Frequently Asked Questions
What are the general requirements for getting into graduate school at Mississippi College?
Requirements vary by program. The general requirements common to all degrees:
- a baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited college or university,
- a 2.5 undergraduate grade point average [exceptions: MSCP, EDS, Ed.D.],
- an appropriate undergraduate foundation in major courses for the degree pursued, and
- an appropriate standardized test score(s) at or above the published minimum(s).
Other entrance requirements are published in the Graduate Catalog.
Students presenting degrees from international institutions, colleges and universities are encouraged to submit a course-by-course credential evaluation, especially if planning to transfer graduate credit. The service most often used by Mississippi College is Educational Credential Evaluators, Inc. [http://www.ece.org].
What are the possibilities for my admission status?
Admission may be regular, provisional, certificate/licensure, or non-degree.
What if I didn’t graduate from a regionally accredited college or university?
For applicants graduating from non-regionally accredited institutions, the following stipulations apply: submission of an acceptable admissions test score and good standing after 12 hours of graduate work. For a definition of good standing, see End of Term Standings in the current graduate catalog.
Are there pre-requisite courses required?
Even though one may be accepted as a graduate student, the applicant may be required to take additional undergraduate courses if lacking any of the undergraduate prerequisites required for the program chosen. Satisfaction of the specified educational prerequisites does not guarantee an applicant’s admission to post-baccalaureate study at Mississippi College. In evaluating applicants, the university will make an effort to consider all relevant aspects of the applicant’s record and suitability for graduate study at Mississippi College.
What graduate degree programs does Mississippi College offer?
To view a listing of our graduate degree programs, visit http://www.mc.edu/academics/graduate/degrees/ for more information.
What is the deadline for applying for graduate school at Mississippi College?
Processing time is determined by receipt of degree program related documents such as transcripts, test scores and recommendations. Most programs require at least one month processing time.
The application deadlines to have all materials in for all Counseling programs are listed below. However, students are advised to contact the department if inquiring or applying after these dates.
- June 15 for the Fall Semester
- September 15 for the Spring Semester
- February 15 for Summer Session (You may be considered for advanced Fall admission if you have your application completed by this date)
Consult the Department of Teacher Education and Leadership for application deadlines for programs in educational leadership (M.Ed., Ed.S. or Ed.D.), curriculum and instruction (Ed.D.), and teaching arts (M.Ed.).
What do I need to bring with me if I come to fill out an application in person?
- $35 application fee
- Standardized test scores, when available
- Licenses (Teaching) for M.Ed. programs and other programs needing licensure
What transcripts should I have sent to Mississippi College?
All transcripts* from previously attended colleges, universities, and institutions are required. You should have one official copy of each transcript mailed directly to the Graduate Office at:
Graduate Studies Office
Box 4029
Clinton, MS 39058-4029
Transcripts may also be sent electronically via e-Scrip. Check with your institution for utilization of this system. Transcripts brought in by students are not considered official and will not be accepted for official admission. *Each transcript is required to be on file even if those courses are listed on another transcript.
Do I have to take and submit passing test scores before I can apply to Graduate School?
The standardized test requirement is a condition of admission. If a student plans to begin graduate school and the score is not available, most degree programs offer one semester grace period. This grace period is not available for applicants to the MS in Biology Medical Sciences. If a student has not taken and passed all three parts of Praxis I before applying to the Masters of Education in Teaching Arts, the admission status will be Non-degree. Students with Non-degree status will not qualify for Federal financial aid, which includes loans. If a student begins graduate study without passing scores and the test is taken and not passed, further study will be delayed.
What standardized tests do I take to get into graduate school at Mississippi College?
All graduate programs require submission of nationally-recognized standardized test results.
For students pursuing the M.B.A. the Graduate Management Admission Test is required. The minimum score required is 350 for provisional admission and 400 for regular admission.
The Master of Science in Biology Medical Science requires either the GRE (Combined Score 850) or MCAT (minimum total score of 20) or DAT (minimum required score 15).
