Admissions & Academic Information

Graduate Degrees Offered

The following master’s and doctoral degrees are offered at Midwestern State University:

Graduate minors are available in Biology , early childhood education, educational foundations, English , History , Instructional Design and Technology Minor , Mathematics , Special Education, Sport Administration , Teacher Leadership , and Training and Development .

The Robert D. & Carol Gunn College of Health Sciences and Human Services offers a Health Services Administration Graduate Certificate , a Post-Master’s Family Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Certificate , and a Post-Master’s Family Nurse Practitioner Certificate . The West College of Education offers programs leading to certificates for Superintendent, Principal, Diagnostician.  The Prothro-Yeager College of Humanities and Social Sciences offers graduate certificates in English-Professional and Technical Communication , English- Literary Studies  and History . 

Graduate Faculty Requirements

Appointments to the Graduate Faculty originate at the department level in consultation with the graduate coordinator, and then are taken to the dean of the college, the Dean of the Dr. Billie Doris McAda Graduate School, and the Provost for final approval. In order to qualify for the Graduate Faculty, a faculty member must hold a terminal degree or have a demonstrated competency in lieu of the degree, which, in turn, must be documented by the department, and be a productive, creative scholar. The department’s Graduate Council representative, the department chair, the college council, and the dean of the college have the responsibility to see that these standards are met. Their recommendations, upon approval of the dean of the college, will be forwarded to the Dean of the McAda Graduate School and the Provost. Graduate Faculty status has three levels of membership: Full Graduate Faculty, Associate Graduate Faculty, and Adjunct Graduate Faculty. Further explanation of these appointments may be found in the Midwestern State University Policies and Procedures Manual at https://msutexas.edu/human-resources/policy/3.1-faculty-policies/3.147-Grad_Fac_Requirement.asp.

Demonstrated competency to teach at the graduate level must be documented by the department chair and college dean. Faculty appointments must be approved through the appropriate channels prior to the teaching of any graduate level courses or serving on any graduate committees. Persons who are not members of the Graduate Faculty may not teach graduate level courses.

General Academic Information

Authorization

Graduate study at Midwestern State University was authorized by the Board of Regents on January 18, 1952.

Administration

The Graduate Council, chaired by the Dean of the Dr. Billie Doris McAda Graduate School, is composed of department chairs or coordinators responsible for specific graduate programs. The Council approves all proposals for graduate program changes, graduate course additions and deletions, and alterations in graduate program requirements. Additionally, the Council approves graduate admission standards and policies related to graduate assistants and graduate teaching assistants.

At the discretion of the Dean of the McAda Graduate School, some Graduate Council recommendations are forwarded to the Academic Council for final action. As with all committees, the Graduate Council is advisory to the President of the University.

How to Apply For Graduate Admission

In order to participate in graduate level studies at Midwestern State University, a candidate must be accepted by the Dr. Billie Doris McAda Graduate School and the program. The requirements for the Graduate School are listed below. Consult the specific program section of the catalog for program requirements. Please note, students may meet the Graduate School requirements for admission, but not meet the program requirements. Prospective students are encouraged to contact the Graduate School and visit our website http://msutexas.edu/graduateschool for current requirements.

Applicants for graduate or post-baccalaureate classification (including students who have completed their undergraduate degree at Midwestern State University) must complete the following steps:

Application for Graduate Admission: Midwestern State has a graduate application processing fee of (U.S.) $50.00.  Students may apply online via our website at https://msutexas.edu/academics/graduate-school/how-to-apply.php. Applications may be submitted online by the following dates:

Click here for International Application deadlines.

A student who has previously attended Midwestern State as a graduate student, but who did not enroll for fall or spring term must reactivate his or her file by completing a reactivation form. If a graduate student has not attended MSU for a year or more, a new application is required, with an application processing fee of $50.00. All late applications are subject to approval by the Dean of the McAda Graduate School. If an applicant cannot be admitted and registered for the term submitted on the application, a new application and application fee may be required for subsequent semesters.

Graduate Degree Seeking Students

Graduate Standardized Test Scores and Official Transcripts: The requirement for standardized test scores is decided at the college level. Students should contact the graduate coordinator of their intended graduate program for information. If test scores are required, the scores must be no more than ten years old. Students for whom official test scores cannot be obtained from an approved official source will be required to retake the test. An official transcript from each institution attended must be received from an official source prior to admission. (See section for program requirements .) Students must also meet program specific admission requirements and standards.

Non-degree Seeking Students

Post-Baccalaureate, Post-Master’s, or Certificate Seeking: Students under this classification are taking courses for professional improvement or certification, and are not pursuing a master’s degree. Other than teacher’s certification students, non-degree seeking students are not eligible for financial aid.

Courses taken as a post-baccalaureate student may be transferred into a master’s program, subject to program approval, up to a maximum of 9 hours. The chair of the student’s graduate program must approve acceptance and/or applicability of the hours.

