MSU Meridian Campus - Missippi State University
Frequently Asked Questions
Admissions and Enrollment FAQ

1. Can I attend MSU-Meridian after graduating from high school?

No, not immediately after high school. You must earn 54 credit hours (approximately two years) of college coursework prior to enrolling at MSU-Meridian since we do not offer freshman or sophomore level classes.

Link

2. How do I apply to MSU-Meridian?

Complete application for admission. All undergraduate applicants must submit a non-refundable $35 application fee; all graduate applicants must submit a non-refundable $30 application fee. Request official transcripts from each college or university attended (to be sent directly to MSU-Meridian Campus, 1000 Highway 19 North, Meridian, MS 39307). If you are currently enrolled at another institution, follow up with a completed transcript showing final grades. Submit proof of two Measles, Mumps, and Rubella (MMR) shots. By state mandate, students born on or after January 1, 1957, are required to provide proof of immunity before they may complete registration.

Link

3. When should I apply for admission?

Undergraduate students are advised to submit the application for admission and supporting documents at least 20 days prior to the date of registration.

Priority application deadlines for all graduate applicants (in the U.S.) are: July 1 (Fall), November 1 (Spring), April 1 (First Summer Term), May 1 (Second Summer Term). Some programs may have earlier deadlines for application, which override those set by the Office of Graduate Studies.

Link

4. What are the admission requirements for transfer students?

After completing a minimum of 54 hours of transferable course work (including core requirements listed below) at a community college or other institution of higher learning, students may apply for admission to MSU-Meridian. To be eligible for admission, transfer students should have earned a 2.0 overall grade point average on all courses attempted. Official transcripts from all institutions attended must be submitted. Students with less than a 2.0 overall GPA who are missing units from the 24 core hours may be required to submit an official high school transcript and ACT or SAT scores.

Core requirements for transfers:

  • 6 semester hours of English composition
  • 3 semester hours of college algebra or higher level mathematics
  • 6 semester hours of laboratory science
  • 9 semester hours of transferable electives
  • 24 core hours total

Applicants should contact the individual academic division to determine whether or not the courses taken can be used to meet the requirements for a specific major. Transfer students must complete the last 32 hours of course work taken to fulfill degree requirements at MSU-Meridian.

Link

5. What are the requirements for admission to graduate programs?

Typically, students applying to graduate programs should have a baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited institution, a grade-point average of 2.75 on the last two years of undergraduate work, and a 3.0 on all graduate work already completed (on a 4.0 scale).

The decision to admit an applicant to pursue graduate study at Mississippi State University is based upon evaluation of both qualitative and quantitative information. All applicants must provide a completed application form, a statement of purpose, letters of recommendation, and records of previous academic achievements. Some degree programs may require additional credentials, such as the results of the Graduate Record Examination or another standardized test score.

Link

6. Are there additional admission requirements for international students?

Yes. International applicants must complete a separate application. Admission requirements are different. Students who are not U.S. citizens or permanent residents should contact the Office of Student Services at 601-484-0230 for complete details.

Link

7. If students apply for a certain semester and they don't attend that semester, do they have to reapply?

Yes.

Link

8. Can I just take a course for personal enrichment if I don't meet admission requirements?

Non-degree seeking students with previous college attendance who do not meet regular transfer requirements may be allowed to schedule courses for self-improvement or job enhancement. Applicants should file a letter of intent with the Office of Student Services to enroll under this option.

Link

9. Must I send a transcript from a college where I have only taken one class?

Yes.

Link

10. When will I be assigned an advisor or academic counselor?

Upon admission to the university, you should contact the Advising Center at 601-484-0227 to set up an appointment time for registration. During your registration appointment, you will meet with an academic advisor to discuss your transcript evaluation and plan your class schedule. This applies to both new undergraduate and new graduate students.

Link

11. Which of my hours from another college will transfer to MSU-Meridian?

The Advising Center staff makes this determination after reviewing all of your transcripts and receiving your application for admission. Generally, all academic credits from an accredited college are transferable. However, all of your previously earned credits may not satisfy specific requirements for a particular major. The Advising Center can answer all questions related to transferability.

Link

12. How many credits will transfer for applicants who have earned an associate of arts degree?

All academic hours earned at a regionally accredited institution are acceptable as transfer hours if they are not technical or remedial. The academic advisor and/or division chair determines the applicability of hours toward a degree.

Link

13. How many credits will transfer from four-year institutions?

There is no limit to the number of hours that will transfer from regionally accredited four-year institutions. However, the last 32 hours required to fulfill a degree program must be completed in residence at Mississippi State. Academic divisions determine the applicability of courses to a particular degree.

