Graduate Admissions

Graduate Admission Procedures

Admission packets and other information regarding graduate programs may be obtained from the MUW Office of Graduate Studies, 1100 College Street, MUW – 280, Columbus, MS 39701-5800 or by downloading forms from our website www.muw.edu/gradstud/. Official letters of notification will be sent to all with completed applications when a formal decision is made.

Retention of Records

Applicants who have been admitted and choose not to enroll in coursework but wish to keep their records current should submit a written request to the Office of Graduate Studies, indicating that they want their application to be kept on file for one calendar year following the term of admission. After one calendar year, their files will be purged.

Students who have not enrolled in coursework for a semester need to notify the Office of Graduate Studies in writing they wish to continue in their program so their files can be re-activated. They also need to provide the Office of Graduate Studies with any updated personal information, such as a change of address. The files of students who do not complete their graduate programs will be purged five years after the last date of attendance.

General Admission Requirements

Requirements for full admission to MUW Graduate Studies include the following:

• A completed Graduate Application form.
• Official transcripts of all undergraduate and graduate work from each institution attended, including transcripts from MUW. These transcripts must include verification the applicant has received a baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited four-year institution.
• A minimum 3.0 overall GPA (based on a four-point scale) for undergraduate studies. If students have completed an advanced degree, the GPA for that degree will be considered for admission.
• Official scores on the Graduate Record Examination (GRE). Test scores on the GRE may not be more than five years old at the time of application. This requirement does not apply to MFA applicants, post-master’s applicants, and applicants for non-degree programs.
• Three letters of professional recommendation stating the applicant’s qualifications for graduate work from persons (excluding graduate faculty) who have personal knowledge of the applicant’s academic/work performance.
• An immunization form showing proof of two doses of measles vaccines and one of rubella. Both measles vaccines must have been given after the applicant’s first birthday. There are exemptions from the measles vaccination: a birth date prior to January 1957, documentation from a physical that the applicant has had measles or has a tested immunity to the disease, documentation of life-threatening allergy to this particular vaccine, and/or entering a MS public or private secondary school since 1993. All students, regardless of age, must show proof of one rubeola vaccination or a blood test revealing immunity to the disease. MUW graduates may have already satisfied this requirement.
• A $25.00 application fee for all graduate programs except for the MFA in Physical Theatre, whose application fee is $100.00. (For graduate programs other than the MFA in Physical Theatre, make checks payable to MUW Graduate Studies. For the MFA in Physical Theatre, make checks payable to Accademia dell’Arte.)

All application materials are reviewed and considered in admission decisions. Individual programs may have additional program requirements, such as GPA, letters of recommendation, GRE scores, and admission deadlines.

Conditional Admission:

Applicants  who have a GPA less than 3.0 or low GRE scores may be admitted conditionally. Criteria considered for conditional admission may include the GPA for their last 60 hours. Applicants who have not submitted documentation of all required materials by the deadline for admission into a program may also be admitted conditionally. Applicants admitted conditionally to a cohort program for a low undergraduate GPA or low GRE scores may remove the conditional status by earning at least a 3.0 MUW cumulative GPA with no grade below a B at the end of their first semester of graduate study. Applicants admitted conditionally to other programs for a low undergraduate GPA or low GRE scores may remove the conditional status by earning at least a 3.0 MUW cumulative GPA with no grade below a B at the end of their first six to nine hours or their first two semesters of graduate study, whichever comes first. Students admitted conditionally for a low undergraduate GPA or low GRE scores must maintain a 3.0 MUW cumulative GPA with no grade below a B during the conditional period, or they will be dismissed from graduate studies and will not be allowed into any graduate program at MUW. All applicants admitted conditionally for missing documentation, regardless of their program, must submit missing documentation by the end of their first semester of graduate study. After successfully completing the appropriate number of hours or semesters as outlined above, students who have been admitted conditionally may send a letter to the Office of Graduate Studies requesting their application be reviewed for full admission to that program. Their request will be forwarded to the appropriate graduate program for consideration. Graduate credits earned while a student holds a conditional status may count toward the degree program. Students admitted conditionally are not eligible for financial aid.

