credit in the evaluation process may consult with the college dean for advice concerning proficiency examinations.

No credit is awarded for work experience or on-the-job training except in the BAAS program. (See Applied Arts and Sciences, B.A.A.S. ) Work experience may be regarded as a basis for proficiency exams.

Non-traditional work is considered an alternative to regular classroom work when it meets valid educational objectives and degree plan requirements at MSU. The University does not accept non-traditional work which will not apply to the student’s degree objective.

Acceptance of such work by the college does not negate degree requirements or limitations found elsewhere in this catalog.

Undergraduate Transfer of Non-traditional Credits. Credits not earned in regular course work may be accepted toward a bachelor’s degree at MSU. Scores for credit by examination, course descriptions, or other appropriate documentation may be requested as necessary by MSU Admissions although another accredited institution may have evaluated and given credit for such work. (Refer to listings under CLEP, DANTES, U.S. Military Credits, etc., for specific guidelines.)

When a regionally accredited institution has determined that a certain examination score or non-traditional work is equivalent to a specifically numbered and titled course at that institution, MSU will accept such work at face value regardless of score if a student has earned or earns a C or better in a subsequent course. If a student has not earned a C or better, or has not taken a subsequent course, MSU required score levels must be met.

Evaluation of this type of work not appearing on a college transcript will be initiated by MSU Admissions when the student furnishes official documentation for the credit. Credit will be granted upon the approval of the college dean.

The applicability of these credits to the degree plan will be determined by the college dean. Such credits will be posted to the permanent academic record after the student has earned 9 semester hours in residence at MSU.

Credit for Institutes, Certificate Programs, Clock Hour Programs, Registry Examinations, Federal Certifications, and Military Training may be considered for application to the BAAS degree or to one of the health sciences programs. Such nontraditional work will be evaluated by MSU Admissions according to the American Council on Education or other recognized guidelines when valid documentation is presented. Credit based upon the evaluations will be accepted only upon the recommendation of the appropriate college dean and the BAAS Director and BAAS staff, if applicable. Vocational-technical credit must be approved by the college dean. Credit will be limited to 12 semester hours except in the BAAS program, mechanical engineering, criminal justice, and the health sciences.

The applicability of these credits to the degree plan will be determined by the college dean. Such credits will be posted to the permanent academic record after the student has earned 9 semester hours in residence at MSU.

Credit for Experiential Learning. A maximum of six semester hours of credit for experiential learning may be applied to the BAAS degree. Such credit will be granted only through a systematic evaluation of meaningful work or job experience. A student must present to the advisor a narrative describing the length of work and other appropriate details. The BAAS advisor will then approve and propose equivalent learning credit with verification by the relevant employer. The Director and BAAS staff will approve such credit prior to the posting of credit. For more information, visit http://www.mwsu.edu/academics/education/baas/.

The applicability of these credits to the degree plan will be determined by the college dean. Such credits will be posted to the permanent academic record after the student has earned 9 semester hours in residence at MSU.