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

Graduate Admission Process

Once all application materials have been received, a review is sent to the graduate coordinator for consideration. The review is then returned to the Dean of the McAda Graduate School with a recommended decision for admission. The Dean of the McAda Graduate School confirms the decision and sends official notification of the admission decision to the student.

Graduate coordinators may agree to consider a student for admission with an incomplete file under the following options:

Temporary Permit to Register with Unofficial or Missing Standardized Test Scores:
Students may request a temporary permit to register before the graduate test scores, if required by their graduate program, have been received by the Graduate School. Students may present unofficial graduate test scores, or graduate test registration confirmation number, and request temporary admission status and be issued a permit to register. If a temporary admission status request is granted by the graduate coordinator, all graduate tests must be taken no later than 30 calendar days after the first day of class. An incomplete-credentials hold will be placed on the student’s file preventing future registration until test scores are received and the student has been admitted into a graduate program. If official graduate test scores are not received prior to the last day for an official withdrawal, the student may be administratively withdrawn from the University. Students who register in this manner assume all responsibility for course prerequisites and eligibility. Note: Not all University departments allow temporary admission into their graduate programs.

Early Admission Decision for Graduating Baccalaureate Students:
Students may request an early admission decision if they are in their last semester and pending graduation with a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution. Students must present official GRE, GMAT, or MAT scores, if required by the program to which they are applying, as well as an official current transcript from their undergraduate institution prior to requesting an early admission decision. If an early admission decision is granted by the graduate coordinator, students who will receive their undergraduate degree from an institution other than Midwestern State University will be required to submit an official transcript documenting the degree conferred prior to registration for classes. However, students who will receive their undergraduate degrees from Midwestern State University will be able to register for classes, during the scheduled registration periods, upon receipt of a Permit to Register.  MSU students who have been allowed to register prior to graduation will be dropped from their graduate classes if they fail to graduate as planned. Note: Not all University departments allow early admission into their graduate programs.

Admission to the Dr. Billie Doris McAda Graduate School

Unconditional Admission

An applicant who meets each of the following admission criteria may be eligible for unconditional admission by the graduate faculty of the student’s intended major:

1. A bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution. The McAda Graduate School must receive an official transcript, including one on which a bachelor’s degree is posted, directly from each institution the applicant has attended. International graduate student applicants must submit a course-by-course credential evaluation with GPA that includes verified transcripts.  MSU strongly prefers the WES ICAP evaluation, but will accept a comparable evaluation from an NACES member.
2. A cumulative undergraduate GPA of at least 3.0 from the student’s graduating institution.
3. A competitive score on the standardized graduate test, if required by the graduate program. The requirement for standardized test scores is decided at the college level. The student should contact the graduate coordinator of the intended graduate program for information. The McAda Graduate School must receive official admissions test scores directly from the organization that administers the test.
4. An undergraduate background judged by the graduate faculty of the student’s intended major to be adequate for success in the student’s intended major.

Conditional Admission

An applicant who does not meet each of the above admission criteria may be eligible for conditional admission by the graduate faculty of the student’s intended major if the applicant has the following:

1. A bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution. The McAda Graduate School must receive an official transcript, including one on which a bachelor’s degree is posted, directly from each institution the applicant has attended. International graduate student applicants must submit a course-by-course credential evaluation with GPA that includes verified transcripts.  MSU strongly prefers the WES ICAP evaluation, but will accept a comparable evaluation from an NACES member.
2. An official score for the standardized graduate test, if required by the graduate program. The requirement for standardized test scores is decided at the college level. The student should contact the graduate coordinator of the intended graduate program for information. The McAda Graduate School must receive official admissions test scores directly from the organization that administers the test.

A student who is conditionally admitted must earn a grade point average of 3.0 or better in the first four graduate courses (which total at least 12 semester credit hours) applicable to the student’s graduate major. Students who are assessed additional undergraduate leveling work must complete that work at the direction and to the satisfaction of the coordinator of the student’s graduate major. To continue in the program, the student must meet the conditions set forth in the conditional admission.

Provisional Admission

A student may be admitted in the provisional admission status if the official transcripts have not been received in the McAda Graduate School in a timely manner to facilitate admission decisions. To be considered for this admission status, students must present a transcript with proof of a bachelor’s degree conferred. Final transcripts must be received no later than 30 calendar days after the first day of class in the semester in which a student matriculates. An incomplete-credentials hold will be placed on the student’s record preventing future registration until all transcripts are received and the student has been admitted into a graduate program. If official transcripts are not received prior to the last day for an official withdrawal, the student may be administratively withdrawn from the University. Students who are administratively withdrawn are only due refunds in accordance with the MSU refund schedule. Not all graduate programs offer provisional admission status.

