Graduate College

General Degree Requirements

In the first week of the semester of intended graduation, students must complete an application for graduation and submit it to the Graduate College.  Graduation applications are available in the Graduate College or on the web at graduate.missouristate.edu (under "Forms").

Masters and Specialist Degree Requirements

To complete a master’s or specialist degree, a candidate must:

1. Complete the minimum number of credit hours required for the graduate program (minimum hours for different programs range from 30 to 83).  Keep in mind that courses taken for undergraduate credit may not be used on the Program of Study for a master’s or specialist degree;
2. Complete at least one-half of the minimum semester hours in courses with no undergraduate parallel course;
3. Attain a grade point average of at least 3.0 on all graduate work utilized in the degree program that includes Missouri State University and transfer courses;
4. Satisfy a research requirement;
5. Pass a comprehensive examination (applies to all programs except the MBA, MAcc, MS in CIS, MS in PAS and MS in Project Management);
6. Meet all additional program-specific degree requirements; and
7. Complete all requirements within an eight-year period (exclusive of time spent in the U.S. Armed Forces).

Doctoral Degree Requirements

The completion of a doctoral program indicates the attainment of the highest possible training and intellectual development in one’s discipline.  As such, the rigor of a doctoral degree program is necessarily higher than that of a Masters degree program, and is set above the level that an average student would generally be able to attain.  Because the requirements for completion of a doctoral degree are discipline-specific, and often linked to national accreditation standards, some programs may have higher/additional requirements. Nonetheless, minimal university-wide standards include:

1. Complete the stated courses and minimum number of required credit hours for the program.  Keep in mind that courses taken for undergraduate credit may not be used on the Program of Study for a doctoral degree.
2. Complete a doctoral research project, to be directed by a faculty member from their discipline with Graduate Faculty in Research status.
3. In addition, each project will be supervised by a Doctoral Research Committee.  Each will consist of at least two (2) additional faculty members with Graduate Faculty status (research, clinical/practitioner, or performance).  For doctoral students who are completing a doctoral thesis, their committee will also have a fourth member from outside the department who has Graduate Faculty status in Research.
4. Present the research results (thesis or project) at a forum approved by the department.
5. Obtain a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.00 in all course work associated with the degree.
6. Complete a comprehensive exam, as specified by the department.
7. Complete all degree requirements within an eight-year period (excluding time spent in the United States Armed Forces).
8. Meet all program-specific degree requirements (including research, practicum, comprehensive examination, etc).

Entities Affected by this Policy

All degree seeking or non-degree seeking graduate students.

Line of Authority

Responsible Administrator and Office:  Office of the Provost

Contact Person in that Office:  Associate Dean of Graduate College

Advisement

Graduate students are assigned an advisor at the time of admission.  The advisor’s name and phone number are listed on the Admission Recommendation which notifies a student of acceptance into a program.  In some cases, the graduate advisor will be changed once a student is fully matriculated into the program.  This occurs most often when a research topic is chosen and it is appropriate for a different faculty member to direct that project.  The role of the graduate advisor is to:

1. Assist the student in the selection of course work for his/her graduate program;
2. Evaluate transfer credits as acceptable for meeting requirements;
3. Recommend acceptance or rejection of all graduate course work toward the program of study as listed on the student’s Advisor-Approved Program of Study; and
4. Advise and assist the student -in completion of all Missouri State University and departmental requirements for degree.

It is extremely important that students have early contact with their advisor and gain advisor approval before registering for classes.  The advisor is a key person in helping individuals plan their graduate program, ensuring that classes fit the program, planning an appropriate class sequence, and providing other input that ensures a student is successful in their graduate program.  All degree-seeking students must have the advisor complete an electronic release prior to registering via their web, in person, or by fax or mail registration

Advisor-Approved Program of Study

The student’s Advisor-Approved Program of Study is a form listing all courses that will be used to fulfill degree requirements.  A student may submit an Advisor-Approved Program of Study at any time after having been admitted to graduate study in a degree program; however, it should be submitted to the Graduate College before 14 hours have been completed.  Students who fail to do so may be blocked from registering for courses.

