For entering freshmen, an Enhanced ACT composite score of 28 or above or a GPA of at least 3.5 (on a 4-point scale) is required for eligibility to apply for admission to the Honors Program.

Students who have completed at least 15 but fewer than 30 hours of coursework with at least a 3.5 GPA either at Missouri Southern State University or at another accredited college or university are eligible to apply for admission to the Honors Program.

Incoming Freshman

• A COMPLETED HONORS APPLICATION AND ADMISSION APPLICATION must be filed.
• Please request that a seven semester official high school TRANSCRIPT be sent directly to the Honors Program.
• Your ACT RESULTS must be on record, either separately or on your transcript.
• Arrange to have two LETTERS OF RECOMMENDATION sent directly to the Honors Program from your high school teachers, principal, or others qualified to judge your academic potential. Additional letters are also invited.
• You need to arrange for an INTERVIEW.
• You may be required to submit an ESSAY describing your academic goals and explaining your qualifications for the Honors Program.

Already Enrolled or Transfer Student

• A COMPLETED HONORS APPLICATION AND ADMISSION APPLICATION must be filed.
• Please request that an official college TRANSCRIPT be sent directly to the Honors Program.
• Your ACT RESULTS must be on record, either separately or on your transcript.
• Arrange to have two LETTERS OF RECOMMENDATION sent directly to the Honors Program from your high school or college teachers or others qualified to judge your academic potential. Additional letters are also invited.
• You need to arrange for an INTERVIEW.
• You may be required to submit an ESSAY describing your academic goals and explaining your qualifications for the Honors Program.

In order to be considered for entrance into the program in the fall semester, all application requirements including the interview should be completed by March 1; for the spring semester all requirements should be received by November 15.

Sending application materials by mail:

Send all application materials to:

Honors Program Director
Missouri Southern State University
3950 E. Newman Rd.
Joplin, MO 64801-1595

Sending application materials by email (application form only):

Download the fillable application below, and attach it to an email to honors@mssu.edu.

Telephone: In Joplin 1-417-625-9300 or 625-3005
Toll-Free: 1-866-818-MSSU (6778)