Admissions and Registration

Requirements for Admission

Admissions Office
Student Services and Admission Center 120

Application Filing Deadlines

Fall Admission - It is recommended that students apply as early as possible and no later than July 1 for Fall admission. This ensures adequate time for processing documents and to complete all admissions and placement processes.

Spring Admission - It is recommended that students apply as early as possible and no later than December 15 for Spring admission. This ensures adequate time for processing documents and to complete all admissions and placement processes.

The priority deadline for Freshman Academic Scholarship applications is December 1.

The deadline for Transfer Academic Scholarship applications is February 15.

The deadline for most competitive scholarships is February 15.

High School Units

Admission will be granted to freshman applicants who hold a recognized high school diploma and/or meet any additional requirements as stated below.  The diploma will reflect a distribution of college preparatory courses, such as those required in the core elements of the Tennessee High School Diploma.  These courses include the following:

Required by Tennessee Code Annotated 49-7-110. Students deficient in the completion of United States History are required to complete six semester hours of United States History or three semester hours of United States History and three semester hours of Tennessee History.

High School Graduate

Public School-applicants for degree admission as first-time freshmen must provide an official high school transcript showing credits earned and date of graduation.

Nonpublic School-graduates of nonpublic high schools (including private schools, home schools, and church-related schools) must submit an official transcript showing credits earned and date of graduation. The transcript of a home school applicant must be an official copy from an affiliated organization as defined by state law (T.C.A. 49-50-801) or be accompanied by certification of registration with the superintendent of the local education agency which the student would otherwise attend. Applicants who cannot provide a satisfactory secondary school credential may substitute acceptable scores on either the HiSET or GED examination.

NOTE: The cumulative high school grade point average is calculated based upon grades nine through twelve. However, if admission credentials are received by the Admissions Office prior to the applicant graduating from high school then the cumulative grade point average is based upon six semesters (grade nine through eleven).

Standardized Examinations

Only one valid set of ACT/SAT test scores will be used for admission purposes. Valid ACT/SAT scores are those earned within three years prior to the first day of the first term of enrollment. Students 21 years of age or older are not required to submit ACT/SAT scores, but those who elect to present valid scores may do so.

Assessment Examinations

All valid ACT/SAT scores (less than three years old) of entering degree-seeking students less than 21 years old will be reviewed to determine if secondary university assessment is needed. Students with ACT subscores of 18 (SAT 450 verbal and math) or lower in reading and math or students with ACT subscores of 17 (SAT 440 verbal) or lower in English are required to complete secondary university assessment.

Applicants who will be 21 years of age or older at the time of admission are required to undergo assessment for each area or may elect to provide ACT/SAT scores that have been taken within three years prior to the first day of the first term of enrollment.

Transfer students without previous college-level English composition, reading intensive coursework, or algebra-based mathematics coursework will be required to take the appropriate portion of the assessment test prior to registration. Transfer students whose high school transcript reflects a deficiency in either English or mathematics but whose transfer coursework includes credit in a college-level English composition or algebra-based mathematics course will be exempt from placement testing.

The assessment exam is administered on several dates during the Fall, Spring, and Summer semesters. A $25 fee is charged for the assessment exam. On the basis of their test scores, students are placed in prescribed courses or college-level non-prescribed courses. More information about secondary university assessment may be found at University Studies .

NOTE 1: Academic assessment placement scores older than three years are not valid.
NOTE 2: After acceptance as a student, there are certain performance tests students will be required to take during their academic careers. It is a requirement of admission that students agree to take any test deemed necessary by the institution. In those instances in which tests are administered by an external entity, students hereby agree that the results of such tests be released to the institution. The purpose of this requirement is to comply with the legislature’s expressed intent that institutions regularly evaluate and improve instruction at all levels. If students are under 21 years of age and are required by institutional policy to complete academic assessment placement tests, their scores on these tests and course placement may be reported to their high schools for research purposes. Any test scores will be treated confidentially as required by law.

Freshman Admission Standards

Each fall new applicants will be admitted on a rolling basis. All applicants will be considered by evaluating their likelihood of success at Middle Tennessee State University. Students should be adequately prepared to succeed as evidenced by high school grades, ACT or SAT scores, pattern of high school courses taken, special talents, and school recommendations.