1. Program of Study forms are available online at graduate.missouristate.edu (under Current Students, Forms).
2. It is essential that students meet with their advisor before completing the Advisor-Approved Program of Study.
3. Once the advisor has signed the Advisor-Approved Program of Study to show approval, it should be submitted to the Graduate College.
4. The student will receive a copy of the approved Program of Study from the Graduate College.
5. Changes to the Program of Study may be made by completing a Change of Advisor-Approved Program of Study form (available at graduate.missouristate.edu (under Current Students, Forms) or by submitting a Revised AAPS.
6. Grades of "C-" and below will not be applied to a student’s Program of Study.
7. At least one-half of the minimum semester hours must be in courses with no undergraduate parallel course.  Generally, this means classes numbered 700 or higher.
8. Courses taken for undergraduate credit may not be used on the Program of Study for a master’s, specialist, or doctoral degree.

Research Requirement

Most of the Missouri State University masters programs provide for either a Thesis or Seminar/Degree Paper Option as the research component to be completed in partial fulfillment of the degree requirements.  Refer to specific departmental regulations in this catalog regarding their research requirements.

Thesis Option

A maximum of 6 hours of thesis credit shall be applied toward the minimum hours required for a masters degree.  Guidelines explaining the requirements for the preparation of a thesis are available in the Graduate College or online at graduate.missouristate.edu (under Current Student Resources).  Registration in a course number 799 and title designated "thesis" is limited to students pursuing completion of a thesis.  A thesis is supervised by the student’s advisory committee, which consists of three to five persons. A minimum of three, including the chair of the committee, must be members of the Missouri State University Graduate Faculty.  The thesis shall be approved by the committee and by the Graduate College before the degree is granted.

Seminar/Degree Paper Option

This option requires the completion of an extensive seminar/degree paper or creative work.  The advisor for the degree paper must approve the final research paper.  In some cases, evidence of fulfillment of the research requirement is shown through the successful completion of a certain course.  In other instances, this requires the advisor to complete a Seminar Report form that is approved by the Graduate College.  Students should check with their academic department to determine if this form is required. Departments may or may not require an advisory committee for students electing the seminar/degree paper option for meeting the research requirement.

Research Compliance Requirements

Missouri State University requires that all research involving human subjects in any way, regardless of the source of support funds, must be reviewed by the Protection of Human Subjects Institutional Review Board (IRB) before it is undertaken.  Applicants are required to complete online training before engaging in projects involving human participants.  The Privacy Rule of the Human Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) contains additional requirements for anyone conducting human participant research that involves protected health information; online training is available on HIPAA for researchers.  Research involving recombinant DNA techniques and other biohazards (e.g., infectious or venomous agents) must be reviewed by the Institutional Biosafety Committee (IBC).  The IBC reviews the proposed research and consults with researchers on biosafety procedures; trains faculty, staff, and students involved in biohazardous research to obtain compliance with appropriate rules; and does surveillance of laboratory accidents involving biohazardous agents.  The U.S. Public Health Service (PHS) Policy on Humane Care and Use of Laboratory Animals requires institutions to establish and maintain proper measures to ensure the appropriate care and use of all vertebrate animals involved in research, research training, and biological testing activities conducted or supported by the PHS.  In accordance with this policy, the University requires that all projects proposing to use live vertebrate animals be reviewed and approved by the Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC).  Participation in animal care and use training is required for anyone involved in using vertebrates in research or teaching.  Students, faculty, and staff who work with vertebrates in educational and research activities are required to enroll in the Animal Occupational Health and Safety Program.  This includes those who handle or are exposed to animal tissues, fluids, secretions and/or excretions, as well as those who handle cages and other equipment potentially exposed to animal tissues or excretions.

Graduate College

Complete information on training and documentation requirements can be found online through the Office of Sponsored Research and Programs website at www.srp.missouristate.edu.  All required training and documentation must be done prior to initiating research.  No research will be accepted by the Graduate College if these requirements are not met.