Admission Based on Previous Master’s or Higher Degree

An applicant who has earned a master’s or higher degree from a regionally accredited institution of higher education may be accepted on the basis of such degree. Determination of conditions, if any, will be made by the graduate program coordinator.

Appeal of Admission Decision

It is the responsibility of every graduate coordinator to make admissions decision recommendations to the Dean of the Dr. Billie Doris McAda Graduate School. Students may appeal an admission decision within 30 days of notification of denial by following the steps outlined below:

1. The student must consult with the graduate coordinator.
2. If this does not resolve the problem, the student should present a formal written appeal to the dean of the college in which the program resides. The dean should immediately request a written response to the student’s request from the graduate coordinator.
3. Within ten working days from receipt of the appeal, the dean of the college should respond to the student in writing as to his or her disposition of this appeal.
4. Should the appeal not be disposed of by the dean of the college in a manner satisfactory to the appellant, the appeal may be presented to the Dean of the McAda Graduate School for consideration.
5. Within ten working days from receipt of the appeal, the Dean of the McAda Graduate School should respond to the student in writing as to his or her disposition of this appeal.

Graduate School Academic Fresh Start Admission

Upon application and prior to enrollment, a graduate student may request consideration for a “fresh start” when returning or applying to a graduate program leading to a master’s degree at Midwestern State University. The student must present a signed statement requesting consideration, and must not register until approval has been received. Once elected, the decision is not revocable. A “fresh start” is defined as beginning a graduate program and having the graduate academic record reflect that grades from courses taken previously for graduate credit are not to be considered in the GPA calculation for the new graduate program. All graduate courses previously taken and grades previously earned at Midwestern State University will remain on the student’s academic record.

To be considered for a fresh start, the student must submit a graduate admission application and a written statement of purpose for seeking readmission to the dean of the Dr. Billie Doris McAda Graduate School and must meet the following criteria:

1. A period of time of no less than three years has elapsed since the student last attended or was dismissed from an MSU graduate program;
2. The student’s previous graduate GPA is below the minimum required to earn a master’s degree (3.0 on a 4.0 scale);
3. The student meets current Graduate School admission requirements; and
4. The student has been recommended for admission to the program by the appropriate department.

Courses completed in a previous MSU graduate program for which the Academic Fresh Start was approved will not transfer nor be applied to the requirements of the new program. The new program, begun after the approval of the Academic Fresh Start, must be finished and the degree conferred within six years of the completion of the first course taken under the fresh start election. The student must complete a minimum of 30 semester credit hours, and the program of study must meet all departmental and Graduate School requirements.

Only one graduate career fresh start will be granted to any one graduate student at Midwestern State University. Final approval for a fresh start application rests with the dean of the Dr. Billie Doris McAda Graduate School. Because the permanent academic record is affected, once approved, the graduate student must remain enrolled through census date of the term to remain eligible for the permanent academic record to be documented.

Housing

After acceptance for admission, the Office of Residence Life & Housing 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, and apartments. Contact the Office of Residence Life & Housing at 940-397-4217 or http://www.msutexas.edu/housing.

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:

International applicants outside of the United States should have applications submitted by the priority deadlines listed below for consideration of visa services.

2. An application fee of (U.S.) $50.00.
3. A course-by-course credential evaluation with GPA that includes verified transcripts from each college and university attended.  MSU strongly prefers the WES ICAP evaluation, but will accept a comparable evaluation from an NACES member.
4. Official Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) scores. Applicants must submit a score of at least 79 on the Internet-based examination 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.

Applicants from countries where English is not the official language must demonstrate the requisite level of proficiency to embark on graduate studies.

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 the requirements shown in items 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 Graduate Admissions Office 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.

General Requirements for the Master’s Degree

All candidates for the master’s degree must show evidence of mastery of their field of study, research in their area of interest, and ability to express their findings competently in writing as well as orally. Each department has specific guidelines.

Master’s Degree Plan

The master’s degree plan is issued to the student by the graduate coordinator. It is the result of an examination of the student’s academic background in the proposed major and minor fields by the graduate coordinator. It outlines any requirements yet to be met before unconditional admission to graduate study is granted, and it gives the recommended program of study.

The master’s degree plan is to be retained for reference until the degree is completed. A copy is maintained in the Office of the Registrar.

Distribution of Courses. Candidates for a master’s degree must distribute the courses between the major and minor fields as specified for each program in this catalog. Most of the degrees do not require a minor field.

Courses Exclusive to Graduate Studies

In all master’s degree programs each student must earn a minimum of 18 semester hours in courses offered exclusively to graduate students.

Dual-Listed Courses

Dual-listed courses are those taught concurrently to both undergraduate and graduate students. They are generally numbered both as undergraduate and graduate courses. The graduate requirements of all such courses significantly exceed the undergraduate requirements and include opportunities for graduate students to analyze, explore, question, reconsider, and synthesize knowledge and/or acquire advanced knowledge and skill. In all such cases, students work individually with their professors to demonstrate the level of understanding appropriate to graduate study. A maximum of 12 semester hours of dual-listed courses may be applied to a master’s degree.