Non-Degree Admission:

Non-degree-seeking students are those who do not wish to pursue a graduate degree. Non-degree status is usually reserved for applicants who already are practicing professionals in the field and who wish to take one or two courses for professional development. Non-degree students may be permitted to take up to six hours of courses on a space-available basis and upon receipt of the following:

1. An application for admission.
2. A $25.00 application fee.
3. Official transcripts for all undergraduate and graduate work. These transcripts must include certification the applicant has received a baccalaureate degree from a regionally  accredited four-year institution.
4. Certificate of immunization for measles and rubella. (See general admission requirements.)
5. Written permission from the coordinator/director of the graduate program which is offering the course. All courses at MUW will be blocked to non-degree-seeking applicants except for the course that has been approved.

Students who already possess a master’s degree may exceed the six-hour limit for non-degree students.

Non-degree students who decide to apply for a degree must notify the Office of Graduate Studies in writing. With the approval of the program director/coordinator, students may be allowed to count their six credit hours toward a degree program, provided they have made a grade of A or B in the courses. Non-degree students who later seek admission to a degree program and plan to apply their non-degree hours to that degree program must meet all requirements for full admission to a degree program with the exception of non-degree students with undergraduate GPA or GRE deficiencies who plan to apply only three non-degree hours to their degree program. These students may be admitted conditionally, but their non-degree coursework counts toward the hour and semester limits to which conditionally admitted students are held.

The Post-Master’s Certificate program and the Gifted and Reading/Literacy Certification programs have special admission requirements, as outlined below. Students enrolled in these non-degree programs may exceed the six-hour limit for non-degree students. Students in the Gifted and Reading/Literacy Certification programs who later decide to apply for admission to the degree programs in Gifted Studies and Reading/Literacy may apply all hours earned in the certification programs to the degree programs as long as they meet all appropriate scholastic and program requirements. These requirements include, but are not limited to, the maximum of two grades of C that a student may apply to any graduate program, whether degree or non-degree.

Admission of MUW Undergraduate Students:

An undergraduate student at MUW who has an overall 3.0 GPA and is within nine hours of graduation may receive written permission from the appropriate coordinator/director to take up to six hours of graduate courses. The student must maintain a 3.0 GPA while taking these courses.

Admission of Students in Graduate Programs at Other Institutions:

Applicants who are unconditionally enrolled in graduate programs at other institutions may take a course in a graduate program at MUW with the following documentation:

1. An application.
2. A letter from an advisor at the institution in which the applicant is enrolled stating the applicant is a student in good standing and the applicant has permission to take the requested course.
3. Written permission from the appropriate program coordinator/director.
4. Proof of immunization.
5. An official transcript.
6. A check for $25.00.

Cross-Registered Students who are enrolled full-time at another institution that has a written joint-enrollment agreement with MUW may take designated courses in a graduate program. These students must be admitted to graduate studies programs at both institutions. Students admitted fulltime at their home institution will pay fees at that institution. Students not admitted fulltime will pay fees at both institutions. Cross-registration is an option only for spring and fall semesters.

Admission of International Students:

International students must meet the same admission standards required of other applicants. In addition, they must submit the following items:

1. Certified transcripts, diplomas, and certificates translated in English.
2. An official letter of financial backing.
3. A signed International Student Health Agreement.
4. A satisfactory score on an approved test of English-language proficiency. Graduate Studies requires an official test score of at least 550 (paper based), 213 (computer based), or 79 (internet based) on the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL); an official test score of at least 6.0 on the International English Language Testing System (IELTS); or an official test score of at least 53 on the Pearson Test of English Academic (PTE) from the appropriate official testing service. The Test of Written English may also be required. Individual graduate programs may set higher English-language proficiency scores and or require additional documentation of English-language proficiency. See below for more details.

