3. Undergraduate Admissions

3.1 General Application Procedures

Mississippi University for Women will consider for admission all qualified applicants. MUW does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, ethnicity, religion, gender, pregnancy, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic status, national origin, disability, veteran status, or any other status protected by state or federal law.

Admission to the university is administered under policies established by the legislature of Mississippi, the Board of Trustees of the State Institutions of Higher Learning, and university faculty and administration. Admission requirements are subject to change without notice at the direction of the Board of Trustees or to comply with state law.

Applicants must submit the following to the Office of Admissions:

• An application for admission
• Official transcripts from high school and all previous post-secondary institutions attended
• Official ACT/SAT scores
• Proof of immunization of measles, mumps, and rubella (two doses of the MMR vaccine), unless a student is exempt because of (a) actual or suspected pregnancy (measles or rubella vaccines are not required for females who are pregnant; if pregnancy is suspected, a valid certificate of medical exception from a health provider is required until pregnancy is resolved), (b) medical contraindication, or (c) birth prior to 1957. Temporary waivers may be granted for students enrolled in distance learning courses and/or programs where their time on campus is limited to a minimum number of hours as determined by the university
• Proof of hepatitis B vaccination is required for students who are involved in health education programs that cause them to be potentially exposed to blood or other bodily fluids
• Proof of test screening for tuberculosis by chest x‐ray is required for all international students

Applicants may meet general admission requirements to the University and not meet requirements for a specific department or program. Applicants should contact the academic department to which they are applying for additional requirements.

For admission information or to inquire further about University admission requirements, contact:

Office of Admissions
Mississippi University for Women
1100 College Street MUW-1613
Columbus, MS 39701

Phone: 877-462-8439 or 662-329-7106
Fax: 662-241-7481
admissions@muw.edu

Students may also apply online by visiting our website at www.muw.edu/admissions.

Application Deadlines

Undergraduate applicants are advised to submit admission materials well in advance of the period for which enrollment is sought. Late application may necessitate that the individual register for classes after the semester has begun.

Rejection of Application

Applications containing false, contradictory, questionable, or uncertain data, or which fail to comply with the fundamental requirements or the policies of the institutions as established by the Board shall be rejected.

Rejection of Application Fraudulent Statements and Representations

Whoever, with intent to defraud the state or any department, agency, office, board, commission, county, municipality or other subdivision of state or local government, knowingly and willfully falsifies, conceals or covers up by trick, scheme or device a material fact, or makes any false, fictitious or fraudulent statements or representations, or makes or uses any false writing or document knowing the same to contain any false, fictitious or fraudulent statement or entry, shall, upon conviction, be punished by a fine of not more than Ten Thousand Dollars ($10,000.00) or by imprisonment for not more than five (5) years, or by both such fine and imprisonment. This section shall not prohibit the prosecution under any other criminal statute of the state.

Certificate of Admission

Each applicant must receive and have in his or her possession a letter or certificate of admission signed by the Director of Admissions before presenting him or herself for registration. No student shall be permitted to register or attend classes without such certificate. No officer shall issue a letter or certificate of admission to any student whose application has not been completed in accordance with the regulations of the Board.

3.2 Freshman Admission

Freshman admission is based on the College Preparatory Curriculum (CPC) specified below. The student must possess a specified minimum grade point average (GPA) and/or a minimum standard test score. Students must submit a high school transcript that reflects their satisfactory completion of the College Preparatory Curriculum requirements. Applicants who have completed high school from a school that does not hold regional accreditation must submit transcripts reflecting academic performance and ACT or SAT scores. Applicants may be required to appear for an on‐campus interview.

College Preparatory Curriculum

Home School

Admission of entering home-schooled freshmen requires an official home school transcript reflecting satisfactory completion of the College Prep Curriculum and a minimum GPA. The student must also submit official ACT or SAT scores. Students who do not have official transcripts must submit a portfolio showing work completed and official ACT or SAT scores to warrant evaluation. As part of their evaluation, students may be asked to complete a screening test to assist the institution in its admission decision. Applicants may be required to appear for an on‐campus interview.