Graduate Credit for 3000-4000 Level Courses

Some graduate programs allow graduate students to take 3000- or 4000-level courses for graduate credit. The 3000- and 4000-level courses which can be taken for graduate credit are listed in the appropriate section of the catalog. No 1000- or 2000-level courses may be taken for graduate credit.

A student registering in undergraduate 3000- or 4000-level courses for graduate credit must complete additional requirements above those of undergraduate students in the same courses. Extra reference reading, assignments of an investigative or research type, and research papers are examples of additional requirements. Graduate credit will be awarded only when the Petition for Graduate Credit for 3000-4000-Level Courses is approved by the graduate coordinator of the student’s major and the chair or graduate coordinator of the program offering the course and filed in the Office of the Registrar at the time of registration. A maximum of 6 hours of approved 3000- or 4000-level courses (or 8 hours if courses have a laboratory component) can be taken for graduate credit. A total of no more than 14 hours of dual-listed and 3000- or 4000-level courses combined may be taken for graduate credit.

A course taken for undergraduate credit cannot be counted as graduate credit regardless of the status of the student at the time the course was taken.

Independent Graduate Study Courses

Independent graduate study courses are those in which the student performs research in a specific area selected by the student in conjunction with a member of the Graduate Faculty. A student on a 30-hour program may apply 6 semester hours of independent graduate study courses toward the degree. A student in a program which requires 36 or more hours may apply 9 semester hours of independent graduate study courses toward the degree. Students in the Master of Business Administration program will be limited to 6 hours of independent graduate study courses.

Graduate Advisory Committee for Students Completing a Thesis or Research Paper Option

1. Appointment of the Committee: After all leveling work and other conditions have been satisfied, and 9 graduate hours toward the degree have been completed with a B average or better, the graduate student should request the appointment of a Graduate Advisory Committee through the graduate coordinator of the student’s major.
   The Graduate Advisory Committee assists in planning the remainder of the student’s program including enrollment, revision of degree plan, admission to candidacy, thesis title and proposal, thesis approval, type of research problem, and the final oral or written comprehensive examination.
2. Successors to the Original Committee: When a member of a Graduate Advisory Committee terminates employment with the University, the college dean shall immediately appoint a successor.
3. Substitutions on the Committee: If a member of a Graduate Advisory Committee is absent during the time when approval, disapproval, or advice is needed by the student to meet officially scheduled deadlines (such as during the three weeks after the reading copy of the thesis has been submitted, during the time of the officially scheduled comprehensive examination, or at the time of thesis approval), the graduate coordinator shall appoint a substitute.
4. Thesis Regulations for Committee: After the student submits a reading copy of the thesis, at least six weeks prior to the expected graduation date, the committee shall return it with any editorial comments within three weeks. No member shall hold the thesis longer than one week.
   
   Note: Until the student receives notice of the appointment of a Graduate Advisory Committee, the graduate coordinator will be considered the advisor.

Admission to Candidacy

The student should request admission to candidacy after completing any required leveling work plus a total of 15 hours of graduate courses. The request should be made no later than the beginning of the student’s last semester. The admission is granted by the student’s Graduate Advisory Committee. This catalog contains each program-specific requirements for admission to candidacy.

Foreign Language Requirement

Master of Arts: A candidate for the degree of Master of Arts with a major in English or History must give evidence of having completed four semesters or the equivalent of one foreign language. With the approval of the college dean, 12 hours from college level mathematical sciences may be substituted for the foreign language requirement. These courses must be approved by the college dean.

The foreign language requirement may be met by successfully completing a reading knowledge examination. Additionally, a student who has a degree from a foreign university and who has studied in that language will meet the foreign language requirement. It is not necessary that 12 hours of a foreign language appear on the transcript. However, the graduate committee must certify in writing to the college dean that the student is bilingual.

Thesis or Research Papers (If Required)

1. Form for Thesis and Research Papers: The faculty of each program shall choose the style manual for the field. See program area for recommended manual. All theses are archived electronically in Moffett Library for which there is no charge. If a college requires a bound copy or if the student desires one or more bound copies, the thesis binding rate is $25. In addition, the following requirements must be met:
   1. The number of copies to be bound must be submitted.
   2. A letter quality printer with standard type-face must be used.
2. Thesis: Students following a thesis program must complete the steps listed below:
   1. Graduate Advisory Committee: The student should consult regularly with the Graduate Advisory Committee during the preparation of the thesis.
   2. Title and Approval Pages: The title pages and approval pages of all theses must be uniform. Examples of each form are available in the department offices.
   3. Abstract: An abstract in standard form of not more than two pages must be prepared. The abstract pages are not numbered and should be inserted at the back of the thesis or behind the bibliography of the thesis.
   4. Thesis Enrollment: A student’s original enrollment is in Thesis 6983; the second enrollment is in Thesis 6993; all subsequent enrollments are in 6993. Enrollment is required each long term until the thesis is successfully completed or until a leave of absence of one semester is granted by the Dean of the Dr. Billie Doris McAda Graduate School. Summer enrollment in thesis is not required unless the student will be an August graduate.
   5. Thesis Deadlines: The student must present a reading copy of the thesis to the Graduate Advisory Committee not later than six weeks prior to the date of expected graduation.

