International Students


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FAQs

1) How much is tuition per year?
International students should budget between $12,000 and $15,000 per year which includes tuition, fees, room and board. Tuition per credit hour is $286 and international students must take at least 12 credit hours per semester to maintain their visa status. On the I-20, the amount of financial support required is $17,288. This amount includes tuition, fees, room and board and miscellaneous personal expenses. However, your actual expenses may be more or less than that amount depending on your personal choices. Click here for information on tuition and fees.


2) How much is the housing to live on campus (room and board)? What is included?
The cost for housing and meals depends on the type of living situation - dorm room, apartment, or a suite and how many cafeteria meals are included per week - 10, 15 or 23 meals. Click here for information on housing.


3) Which test requirements do I have to take and the test scores? (ex: TOEFL, ACT, SAT)
We only require demonstration of English competency. We accept the TOEFL, IELTS and other English competency scores, unless you are a transfer student from a US institution and can demonstrate a grade of a C or better in English 101. If your English scores do not meet the minimums, you will be admitted, but also be required to take courses in the International English Program before beginning regular studies. Please contact the IEP to discuss your specific situation.


4) How do I send my transcripts?
If you are a first time university student (never attended a US or foreign university) you must send your official high school transcripts to WES for evaluation. Choose the document report evaluation.
Note: All evaluated transcripts must be submitted to the International Admissions Office by the end of the first semester of study. A provisional admission may be granted through the submission of official English transcripts.


If you are a first time freshman from a US high school, you must send your official transcripts from that school, showing you completed the high school program and graduated.


If you are a transfer student from a foreign institution, you must send your official university transcripts to WES for evaluation. Choose the course by course evaluation. Note: All evaluated transcripts must be submitted to the International Admissions Office by the end of the first semester of study. A provisional admission may be granted through the submission of official English transcripts.


If you are a transfer student from a U.S. institution, you must send your official transcripts from that school as well as the Advisor Transfer Report Form. This form must be filled out by your International Advisor.


5) When is the application deadline?
The deadline for application for the Fall 2009 semester is June 1. However, late applicants can be admitted on a case by case basis. The true deadline is determined by how quickly student visa documents can be delivered to you in time for a Consulate interview before the semester begins.


6) How many students attend Missouri Southern State University?
There are approximately 6,000 at Missouri Southern State University. There are over 100 international students enrolled at MSSU and the number keeps growing!


7) What is the Campus Life like?
There are more than 80 student groups as well as intraural sports and several NCAA Division II sports. Special events are often planned by the Campus Activities Board throughout the year. There are also 2 fraternities and 2 sororities on campus.


8) Whom do I contact?
The Institute of International Studies is the place for International Student Services. We handle admissions, advising and orientation for international students. Our staff is dedicated to helping you achieve educational success at MSSU. Mrs. Stephanie Goad is our International Student Advisor. If you are interested in the International English Program, send an email to iep@mssu.edu.


9) What are the facilities on campus available to students?
We are in the process of finishing construction on the new Biemdiek Student Recreation Center, a 65,000 sq. ft. facility that will feature a new Student Health Center, three-court gymnasium, elevated jogging track, two 4,000 sq. ft fitness areas with weight machines and free weights, locker rooms, a 150-seat auditorium, the Lion's Den, Career Services, Campus Activities Board, and more!

We are also in the process of building a state of the art Health Sciences building which will provide training and education of high quality health care professionals.

The Diane Mayes Student Life Center houses the cafeteria, arcade games, ping-pong tables, pool tables, an air hockey table, foosball, big screen TV room, weight room, aerobics room, computer lab and laundry facility. There are also several outdoor recreation facilities near the residence halls.

The library is a beautiful building which provides a variety of valuable services to all students and faculty. In 2002, it was renovated and increased in size by 40,000 sq. ft. It also has a coffee shop and many computers available for student use.


10) Where is Missouri Southern State University?
Joplin, located in the southwest corner of the state, is the 4th largest metro area in the state of Missouri. Joplin's population is approximately 47,000 people, but serves more than 500,000 in the surrounding area. The Sunshine Lamp Trolley serves as our public transportation system around the city and even has several stops on or near campus. The Trolley makes many stops around the city that makes getting around fairly easy. Northpark Mall is within walking distance from campus and supermarkets are not too far away either. Typically international students who do not have their own car will get a ride from a friend or from the International Club on a scheduled shopping day.

Several large cities are only a few hours away, like Kansas City, Branson, Tulsa and St. Louis. If you like the outdoors, in less than one hour you could be hiking, camping or canoeing in the beautiful Ozark region.


11) Is there International Student Financial Aid?
Financial assistance for international students is limited. However, click here for more information on Financial Assistance and Scholarships. Also there are opportunities to pursue on campus employment once you arrive, but again it cannot be guaranteed in advance. International students are limited to jobs on campus, however non-degree English language students are not permitted student employment.

International students may work up to 20 hours per week. Job responsibilities will vary according to the needs of each office. If you need to obtain a job, you need visit the Student Employment Office as soon as you arrive on campus. Their office is located in Hearnes Hall F-117.


12) How do I pay my fees?
Payment of tuition is due by the end of the first week of classes, however there are tuition payment plans available where you can make monthly payments. If you are interested in a payment plan, you should contact the Business Office as soon as you are enrolled.

HELPFUL LINKS AND INFORMATION
List of Majors available at MSSU
Housing Information
Estimated Expenses, Tuition and Fees Information
Student Handbook / Lion Guide
Family Friendship Network / Photos of past international student events


Institute of International Studies
Missouri Southern State University
3950 E Newman Rd. · Joplin, MO 64801-1595
Voice: 001.417.659.4442 · Fax: 001.417.659.4445
Updated June 10, 2009-- Contact the Webmaster with site problems
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