General Education Development (GED)

To be considered for admission, students must submit a General Education Development certificate of high school equivalency, showing a composite score at or above the fiftieth percentile and any transcripts reflecting academic performance in high school. In addition, applicants may be asked to submit official ACT/SAT scores and/or other supporting documentation for evaluation of admission. As part of evaluation, students may be asked to complete a screening test to assist the institution in its admission decision. Only upon receipt of the above information will applicants be considered for admission.

Regular Admissions

Full admission will be granted to any of the following:

1. All students completing the College Preparatory Curriculum (CPC) with a minimum of a 3.20 high school grade point average (GPA) on the CPC
2. All students completing the College Preparatory Curriculum (CPC) with (a) a minimum of a 2.50 high school GPA on the CPC or a class rank in the top 50%, and (b) a score of 16 or higher on the ACT (Composite)
3. All students completing the College Preparatory Curriculum (CPC) with (a) a minimum of a 2.00 high school GPA on the CPC and (b) a score of 18 or higher on the ACT (Composite)
4. NCAA Division I standards for student athletes who are “full qualifiers” or “academic redshirts” are accepted as equivalent to the admission standards established by the Board.

In lieu of ACT scores, students may submit equivalent SAT scores. Students scoring below 16 on the ACT (Composite) or the equivalent SAT are encouraged to participate in the Year-Long Academic Support Program during their freshman year.

Early Admission

High School students who desire to enter MUW prior to graduation must meet one of the following criteria:

1. A 3.20 or better GPA on at least fifteen courses in the College Preparatory Curriculum (CPC) and a written recommendation by a high school principal or guidance counselor
2. A 3.50 or better GPA on those College Preparatory Curriculum CPC) courses attempted, an ACT composite score of 25 (or SAT score of 1130) or better, and a written recommendation from a high school principal or guidance counselor

Academic Placement Resulting From Various Deficiencies

Those Mississippi residents who applied and failed to meet Full Admission Standards along with any Mississippi high school graduate regardless of academic performance may, as a result of review, be admitted to the summer or fall semester. The ACT is not a requirement in this category. The review shall involve a consideration of high school performance, ACT scores (if available), placement testing, special interests and skills as well as other non‐cognitive factors. The review shall result in placement in one of the following categories:

Full Admission

As a result of the review, students in this category may be placed as if admitted under Regular Admissions. In addition, students may be required to enroll in selected college level courses in science and social science equivalent to high school courses in which their background is inadequate. These courses will yield institutional credit. Other students in this category may be required to participate in the Year‐Long Academic Support Program.

Full Admission with Academic Deficiencies

Students who have not demonstrated adequate readiness in English or Reading or Mathematics will be granted Full Admission with Academic Deficiencies to the Summer Development Program. This is an intensive program that concentrates on high school subject areas (English, Reading, and Mathematics) that are applicable to success in first‐year college courses. These courses carry institutional credit, but do not count toward graduation.

Students who successfully complete the summer program, by passing developmental English, developmental Mathematics, developmental Reading and the Learning Skills Laboratory courses, will receive admission to the fall term with mandatory participation in the Year-Long Academic Support Program.

Students who fail to successfully complete the Summer Developmental Program are not eligible for enrollment in the regular academic year and will be counseled to explore other post‐secondary opportunities, including those offered by community colleges.

Dual Credit/Enrollment

Dual Enrollment

According to the Mississippi Public Universities Dual Enrollment System, [a] Dual Enrolled Student is a student who is enrolled in a community/junior college or state institution of higher learning while enrolled in high school.

Dual Enrolled students can earn up to a semester’s worth of college credit in high school. A semester’s worth of college credit equals 15 credit hours at Mississippi community/junior colleges or 12 credit hours at Mississippi public universities. One (1) three-hour university or community/junior college course is equal to one (1) high school Carnegie unit.

Dual Credit

A Dual Credit Student is a student who is enrolled in a community/junior college or state institution of higher learning while enrolled in high school and receiving high school and college credit for post-secondary coursework.

Dual Credit students can earn an unlimited number of college credits while in high school.

