GENERAL APPLICATION PROCEDURES

  Mississippi University for Women will consider for admission all qualified applicants.  MUW does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, age, sex, disability or national origin.

  Applicants must submit the following to the Office of Admissions:
 

•  Application for admission.
•  Official transcripts from high school including ACT/SAT score and/or all institutions attended.
•  Immunization form showing proof of two doses of measles vaccines and one of rubella.  Both measles vaccines must have been given after an applicants first birthday.  There are exemptions from the measles vaccination which include: (1) born before January, 1957; (2) physician documentation of measles or blood test of immunity to measles (rubella) and (3) documented life-threaten`ing allergic reaction to this particular vaccine.

  Applicants may meet general admission requirements to the University and not meet the requirements for a specific department. Applicants should contact the academic department to which they are applying for additional requirements. For admission information or to inquire further about university admission requirements, contact the Office of Admissions, Mississippi University for Women W- Box 1613 Columbus, MS  39701. Telephone: Toll Free 877-462-8439 or 662-329-7106 Fax: 662-241-7481.
E-mail: admissions@muw.edu. Students may apply online by visiting our website at www.muw.edu.

APPLICATION DEADLINES

  Applicants for admission (undergraduate) are advised to submit the application for admission well in advance of the period in which enrollment is sought.  Late application may require the applicant to register after classes begin.

FRESHMAN ADMISSION

  Admission of entering freshmen is based on the completion of the College Preparatory Curriculum (CPC) specified below with either a specific minimum grade-point average (GPA) or both a specific GPA and minimum standard test score. Students must submit a high school transcript reflecting satisfactory completion of the following college prep curriculum requirements. (Provisional admission may be granted with a seven-semester high school transcript provided the transcript indicates that courses to complete the CPC are underway; final admission will require a complete transcript.) The high school CPC requirements set forth below are applicable to students graduating from high school beginning with the spring of 1996 and are subject to change in accordance with the Institutions of Higher Learning.
(College Preparatory Curriculum)
English: 4 Units--Courses must require substantial communication skills (i.e., reading, writing, listening and speaking).
Mathematics: 3 Units--Algebra I, Algebra II, and Geometry. A fourth course in higher level mathematics is highly recommended.
Science: 3 Units--Biology, advanced biology, chemistry, advanced chemistry, physics, and advanced physics or any other science course with comparable rigor and content. One Carnegie Unit from a physical science course with content at an introductory level may be used. Two of the courses chosen must be laboratory-based.
Social Studies: 3 Units--United States history (1 unit), world history (1 unit with substantial geography component), government (1/2 unit), and economics (1/2 unit) or geography (1/2 unit).
Advanced Electives: 2 Units--Foreign language, world geography, 4th year laboratory-based science, or 4th year mathematics. One unit must be in foreign language or world geography.
Computer Applications: 1/2 Unit--The course should include use of application packages, such as word-processing and spreadsheets. The course should also include basic computer terminology and hardware operation.  This requirement may be met through course work or through a statement of competency from the high school.
Eighth Grade Units--Algebra I or first-year foreign language taken in the eighth grade will be accepted for admission provided course content is the same as the high school course.

Regular Admissions

  Regular admissions will be granted to:

 1.  All students completing the College Preparatory Curriculum (CPC) with a minimum of a 3.2 high school GPA on the CPC;
 2.  All students completing the College Preparatory Curriculum (CPC) with (a) a minimum of 2.5 high school GPA on the CPC and a score of 16 or higher on the ACT or (b) holding a class rank in the upper 50% and a
 score of 16 or higher on the ACT;
 3.  All students completing the College Preparatory Curriculum (CPC) with a minimum of a 2.0 high school GPA on the CPC and a score of 18 or higher on the ACT (Composite);
 4.  All students satisfying the NCAA standards for student-athletes who are "full qualifiers" under Division I guidelines.