International students interested in applying for Graduate Studies should contact the Office of Admission, International Programs Office, MUW Box 1613, Columbus, MS  39701 USA.

Second Master’s Degrees

Graduate students pursuing a second master’s degree at MUW may use credit for courses earned from the first MUW degree if the credited course work is a requirement of both degrees and if the student earned a grade of B or better in the first attempt. Twenty-five percent of the credits towards the second master’s degree must be earned after the completion of the first master’s degree.

Admission Requirements for a Master of Arts in Teaching

Students requesting admission to the Graduate Program in Master of Arts in Teaching must fulfill the following:

1. Meet all criteria for admission to Graduate Studies.
2. Receive passing scores on Praxis I and Praxis II (Content Area Only).
3. Have 21 hours of undergraduate or graduate credit in the content area of licensure (must have grades of C or above).
4. Earn a minimum score on the admission rubric.

Admission Requirements for a Master of Education in Educational Leadership

Students requesting admission to the Graduate Program in Educational Leadership should complete admission requirements in the spring. New candidates for each cohort begin study each summer. Space in each cohort is limited. Candidates must meet the following criteria:

1. Meet all criteria for admission to Graduate Study.
2. Hold a valid Mississippi Class A or higher Teaching Certificate (or equivalent if the candidate is from out-of-state).
3. Provide evidence of a minimum of three (3) years of K-12 teaching experience.
4. Submit an application portfolio (specific requirements available through the Office of Graduate Studies).
5. Interview.
6. Earn a minimum score on the admission rubric using above criteria.

Admission Requirements for a Master of Education in Gifted Studies

Students requesting admission to the Graduate Program in Gifted Studies must fulfill the following:

1. Meet all criteria for admission to Graduate Studies.
2. Have a current Teaching License.
3. Earn a minimum score on the admission rubric. 

Admission Requirements for Gifted Certification Online

Students requesting admission to the Graduate Program in Gifted Certification Online must fulfill the following:

1. Meet all criteria for admission to Graduate Studies, except GRE. 
2. Have a current Teaching License.
3. Earn a minimum score on the admission rubric.

Admission Requirements for a Master of Education in Differentiated Instruction

Students requesting admission to the Graduate Program in Differentiated Instruction must fulfill the following:

1. Meet all criteria for admission to Graduate Studies.
2. Have a current Teaching License.
3. Earn a minimum score on the admission rubric.

Admission Requirements for a Master of Education in Reading/Literacy

Students requesting admission to the Graduate Program in Reading/Literacy must fulfill the following:

1. Meet all criteria for admission to Graduate Studies.
2. Have a current Teaching License.
3. Earn a minimum score on the admission rubric. 

Admission Requirements for Reading/Literacy Online

Students requesting admission to the Graduate Program in Reading/Literacy Online must fulfill the following: 

1. Meet all criteria for admission to Graduate Studies, except GRE.
2. Have a current Teaching License.
3. Earn a minimum score on the admission rubric.

Admission Requirements for a Master of Fine Arts in Physical Theatre

Students requesting admission to the Graduate Program in Physical Theatre must fulfill the following:

1. A completed Graduate Application form.  Visit www.dellarte.it for application form.
2. Official transcripts of all undergraduate and graduate work from each institution attended, including transcripts from MUW. These transcripts must include verification that the applicant has received a baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited four-year institution.
3. A minimum 3.0 overall GPA (based on a four-point scale) for undergraduate studies.
4. Two letters of professional recommendation.
5. An interview.
6. An audition.
7. Theatre resume.
8. Statement of purpose.
9. Passport-style photos
10. A $100.00 application fee. (Checks should be made payable to Accademia dell-Arte.)

Admission Requirements for a Master of Science in Health Education

Students requesting admission to the Graduate Program in Health Education must fulfill the following:

1. Meet all criteria for admission to Graduate Studies.
2. Possess a Baccalaureate degree, preferably in a health related area, from a  regionally accredited four-year institution.
3. Earn a minimum score on the admission rubric.
4. Interview with the Program Coordinator.