Any course that is required for subject area testing as a requirement for graduation from a public school in Mississippi is not eligible for dual credit.

Developmental education or remediation courses are not eligible for dual credit.

Courses eligible for dual credit include, but are not limited to, foreign languages, advanced math courses, advanced science courses, performing arts, advanced business and technology, and career and technical courses.

Academic Eligibility Criteria for Participation in Mississippi’s Dual Enrollment System

• Minimum overall GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale on all high school courses and
• Successful completion of 14 core high school units and/or junior status and
• Written recommendation from school principal or guidance counselor

OR

• Minimum overall GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale on all high school courses and
• Minimum composite ACT score of 30 or the equivalent SAT score and
• Written recommendation from school principal or guidance counselor

Mississippi Governor’s School

The Mississippi Governor’s School is a summer residential Honors Program established at MUW by Governor William Winter. The School is designed to provide academic, creative, and leadership experiences for high school juniors and seniors who have shown high academic and creative potential. Three semester hours of Honors credit is awarded to those participants who successfully complete the program. All participants must meet the qualifications established by the State Board of Trustees of Institutions of Higher Learning and the entrance requirements of MUW. The program is financed through legislative appropriations and private donations to the MUW Foundation. There is no cost to the participating students. Interested students should contact the Office for Governor’s School.

3.3 Transfer Admission

Students may be accepted for transfer from other regionally accredited colleges and universities if they have maintained a minimum 2.00 cumulative GPA, as evaluated by Mississippi University for Women on, all course work attempted with the exception of vocational/technical or other courses not acceptable for transfer and meet the requirements listed in one of the options below. However, for those students seeking the Bachelors of Technology Degree, vocational/technical credit courses are acceptable for transfer admission if the student has earned an Associate of Applied Science degree. On their application for admission, candidates must list all colleges that they have previously attended. (Failure to provide information about prior college/university enrollment is grounds for disciplinary action, including immediate dismissal from the University.)

Option 1

Any student who attended an accredited institution of higher education other than those under the governance of the Board of Trustees and must attain a “C” average (2.0 GPA on a 4.0 scale, as calculated by MUW) in the following 30 transferable semester credit hours to be eligible to transfer:

6 semester hours of English Composition
3 semester hours of College Algebra, Quantitative Reasoning, or higher level mathematics
6 semester hours of Natural Science
9 semester hours of Humanities and Fine Arts
6 semester hours of Social or Behavioral Sciences

All other transfer admissions‐students are subject to the requirements outlined in the Freshman Admission Requirements above.

Option 2

Any student who has earned an Associate of Arts degree from a regionally accredited institution and sufficient GPA as calculated by MUW is eligible for admission.

Any student who has earned other Associate level degrees from a regionally accredited institution in a transferable area (as defined by MUW) and sufficient GPA as calculated by MUW may be eligible for admission.

Option 3

All other transfer admissions‐students are subject to the requirements outlined in the Freshman Admission Requirements above. The applicant must submit official high school transcripts, ACT/SAT scores, and college transcripts. Official transcripts must certify that, at the next registration, the student is academically eligible to re-enter the university/college from which he/she is transferring. Transfer students can be placed on academic probation upon admission to MUW because of weak performances at previous institutions. Transcripts for all previous college work should be sent to the Office of Admissions prior to entering MUW. All students must earn at MUW at least 25% of the semester hours required for a specific program to qualify for an undergraduate degree. In addition, graduates of community/junior colleges will be required to earn at least 50% of the semester hours required for a specific degree at a senior institution (including 25% of the semester hours at MUW) before becoming eligible for any degree.

3.4 Non-Degree Seeking Student Admission

An applicant who is at least twenty‐one (21) years old and does not meet the regular freshman admission requirements may apply for admission as a non‐degree seeking student. Non‐degree seeking students may enroll in a maximum of twelve (12) semester hours during a regular term, six (6) semester hours during a five‐ week summer term, or equivalent hours for alternate terms as determined by the admitting institution.