Comprehensive Examination

Comprehensive examinations will be administered at a time and place to be designated by the department (no later than two weeks before commencement).

1. To be eligible to take the comprehensive examination, a student must have an approved Advisor Approved Program of Study on file in the Graduate College and must have a 3.00 graduate GPA.  The student’s department will determine if the necessary 3.00 GPA has been acquired.
2. Comprehensive Examination Application/Result forms are available from the Graduate College or online at http://graduate.missouristate.edu (under Forms) and should be returned to the student’s department upon completion.
3. The department will notify the student of the time and place of the examination.  The use of various modes of technology during the exam, such as computer word processing, will follow the departmental policy and may vary from one graduate program to another.
4. The department will forward results of the examination to the Graduate College.
5. The student will receive written notification of the results from the Graduate College.

A student not passing the comprehensive examination may repeat the exam upon the recommendation of the advisor and the department head and with the approval of the Graduate College.  Except for students in the MBA, the MAcc, the MSCIS, MS in PAS and MS in Project Management, a comprehensive examination must be passed by the candidate before a degree will be granted.

Transfer Credit

On a case-by-case basis, Missouri State may accept graduate credit earned at other regionally accredited institutions or well-established international institutions.  Acceptance of transfer credits on a graduate degree program occurs through recommendation of the student's major advisor and approval of the Graduate College.  Transfer hours may count for up to 30% of the Program of Study.  As with all credits applied toward a graduate degree, transfer credits must have been earned within the eight-year time limit for a degree program.  Grades on transfer courses accepted in the degree program are included in the overall graduate grade point average.

Collaborative Agreements

The limitation on transfer credit may be superseded when the university develops a collaborative agreement with another institution for delivery of an academic program.  In cases where Missouri State University shares program responsibility with another institution, both institutions may teach courses that might be applied to a degree program.  For more information on a specific program, see the appropriate section of the catalog.

Second Masters Degree

A student who has been awarded a master’s degree at Missouri State University or at another accredited institution may apply up to 9 hours of graduate credit earned on the first degree toward meeting the requirements of a second degree.  This same policy applies to a student who is admitted to and working on two degree programs at Missouri State University at the same time.  All courses must be approved by the advisor.  Anyone working on an advanced degree at another institution, but who has not completed the degree, may be approved to transfer up to 30% of the total hours required for the Missouri State University program of study. (See Transfer Credit).

Grade Requirements for Degree

No course with a grade "C-" or below may be applied toward a graduate degree or graduate certificate.  A graduate student becomes ineligible for graduate study if more than 9 semester hours of "C+" or lower are earned in graduate courses taken in the degree program, or if the student does not meet any additional specific degree retention requirements imposed by a department or program.  For courses designated Pass/Not Pass, a NP grade is considered to be "C+" or lower.

Graduation

The Application for Graduation form should be submitted in the first week of the semester in which the student plans to graduate. A student is advised, however, to apply in advance of the semester that they intend to graduate.

1. Applications for Graduation are available online at http://graduate.missouristate.edu (under "Forms") or in the Graduate College office.  This form should be submitted to the Graduate College during the first week of the semester in which the student plans to graduate to ensure that he/she can be cleared for graduation in that semester.
2. Students should work closely with the advisor to ensure that all of the degree requirements are met.
3. Students who have completed all course work and are only working on their research component may sign up for GEN 798 (Active in Research). GEN 798 is graded as "P" (pass) or "NP" (if the student discontinues participation and is dropped from the course). This zero credit hour course is offered at a reduced fee ($75) and allows the following:

• access to the library, including online services such as interlibrary loans, MOBIUS, and restricted access databases;
• opportunity to purchase a parking permit; and
• access to computer services and campus email.

Graduate Certificate Programs

Refer to the Graduate Certificate Programs web site for admission requirements and procedures.

Special Academic Opportunities

Accelerated Masters

The Accelerated Masters degree option provides a transition that enables outstanding Missouri State University undergraduate students to begin taking graduate course work in their junior or senior year and thus combine components of the undergraduate and graduate curriculum.