Admission Requirements for a Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology

Students applying for admission to the Graduate Program in Speech-Language Pathology must satisfy the following requirements:

1. Meet all criteria for admission to Graduate Studies.  
2. Student admitted tot he Graduate Program in SLP who have not earned an undergraduate degree in Speech-Language Pathology will complete leveling courses and clinical observations.

In addition to standard MUW admission requirements, student who apply for admission to graduate studies in speech-language pathology and are non-native English speakers must submit:

1. An official TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) score of 620 (Paper Based Test) or 287 (Computer Based Test), or 100 IBT (Internet-Based Test), an IELTS (International English Language Testing Systems) core of 7.0, or PTE (Pearson Test of English) score of 68.
2. A taped speech sample, 3-5 minutes in length. The topic should address the student’s personal history/information and career goals.

Admission Requirements for a Master of Science in Nursing Degree

I.        I.  In compliance with Mississippi Statue 43-11-13, the Department of Nursing requires all applicants to submit to a criminal background check and drug/alcohol screen prior to entering the nursing program.  Failure by an applicant to indicate suitability on the background check or to present a clear finding (negative results) on the drug/alcohol screen will result in prohibition from entering (exclusion from) the nursing program.  Students must report any arrests or disqualifying events that occur after their initial admissions criminal background check or it will be grounds for dismissal from the program. 

If the applicant has been convicted of a felony or a crime involving moral turpitude, or does not pass the criminal background check and drug screen, he/she will be prohibited from entering the nursing program. More information can be obtained from the office of the department chair. 

II.       II.  In order to successfully complete the nursing program, all nursing students must be able to successfully demonstrate the knowledge and skills required of a nursing student as described in the Knowledge and Skills Required of a Nursing Student which is available in the Nursing Department offices.  If a student is not able to meet these standards, he/she may initiate a meeting with the Director of Center for Academic Excellence for review of his/her case to see if reasonable accommodations are possible as per the normal university procedures.  If reasonable accommodations are made and the student continues to be unable to meet one or more of the standards, the student will not be able to successfully complete the requirements of the program.   

Students requesting admission to the Master of Science in Nursing Program must meet the following requirements:

1. Complete a graduate-level (500-level or higher) advanced pathophysiology course with a B or higher.
2. Meet criteria for admission to Graduate Studies.
3. Hold a BSN degree from an academic institution with national and/or regional accreditation.
4. Hold an unencumbered license to practice as a registered nurse (RN) in Mississippi or a Compact State.
5. Have practiced a minimum of two (2) years as a registered nurse.
6. Have a cumulative undergraduate GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale.
7. Show evidence of professional leadership and foundational research skills (transcript, publication, or documented experience).
8. Have credit in an undergraduate statistics course with a minimum grade of C.
9. Complete a personal interview with Master of Science in Nursing faculty.
10. Meet clinical prerequisites:
    1. Physical exam,
    2. All immunizations required by the University,
    3. Hepatitis immunization or signed waiver statement,
    4. Current CPR Certification,
    5. Criminal background check and drug screen (passed as indicated above),
    6. Successfully demonstrate the knowledge and skills required of a nursing student as indicated above,
    7. Malpractice insurance as a nurse practitioner student,
    8. Completion of MUW workshop: OSHA Universal Precautions (offered at orientation).

In addition to standard MUW admission requirements, students who apply for admission to the Master of Science in Nursing Program and are non-native English speakers must submit an official TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) score of 620 (Paper Based Test) or 287 (Computer Based Test), or 100 IBT (Internet-Based Test), an IELTS (International English Language Testing Systems) core of 7.0, or PTE (Pearson Test of English) score of 68.

Applicant must have a minimum GRE analytical writing score of 3.0 for consideration.  To be considered for early admission, all criteria for program entry must be met and applications must be received prior to November 15.  Applications will be reviewed and interviews will be offered in early December.  No more than 10 students will be selected for early entry into the program.