Admission with Deficiencies

  Applicants who fail to meet Regular Admission Standards may be screened for admission. The ACT is not necessarily a requirement in this admission category. These students will enter the "Academic Placement Program" (counseling and testing) which will be held on campus prior to the beginning of the summer session. Such counseling will include institutional consideration of student interests, special skills, experiences and other non-cognitive factors in the evaluation process. After counseling, students may take
a screening test (ACCUPLACER) to assist the institution in its admission decision. Students successfully passing the screening test will receive "Full Admission" to the summer or fall term and are encouraged to participate in the year long Academic Support Program.

Summer Developmental Program

  Students who fail to successfully complete the placement program requirements for fall admission may enroll in the Summer Developmental Program. This is an intensive nine-week program that concentrates on those high school subject areas (writing, reading, mathematics) that are most applicable to success in  first-year college courses. The program totals 12 credit hours, which do not count toward graduation.  Students must enroll for the entire program. Students who successfully complete this summer program will
receive "Full Admission" to the fall term with mandatory participation in the Academic Support Program during their freshman year. Students who fail to complete the Summer Developmental Program successfully are ineligible for further enrollment at MUW until they successfully complete the Summer Development Program and/or meet the Transfer requirements. These students are counseled to explore other post-secondary
opportunities, including those offered by community colleges. Developmental studies are only offered during the summer session.

Early Admission

  Gifted high school students who desire to enter college prior to high school graduation must meet one of the following criteria:

 1.  Earn a 3.2 or better grade point average on at least fifteen courses in the College Preparatory Curriculum (CPC) and submit written recommendation by the high school principal or guidance counselor, OR
 2.  Earn a 3.5 or better grade point average on those College Preparatory Curriculum (CPC) courses attempted, an ACT Composite score of 25 or SAT score of 1130  or better, and submit written recommendation by the high school principal or guidance counselor.

Home School

 Admission of entering Home Schooled freshmen is based on the completion of the College Preparatory Curriculum (CPC) with either a specific minimum grade point average (GPA) or a specific GPA and minimum standard test score (Please see freshmen admissions for details). Students must submit an official home school transcript reflecting satisfactory completion of the college prep curriculum and an official ACT or SAT scores. Students who do not have official transcripts must submit a portfolio showing work completed and official ACT or SAT scores to be evaluated by the Admissions Committee.

Dual Enrollment

  High School students who have a 25 ACT/1130 SAT, and have written approval from high school principal or guidance counselor  are eligible to enroll in classes during the regular academic year and receive college credit while still in high school.

General Education Development (GED)

  Students with a General Education Development Certificate of High School Equivalency must present a GED composite score equal to the fiftieth percentile. In such cases, the applicants may be directed toward the appropriate level of admission based upon on-campus screening.
 

TRANSFER ADMISSION

  Students may be accepted for transfer from other regionally accredited colleges and
universities if a minimum 2.00 cumulative GPA has been maintained on all course
work attempted with the exception of vocational/technical or other courses not
acceptable for transfer. Applicants must list all colleges attended on the application for admission. (Failure to provide information about prior college attendance is grounds for disciplinary action including immediate dismissal from the University.) In addition, the applicant must meet one of the following options:

 Option 1

 Have successfully completed at least the following 24 semester hours of college work at a regionally accredited school:
  6 hours of English composition
  3 hours of college algebra or higher
  6 hours of laboratory science
  9 hours of transferable electives

  Option 2

 Have earned an associate ’s degree intended for transfer to a four-year school.

  Option 3

  Meet freshmen admission requirements (see Freshmen Admission).  The applicant must submit official high school transcripts, ACT/SAT score as well as college transcripts.

  Official transcripts must certify that at the next registration the student’s grades are acceptable to re-enter the college from which the student is transferring. Due to academic performance at another college or university, a student may be admitted to MUW on academic probation as determined by an evaluation of transfer credits. Transcripts from each college attended should be sent to the Office of Admissions when work has been completed prior to entering MUW. All students must earn at MUW at least 25% of the
semester hours required for a specific program to qualify for an undergraduate degree.
Graduates of accredited junior colleges that transfer to Mississippi University for Women will be required to earn at least 50% of the semester hours required for a specific degree at a senior institution (including 25% of the semester hours at MUW) before becoming eligible for any degree, regardless of the number of hours accepted in transfer from the junior college.
 