Students must apply and be admitted to the accelerated masters program by the department and the Graduate College before enrolling for any courses to apply to the graduate degree. Graduate programs at Missouri State University offering an accelerated option are listed: 

• Accounting (MACC)
• Applied Anthropology (MS)
• Biology (MS)
• Business Administration (MBA)
• Cell and Molecular Biology (MS)
• Chemistry (MS)
• Communication (MA)
• Communication Sciences and Disorders (EDHH) (MS)
• Criminology (MS)
• Early Childhood and Family Development (MS)
• Elementary Education (MSEd)
• Geospatial  Sciences in Geography and Geology (MS)
• Global Studies (MGS)
• Health Administration (MHA)
• Health Promotion and Wellness Management (MS)
• History (MA)
• Literacy (MSEd)
• Material Science (MS)
• Mathematics (MS)
• Natural and Applied Science (MNAS)
• Nursing, MSN)
• Plant Science (MS)
• Project Management (MS)
• Public Administration (MPA)
• Public Health (MPH)
• Religious Studies (MA)
• Secondary Education - history area of emphasis  and mathematics area of emphasis only (MSEd)
• Special Education. Autism Spectrum Disorder Emphasis (MSEd)
• Theatre (MA)

Depending on the program, 6 to 12 hours of graduate credits will apply toward completion of the undergraduate degree requirements. This dual counting of a course for both undergraduate and graduate credit will only occur when a student completes a Mixed Credit form prior to the semester the course is taken. Students accepted into an accelerated program must complete a Mixed Credit form and submit it in person to a registration center at the time of registration. This form can be obtained at http://www.missouristate.edu/registrar/mixedcredit.htm. Completion of this process is necessary for appropriate designation of course credit; this designation is a factor in Financial Aid determinations.

Under the Accelerated Masters degree option, a student will be fully admitted to the Graduate College upon completion of the baccalaureate degree. Undergraduate students interested in the Accelerated Masters opportunity should consult the Graduate Catalog and contact their department or Graduate Admissions (417-836-5331) to determine admission requirements and procedures.

Also, Missouri State University, Evangel University, Drury University and Southwest Baptist University (SBU) have entered into agreements that provide for undergraduate students at Evangel, Drury or SBU to participate in Accelerated Masters programs at Missouri State University. The SBU arrangement is limited to the Accelerated Master of Accountancy program.

Senior Permission

Missouri State University seniors and visiting degree-seeking seniors from another institution who are classified as non-degree seeking while at Missouri State University, may be permitted to take 600- and above numbered course work for graduate credit. Senior permission enrollment is allowed during the last two semesters of a baccalaureate program upon the recommendation of the head of the department in which the course is offered and approval of the Graduate College. To be eligible, a student must have a grade point average of at least 3.00 on the last 60 hours of undergraduate course work. Courses completed for graduate credit under Senior Permission cannot be applied toward an under­graduate degree.

A senior student may enroll in a maximum of 9 semester hours of graduate credit during a semester, with a maximum enrollment of 15 hours, including both undergraduate and graduate course work. Students may not complete more than a total of 12 semester hours of graduate credit under Senior Permission. Credit earned under Senior Permission can be applied toward a graduate degree at Missouri State University with this application of credits contingent upon approval of the head of the department in which the course is offered and the Graduate College. Senior Permission forms are available at http://www.missouristate.edu/registrar/seniorperm.htm and must be completed and submitted in person to a registration center at the time a student registers.

Teacher Certification

Students in any graduate classification who wish to seek teacher certification should contact the Teacher Certification Office (417-836-8772). This office provides a program evaluation service for initial certificates (evaluation fee required), and advisement and assistance to gain additional certifications and/or additional endorsements. Official transcripts from all previous colleges attended are required for students seeking initial certification. 