Post-Master’s (MSN-RN) Certificate

Students requesting admission to the Post-Master’s (MSN-RN) Certificate Program must meet the following requirements:

1. Complete a graduate-level (500-level or higher) advanced pathophysiology course with a B or higher.
2. Meet criteria for admission to Graduate Studies, except GRE.
3. Hold a MSN degree from an academic institution with national and/or regional accreditation.
4. Hold an unencumbered license to practice as a registered nurse (RN) in Mississippi or a Compact State.
5. Complete a personal interview with Master of Science in Nursing faculty.
6. Complete clinical prerequisites:
   1. Physical exam,
   2. All immunizations required by the University,
   3. Hepatitis immunization or signed waiver statement,
   4. Current CPR Certification,
   5. Criminal background check and drug screen (passed as indicated above),
   6. Successfully demonstrate the knowledge and skills required of a nursing student as indicated above,
   7. Malpractice insurance as a nurse practitioner student,
   8. Completion of MUW workshop: OSHA Universal Precautions (offered at orientation).

Post-Master’s (MSN-NP) Certificate

Students requesting admission to the Post-Master’s (MSN-NP) Certificate Program must meet the following requirements:

1. Complete a graduate-level (500-level) advanced pathophysiology course with a B or higher.
2. Meet criteria for admission to Graduate Studies, except GRE.
3. Hold a MSN degree from an academic institution with national and/or regional accreditation.
4. Hold an unencumbered license to practice as a registered nurse (RN) in Mississippi or a Compact State.
5. Complete a personal interview with Master of Science in Nursing faculty.
6. Hold current national board certification as a nurse practitioner in a specialty other than the intended plan of study.
7. Meet clinical prerequisites:
   1. Physical exam,
   2. All immunizations required by the University,
   3. Hepatitis immunization or signed waiver statement,
   4. Current CPR Certification,
   5. Criminal background check and drug screen (passed as indicated above),
   6. Successfully demonstrate the knowledge and skills required of a nursing student as indicated above,
   7. Malpractice insurance as a nurse practitioner student,
   8. Completion of MUW workshop: OSHA Universal Precautions (offered at orientation).

Master’s of Science in Nursing Admission Dates/Procedures 

Admission to the Master of Science in Nursing Program is competitive, so students should apply as soon as possible, but no later than April 1. By April 1, candidates must have completed the application process, including the submission of official transcripts from all colleges attended verifying completion of all prerequisites, three written letters of recommendation, an official copy of the GRE score, and a $25 application fee. The student must also complete a scheduled interview with Master of Science in Nursing faculty. Transfer students are considered for admission only as seats become available. (See Master of Science in Nursing Program Student Handbook.) The program will notify qualified applicants of admission decisions as soon as possible. Final admission decisions are typically made no later than the end of April.

Admission Requirements for Doctor of Nursing Practice Degree

• Master’s of Science in Nursing (MSN) from an academic institution with national and regional accreditation
• Inferential Statistics - Graduate Level is a prerequisite course with a minimum grade of “B”
• Unencumbered MS RN/APRN license or have unencumbered authority to practice as an APRN
• Evidence of professional leadership and foundational research skills
• A current (within last five years) score on the Graduate Record Exam (GRE)
• Three written letters of reference
• Pass a criminal background check and drug screening
• A minimum cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 3.0 on 4.0 scale in undergraduate courses*
• A personal interview with graduate nursing faculty
• Evidence of current national board certification

Health Admission Requirements

• Annual Physical Exam
• All immunizations required by the University:
  • provide documentation of having had two MMRs (Measles, Mumps and Rubella) or proof of serological immunities
  • provide documentation of having had an annual TB test
  • Provide documentation of having a Tetanus Toxoid within the last 10 years
  • take the Hepatitis B Vaccine or sign waiver
• Malpractice insurance as a Nurse Practitioner
• Provide proof of automobile and health insurance
• Completion of MUW workshop: OSHA Universal Precautions (offered at orientation)
• Current CPR certification

Admission Dates/Procedures

Students seeking admission to the DNP Program will seek admission to MUW Graduate Studies and the MUW DNP Program according to the established admission procedures and requirements for Graduate Studies which include:

Application Form

A completed Graduate Application form is required.  The form is located at http://muw.edu/gradstud/program_application.php .