Deadlines
Students are encouraged to submit an application as early as possible to receive first consideration. (See above for application dates.)

Admission Criteria
Freshman admission decisions are based on the following elements:

1. high school grade point average
2. standardized test scores, either ACT or SAT (students 21 years of age or older are exempt)
3. completion of a distribution of college preparatory courses (see above - applicable for graduates 1989 and after)
4. a personal statement form to be reviewed by the Admissions Review Board may be required of some students and can be completed at the point of application

NOTE: For admission and assessment purposes, MTSU will use the SAT total score calculated from the Critical Reading and Mathematics scores. The writing portion of the SAT or ACT test will not be used.

Freshman Applicants

Following are the admission standards for all freshman applicants. The categories described below are designed to clarify the process used to evaluate undergraduate applications. It is not necessary for the applicant to choose a category in which to apply. The categories are

Honors Admission-for high-ability students
Guaranteed Admission-for the majority of applicants
Conditional Admission-for applicants not meeting standard admission requirements who have special talents or circumstances which may be taken into consideration

Honors admission will be granted to applicants who complete a distribution of college preparatory courses with

• ACT composite score of 25 (SAT 1130) or higher and at least a 3.5 high school GPA.

Participation in the Honors College is not required of applicants admitted in this category.

Guaranteed Admission-Regular admission will be granted to freshman applicants who complete a distribution of college preparatory courses with one of the following:

• a minimum 3.0 GPA
• a minimum composite ACT of 22  (SAT 1020–Critical Reading and Math)
• a minimum 2.7 GPA and minimum ACT of 19  (SAT 900)

Conditional Admission-Any student not meeting guaranteed admission requirements will be considered for conditional admission. The review will include all academic credentials as well as other special interests and skills and other non-academic factors as explained on the Personal Statement Form which should be completed at the point of application. Students conditionally admitted should work closely with an academic advisor to develop a class schedule that promotes academic success and should maintain regular contact with the advisor throughout the semester. Additionally, students admitted in this category will be expected to

• maintain academic good standing as defined by University retention standards
• meet more specific requirements as required for certain populations of students.

GED or HiSET applicants will be considered for conditional admission. A minimum GED score of 450 or minimum HiSET score of 10 is required. The review will include GED or HiSET credentials as well as other special interests, skills, and non-academic factors as explained on the Personal Statement Form which can be completed at the point of application.

The Admissions Review Board may also request additional documentation specific to each individual’s circumstances. It is expected that a very small number of people in this category will be admitted. In the absence of special talents or circumstances, applicants who do not meet the requirements for Guaranteed Admission will be denied. Decisions of the Admissions Review Board are final.

To Apply

1. Complete undergraduate application for admission at www.mtsu.edu/applynow.
2. Submit $25.00 nonrefundable application fee online.
3. Submit official ACT report (not required if 21 years of age or older). Official ACT report can be requested by writing to American College Testing Program, Box 414, Iowa City, Iowa 52240. Please ask them to send it directly to MTSU, Code #3994. ACT scores on official high school transcripts are acceptable, as are SAT scores, Code #1466 (www.collegeboard.com).
4. Request official high school transcript be sent to MTSU Office of Admissions. Transcripts should include sixth semester (end of junior year) for tentative acceptance consideration. Official final high school transcripts that include graduation date must be received by the admissions office prior to enrollment.
5. If eligible by GED or HiSET, have official copy of test scores sent directly from reporting institution. Official HiSET scores can be requested at 1-855-MyHiSET (1-855-694-4738). Note: If GED or HiSET recipient is less than 21 years of age, ACT scores must be presented.
6. ACT reading and mathematics and English sub-scores will be used to identify students who need additional testing to determine placement. Additional information will be mailed to applicants upon receipt of official ACT scores.

Transfer

An undergraduate applicant who previously has registered at any college or university since high school graduation must apply as a transfer student. Admission will be granted to transfer applicants who have earned 24 or more semester hours and a 2.00 cumulative or higher grade point average from all postsecondary  schools attended. In order to qualify for regular admission, the applicant must request that a transcript from each institution attended be sent directly to the Admissions Office. Applicants who have earned fewer than 24 semester hours (35 quarter hours) from a college or university must meet both transfer and freshman admission standards. Concealment of previous college or university attendance may be cause for rejection, cancellation of admission, or dismissal of the student.