To transition from non-degree-seeking to degree-seeking status, students must satisfactorily complete twelve (12) hours with a “C” or better average in the general education core. Once admitted to a degree program, a maximum of eighteen (18) semester hours credit earned as a non-degree-seeking student may be applied toward a baccalaureate degree if approved by the dean of the college or school from which the degree is sought.

Note: If entering the nursing program, the ACT/SAT is required even for non-degree seeking students. (Mississippi IHL Board of Trusties Policies and Bylaws, Section 603, Applicants Twenty-One (21) Years of age or over)

3.5 International Student Admission

At Mississippi University for Women, we value the perspectives that international students bring to campus. International students find the MUW environment supportive of their needs. International students find the MUW environment and the Coordinator of International Student Services (located in the Office of Admissions) supportive of their needs. Applicants for admission must provide either original or certified copies of transcripts, diplomas, or certificates of all previous secondary and post-secondary academic studies. All students are required to provide course descriptions or syllabi so credit can be determined. This documentation must be certified and translated into English through World Education Services, Inc. (website: www.wes.org; e-mail: info@WES.ORG), or from another credentialing service approved by MUW. If a student does not meet transfer requirements, then the high school records must be provided and evaluated. Before issuing an I-20 Form (A Certificate of Eligibility for Non-immigrant Student Status), the United States Immigration and Naturalization Service demands that all applicants demonstrate an ability to meet the cost of international study. The cost includes non-resident tuition, fees, housing, meals, books, health insurance, and miscellaneous expenses.

Application Deadline

International students petitioning from outside the United States must submit completed application materials no later than 90 days prior to the projected term of enrollment. Applications received after that date will be considered for the following term.

Application Requirements for International Students Entering as Freshmen:

1. A completed International Admission Application,
2. A $25.00 non-refundable application fee,
3. An official composite score of 18 on the ACT or 860 on the SAT I test,
4. An official TOEFL score of 525 (paper based) or 197 (computer based), or 71 (internet based) or 5.5 on the IELTS (International English Language Testing System) or 48 on PTE (Pearson Test of English),
5. An official final high school transcript or leaving certificate,
6. A signed International Student Health Agreement,
7. A letter of financial backing with supporting documentation.

Application Requirements for International Students Entering as Transfer Students:

1. A completed International Admission Application,
2. A $25.00 non-refundable application fee,
3. A 2.00 or better cumulative GPA on all transferable course work attempted at other regionally accredited colleges or universities,
4. An official TOEFL score of 525 (paper based) or 197 (computer based), or 71 (internet based) or 5.5 on the IELTS (International English Language Testing System) or 48 on PTE (Pearson Test of English),
5. A signed International Student Health Agreement,
6. A letter of financial backing with supporting documentation.

And one of the following:

1. A 2.00 or better GPA in the following 30 semester hours, completed at a U.S. college or university:
   6 semester hours of English composition,
   3 semester hours of mathematics, College Algebra or above,
   6 semester hours of laboratory science, and
   9 semester hours of transferable electives,
2. Fifteen (15) or more transferable hours from a regionally accredited university outside the U.S.,
3. An official final high school transcript or leaving certificate and an official composite score of 18 on the ACT or 860 on the SAT I test,
4. An associate or baccalaureate degree (or the equivalent) from a regionally accredited institution.

International students do not have to submit the TOEFL score if (1) they are graduates of a U.S. high school and submit appropriate ACT or SAT scores, (2) they have completed six semester hours of sophomore level English courses at an accredited U.S. college or university, (3) they have earned a Bachelor’s degree or higher from an accredited U.S. college or university, (4) they are citizens of a country where English is the first language, or (5) if they have graduated from a high school, college, or university where English is the language of instruction.

Health Insurance

Mississippi University for Women requires all non-immigrant international students to have health insurance. International students must purchase the insurance plan or provide documentation of insurance coverage comparable to the recommended plan prior to registration.

Immunization/X-Ray Requirement

International students must submit records (translated into English) of two vaccinations for measles, mumps, and rubella. Proof of test screening for tuberculosis by chest x‐ray is also required for all international students. These records must be received at least two weeks prior to registration.