Official Transcripts

Official transcripts for all undergraduate and graduate work from each institution attended, including MUW, are required.  For post-masters entry official transcripts must verify the applicant received a nursing master’s degree from a fully accredited institution, by one of the recognized accrediting agencies.  For post-baccalaureate entry the official baccalaureate transcripts must meet the same requirements.  Applicant must have a minimum 3.0 overall GPA on a four-point scale.

Background

Evidence of an unrestricted/unencumbered nursing license and national certification as a nurse practitioner and certification in a state as a nurse practitioner is required.  All candidates must have a criminal background check with no disqualifying events as mandated by the State of Mississippi.

GRE

GRE (Graduate Record Exam) score of 800 or higher is required.  GRE scores are valid for five years.  If applicants have taken the GRE more than once, the admissions committee will use the highest total score to determine admission.

TOEFL for International Applicants

The Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) is required of all applicants who are not citizens of the U.S. including permanent resident applicants who hold a “green card” in the U.S. and international applicants currently in the U.S. on any type of visa.  The  minimum TOEFL score is 550.

Prerequisite Courses Completed

The following courses must be completed (with a grade of B or better) prior to admission to DNP courses: Graduate research and graduate inferential statistics.

Professional Letters of Recommendation

Three letters of professional recommendation are required.  The letters must state the applicant’s Qualification’s for graduate work from persons (excluding family members and MUW employees) who have personal knowledge of the applicant’s academic or work performance.

Interview

Admission interviews are an important part of the application process.  Invitations to interview are sent after a preliminary review of applications in each round.  Candidates chosen to interview receive an e-mail with instructions on how to schedule an interview.  Interviews take place on the MUW campus.

Resume

Applicants must enclose a one- to two-page current resume describing all chronological work experience and education since becoming an RN.  The applicant must include full legal name, address, telephone number, and e-mail address with the resume.

Essay

The required essay allows the admissions committee to learn about the applicant, his/her accomplishments and professional aspirations.  The required essay requires the applicant to describe their career goals and explain how a DNP from MUW will help them accomplish those goals.  Questions include reasons for seeking admission to the DNP program; areas of planned research; goals while in the program; long-range career plans; qualifications; readiness for the program; and mentorship by program faculty.

Program Requirements

In addition to the general degree requirements (see Academic Policies and Procedures and curriculum noted below), the student must successfully complete the following:

1. A minimum of 38 semester credit hours earned Post Master’s
2. “B” or better
3. Transfer only 6 credits into DNP Program

Progression Policy

Once a student is admitted to DOCTORATE OF NURSING PRACTICE PROGRAM:

1. A grade of “B” or above is required in each nursing course:
   1. Nursing courses may be repeated only once, see “Readmission Policy”.
   2. The student who fails to make a “B” on a second attempt of a failed nursing course or fails a subsequent nursing course is permanently excluded from the Doctoral Program.
2. A grade of “C” in non-clinical courses is allowed but more than 2 “C”s will result in expulsion.  If the student’s GPA does not maintain a 3.0 or better they cannot graduate.
3. A “WF” in any course is counted as a failure in that course.
4. For each nursing course with an accompanying clinical course, a grade of “B” or above is required in the theory course with a pass in the associated clinical course in order to progress.  If this does not occur, both the theory and the clinical course must be retaken together.  If only one course component (Theory or Clinical) was failed it is considered as one failure; if both theory and clinical components are failed concurrently it is also considered as one failure.
5. Students may be dismissed from the program for unsafe practice, unethical or illegal conduct.  In such cases a student will receive an automatic “F” in the nursing courses affected by the actions.