NON-TRADITIONAL STUDENT ADMISSION

  Non-traditional students may be admitted as a non-degree-seeking student and register for up to 12 semester hours credit during a semester. Students admitted as “non-traditional” are not eligible for Title IV Federal Student Assistance until passing 12 MUW credit hours with a minimum 2.00 cumulative grade point average, or meeting the regular admission standards including the ACT/SAT score requirement. Regular admission status may be attained upon completion of 12 semester hours with a 2.0 grade-point average; credit earned while a “non-traditional” student may then apply toward a degree.

*If entering the nursing program the ACT/SAT is required.
 

INTERNATIONAL STUDENT ADMISSION

  At Mississippi University for Women, we value the perspectives international students bring to the campus. The number of international students continues to increase as students find the MUW environment supportive of their needs.

  Applicants for admission must provide either original or true certified copies of transcripts, diplomas, and certificates of all previous secondary and post-secondary academic studies. Transfer students are required to provide course descriptions or syllabi so transfer credit can be determined. This documentation must be certified and translated into English. We recommend World Education Services, Inc., P.O. Box 745, Old
Chelsea Station, New York, NY 10113-0745, Phone: 212-966-6311 or 800-937-3895, Fax: 212-966-6395, e-mail: info@WES.ORG for evaluation of international transcripts. If a student does not meet transfer requirements, then his or her high school records must be evaluated. The United States Immigration and Naturalization Service requires that applicants show proof to meet the cost of studying prior to the issuance of the I-20 form. The cost includes non-resident tuition, fees, room, meals, books, health insurance, and estimated expenses.

Application Deadline

  International students from outside the United States must submit completed applications no later than 45 days prior to the intended term of enrollment.  Applications received after that date may be considered for the following term.

Entering Freshmen

1. A completed international admission application.
2. $25.00 non-refundable application fee.
3. Official composite score of 18 on the ACT or 850 on the SAT I test.
4. Official TOEFL score of 525 (paper based) or 197 (computer based).
5. Official final high school transcript or leaving certificates.
6. Signed International Student Health Agreement.
7. Letter of financial backing with supporting documentation.

Transfer Students
1. A completed international admission application.
2. $25.00 non-refundable application fee.
3.  2.0 or better cumulative grade-point average on all transferable course-work attempted at other regionally accredited colleges or universities.
4.  Official TOEFL score of 525 (paper based) or 197 (computer based).
5. Signed International Student Health Agreement.
6.  Letter of financial backing with supporting documentation.
  *AND ONE OF THE FOLLOWING:
 1.  2.0 or better grade-point-average at U.S. colleges or universities in the following 24 semester hours:
      6 semester hours of English composition
      3 semester hours of college algebra or above
      6 semester hours of laboratory science
      9 semester hours of transferable electives
2.  15 or more transferable hours at a university outside the U.S.
3. Official final high school transcript or leaving certificate and official composite score of 18 on the ACT or 850 on the SAT I test.
 4.  Associate or baccalaureate degree (or the equivalent) from a regionally accredited institution.

  International students do not have to submit the TOEFL score if:

 1. They are graduates of a U.S. high school and submit appropriate ACT or SAT scores.
 2. They have completed six semester hours of sophomore level English courses at an accredited U.S. College or university.
 3. They have earned a bachelor’s degree or higher from an accredited U.S. college or university.
4. They are citizens of a country where English is the first language.
 5. They have graduated from a high school, college, or university where English is the language of instruction.

Health Insurance

  Mississippi University for Women requires all nonimmigrant international students to have health insurance.  International students must purchase the insurance plan recommended by MUW or provide documentation of insurance coverage comparable to the recommended plan.

Immunization/X-Ray Requirement

  International students must submit records of two vaccinations for measles, mumps and rubella and a chest x-ray with translated report.  These records must be received through the Office of International Programs within two weeks of registration.
 