An electronic copy of the thesis must be submitted to the McAda Graduate School not later than two weeks prior to the end of the semester or summer term (last day of finals) in which all work for the degree is completed. A hard copy of the approval page with signatures of the thesis committee members, thesis committee chair, and department chair will be submitted to the McAda Graduate School at the same time the electronic thesis is submitted. After the Dean of the McAda Graduate School’s approval, a copy of the approval page will be sent to the Office of the Registrar to verify completion of this requirement.

All theses will be archived electronically in Moffett Library for which there is no charge. Students will have the option of allowing their theses to be uploaded to a searchable database that will allow their work to be accessed worldwide. Hard copies of the thesis are at the discretion of the student or program/department/college; responsibility for these will be assumed at that level.

3. Research Paper: Students following a non-thesis, research paper program must present a research paper or papers and complete the steps listed below:
   1. Title and Approval Pages: The title pages and approval pages of all research papers must be uniform. Examples of each form are available in the department offices.
   2. Research Paper Deadline: The research paper must have the signed approval of the Graduate Advisory Committee before it is submitted to the department chair or college dean for final approval. The research paper must be submitted to the dean’s office at least three weeks before the end of the semester. A copy of the approval page will be sent to the Office of the Registrar to verify completion of this requirement.

Comprehensive Examination/Presentation

Candidates for a master’s degree may be required to successfully complete an oral and/or written comprehensive examination and/or a presentation. See program area for specific requirements.

Date for Examination or Presentation. At least six weeks before graduation the student should set a date with the Graduate Advisory Committee for the comprehensive examination or presentation.

The examination or presentation must be completed at least three weeks before graduation. If a thesis is presented, the examination or presentation will be given after approval of the thesis has been granted by the Graduate Advisory Committee.

Report on the Examination or Presentation. The chair of the Graduate Advisory Committee will file in the Office of the Registrar a report on the comprehensive examination or presentation, signed by the members of the Graduate Advisory Committee. The report will also contain a recommendation for or against approval of the candidate for graduation.

If unsuccessful in the examination or presentation, the candidate may not apply to the graduate coordinator for re-examination or to repeat the presentation until the semester following the initial attempt. Before the petition is granted, evidence of additional preparation must be presented. A student may petition for re-examination or to repeat the presentation only once. Exceptions may be made by the appropriate graduate coordinator and the dean.

Application for Graduation

Prior to the last semester or summer term (see Academic Calendar ) before graduation, the student must file an Application for Graduation and pay the graduation fee. Students may apply for graduation at the Office of the Registrar or online at https://msutexas.edu/registrar/apply-graduation/.

Commencement

Midwestern State University conducts commencement exercises in December and May. Candidates who complete their degrees during the summer terms may participate in the December ceremony. Candidates who complete their degrees in the fall semester are required to attend the December commencement unless approved by the Provost or designee for graduation in absentia. Candidates who complete their degrees at the end of the spring semester must attend the May commencement unless approved by the Provost or designee for graduation in absentia. Conferred degrees will be posted to students’ permanent records as of the last day of finals for second summer term or as of the date of the graduation ceremony for December and May.

Applicability of Catalog Regulations

The student is bound only by the requirements of the catalog in force at the time the degree plan is given final approval. The student may choose to fulfill the requirements of a subsequent catalog. In either case, all courses taken for graduate credit and to be counted toward the degree must have been completed within the time limit stated for the degree.

THIS CATALOG EXPIRES AND CANNOT BE USED FOR GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS AFTER AUGUST 31, 2027.

Midwestern State University reserves the right to make changes in course offerings, academic policies, academic calendar, tuition, fees, other charges, rules, and regulations as required by the Graduate Council, the Academic Council, the Board of Regents, the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board, state and national testing agencies, and the Texas Legislature. The provisions of this catalog are not to be regarded as a contract between the University and its students or applicants. The catalog will contain policy updates as they are approved and effective.

A separate publication, The Student Handbook, is issued once each year. The rules and regulations stated in the handbook are applicable to all students.