For students pursuing the M.Ed., the PRAXIS I and II are required for most programs. The minimum scores are set by the State of Mississippi. Refer to information from the graduate catalog or the Mississippi Department of Education website.
For students pursing non-business and non-education programs, the Graduate Record Exam (GRE) is required. Minimum scores vary by program. See the graduate catalog for details.
Non-degree students and students seeking the Certificate in Accounting or Paralegal Studies are not required to submit standardized tests. If a non-degree student should decide to pursue a degree, they must declare a major and meet all admission requirements, including the standardized test condition.
The Master of Science in Mental Health Counseling or Marriage and Family Counseling applicants who have attempted and not passed the GRE may petition their department chair for the administration of a departmental exam. Results from the attempt to pass the departmental exam must be shared with the graduate studies office before holds allowing further registration will be removed.
See program details for minimum score requirements in the current graduate catalog.
What financial aid is available at Mississippi College?
Federal Student Loans are available. You must complete the FAFSA and have the results directed to Mississippi College. A limited number of Graduate Assistantships are available through the departments of Art, Business, Communication, English, Music, Psychology, Athletics, and the Graduate School. Contact your specific department for further details. Teachers pursuing the MED/EDS degree are eligible for the Professional Development Scholarship. For more information contact the Graduate Office or visit our Financial Aid Web Site.
How many hours do I have to take to be classified as full-time or part-time?
- Full-time graduate: 8-9 hours (Spring/Fall) 4-6 hours (Summer)
- Part-time graduate: 4-6 hours (Spring/Fall) 3-4 (Summer)
- International students on F-1 Visas must be enrolled full-time (9 hours) each semester of attendance to remain in status.
What grade point average do I need to hold to be considered for admission to graduate school at Mississippi College?
You must have a 2.5 or higher for most degree programs. Exceptions are the EDS and MS in Mental Health Counseling or Marriage and Family Counseling. The Mental Health and Marriage and Family Counseling degrees require a 3.00 in the last 60 hours; EDS in Counseling is a 3.00 in previous graduate work; and the EDS in Leadership is a 3.25 in previous graduate work.
When can I register?
The exact dates for registration change each semester but are generally scheduled during the week that classes begin. Graduate students that have their files complete may participate in pre-registration, which occurs near the end of each semester. For exact details, see the current University Calendar or registration class schedule.
What is an Alternate Pin Number and how do I receive one?
The alternate pin number is used for registration of courses. This number is given to a student after they have consulted their assigned advisor.
A student uses an MC student ID number (given to them by graduate admissions personnel) and their 6-digit birth date (dd/mm/yy) to activate the on-line student account. Once the account is activated, the birth date is changed to a unique 6-digit number that students assign themselves. Security questions are required to complete the activation process so that if a student should forget the access number they assigned themselves, they can go through a reaffirmation process by using the FORGOT PIN radio button.
The alternate pin number obtained from the academic advisor changes twice a year and a student must have it to complete registration in the online environment and access secure information on their student online account.
May I participate in pre-registration?
Students who are currently registered and who are in good standing academically and financially, may participate in pre-registration activities.
New graduate students who meet program admission approval deadlines may participate in pre-registration activities.
When are classes offered?
Most graduate classes are offered in the evenings (Monday - Thursday) although some are offered during the day and early afternoon. Consult the online Registration Class Schedule for detailed information.
There is an online version of the Registration class schedule on Banner Web which gives real-time information about classes that are open and available for registration.
How do I register online for classes?
A student should visit website: http://mc.edu/banner/instructions.pdf for Instructions for Banner. This will take the student through the registration process step-by-step.
How long does it take to get a graduate degree from Mississippi College?
The average full-time graduate student will complete a 30-hour degree within two years. A student is given six years from the date of enrollment to complete his/her degree. Students working on degrees requiring more than 30 hours will have a variable time schedule to complete requirements.
Who can I talk to about specific graduate program requirements?