Link

14. Can full-time military personnel transfer hours to MSU?

Mississippi State University offers credit for training and experience in the Armed Services to currently enrolled students. Those wishing to receive this credit must furnish the Office of Student Services with a DD214 (discharge papers), a DD295, or a Certificate of Achievement. The academic advisor and dean will determine applicable credit toward a degree.

Link

15. Does MSU-Meridian have an orientation program?

Yes, MSU-Meridian does offer individual, personalized orientation programs for new students. Orientation is a time for you, our incoming transfer and graduate students, to become better acquainted with the campus and the university. We recognize that you have college experience behind you and, thus, very specific concerns. Because MSU-Meridian is different from your previous setting, we strongly encourage all entering students to schedule an orientation appointment by calling 601-484-0112.

Link

16. What happens during orientation?

During orientation students participate in individualized sessions that inform them of all facets of the university. You will have the opportunity to:

  • Get your parking permit and student identification card;
  • Find out about computer and library resources;
  • Receive important information about billing, deadlines, and campus policies and procedures;
  • Meet current students and other incoming students who share similar interests and concerns;
  • Get answers to all of your questions about getting started at MSU-Meridian.
Link

17. Is financial aid available?

Yes. About 47 percent of students attending Mississippi State-Meridian receive some form of financial assistance to offset the costs associated with attending college. Available assistance includes need-based and non-need-based scholarships, federal and state grants, low-interest loans, and federal work-study.

Link

18. How do I apply for financial aid

Applicants for need-based aid (U.S. citizens or permanent residents only) should submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Students are encouraged to submit a completed FAFSA early in the spring. If applying for aid, you should also request a Financial Aid Transcript from all institutions previously attended, whether or not you received financial aid while enrolled.

Link

19. How do I apply for university and community college transfer scholarships?

Academic and community college transfer scholarships, including the Phi Theta Kappa Scholarship, are provided by the university to recognize outstanding achievement by undergraduate students planning to attend and attending MSU-Meridian. Scholarship amounts range from $100 to $7,500 per academic year. The deadline to apply for all scholarships is May 1 of each year for the following fall, unless otherwise published. Scholarship applicants must also submit the application for admission by May 1. All scholarship applicants must be admitted and provide all supporting documentation, including a completed and submitted scholarship resume, by May 1. The admission application and scholarship resume can be completed online by visiting http://www.admissions.msstate.edu/scholarships/community/index.php.

Link

20. Are there opportunities for on-campus jobs?

Yes. Students who are eligible for federal work-study may apply for jobs on campus. Contact the Office of Student Services for more information.

Link

Division of Arts & Sciences FAQ

Admissions

Copy Here

Link
Division of Business & Industry FAQ

Title

Copy Here

Link
Division of Education FAQ

Title

Copy Here

Link
USM-Meridian School of Nursing FAQ

Title

Copy Here

Link
Miscellaneous FAQ

1. Where is MSU's Meridian campus?

Mississippi State-Meridian's 26-acre campus is located at the intersection of Highway 19 North and College Drive.

Link

2. How many students are enrolled at MSU-Meridian?

Just over 800 students, including graduate students.

Link

3. Where do MSU-Meridian students come from?

The majority of MSU-Meridian students come from Lauderdale County. The remaining students come from 36 other Mississippi counties (including Clarke, Jasper, Jones, Kemper, Leake, Neshoba, Newton, and Scott) as well as from Alabama.

Link

4. Is MSU-Meridian on the quarter system or the semester system?

We are on the semester system. two 16-week class sessions per academic year. Two summer sessions are optional. Full-time undergraduate status requires that students take at least 12 hours per semester. At the graduate level, full-time means taking at least 9 hours per semester.

Link

5. Do I have to enroll full-time?

No. Students may enroll full-time or part-time in daytime or evening classes. Most evening classes meet one night a week. Students who wish to apply for scholarships should be aware that most academic scholarship awards require full-time status (12 credit hours or more for undergraduates).

Link

6. Are there residential facilities (dorms) for MSU-Meridian students?

The majority of MSU-Meridian students come from Lauderdale County. The remaining students come from 36 other Mississippi counties (including Clarke, Jasper, Jones, Kemper, Leake, Neshoba, Newton, and Scott) as well as from Alabama.

Link

7. How much time outside of class is a student expected to spend studying?

Professors generally recommend that the student spend approximately two to three hours of outside study for one hour of class time. This is certainly dependent on the course and the individual student.

Link

8. Will my diploma say "Meridian Campus" on it?

Yes (all undergraduate degrees and most graduate degrees).

Link

9. Where do MSU-Meridian students come from?

The majority of MSU-Meridian students come from Lauderdale County. The remaining students come from 36 other Mississippi counties (including Clarke, Jasper, Jones, Kemper, Leake, Neshoba, Newton, and Scott) as well as from Alabama.

Link

Last Updated: 3/6/08