Those desiring Missouri initial certification in any area authorized by the State Board of Education must:

1. successfully complete Supervised Teaching;
2. satisfy all Missouri teacher certification requirements which are in effect at the time of certification;
3. have a cumulative combined (both Missouri State University and transfer) GPA of 2.50 or higher (2.75 for Elementary);
4. receive a departmental recommendation for the certification area(s);
5. meet all criteria established by the Missouri State Board of Education exit evaluation procedures (Praxis II);
6. complete professional education courses with a GPA of 2.50 (Missouri State University and transfer combined) and no grade lower than a C;
7. complete certification subject area(s) courses with a GPA 2.50 on Missouri State University and transfer combined (2.75 for Social Studies 9-12) on a 4.0 scale.

Students seeking initial certification may be required to complete a web-based Professional Preparation Portfolio. 

In some cases, part or all of the Missouri teacher certification requirements can be met with appropriate graduate courses. Students should inquire about these opportunities in secondary and special education. It may be advantageous to couple those courses meeting certification with a graduate degree program.

Master of Arts in Teaching: This a secondary education program that provides a pathway to a masters degree while also obtaining teacher certification. Refer to the description of this degree program for more information.

Special Education Certification:   Students interested in pursuing initial certification in Special Education may enroll in a combined certification/Masters degree program. Students selecting this pathway will need to apply for admission to the MSEd, Special Education, and work with their advisor to develop an appropriate Advisor-Approved Program of Study. Students seeking special education certification will need to choose from the following program options within the MSEd in Special Education.

• Special Education, Alternative Certification Track (SEACT). This program allows students to earn initial certification in Mild/Moderate, Cross Categorical Special Education (K-12).
• Visually Impaired Track (VIP). This program allows students to earn initial certification in Blind and Partially Sighted (Birth to Grade 12).

Graduate Internet Course and Program Offerings

Missouri State University offers several graduate degree programs online:

• Master of Arts, History, American Studies track
• Master of Science, Administrative Studies (core courses and all option areas except Environmental Management available online)
• Master of Science, Computer Information Systems
• Master of Science, Criminology and Criminal Justice
• Master of Science, Project Management
• Master of Science in Education, Elementary Education
• Master of Science in Education, Special Education, Visual Impairment Track
• Master of Science in Nursing, Nurse Educator role specialization

The course work for completing the major part of several other graduate programs also can be obtained online.  These programs include:

• Master of Science in Education, Educational Administration
• Master of Arts, Theatre

The following Graduate Certificate programs are available online:

• Conflict Dispute and Resolution
• Homeland Security and Defense
• Orientation and Mobility
• Project Management
• Sports Management
• Post-master's Nurse Educator
• Technology Management

Internet courses and programs have undergone the same academic review and scrutiny as programs offered on campus and students taking Internet courses are supported through access to a variety of campus services including advising and registration, help-desk support, and library access. Students can access their courses anytime and anyplace, thus enabling students to study and participate in discussions and other course work whenever and wherever they choose.

Note:  International Students must be enrolled in at least 9 hours to meet SEVIS requirements as a full-time student. Only 3 hours of online course work can be included in meeting this 9 hour minimum for full-time classification.

For additional information visit the Adult Student Services website at http://adultstudents.missouristate.edu/ or call 417-836-6929 or Toll Free 1-800-492-7900.

Graduate Education Off-Campus

Selected graduate courses are taught on-site or by Interactive Video (ITV) delivery at several locations in the Missouri State University 24-county service area. Off-campus course locations include the Missouri State University West Plains Campus, Missouri State University Mountain Grove Campus, Lebanon, Nevada, Neosho, and locations as demand necessitates. The MBA program is delivered via ITV to West Plains, Lebanon, and Nevada. Refer to the Missouri State Outreach web site for more information.

Joplin Graduate Center      

Missouri State University provides graduate education to students in the Joplin region through a variety of courses offered at the Joplin Graduate Center located on the Missouri Southern State University campus. Most courses are offered with the instructor on-site, while others utilize the Interactive Video (ITV) distance learning system. Five degree programs can be completed through work at the Joplin Graduate Center:

• Master of Science in Education, Elementary Education
• Master of Accountancy
• Master of Business Administration
• Master of Social Work
• Master of Arts in Teaching 

In addition, selected graduate courses in educational administration, reading, special education, counseling, and several other disciplines are offered each semester. Information on course availability can be obtained through the Graduate Center office in Joplin (417-625-3133) or the Missouri State Outreach web site.