LEGAL RESIDENT STATUS
  Students are classified as in-state or out-of-state for the purpose of paying University fees. The Office of Admissions will make the initial classification at the time a student’s application for admission is processed. The burden of proof for establishing residency resides with the applicant. If a student misrepresents his or her status, he or she shall be responsible for paying the fees he or she would have otherwise been required to pay and will be subject to disciplinary action or dismissal from the university. The University Registrar is authorized to change a student’s residence status upon receipt of evidence
that the student is improperly classified.

  The following state laws and regulations apply to determining the residential status for the purpose of enrolling and paying fees at a state supported institution of higher learning:

1. No student may be admitted to any institution of higher learning as a resident of Mississippi unless his residence has been in the State of Mississippi preceding his/her admission.

2. A person who has entered the State of Mississippi from another state and enters an educational institution is considered a nonresident. Even though he/she may have been legally adopted by a resident of Mississippi, or may have been a qualified voter, or landowner, or may otherwise have sought to establish legal residence, such a person will still be considered as being a nonresident of Mississippi if he/she has entered this state for the purpose of enrolling in an educational institution.

Legal Residence of a Minor. The residence of a person less than twenty-one (21) years of age is that of the father. After the death of the father, the residence of the minor is that of the mother. If the parents are divorced, the residence of the minor is that of the parent who was granted custody by the court, or, if custody was not granted, the residence continues to be that of the father. If both parents are deceased the residence of the minor is that of the last surviving parent at the time of that parent’s death, unless the minor lives with a legal guardian of his or her person duly appointed by a proper court of Mississippi, in which case his or her residence becomes that of the guardian.

Legal Adoption of a Minor. Even though a resident of Mississippi may legally adopt a minor, he or she remains a nonresident if the parents are domiciled outside the State of Mississippi.

Legal Residence of an Adult. The residence of an adult is that place where he or she is domiciled; that is, the place where he or she actually resides with the intent of remaining there indefinitely, or of returning there permanently when temporarily absent.

Removal of Parents from Mississippi. If the parents of a minor who is enrolled as a student in an institution of higher learning move their legal residence from the State of Mississippi, the minor is immediately classified as a nonresident student.
Twelve Months of Residence Required of Adult Students. No student may be admitted to any institution of higher learning as a resident of Mississippi unless his or her residence, as defined herein above, has been in the State of Mississippi for a continuous period of at least twelve (12) months after becoming 21 years old, and immediately preceding registration for the period concerned (see factors regarding residency below).

Residence Status of a Married Person. A married person may claim the residence of his or her spouse, or may claim independent resident status as any other adult.

Children of Parents who are employed by Institutions of Higher Learning. Children of parents who are members of the faculty or staff of any institution under the jurisdiction of the board of trustees may be classified as residents without regard to the residence requirement of twelve (12) months, for the purpose of attendance at the institution where their parents are faculty or staff members. Full-time faculty and staff are also considered
residents.

Military Personnel Assigned an Active Duty Station in Mississippi. Members of the armed forces on extended active duty and stationed within the State of Mississippi, except those military personnel whose active duty assignment in the State of Mississippi is for educational purposes, may be classified as residents, without regard to the residence requirement of twelve (12) months, for the purpose of attending state-supported institutions of higher learning and junior colleges of the State of Mississippi. Resident status of such military personnel who are not legal residents of Mississippi, as defined under “Legal residence of an adult” shall terminate upon their reassignment for duty in the continental United States outside the State of Mississippi.

Children of Military Personnel. The resident status of children of members of the armed forces on extended active duty shall be that of the military parent for the purpose of attending state-supported institutions of higher learning and junior colleges of the State of Mississippi during the time that their military parents are stationed within the State of Mississippi and shall be continued through the time that military parents are stationed in
an overseas area with last duty assignment within the State of Mississippi, excepting temporary training assignments en route from Mississippi. The resident status of minor children shall terminate upon reassignment under Permanent Change of Station Orders of their military parents for duty in the continental United States outside the State of Mississippi, excepting temporary training assignments en route from Mississippi.