Applicants who have earned 24 or more semester hours and not been enrolled in any postsecondary institution in the 12 months preceding the term for which they are applying will be eligible for admission, but they will be admitted on academic probation if their cumulative grade point average is less than 2.00.

Transfer applicants graduating from high school in 1989 or thereafter are subject to the high school units (see above). Eligible transfer applicants who have not completed the one high school unit of United States History will be admitted, but they must remove the deficiency during the first 30 credit hours of enrollment at MTSU. Courses required to remove the deficiency can be used to satisfy general education requirements where appropriate. Transfer students whose transfer coursework includes credit in a college-level English composition, reading intensive course, and algebra-based mathematics course will be exempt from placement testing.

Transfer applicants who do not have a cumulative 2.00 grade point average may submit their credentials to the Admissions Review Board for review. In addition to college transcript(s), these applicants are required to complete a Personal Statement form which will be provided to the student from the Admissions Office if not completed at the point of application.

Transfer students who do not have a 2.00 cumulative GPA and those admitted by the Admissions Review Board will be admitted on probation and will be required to enroll in UNIV 2020  the first semester of enrollment. Refer to Academic Policies and Procedures for university retention policy. Decisions of the Admissions Review Board are final.

Transfer applicants without previous college-level English composition, a reading intensive course, or algebra-based mathematics coursework will be required to take the appropriate portion of the academic assessment placement test prior to registration. The test will assist in course placement and may result in requiring some students to enroll in prescribed courses as additions to their programs.

Acceptance of Transfer Credit

Middle Tennessee State University accepts transfer credit from institutions of higher learning based upon the following considerations:

1. the educational quality of the institution from which the student transfers;
2. the comparability of the nature, content, and level of credit earned to that offered by MTSU; and
3. the appropriateness and applicability of the credit earned to the programs offered by MTSU in light of the student’s educational goals.

When posting transfer courses to the MTSU record, all transfer courses are converted to MTSU’s grading scale and repeat policy. The Admissions Office will send an email message when the file is complete. The office does not evaluate credit for students who have already received a bachelor’s degree; however, the GPA hours and quality points are posted which calculates in the cumulative GPA.

Students transferring credits will have transfer grades posted with a leading ‘T’ and transfer grades will NOT be calculated in the overall or overall combined GPAs.

Students who have completed coursework at institutions for which MTSU has no recent history may be asked to provide information to determine the comparability of content and level of credit presented as transfer to that credit offered by MTSU. Petition is made by submitting the Application for Acceptance of Credit Form available in the Admissions Office and at www.mtsu.edu/admissn/. Credit will be granted upon recommendation from the academic advisor and chair of the academic department in which the course is taught, approval of the academic dean of the college in which the course is taught, and approval by the assistant manager of admissions.

Students who feel that they are competent in certain subject areas are encouraged to earn credit through a nationally recognized credit-by-examination program or through departmental credit-by-examination programs at MTSU.

Of the hours required for graduation, a minimum of 60 semester hours of senior college credit (credit awarded at four-year institutions) is required of all students who transfer from accredited colleges of less than four-year designation, with at least 42 of the 60 being upper-division courses. A grade of D in ENGL 1010 and ENGL 1020 is used to determine admission eligibility but does not meet degree requirements. Refer to English for more details. Additional information on this stipulation is given under the requirements for graduation see Academic Policies and Procedures .

NOTE 1: All universities and community colleges in the Tennessee Board of Regents (TBR) system share a common set of minimum requirements for baccalaureate degrees or associate degrees designed for transfer. Please see Academic Policies and Procedures for further information.
NOTE 2: MTSU honors the completion of prescribed course placement requirements from any TBR institution regardless of credit hours assigned to individual courses or interventions used to complete the prescribed course placement requirements. Successful completion of prescribed course placement requirements from non-TBR institutions is demonstrated through university assessment testing.

To Apply

1. Complete undergraduate application for admission at www.mtsu.edu/applynow.
2. Submit $25.00 nonrefundable application fee online.
3. Request an official transcript be forwarded directly to MTSU from your high school and each college, business, or technical school attended.
4. If applicant has earned fewer than 24 semester hours, an ACT score is recommended but optional. ACT scores are required for applicants under the age of 21.
5. Transfer students without previous English composition, algebraic math, and intensive reading coursework will be required to take the appropriate portion of the placement test prior to registration. The placement test will assist in course placement and may result in requiring some students to enroll in prescribed courses as additions to their degree programs. Students who took the placement test at another Tennessee Board of Regents institution should have scores sent to the Admissions Office if general education English, math, and reading intensive coursework were not successfully completed.