3.6 Legal Resident Status

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

The following state laws and regulations determine residential status for students enrolling at a state supported Institution of Higher Learning:

1. No student may be admitted to any Institution of Higher Learning as a resident of Mississippi unless his/her residence has been in the State of Mississippi preceding his/her admission.
2. A person who enters the State of Mississippi from another state to enroll in an educational institution is considered a nonresident, even though he/she may have been legally adopted by a resident of Mississippi, may have been a qualified voter or landowner, or may otherwise have sought to establish legal residence.

Legal Residence of a Minor

The residence of a person less than twenty-one (21) years of age is that of the father, the mother, or a general guardian duly appointed by a proper court in Mississippi. If both parents are deceased, the residence of the minor is that of the most recently deceased parent, unless the minor lives with his/her legal guardian, in which case, the student’s residence becomes that of the legal guardian. A student who graduates from a Mississippi secondary school and who has attended a Mississippi high school for no less than four years will not be required to pay out-of-state tuition.

Legal Adoption of a Minor

Even though a resident of Mississippi may legally adopt a minor, the child remains a nonresident if his/her parents live outside the state of Mississippi.

Legal Residence of an Adult

The residence of an adult is that place where he/she actually dwells with the intent of remaining indefinitely or returning to after a temporary absence.

Relocation of Parents from Mississippi

If the parents of a minor who is enrolled as a student in a Mississippi Institution of Higher Learning move their legal residence out-of-state, the minor is immediately classified as a nonresident student.

Twelve Months of Residence Required of Adult Students

In order to be classified as a resident by any Institution of Higher Learning in Mississippi, the adult student must have lived in the state for a period of at least 12 months after becoming 21 years of age and immediately prior to the intended registration period. (See factors regarding residency below.)

Residence Status of a Married Person

A married person may claim the residence of his/her spouse or may claim independent resident status just as any other adult.

Children of Parents who are Employed by Institutions of Higher Learning

When being admitted to that institution where their parents are employed, the children of faculty or staff members may be classified as residents (regardless of the length of time they have previously dwelt in the state). Full-time faculty and staff are also considered residents.

Military Personnel Assigned to an Active Duty Station in Mississippi

When applying to colleges and universities in Mississippi, active duty members of the Armed Forces, stationed within the state, may be classified as residents regardless of the twelve month residency requirement. However, resident status of such military personnel excepted above shall terminate upon their reassignment in the continental U.S, but outside the State of Mississippi.

Children of Military Personnel

The children of military personnel will enjoy the same residential status as their parents. This status permits them to enroll as residents in Mississippi colleges and universities, but that status expires as soon as the parent is stationed outside of Mississippi but elsewhere in the continental U.S. The children of parents stationed overseas are an exception to this rule, retaining residency with the last state to which the parent was assigned, except when the overseas duty is a temporary training assignments en route from Mississippi. The resident status of minor children shall terminate upon reassignment under Permanent Change of Station Orders of their military parents for duty outside of Mississippi, but inside the continental Unites States.

Certification of Residence of Military Personnel

Military personnel on active duty stationed in Mississippi (as well as their dependents) who wish to avail themselves of the above provisions must submit a certificate from their military organization. This certification should contain the name of the military member, the name of the dependent (if applicable), the name and address of the organization to which the soldier is assigned (the latter information may be contained in the letterhead), and a statement that the military member will be on active duty in Mississippi on the date of registration at the state-supported college or university.

Aliens

All aliens are classified as non-residents except those with permanent resident status, temporary resident status, asylum status, or refugee status who can establish Mississippi residence by meeting the other legal criteria.

Petition for Change of Residency Classification

A person who enters Mississippi from another state in order to enroll in an educational institution is considered a non-resident. However, non-resident students who have lived in Mississippi for at least 12 months following their 21st birthday and who can prove financial independence may petition for a change in residency classification by filing a sworn affidavit. Residency changes are not retroactive, and the institution may make reasonable inquiry into the validity of the petitioner’s claim. In addition, petitions for change of residency must be received prior to the last day of to register without penalty (the last day to add a class in Banner Web as published on the Academic Calendar) in that term for which the student requests a new classification.