Certification of Residence of Military Personnel. A military person on active duty stationed in Mississippi who wishes to avail himself or herself or his or her dependents of these provisions must submit a certificate from his or her military organization showing the name of the military member; the name of the dependent (if for a dependent), the name of the organization of assignment and its address (may be in the letterhead);
that the military member will be on active duty stationed in Mississippi on the date of registration at the state-supported institution of higher learning

Aliens. All aliens are classified as nonresidents except those alien students with permanent resident status, temporary resident status, asylee status, or refugee status who can establish Mississippi residence by meeting the other normal requirements for legal residence under these regulations.

Petition for Change of Residency Classification. A person who enters the State of Mississippi from another state and enters an educational institution is considered a non-resident. Any person who has attained twenty-one (21) years of age and has thereafter actually established residency and resided within the State of Mississippi for twelve (12) consecutive months after attaining twenty-one (21) years of age upon sworn affidavit and other representation, and who can prove financial independence, may petition for a change in residency classification for the purposes of fees and tuition assessment.
Residency changes are not retroactive.

1. The institution may make reasonable inquiry into the validity of the petitioner’s claim.
2. Such petition for change of residency must be received prior to the first day of class of the term for which the student is applying for residency.

Factors Regarding Residency
Although domicile and residency for educational purposes are largely matters of intention, this intention is determined objectively from the facts and circumstances surrounding a claim of in-state residency. Some of the factors relevant to determining residency include:
  -  Actual physical residence of habitation
  -  Length of actual physical residence. Residence used for income tax, loan, banking and other purposes
 -  Voter registration
  -  Motor vehicle registration (Persons moving into the state on a permanent basis have thirty days to register vehicles.)
  -  Driver’s license held (Persons moving into the state on a permanent basis have sixty days to acquire driver’s licenses.)
 - State to which personal income taxes or other taxes paid
 -  Status of income sources
 -  Location of bank, savings and other accounts

Responsibility for Reporting Change. It is the individual student’s responsibility to report immediately to the Dean of Enrollment any change, which will affect his or her residence status under these regulations.

ADMISSION PLANS - NURSING PROGRAMS

 Applicants to the Division of Nursing are advised that upon completion of degree requirements the Board of Nursing may, "in its discretion, refuse to accept the application for licensure of any person who has been convicted of a criminal offense under any provision of Title 97 of the Mississippi code of 1972, as now or hereafter amended, or any provision of this chapter." This includes a person who:
 (a) Has committed fraud or deceit in securing or attempting to secure such license;
 (b) Has been convicted of a felony, or a crime involving moral turpitude or has had accepted by a court a plea of nolo contendere to a felony or crime involving moral turpitude;
 (c) Is addicted to or dependent on alcohol or other habit-forming drugs or is a habitual user of narcotics, barbiturates, amphetamines, hallucinogens, or other drugs having a similar effect.

 (State of Mississippi, Nursing Practice Rules & Regulations, July 2002. www.msbn.state.ms.us/lawsrules.htm)

Students transferring from another school of nursing must provide a letter verifying eligibility for readmission to the nursing program from which they are transferring.

  ASSOCIATE OF SCIENCE IN NURSING PROGRAM
 Admission to the Associate of Science in Nursing Program is competitive and is based on applicants' ACT and overall and MUW GPA. Applicants for admission to the fall semester will be considered on or about June 1. Applicants must submit a completed application form, transcripts verifying transfer credit and if applicable an official copy of their ACT score.

  Regular Admission
Freshmen
A. All students must meet the admission requirements of the University.
B. To be eligible for consideration for admission, all students must have at least an 18 ACT enhanced score (15 ACT if taken prior to October 1, 1989), have completed Anatomy (with lab), Physiology, and College Algebra with a minimum grade of C, and have an MUW and overall 2.0 GPA on all courses attempted.
C. Science courses may only be repeated once. After the second failure to make a "C" or above, the student is ineligible for admission to the program.