Reenrollee

1. Reenrollees who have not attended another institution since leaving MTSU need only complete an application for readmission. Applicants who have not been enrolled in any postsecondary institution in the 12 months preceding the term for which they are applying will be eligible for admission, but will be admitted on probation if their cumulative grade point average is less than retention standards.
2. Reenrollees who have attended another institution since leaving MTSU need to submit an application for readmission and a transcript from all institutions attended since leaving MTSU. Applicants in this category need a grade point average of 2.00 or higher on all courses attempted at all colleges. Registration cannot occur until all transcripts are received so that eligibility for readmission can be determined. Reenrollees are required to fulfill a United States History deficiency.
3. Reenrollees who wish to attend MTSU after being suspended should follow items 1 and 2 above as well as the following:
   1. Students who receive their first suspension at the end of the Fall semester may not register at MTSU until the following summer.
   2. Students receiving their first suspension at the end of the Spring semester will not be eligible to reenroll until the following Spring semester.
   3. Students receiving their first suspension at the end of the Summer session will not be eligible to reenroll until the following Spring semester.
   4. Students receiving two or more suspensions from any college(s), including MTSU, will be denied readmission for one calendar year.
   5. Students who attended another institution during their suspension from MTSU will be readmitted if they have raised their cumulative grade point average (including MTSU work) to 2.00 or greater, or they have earned a minimum of 12 semester hours at the institution(s) attended since MTSU enrollment with a grade point average of 2.00 or greater.

To Apply

1. Complete undergraduate application for readmission found here.
2. Applicants who have attended other institutions since attending MTSU must have an official transcript forwarded from each institution.
3. Academic advising is recommended before registration.

Programs for Academically Talented High School Students

Early Admission

There are two ways one may qualify for early admission:

1. Those students who would like to begin college at the end of their junior year must qualify under the following conditions:
   1. be at least 16 years of age;
   2. have completed the junior year of high school with a minimum of 14 high school units;
   3. have a 3.50 grade point average on all work taken during grades 9, 10, and 11;
   4. have a minimum ACT composite score of 27 (SAT 1210);
   5. be recommended for participation in the program by either the high school principal or guidance counselor.
2. Academically talented/gifted students enrolled in grades 9 through 12 in public or private schools in Tennessee may enroll in and receive regular college credit from Middle Tennessee State University under the following provisions:
   1. The student has a grade point average of 3.20 on a 4.00 scale;
   2. The student must present recommendation and permission from the high school principal;
   3. Placement in college courses must be a part of the student’s Individualized Educational Placement (IEP) as determined by the Multidisciplinary Team.

The University makes no inference that courses completed at MTSU would apply toward high school graduation requirements. This privilege of enrollment is granted only to students enrolled in Tennessee public or private high schools as specified in Chapter 395 of the Public Acts of 1983. Students may register for no more than nine (9) semester hours per semester when enrolled in this program.

Dual Enrollment

Currently enrolled high school students who wish to attend MTSU must meet the following requirements:

• be a junior or senior in high school;
• have a minimum 3.0 high school GPA; or
• have a minimum ACT composite of 22 ACT (SAT 1020) or equivalent ACT Plan test score.

Admission to MTSU and the Dual Enrollment program does not guarantee eligibility for all courses. Some courses require prerequisites and/or certain test subscores, including Math and English courses. Click here for more information.

To Apply

1. Complete undergraduate application for admission at www.mtsu.edu/applynow.  
2. Submit $25.00 nonrefundable application fee online.
3. Request high school to forward official transcript.
4. Submit an official ACT/SAT report.
5. Submit a letter of recommendation from high school principal or counselor and Individualized Educational Program (IEP) report, if necessary.

Special Students

Audit

Any person who is over 18 years of age and who wishes to take a course but receive no credit (audit) may do so by applying at the Admissions Office.

NOTE: Regular registration fees will be charged for auditing courses.