Time Limit for Completion of a Graduate Program

All requirements for a master’s degree must be completed within a period of six years from the time of first enrollment in a graduate course unless a shorter time frame is specified by the academic program. For example, students enrolling for their first graduate course in Fall 2021 must complete the degree by August 2027. Students enrolling for their first graduate course in Spring 2022 must complete the degree by December 2027. A proportionately longer period of time is granted for programs requiring more than 36 graduate hours. Courses completed more than six years prior to graduation date must be repeated or replaced unless the student evidences competency as determined by the graduate coordinator. Students affected by this policy should contact the coordinator of their respective program to initiate an extension to the time limit.

Responsibility of the Student

The graduate student accepts full responsibility for knowing and fulfilling all of the general and specific regulations and requirements for admission to graduate standing and for completing the chosen program of study. For that reason, it is imperative that the incoming student be familiar with all of the graduate regulations contained in this catalog and complete them on schedule and in the manner required.

Residence Requirement

All candidates for the master’s degree may transfer in no more than 6 semester credit hours from another university. For example, a student in a program requiring 36 hours must successfully complete 30 hours of graduate course work in residence at MSU. With proper approvals, exceptions may be made as indicated in the following section “Transfer of Credit”.

Transfer of Credit

There is no automatic transfer of credit earned at another institution; but in general, a maximum of 6 semester hours of approved graduate work completed at another accredited graduate school may be accepted for credit.

Exceptions may be made with the approval of the graduate coordinator, dean of the college, and Dean of the McAda Graduate School. Only courses with a grade of B or better will be considered for transfer. In such cases, however, credits accepted in transfer shall not exceed 12 hours. The graduate student must also secure the approval of the appropriate graduate coordinator at Midwestern State University prior to registration for any course(s) taken at another institution.

Correspondence courses and military educational experience (ACE credit) are not accepted for graduate credit.

Second Master’s Degree at Midwestern State University

A graduate student who has previously completed a master’s degree at Midwestern State University may apply not more than 6 semester hours of applicable credit toward a second master’s degree provided that it meets the time limit for a graduate program. The graduate credit applied to the second master’s degree must be approved by the appropriate graduate coordinator. This does not apply to the second MSU master’s degree from the MBA or MSN to the MHA that in turn shall be at least 30 additional semester hours.

Course Load

1. Full-time Graduate Student: The maximum course load for a graduate student is 16 semester hours in a fall or spring semester and 6 semester hours for a summer term.

Financial Aid award status rules may differ, see the Financial Aid  section.

2. Teaching Assistants, Instructional Assistants, and Research Assistants are limited to a maximum enrollment of 9 semester hours per semester.
3. Fully-employed Graduate Student: For a fully-employed student 3 semester hours of course work per semester are the recommended course load.

Course Numbers

Graduate courses are designated by 5000- and 6000-level numbers. Some 3000-and 4000-level courses can be taken for graduate credit with college approval.

The last digit of a course number indicates the semester hour value of the course.*
*Exception: NURS 4910-last two digits indicate 10 hour course.

In the course description, the three numbers below the horizontal line indicate (1) the credit value of the course in semester hours, (2) the number of lecture hours each week, and (3) the number of laboratory hours each week. For example, 4(3-2) indicates a four-semester hour course which meets for three hours lecture and two hours laboratory each week for one semester.

A number in parenthesis immediately below the course hours indicates a former catalog number for the same course.

Course Changes, Drops, and Withdrawals

Change of Schedule. A student’s schedule may be changed on the days designated (see Academic Calendar ), subject to the approval of the student’s advisor.

The procedure is as follows:

1. The student visits with the advisor to discuss adding a course, dropping a course, or to add and drop.
2. The student will login to WebWorld to make a change. Students may make changes in WebWorld through the last day of late registration. The class schedule will show available dates. 

Dropping a Course. After late registration, a student should visit with the instructor and/or the advisor to see if dropping the course will affect the time to degree.  If a student drops a course without consulting the instructor or advisor, the student takes full responsibility for any delay in the degree progression. A student athlete, must contact the Athletics Office prior to dropping a class. An international student must contact the Global Education Office prior to dropping a class. To drop the course, the student logs in to WebWorld and selects the action in the drop down menu.

A student may drop a course during the first 9 weeks of a long semester, the first 4 1/2 weeks of an 8 week part-of-term, the first 6 weeks of a 10 week summer term, or through the 12^th class day of a 4 or 5 week summer term consisting of 20 days with a grade of W (See Academic Calendar  in schedule of classes.). After the above deadlines, a grade of F will be recorded for any class drop.

Official Drop Date. No drop is official until the course is officially dropped on WebWorld. The date the drop is submitted through WebWorld is the official drop date for grade determination (W, WF, F). An F will result if a student ceases to attend class without completely processing a course drop or withdrawal from the University.