Factors Regarding Residency

The objective evidence that helps to determine residency status includes the following:

1. The actual physical residence;
2. The length of habitation in the residence and the use of that address for income tax, loan, banking and other purposes;
3. Voter registration;
4. Motor vehicle registration (Persons moving into the state on a permanent basis have thirty days to register vehicles with the state of Mississippi.);
5. Driver’s license (Persons moving into the state on a permanent basis have sixty days to acquire a Mississippi driver’s license.);
6. The State to which personal income taxes or other taxes have been paid;
7. The source of income;
8. The location of banking and other accounts.

Responsibility for Reporting Change

It is the individual student’s responsibility to report immediately to the Office of Registrar any change that affects his/her residence status.

3.7 Readmission to the University

MUW students that have withdrawn or are not currently enrolled at MUW need to be readmitted through the Office of Admissions. Readmissions eligibility is determined by the student academic standing, found in the Undergraduate Bulletin under 7. Academic Policies and Procedures, and any transfer work from any colleges attended during any semester(s) not enrolled at MUW.

MUW utilizes The Guide for Retention and Disposal of Records as published by American Association of Collegiate Registrars and Admissions Officers as the policy for disposal of student records.

3.8 Nursing Program Admission Plans

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.

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.

Applicants to the Department of Nursing are advised that upon completion of degree requirements, the Board of Nursing “shall have power to … deny … a license …” to any person who:

1. Has committed fraud or deceit in securing or attempting to secure such license,
2. Has been convicted of or has pled nolo contender to a felony or a crime involving moral turpitude,
3. Is addicted to or dependent on alcohol or other habit-forming drugs or is a habitual user of narcotics, barbiturates, amphetamines, hallucinogens, or other drugs having a similar effect,
4. Has engaged in any other conduct “…that would constitute a crime as defined in Title 97 of the Mississippi Code of 1972.” (Formerly State of Mississippi, Nursing Practice Rules and Regulations; currently Administrative Code; www.msbn.ms.gov).

II.  Students transferring from another school of nursing must provide a letter verifying eligibility for readmission to the nursing program from which they are transferring. Students must have met the above requirements for a criminal background check and a drug screen prior to entering the nursing program.

III.  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 performance standards, he/she may initiate a meeting with the Student Success Center 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.

Associate of Science in Nursing Program

Admission to the Associate of Science in Nursing Program is competitive and is based on the applicant’s ACT and overall and MUW GPA. Petitioners must submit a completed application form, all official transcripts verifying transfer credit, and a copy of their ACT score. 

Beginning Fall 2013 for generic students and summer 2014 for advanced placement students “academic second chance” and “academic fresh start” will no longer be used to forgive the failure of a required science course.

Generic Option

1. All students must meet the admission requirements of the University.
2. To be eligible for consideration for admission, all students must have earned a minimum ACT composite score of 18 (15 composite ACT if taken prior to October 1, 1989), have maintained an MUW and overall 2.5 GPA on all courses attempted, and have completed Human Anatomy and  Physiology I and II with labs, and College Algebra, each with a minimum grade of C.
3. Science courses may be repeated only once. After the second failure to make a C or above on required courses, the student is ineligible for admission to the program.  There is a 6 year limit on science courses. 
4. Completed applications for admission to the fall semester must be received in the ASN Program Office by June 1.

Early Selection for Generic Option

Students having at least a 20 ACT composite score, a 2.75 GPA, a grade of C or above in Human Anatomy and Physiology I and II with labs, and College Algebra may be considered for provisional early selection to the ASN Program. Candidates must submit to the Associate of Science in Nursing Department office by January 15 a completed application, a copy of official transcripts verifying the GPA as well as grades in Human Anatomy and Physiology I and II with labs, and College Algebra, and a copy of ACT scores. Notification of provisional early selection will be made approximately January 31 each year.