Bull Shoals Field Station

The Missouri State University Bull Shoals Field Station is located on a tract of land overlooking Bull Shoals Lake in Taney County, Southwest Missouri. The nearby terrestrial and aquatic habitats are mostly undisturbed, comprising an ecosystem with considerable biodiversity. The Field Station provides a wide range of opportunities for research endeavors of graduate students in the natural sciences. Certain class activities and service programs utilize the Field Station as an integral component of the educational experience. For further information contact the Field Station Director, Dr. Janice Greene (417-836-5126; JaniceGreen@missouristate.edu.

Inter-University Collaborations

Missouri State University and Missouri Southern State University Joint Master Of Arts In Teaching

The two Universities cooperate in offering the Master of Arts in Teaching program in Joplin.  This alternative and innovative masters/certification program is approved by the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) and fully accredited by NCATE.  It provides students the opportunity to earn teacher certification in one of 20 different areas of secondary education while also completing a masters degree. Students completing this partnership program in Joplin receive a diploma issued by Missouri State University signifying completion of the cooperative program with MSSU. Refer to the Master of Arts in Teaching section of this catalog (School of Teacher Education) for additional detail (contact person: Scott Fiedler, 417-836-8772).

University Of Missouri-Columbia Cooperative Doctorate in Educational Leadership

Missouri State University collaborates in a cooperative program with the University of Missouri - Columbia (UMC) leading to an Ed.D. in Educational Leadership.  Courses for the degree are offered on the Missouri State University Springfield campus and on the UMC campus. The degree is conferred by UMC. (See Department of Counseling, Leadership and Special Education for additional information.)

University Of Missouri-Columbia Master Of Arts In Library and Information Science

Through a collaborative agreement with the University of Missouri - Columbia (UMC), Missouri State University provides on-campus access to components of the M.A. in Library and Information Science.  While the degree is offered by UMC, at least 4 courses in the program can be acquired on the Springfield campus. Contact Dr. Bill Edgar, Missouri State University Library, for details about the partnership (417-836-4529; mailto:billedgard@missouristate.edu

University Of Missouri-Columbia Doctoral Program In Plant Science

A cooperative doctoral arrangement is in place between the Darr School of Agriculture at Missouri State University and the Plant Sciences Unit at the University of Missouri-Columbia (UMC).  Upon completion of the M. S. degree in Plant Sciences at Missouri State University, students can apply for admission to the doctoral program in the Plant Sciences Unit UMC. If admitted, students are eligible to compete for graduate assistantships on the UMC campus. Although enrolled in an UMC degree program, students can continue at Missouri State University and conduct doctoral research programs under the advisement of faculty at Missouri State University who hold adjunct appointments in the Plant Science Unit at UMC. For further information, contact Dr. Anson Elliott, Director, at 417-836-5638 or AnsonElliott@missouristate.edu.

Inter-University Accelerated Masters Agreements

Missouri State University has collaborative arrangements with Evangel University, Drury University and Southwest Baptist University (SBU) that provide for qualified students from these institutions to be accepted and take courses in the Accelerated Masters program at Missouri State. This arrangement allows Evangel and Drury students who wish to obtain a masters degree in disciplines where Missouri State has an Accelerated Masters option to start taking courses at Missouri State University before they finish the undergraduate program. Collaboration between SBU and MSU applies to the Accelerated Master of Accountancy only. Enrollment at Missouri State University is simultaneous with students completion of the work at either Evangel, Drury or SBU. 

In a similar collaboration, Missouri State University senior students could start the Drury University M. A. in Integrated Marketing Communication. 