Instructor Drop. An instructor may drop a student any time during the semester for excessive absences, for consistently failing to meet class assignments, for an indifferent attitude, or for disruptive conduct. The instructor must give the student a verbal or written warning prior to dropping the student from the class. An instructor’s drop of a student takes precedence over the student-initiated course drop of a later date. The instructor will assign a grade of either WF or F through the first 9 weeks of a long semester, the first 4 1/2 weeks of an 8 week part-of-term, the first 6 weeks of a 10 week summer term, or the 12^th class day of a 4 or 5 week summer term consisting of 20 days. After these periods the grade will be an F. The date the instructor drop form is received in the Office of the Registrar is the official drop date.

Withdrawals. Any student who does not intend to continue attending classes at Midwestern State University should officially withdraw by the deadline rather than stop attending, since this latter action results in unnecessary failing grades.

• Voluntary Withdrawal from the University. A student who desires to withdraw from the University will contact the Student Rights and Responsibilities Office by the deadline. Following an exit interview, the student will be issued a copy of the withdrawal form, and the Student Rights and Responsibilities Office will process the paperwork with the necessary University offices.
• Enforced Withdrawal from the University. A student who fails to comply with the stated regulations concerning temporary admission or other University policies may be required to withdraw after University review. This action will be posted to the permanent record and a statement will be retained in the academic file.
• Texas House Bill 449. HB 449 provides that if a former student is determined to be ineligible to reenroll in a postsecondary educational institution for a reason other than an academic or financial reason, the institution must include a notation to that effect on the student’s transcript. A “postsecondary educational institution” is defined as either a public institution of higher education or a private or independent institution of higher education.
  The bill requires that, should a student withdraw during a disciplinary proceeding that could result in he or she being found ineligible to reenroll for reasons other than academic or financial, the institution must continue to process the charges to a final determination. If the final determination results in the student being ineligible to reenroll for reason other than academic or financial, then the institution must place the ineligibility to reenroll on the student’s transcript.
  A student may request the removal of the transcript notation. The removal may occur if the student becomes eligible to reenroll or the institution deems good cause exists to remove the notation.
  The Coordinating Board is required to adopt rules as soon as practicable using negotiated rulemaking procedures under Chapter 2008, Government Code.

Graduate Student Academic Performance Standards/Grading System

1. Letter Grades: Grades of A, B, C, D, F, I, CR, NC, W, WF, WX, and X are recorded for graduate courses. Students will receive credit for grades of A, B, C, and CR only. A grade of CR (Credit) indicates passing work in designated courses. A grade of NC indicates non-credit in designated courses. A degree-seeking graduate student who has less than a 3.0 semester grade point average for two consecutive semesters may be dismissed. Additionally, each graduate program has the option of dismissing a student at any time due to failure to maintain a B average or failure to meet other standards established by the individual graduate programs. Students must have an overall B average as well as a B average in the major and minor fields for graduation.
   Grade Reports: Semester grades may be viewed at the MSU WebWorld site through the MSU Portal.
2. Graduate degree-seeking students must maintain a grade point average (GPA) of at least 3.0 to be in good academic standing.
   a. Probation: If a student’s cumulative GPA falls below 3.0, the student will be placed on probation.
       i. The first semester a student is placed on probation he/she must attain a 3.0 GPA for the semester.
       ii. If the student earns a 3.0 GPA during his/her first semester on probation but is not able to raise his/her cumulative GPA to 3.0, the student is allowed to stay on probation for another semester.
       iii. If a student fails to raise his/her cumulative GPA to 3.0 by the end of the second semester on probation, the student may be dismissed from the program. 
       iv. If D or F grades are received while on probation, student will be dismissed from the program.
       v. Students on probation may enroll for a maximum of 9 credit hours per semester. If a student wishes to take more than 9 credit hours, he/she may petition the Graduate Dean for permission to do so.
       vi. Departments or programs may have additional requirements. Students on probation should consult with their graduate coordinator about department- or program specific requirements to return to good academic standing.
   b. Dismissal: A degree-seeking graduate student who has less than a 3.0 semester grade point average for two consecutive semesters may be dismissed. Additionally, each graduate program has the option of dismissing a student at any time due to failure to maintain a 3.0 GPA or failure to meet other standards established by the individual graduate programs. Students must have a cumulative 3.0 GPA as well as a 3.0 GPA in the major and minor fields for graduation.
       i. Departments will notify a student in writing of his/her dismissal from a program. The dismissal notice will be addressed to the student from the graduate coordinator, with copies to the department chair, college dean, graduate dean, registrar, and Office of International Services (for international students).
       ii. Students may appeal dismissal to a departmental review committee. The review committee may include a representative of the Graduate School upon request of the student.
       iii. A student who is dismissed from one graduate program may apply for admission to a different graduate program. Such application must follow the regular Graduate School admission application and review process.
3. X Grade: X is the grade used to indicate that a thesis is in progress but not complete. When the thesis is complete, a letter grade is reported.
4. Removal of an I Grade: Graduate students enrolled in 5000- and 6000-level courses have a ninety-day limitation from the beginning of the next long semester for removing an incomplete grade. Graduate students enrolled in 3000- and 4000- level courses have the same limitation as undergraduates on removal of an I. It must be removed thirty days after the beginning of the next long semester.
5. Post-Baccalaureate Standards: The post-baccalaureate student must maintain fourth year academic standards. The academic performance of part-time students will be evaluated when the student has accumulated at least 12 semester hours. A student whose MSU cumulative grade point average is below 2.0 will be placed on academic probation. A student on academic probation who fails to raise the MSU cumulative GPA to 2.0 will be on continued probation if the semester average is 2.0. If neither the semester nor cumulative GPA is 2.0 the following semester, the student will be placed on academic suspension.