LPN Advanced Placement Option

1. Students must meet the admission or transfer requirements of the University.
2. To be eligible for admission, students must have earned a minimum ACT composite score of 18 (15 ACT composite if taken prior to October 1, 1989), must have completed Human Anatomy and Physiology I and II with labs, Microbiology (with lab), College Algebra, Human Growth and Development, English Composition I, and Nutrition, each with a minimum grade of C, must have maintained an MUW and overall 2.5 GPA, must have a current unencumbered Mississippi Practical Nurse’s License, and must have worked at least one (1) year in a clinical setting within the last two (2) years as a licensed practical nurse.
3. Biological Science courses may be repeated only once. If the student fails to make a C on the second attempt, he/she is ineligible for admission to the program.
4. Completed applications for admission to the 2nd summer session must be received in the ASN Program office by May 15.

Transfer Students for Generic and Advanced Placement Options

1. Students must meet admission and transfer requirements of the University.
2. To be eligible for admission, transfer students applying for the Generic Option must have earned a minimum ACT composite score of 18 (15 ACT composite if taken prior to October 1, 1989), must have completed Human Anatomy and Physiology I and II with labs, and College Algebra, each with a minimum grade of C, and must have maintained a GPA of 2.5 on all courses, including a C or above in any nursing courses. In addition, transfer students applying for the LPN Advanced Placement Option must have completed Microbiology with Lab, English Composition I, Human Growth and Development, and Nutrition. If the transfer is within the University, the same requirements must be met.
3. Science courses may be repeated only once. After the second failure, the student is ineligible for admission to the program.
4. Completed applications for admission for generic students to the fall semester must be received in the ASN Program office by June 1.  Completed applications for admissions for the Advanced Placement students to the second summer session must be received in the ASN Program office by May 15.

Special Admission for Generic and Advanced Placement Options

1. All regular admission requirements of the University must be met.
2. Students scoring lower than the required ACT may be considered for admission if space is available, after completing a minimum of 12 semester hours while maintaining an MUW and/or overall grade point average of 2.5. These twelve hours must include the completion of Human Anatomy and Physiology I and II with labs, and College Algebra, and in each of these courses, the student must earn a minimum grade of C.
3. Advanced Placement students making less than the minimum ACT score may be considered for admission in the program if space is available. They must first complete the prerequisites for the advanced placement option, earning a C or above and maintaining a 2.5 MUW and overall GPA. Advanced Placement prerequisites include twenty-four semester hours.

Bachelor of Science in Nursing Program

Generic Option

Admission to the generic baccalaureate nursing major is competitive.  Admission decisions for the summer term will be made in January of each year.  The admissions criteria for the generic Department of Baccalaureate Nursing follow IHL standards and are as follows:

1. Students must meet the admission requirements of the University.
2. To be eligible for consideration for admission to the Nursing program, all students must have earned a minimum ACT composite score of 18 (if taken prior to October 1, 1989) or a 21 (if taken after October 1, 1989), and have maintained an MUW and overall 2.75 GPA on all courses attempted as calculated by the department.  All prerequisite courses must have been completed with a minimum grade of C.
3. Generic students must successfully complete all nursing prerequisites designated for the first four semesters of the curriculum.
4. Physical and biological science courses may be repeated only once.  There is a six-year limit on science courses.  After the second failure to make a C or better in a physical or biological science course, the student is ineligible for admission to the program.
5. Students must complete an application for summer placement during late (November) Fall Semester.  Completed applications along with validation of ACT scores and official transcripts from each institution attended are due to the BSN program office by 5 p.m. on January 20th of each year.

Decisions regarding admission to the junior year for the Generic Option are based on the candidate’s ACT and cumulative grade point average with special attention given to grades achieved in the natural, behavioral, and social science courses, and College Algebra.

Baccalaureate Program Early Selection Policy

Students having at least a 25 ACT composite score, a 3.6 GPA, and who have completed all of the physical and biological science courses may be considered for provisional early selection to the BSN Program. Candidates must submit to the Bachelor of Science in Nursing Department office by December 15, a completed application and a copy of ACT scores. A copy of official transcripts also must be received in the program office upon completion of the fall semester and no later than January 5. Notification of provisional early selection will be made by mid January. Admission to the program will still be contingent upon successful completion of all prerequisite courses.

