Certificate: Certificate programs meet specific, short-term training and educational needs of students by combining core and specialty courses into focused, flexible training packages that more immediately meet employment needs. If a student later decides to seek advanced education, many of the certificate courses may be combined with the advanced courses for associate of applied science degrees.

Associate of Arts in General Studies Degree: This degree is equivalent to the first two years of study at a four-year college/university and is transferable. The degree provides a general education core of courses to introduce students to a wide variety of knowledge, ensuring they have a breadth of educational experiences which will enable them to develop those traits and skills conducive to student success and lifelong learning. Refer to page 62 of the catalog for information.

Associate of Arts in Teaching Degree:  Provides a common transfer curriculum for students seeking a Bachelor of Science Degree in Elementary Education as they transfer to one of several Missouri four-year institutions.  Refer to page 63 of the catalog for information. Associate of Science Degree: A specialized degree intended to transfer into a pre-professional degree, the AS allows students to enter the workforce and/or transfer into a bachelor degree completion program. Refer to page 67 of the catalog for information. 

Associate of Applied Science Degree: A specialized degree that is the primary occupationally oriented degree, the AAS allows recipients of this degree to enter a particular job market. While not designed as transfer degrees, some AAS degrees can be used as the first two years of a Bachelor of Applied Science degree. However, students will need to take additional general education courses, as well as courses in the major field. Refer to page 72 of the catalog for information.

Dual Credit Program: Dual credit courses enable high school students to receive, simultaneously, both high school and college-level course credit. Missouri State University-West Plains has agreements with area high schools to provide high-performing high school students an affordable opportunity to experience high-quality college-level courses. High school students interested in this option should contact their high school counselor. Refer to page 22 of the catalog for information.

Distance Learning: Opportunities for students to earn credit without traveling from their home area are available through distance learning technology. Students may receive courses from the West Plains campus sent to their home communities or be in a class on the West Plains campus that originates in another location or take a course online. Refer to page 135 of the catalog for information.

Bachelor’s and Master’s Degrees: Students who complete an AA degree with a business emphasis from Missouri State University-West Plains may now complete the Bachelor of Science degree with a major in General Business. They also may continue with graduate work and complete the entire Master of Business Administration degree on the West Plains campus. The Missouri State University-Springfield Campus College of Business Administration (COBA) provides both degrees. With accreditation by the American Assembly of Collegiate Schools of Business, COBA is recognized nationally in the top 10 percent of business schools.

For many years, graduate level education courses have been offered on the West Plains campus by the Missouri State University- Springfield School of Teacher Education. These courses have been expanded and focus on completion of the Master of Science in Elementary Education with emphases in Reading, Early Childhood, or Special Education and the Master of Arts in Teaching. Undergraduate students can now complete a Bachelor of Science degree in Elementary Education. All classes, internships and student teaching can be completed in the West Plains area. Also taught in West Plains are classes toward a Master’s in Educational Administration.

Nursing students also benefit from increased offerings. Without traveling to Springfield, registered nurses, prepared at the associate degree or diploma level, are able to complete nursing courses that apply toward the Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree.

The Department of Agriculture in Springfield now offers the Bachelor of Applied Science in Agriculture degree in cooperation with the West Plains Campus. Students with either the Associate of Arts Degree or the Associate of Applied Science Degree in Agriculture may seamlessly transfer to this BAS Degree.

The Department of Technology in Spring field now offers the Bachelor of Applied Science in Technology Management degree in West Plains. Students with most Applied Science Degrees may seamlessly transfer to this BAS Degree.

All this is available without leaving West Plains. For information, contact the Academic Outreach office at (417) 255-7931 or the Springfield Office of the College of Continuing Education and the Extended University at (417) 836-4126. Refer to pages 86-89 of the catalog for information.