Academic Dishonesty

A grade of F given for academic dishonesty will be computed in the grade point average even if permission is granted for the course to be repeated. Additional college and program policies regarding academic dishonesty will apply.

Appeal of a Course Grade

For information on the appeal of a course grade and/or suspension from an academic program, please refer to the current Undergraduate Catalog.

Assistantships

Graduate students admitted to a graduate degree program are eligible for consideration as a graduate assistant for teaching, graduate assistant for research, or graduate assistant for instructional support. Assistantships are usually available in those fields in which graduate study is offered.

Graduate Teaching Assistants may serve as instructors of record in developmental courses, lower level courses, or laboratories. Unless assigned to developmental courses, the instructor of record will have been admitted to graduate study and will have completed a minimum of 18 graduate credit hours in the subject matter field. Graduate Teaching Assistants will typically be employed for up to 6 semester hours load credit per semester.

Graduate Instructional Assistants will typically have assignments such as laboratory assistance, attending and/or helping prepare lectures, grading papers, keeping class records, and conducting discussion groups.

Graduate Research Assistants will typically assist faculty with research projects.

Graduate students must be enrolled to be eligible for an assistantship. For assistantships during the Summer, graduate students must be enrolled for at least one (1) credit hour, or have been enrolled during the preceding Spring semester, or have been unconditionally accepted for enrollment in the following Fall semester. See https://msutexas.edu/humanresources/student-employment-policy for specific requirements regarding Summer enrollment.

Graduate assistants are expected to maintain an overall 3.0 cumulative graduate grade point average (GPA).

Graduate assistants who support teaching functions are usually not required to work during school breaks. Students supporting other types of activities such as research may be expected to work during school breaks.

Graduate assistants hired for the academic year are expected to work the week before the beginning of both Fall and Spring semesters and through final exam week.

MSU Undergraduate Students Taking Graduate Coursework

Undergraduate students with strong academic backgrounds are allowed to petition to take graduate coursework while completing the last 12 hours of their undergraduate degree requirements. Permission will be granted, on a case by case basis, upon approval by the instructor, student’s undergraduate advisor, department chair, graduate coordinator, dean of the college in which the graduate course(s) will be taken, and by the Dean of the McAda Graduate School.

The total course load for an undergraduate student enrolled for graduate credit should not exceed 15 semester credit hours. To count for graduate credit, the course(s) must be over and above the student’s undergraduate degree requirements and verified as such in writing by the Registrar.

Permission to take a graduate course does not constitute admission to a graduate program and may affect financial aid. If the student applies and is accepted into an MSU graduate program, the program will consider granting transfer credit in accordance with program guidelines and general transfer credit policies.

Change of Address

The student must report any changes in name, mailing address, or email address to the Office of the Registrar, Business Office, Financial Aid Office, Dr. Billie Doris McAda Graduate School, and the Library. Student employees should also notify the Payroll Office. International students must also notify the Global Education Office of any address change. Students may also change their addresses online at http://msutexas.edu/registrar/address-changes.

Under Texas law the student is responsible for reporting changes in legal residence. This notification is submitted to Dr. Billie Doris McAda Graduate School by the student.

Mustangs I.D.

Midwestern State University uses the Mustangs I.D. for each student. This number may also be referred to as the Student I.D. number. A unique identification number will be assigned to each student for use on the MSU student identification card and access to MSU WebWorld, in conjunction with a personal identification number (PIN). The Social Security Number (SSN) will still be collected and used on federal and state reports, and it is required for students applying for financial aid. If it is not provided, delays in processing or the inability to match documents may be experienced. The portal credentials also include the Mustangs I.D.

Transcript Service

To order official copies of the Midwestern State University transcript go to https://msutexas.edu/registrar/transcript for instructions.

No transcripts will be released for students having financial/academic delinquencies at the University.

WebWorld/Portal

MSU provides student self-service opportunities via WebWorld and the MSU Portal. Students may access registration, bills, grades, unofficial transcripts, financial aid information, change of address, and many other services online at http://my.msutexas.edu.

MSU Portal Logins are a unique username and password.  WebWorld logins use Mustangs I.D. number and PIN.