Dual-Degree Plant Science Programs

China Agricultural University (CAU):  Missouri State University and CAU in Beijing, People's Republic of China, have an articulation agreement where CAU plant science graduate students can complete a portion of the CAU program and then be selected to enter the M.S. in Plant Science at Missouri State University. These dual-degree students will subsequently complete both the CAU and Missouri State University masters degrees in plant science. (contact Dr. Wenping Qui, 417-926-4105)

Northwest Agriculture and Forestry University (NAFU):  Missouri State University and NAFU in Yangling, Shaanxi, China have an articulation agreement whereby masters students in the NAFU plant science program will complete a portion of the NAFU program and then enter the M.S. in Plant Science at MSU. These dual-degree students will subsequently complete both the NAFU and Missouri State University masters degrees in plant science. (contact Dr. Wenping Qui, 417-926-4105).

Alliances Between Missouri State University Academic Departments And Other Regional Universities

Chemistry:  A cooperative agreement between the chemistry departments at Missouri State University and the University of Missouri-Columbia (UMC) facilitates the acceptance of masters degree graduates from Missouri State University into the doctorate program in chemistry at UMC.  Contact Dr. Alan Schick, Department Head of Chemistry, for details at AlanSchick@missouristate.edu or (417) 836-5506.

Mathematics:  Post-Masters students may transfer up to 18 credit hours of mathematics and statistics course work taken at Missouri State University to University of Missouri-Rolla (UMR) toward a doctoral program.  The course work will focus on the subject matter covered by the UMR Qualifying Examinations in Statistics or Mathematics.  For information, contact Dr. William O. Bray, Department Head of Mathematics at WBray@missouristate.edu) or (417) 836-5112.

International Program Alliances

International School for Management Studies: ISMS, located at Chennai (Madras) in southern India, is a sister institution to the Madras School of Social Work and is under the sponsorship of the Society for Social Education and Research (SSER) in Chennai.  The partnership is a twinning agreement that facilitates entrance of graduates of Indian universities into Missouri State University's MBA.  The 24-credit hours of MBA foundation courses may be completed at ISMS and the remaining 33 hours of the MBA program will be completed in Springfield.

Lal Bahadur Shastri Institute of Management:  LBSIM is located in New Delhi, India. The Missouri State-LBSIM agreement facilitates admission into the MBA program similar to the arrangement with ISMS in Chennai. The provisions of this twinning arrangement also provide opportunities for the exchange of business students and faculty at the graduate level, development of a joint-MBA in International Business with students from both institutions participating in course work at the two campuses, and other mutually beneficial programs.

Institutions in South America:  Missouri State University has entered into twinning programs with the Instituto Brasileiro de Mercado de Capitais (IBMEC), Rio de Janeiro, Brazil and Universidad de Las Americas (UDLA) - SYLVAN® International Universities, Santiago, Chile that offer excellent opportunities for faculty as well as graduate and undergraduate students with Portuguese (Brazil) and Spanish (Chile) language competencies to take part in faculty/student exchanges.

Beijing University of Technology:  Missouri State University and Beijing Tech have an agreement that facilitates joint research projects for graduate students and faculty. A particular focus is in materials science, and this relationship enhances the opportunity for students from both universities to do their thesis research in the environment and laboratory facilities of the other university.

National Sun Yat-sen University (NSYSU): Missouri State University's Department of Political Science and the Graduate Institute of Political Science at NSYSY in Kaohsiung, Taiwan, have a student exchange agreement. This relationship facilitates Missouri State University students taking courses at the Graduate Institute of Political Science of NSYSY, and likewise NSYSY students are aided in the opportunity for graduate studies at Missouri State.

Strategic Research and Educational Partnerships with China Universities

Missouri State University has a number of strategic partnerships with universities and institutions in China. The primary partnership universities include: China Agricultural University, Liaoning Normal University, Qingdao University, Northwest Agricultural and Forestry University, and Henan University of Finance and Economics. In addition, MSU has a research partnership with the Ningxia Forestry Institute in Yinchuan which operates the State Key Laboratory of Seedling Bioengineering. Students from the strategic partner universities qualify for the International Partners Scholarship.