You may speak to our graduate recruiter: Mark Davis (601.925.3979 / MDavis@mc.edu) The Graduate Studies Staff may be able to assist you in the absence of our recruiter. Jeannie Lane (601.925.3225 / jlane@mc.edu), Debbie DePriest (601.925.3261 / ddepries@mc.edu) or Elnora Lewis (601.925.3225 / lewis09@mc.edu) are on duty 8:00 a.m. until 4:30 p.m. in Nelson Hall, Room 202. The office staff is ready to field your questions or direct your calls to the appropriate campus representative. You may also speak with the department chair of your specified degree program.
What are the service hours of the graduate office?
The graduate office is open from 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. Monday-Friday. Friday hours may vary during the summer. Students who need an evening appointment after hours may schedule one with our Graduate Studies recruiter Mark Davis (601.925.3979).
What is the per hour cost of graduate school at Mississippi College?
For tuition information, please visit our Financial Aid website.
What other fees do I pay?
- Registration Fees: Based on number of hours in which you are enrolled.
- Vehicle Registration: covers twelve months of parking privilege; other parts of the year are pro-rated. This fee is waived for Online students. However, Online students will have a $100 technology fee.
- Applied fees may apply to specific programs. Students should visit the online catalog for more details.
For a complete list of fees, please visit the Graduate Catalog or the Bursar's Website.
When do I pay tuition and fees?
Tuition and Fees are due at Registration.
What payment plans are available for graduate students?
Graduate students are eligible for both the Deferred Payment Plan and the Monthly Payment Plan. Students interested in a payment plan should contact the office of the Bursar well before the beginning of a semester to arrange the payment plan.
For students planning to use federal financial aid, please contact the Office of Financial Aid, 601.925.3212 or visit http://www.fafsa.ed.gov.
Where do I get an ID?
Student ID’s are made by the Office of Public Safety on the ground floor of Alumni Hall. You must have a copy of your registration schedule in order to obtain an ID.
Is campus housing available for graduate students?
On-campus housing availability is limited to full-time undergraduate students. Typically, on-campus housing is not available to undergraduate students over 24 years of age. An appeal for exception can be made to the Associate Dean of Students and Director of Student Life, who will forward the matter to the Residence Life Appeals Committee for review.
Where do I buy my books?
Books and other course supplies are available from the Mississippi College Bookstore (owned and operated by Follett), located in the basement of Alumni Hall. Students are expected to present their course schedule in order to buy books. The bookstore has extended hours (open until 7 p.m.) at the beginning of the Fall and Spring semesters and for an abbreviated period in the summer.
Where do I park?
Commuter lots are designated. Most will be adjacent or across the street from your building. View map at http://www.mc.edu/about/visit/map.
What do I need to do if I am admitted to a graduate program at Mississippi College but have missed a semester or are not currently enrolled?
You are required to complete a one-page readmission form that can be found on our Graduate website, under Forms and Applications. You can fax this form to the Graduate Office at 601.925.3889.
Your record will be checked for outstanding student account balances and academic standing and standardized test score results on file or in force at the time you left. If there are no holds on your record, your application will be processed and your alternate pin number will be sent to your advisor. If you have holds against your student account for any reason, you will be expected to follow procedures in order to gain reinstatement.
What is the process to go through if I should decide to change my major?
The Graduate School has designed a form to use for changing majors, which can be found at our website under Forms and Applications. Some major changes may require that the student totally reapply for the new major. In most cases, the form signed by the student authorizes the Graduate Office to share information with the new departmental evaluator. All admission requirements and prerequisites must be met by the student before gaining admission to the new major.
What happens if I am suspended?
If you are academically suspended, you must make written appeal to the Graduate Dean before being allowed to continue your academic program. You will be notified by email of the academic suspension. Various electronic holds are placed on your student record barring further enrollment until the procedure has been followed for reinstatement.
Appealing suspension does not guarantee automatic reinstatement. A student should not appeal suspension on the same day they expect to register. Financial Aid status is impacted by academic suspension and must be appealed separately.
Students who do not make significant academic progress in upcoming semesters are not allowed to continue their graduate programs.
