Frequently Asked Questions About Academics

What is the Accelerated Learning Program (ALP)?

 A program for students who placed in writing 100 but would like to try to do both 100 and 110 in one semester.

What are the MathLab classes about?

They are math classes using a computer mediation to facilitate students' learning. MathLab classes offer support for varying levels of math preparation and learning styles. During class time, the instructor individually assists students as they work through personalized math lessons via MyMathLab on the computer.

What is the difference between the West Plains and Springfield programs?

The West Plains campus offers associate's (two-year) degrees. The Springfield campus offers a number of bachelor's (four-year) and master's (graduate) degrees on the West Plains campus, as well as courses leading to several additional degrees, including the Specialist of Education in Educational Administration. These programs are available without leaving West Plains. Degrees and programs offered are listed on the academics website.

Where do I go to get information about and conduct University business if I am in the Springfield program?

Contact the Missouri State Outreach office, (417) 255-7931 or visit the staff at Gohn Hall, 603 West Main.

Where do I find out about internship?

Internship opportunities may be explored through the office of career services, (417) 255-7230, in Looney Hall. Additionally, you can discuss with a faculty member in your degree program for assistance and guidance with an appropriate internship opportunity.

How can I get help choosing a major?

Personnel in the Office of Advising and Academic Support, (417) 255-7222, in Melton 100 or the office of career services, (417) 255-7230, in Looney Hall will assist students in selecting a major and understanding where this academic program might lead in the career world following graduation from college. You may also talk to faculty members about career opportunities within their academic disciplines.

Where do I declare my major (or area of academic emphasis)?

The office of registration and records, (417) 255-7979, in Cass Hall.

Who is my advisor?

Every student is assigned an advisor. Students can find out who their advisor is by logging into My Grizzly Den. Under "My Enrollment" click on "My Advisor." There you will see your advisor's name and contact information. Students may also visit Office of Advising and Academic Support, (417) 255-7222, in Melton 100 for further assistance.

When will I graduate?

As soon as you complete the prescribed course of study you have chosen and file to graduate in the office of registration and records, (417) 255-7979, in Cass Hall.

Why do I have to take the ACT? IDS 110? IDS 112? ENG 100? RDG 125? MTH 020? MTH 030?

The ACT test is not required for admission, but is required for registration and course placement for all degree seeking students. Transfer students with over 24 hours are not required to take the ACT.

IDS 110, IDS 112, RDG 125, ENG 100, MTH 020, and MTH 030 are designed to help students be successful academically.

IDS 110 is a degree requirement for all students except those already admitted into the nursing program. Transfer students with over 24 hours may appeal to waive this requirement.

IDS 112 is required of all students with a composite ACT of 17 or lower.

RDG 125 is required of all students with a reading ACT score of 17 or below.

ENG 100 is required of all students placing into this class based on the evaluation of the writing sample.

MTH 020 is required of all students with a Math ACT score of 15 and below. Students must enroll in MTH 030 upon successful completion of MTH 020.

MTH 030 is required of all students with a Math ACT score of 16, or a Math ACT score of 17 and no Algebra 1 on high school transcripts.

When does school start? When does it end?

Important dates such as these are printed in the Missouri State University-West Plains Catalog and the semester schedule. The dates may also be accessed on the campus master calendar.

What degrees are offered at Missouri State University-West Plains?

Missouri State University-West Plains offers:

  • Associate of Applied Science degrees in several allied health, business and technical disciplines
  • Associate of Arts in General Studies degree with 15 emphasis areas from which to choose
  • Associate of Arts in Teaching
  • Associate of Science in Agriculture
  • Associate of Science in Business
  • Associate of Science in Nursing
  • Associate of Science in Pre-Engineering

Missouri State University-West Plains also offers a variety of certificate programs.

View the academics website for more information.

Can I get a bachelor's or master's degree at Missouri State University-West Plains?

Yes, Missouri State University-Springfield offers the following programs on the West Plains campus:

  • Bachelor’s in Elementary Education
  • Bachelor's in Child and Family Development
  • Bachelor's in General Agriculture
  • Bachelor’s in General Business
  • Bachelor’s in Nursing
  • Bachelor’s in Technology
  • Master’s in Business Administration
  • Master’s in Educational Administration
  • Master’s in Counseling (Options: Elementary School; Secondary School)
  • Master's in Teaching
  • Specialist's in Educational Administration

View the academics website for more information.

Who can sign my registration form if I can't find my advisor?

If your advisor is a faculty member, please contact the Office of Advising and Academic Support at ((417) 255-7222 or in Melton 100 and they will be able to assist in completion of the form.  If your advisor works in the Advising and Academic Support office, one of the other advising professionals in that office will be able to assist.

I have taken classes in the past and I want to get started again. Where do I need to go?

The first step is to be readmitted to the University. The readmission application and information is available on the returning students page or by contacting the office of admissions, (417) 255-7955, in Cass Hall.

How do I find out about studying abroad in China?

Contact the office of academic affairs, (417) 255-7272, in Lybyer Enhanced Technology Center room 206.