RN/BSN Advanced Placement Option

To be considered for the RN/BSN Advanced Placement Option, nursing major students must:

1. Meet all admission requirements of the University,
2. Meet admission requirements to the RN/BSN Advanced Placement Option:
   1. Submit official transcripts on all prior college work and documentation of successful completion of a prior ASN or Diploma in Nursing from an accredited school of nursing.
   2. Submit transcripts that document successful completion of 50 hours of the BSN prerequisites.. 
   3. Students must have an ACT composite score of 18 if taken before October 1989, or 21 if taken in October 1989, or after. Students with the required ACT composite score also must have at least a C in each prerequisite course and an overall 2.0 GPA.      OR
   4. Students without an ACT or with less than the required ACT composite score must complete all the course prerequisites to the nursing major with at least a C and have an overall 2.5 GPA. Note: Under certain circumstances a student not meeting the above criteria can be admitted as “High Risk” with the approval of the Admission Committee and Chair of the Baccalaureate Nursing Department.   
   5. Submit a copy of an unencumbered current license to practice as a Registered Nurse.

Decisions regarding admission to the junior year of the RN/BSN Advanced Placement Option are based on the candidate’s cumulative quality point average and number of BSN prerequisites completed. Priority selection is given to students who have completed all prerequisite courses and meet admission requirements.  There is a limit on the number of students admitted to the RN/BSN Advanced Placement Option dependent on the capabilities of the resources available.

Admission Dates

Admission to the RN/BSN Advanced Placement Option nursing major is competitive. Classes will be admitted each fall. The deadline for applications into the fall term will be May 1st of that year with all accompanying required documents due in the Tupelo office by July 1st. Applicants applying for financial aid should submit applications to the University by early March to be considered eligible for financial aid.

Dual Enrollment RN to BSN Advanced Placement Option Track

The Dual Enrollment RN to BSN Track is designed for students currently enrolled in an Associate Degree Nursing Program who would like to work on their Bachelor of Science in Nursing Degree while studying to obtain their Registered Nurse License
In order to participate the Students MUST:

• Meet MUW and BSN Program admission requirements
• Have an overall GPA of 2.5 or higher (all required prenursing and nursing courses must be completed with a minimum grade of C).  GPA of 3.0 is required if ACT is less than 21
• Have completed a minimum of 50 hours of prerequisites for the MUW BSN program
• Have successfully completed one semester of ADN coursework
• Have a documented ACT; if less than 21, students required to have GPA of 3.0
• Have a letter of support from the Associate Degree Program Director

Students must take the courses in the following sequence:
First semester Dual Enrollment - spring - NU 360  Introduction to Scholarly Activity for the Professional Nurse*
Second semester Dual Enrollment - summer - NU 361  Comprehensive Health Assessment Across the Lifespan*
Third semester Dual Enrollment - fall - NU 362  Introduction to Health Promotion
Fourth semester Dual Enrollment - spring - NU 363  Introduction to Professional Nursing Concepts in Leadership and Management
Progression from one course to another is based on completion of the previous course(s) with a minimum grade of C AND continued enrollement in an accredited Associate Degree Nursing Program. A letter of good standing (must include validation of successful completion of previous semester and ability to progress) from the ADN program director is required at the beginning of each semester along with an official transcript that can validate completion of the required ADN coursework.
* If summer scheduling permits, students might be considered to takeNU 360  and NU 361  with ASN program recommendation.
If a student is unsuccessful in any of the MUW dual enrollment courses he/she is ineligible for dual enrollment but may apply for regular admission to the RN to BSN APO program if qualified. There is a 3 year limit in regard to the dual enrollment coursework that would apply toward the MUW BSN degree.

For Dual Enrollment Students to be admitted to the RN to BSN Advanced Placement Option and thus the Senior year, they must:

1. Have successfully completedNU 360 , NU 361 , NU 362 ,and NU 363  with a minimum grade of C
2. Obtained a unencumbered Registered Nurse License
3. Met all MUW and general program admission requirements (admission is not guaranteed unless both general admission requirements are met)