Early Admission Policy
 Students having at least an 18 ACT score, a 2.5 GPA, a “C” or above in Anatomy and Physiology, a “C” or above in College Algebra (or are enrolled in College Algebra the spring prior to fall admission) may be considered for provisional early admission. In order to be considered the candidate must submit a completed application to the ASN Program to include transcripts verifying the GPA, the Anatomy and Physiology grades and the College Algebra grade (or documentation of enrollment in College Algebra) and a copy of an ACT score by January 15th to the program office. Notification of provisional early admission will be approximately January 31 of each year.

Transfer Students
A. Students transferring from other institutions must meet the transfer requirements of the University.
B. To be eligible for consideration for admission, transfer students must have at least an 18 ACT enhanced score (15 ACT if taken prior to October 1, 1989) and have completed Anatomy (with lab), Physiology, and College Algebra with a minimum grade of "C" or above, and have a GPA of 2.0 on all courses including a "C" or above in any nursing course transferred. If the transfer is within the University, the same requirements must be met.
C. Science courses taken prior to or after admission may be repeated only once. After the second failure, the student is ineligible for admission to the program.

Advanced Placement Option Admission
A. Students must meet the admission or transfer requirements of the University.
B. To be eligible for consideration for admission, all students must have at least an 18 ACT enhanced score (15 ACT if taken prior to October 1, 1989), have completed Anatomy (with lab), Physiology, Microbiology (with lab), College Algebra, Human Growth and Development, English Composition I, and Nutrition with a minimum grade of "C", have an MUW and overall 2.0 GPA on all courses attempted, have a current Mississippi Practical Nurse's License and have worked at least one year in a clinical setting as a licensed practical nurse.
C. Biological Science courses taken prior to admission may be repeated only once. If the student fails to make a "C" on the second attempt, the student is ineligible for admission to the program.
 Special Admission
A. All regular admission requirements of the University must be met.
B. Students making less than the required ACT may be considered for admission after completing a minimum of twelve (12) semester hours with an MUW and/or overall quality point average of 2.0 on all courses attempted. These twelve hours are to include the completion of Anatomy (with lab), Physiology, and College Algebra with a grade of "C" or above.
C. Advanced Placement students making less than the required ACT may be considered for admission in the program after completing the prerequisites for the advanced placement option with a grade of “C” or above and an MUW and overall GPA of 2.0.  Advanced Placement prerequisites include twenty-four semester hours.

  BACHELOR OF SCIENCE IN NURSING PROGRAM
 Admission to the generic baccalaureate nursing major is competitive. Admission of applicants for the summer term will be determined in January of that year.  To be considered for admission to the advanced placement or generic baccalaureate nursing major:
a. Students must meet the admission requirements of the University.
b. Students must have:
 1. A composite ACT score of 21 enhanced (18 if taken prior to October 1, 1989), an overall and/or MUW quality point average of 2.0, and completion of all prerequisite courses with no less than a “C”.
 OR
 2. If students do not have a composite score of 21 enhanced (18 if taken prior to October 1, 1989) on the ACT, the requirements are an overall quality point average of 2.5 and completion of all prerequisite courses with no less than a “C”.
c. Generic students must successfully complete all nursing prerequisites designated for the first four semesters of the curriculum.
d. Physical and biological science courses may be repeated only once.  There is a six year limit on science courses. After the second failure to make a “C” or better in a physical or biological science course, the student is ineligible for admission to the program.
e. Students must complete an application for summer placement during late (November) Fall Semester. Beginning Fall 2003, students may apply online.

 Decisions regarding admission to the junior year for the Generic Program are based on the candidate’s ACT and cumulative quality point average with special attention given to grades achieved in the natural, behavioral, and social science courses, and college algebra.  Decisions regarding admission to the Advanced Placement option are based on the candidate’s ACT score and cumulative quality point averages.

ADMISSION DATES
 Decisions regarding admission to the generic baccalaureate nursing major are made during the month of January.  Admission to the advanced placement option occurs at the beginning of the fall and summer semesters.