Graduate students in Graduate Warning receive a notice on their transcript and will receive a notice via email from the Graduate Dean regarding the warning status. Failure to improve will result in graduate academic suspension.
Graduate Students in Graduate Suspension with Appeal and Graduate Suspension-Ineligible to Return, will receive an email notice instructing them to submit a written academic appeal. The form to use for appeal will be attached to the email. It is the responsibility of the student to appeal their academic status with the Graduate Dean and/or Financial Aid.
When are classes scheduled?
Since many students work full-time and attend classes in the evening. Most graduate classes will be scheduled in the late afternoon and evening. Most night classes in Arts and Sciences and School of Education begin at 6 p.m. Classes in the School of Business are scheduled Monday - Thursday beginning at 6:30 p.m. Various departments in the humanities and social sciences offer two courses per evening with the first beginning at 4:00 p.m. and the second at 6:45 p.m.
The Accelerated Degree Program (ADP) split-level business courses meet on Monday and Thursday nights for eight weeks and begin at 5:30 p.m. or 7:40 p.m.
Master of Biology Medical Science students will have a combination of lecture and lab with most courses in their program meeting during the day-time hours.
How many weeks are in the semester?
Both Fall and Spring semesters last sixteen-weeks; The 10-week Summer session has a night term that lasts all summer and two month-long terms. There are also some classes available during the Two 5-week Summer sessions.
How many courses may I take in the summer?
Within the confines of the 10-week summer session you may take a combination of course hours up to 12 semester hours. There is a May term where an additional 3 hours of credit may be taken.
How do I contact my departmental advisor?
Your departmental advisor is accessible by telephone by calling 601.925.3000 and asking for them by name. You may email your advisor. The email addresses for both faculty and staff are listed on the MC website (within their respective departmental website). You may search for a phone number or email at http://www.mc.edu/about/contact
Do you offer online programs?
Yes. Please see the list of Degree programs in the Graduate Catalog or Online Students website.
Do you accept transfer credit from other graduate institutions?
Graduate courses may be transferred from a regionally accredited college or university provided:
- the student maintained a B average and the courses under consideration are grades of B or above,
- the courses are appropriate for the student’s program, and
- the courses are approved by the departmental advisor, school dean, and dean of graduate school.
The student should request credit for this work at the time application is made for admission. Download the Approval of Transfer Credit and/or Course Substitution form. Transfer credit must fall within the six-year time limit for degrees to be granted to be considered.
Students who have credits and or degrees granted by international institutions must have a detailed, course-by-course credential evaluation completed before graduate transfer credit will be considered.
How many hours may I transfer into a graduate program?
Regardless of the number of hours transferred, the student must complete 24 semester hours of graduate work at Mississippi College for the thirty- to thirty-six hour Master’s degree. On a degree requiring 60 hours, the student must complete 45 graduate hours at Mississippi College.
Are your programs accredited?
Mississippi College is accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools to award bachelors, masters, education specialists degrees, the education doctorate and the first professional degree in law. Contact the Commission on Colleges at 1866 Southern Lane, Decatur, Georgia 30033-4097 or call 404-679-4500 for questions about the accreditation of Mississippi College. The Commission is to be contacted only if there is evidence that appears to support the university’s significant noncompliance with a requirement or standard.
Mississippi College, through its School of Business, is nationally accredited by the Association of College Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP) to offer the following business degrees:
- The Bachelor of Science in Business Administration (B.S.B.A.)
- The Master of Business Administration (M.B.A.)
The Master of Education in School Counseling and The Master of Science in Mental Behavioral Health and the Master of Science in Marriage and Family Counseling are accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling Related Educational Programs (CACREP).
Other accreditations and professional affiliations are listed in the Graduate Catalog.
May I join a program during any semester?
Yes, you may apply for semesters other than fall in order to begin your program.
There are a few exceptions:
- M.Ed. Educational Leadership [cohort begins summer sessions],
- Ed.D. Educational Leadership [cohort begins spring semesters], and
- M.Ed. Dyslexia Therapy [cohort begins summer sessions].