60-Year/Disabled (Audit) Student

Applicants 60 years old or older or permanently and totally disabled (T.C.A., Section 49-7-113) and domiciled in Tennessee are required to pay the $25.00 nonrefundable application fee but are not required to pay registration fees if they audit courses. Proof of age (initially) or disability (annually) and a fee discount/waiver form (each semester) are required. Registration is on a space-available basis and course selection begins no earlier than four weeks prior to the start of term or part-of-term (see Registration Guide for date of registration). Regular registration fees will be charged for credit courses.

To Apply

1. Complete undergraduate application for admission at www.mtsu.edu/applynow.  
2. Submit $25.00 nonrefundable application fee online.

Adult Special Student

This category is designed to serve the interests of an adult learner (age 21 or older) who does not wish to pursue a degree at the present, but who wishes to receive academic credit. To be admitted, an individual must hold a high school diploma or the equivalent and meet guaranteed admission standards (above). Applicants not meeting guaranteed standards can submit a personal statement form for conditional admission. The applicant who first is denied regular admission to MTSU will also be denied admission to this category for the same semester. Students in this category are not allowed to register for

1. a college-level mathematics or English course unless the appropriate portion of an academic assessment placement test is taken;
2. any college-level course which has a prescribed course prerequisite;
3. any college-level course which has prerequisite courses defined by MTSU academic departments; the current catalog indicates most departmental course prerequisites.

Adult special students may complete a maximum of 16 semester hours credit at MTSU. After receiving 16 hours, the applicant, to continue enrolling at MTSU, must apply for degree-seeking classification and meet standard admission requirements.

NOTE: Federal financial aid is not available to students in this category.

To Apply

1. Complete undergraduate application for admission at www.mtsu.edu/applynow.
2. Submit $25.00 nonrefundable application fee online.
3. Submit official college transcript of last college attended (if college-level work not attempted, official verification of high school graduation or equivalent).
4. Students in this category are not allowed to register for mathematics or English courses or any college-level course with a prescribed/learning support prerequisite unless the appropriate portion of the placement test is taken. Students also cannot register for any college-level course that has a prerequisite defined by MTSU academic departments.

NOTE: A maximum of 16 semester hours credit may be taken under this classification. See above for additional instructions.

65-Year-Old/Disabled Credit Student

Persons 65 years of age or older or permanently and totally disabled persons (T.C.A., Section 49-7-113) who are domiciled in Tennessee may register for classes on a space-available basis for credit beginning no earlier than four weeks prior to the start of term or part-of-term (see Registration Guide for date of registration) paying a minimum registration fee. The cost is one-half the semester hour rate up to a maximum of $70.00 plus any special course-related fees. An application fee is also required. The applicant must be a high school graduate or the equivalent, and the applicant must submit proof of age (initially) or disability (annually) and a fee discount/waiver form each semester.

To Apply

1. Complete undergraduate application for admission at www.mtsu.edu/applynow.
2. Submit $25.00 nonrefundable application fee online.
3. Submit proof of age or disability and fee discount/waiver form each semester enrolled. (Proof of disability required each year.)
4. Submit proof of high school graduation.

Transient (Visiting) Student

An individual who is currently enrolled and in good standing at another college or university and who wishes to attend MTSU for one semester only must apply and pay the nonrefundable application fee as well as submit an official college transcript from the institution currently being attended. Registration at MTSU includes prerequisite checking which may require validation of course completion. The submission of a college transcript provides proof of successful completion of prerequisite course(s) so any course completed prior to current college(s) may need a transcript to be provided as well for registration.

NOTE: Federal financial aid is not available to students in this category.

To Apply

1. Complete undergraduate application for admission at www.mtsu.edu/applynow.
2. Submit $25.00 nonrefundable application fee online.
3. Submit an official transcript from the college currently being attended.

International Students

Details regarding admission of international students can be found at International Admissions/Education.

Permanent Resident Students

Permanent residents are admitted to MTSU according to the same admission requirements as U.S. citizens. Permanent residents will be asked to submit proof (green card) of status to determine residency for fee payment purposes.

TN eCampus Degree Program Students

Go to www.tnecampus.org for instructions. Complete the student profile and follow application instructions for New Freshman or Transfer (above).

Withholding Application Information

Any student withholding application information or giving false information may be ineligible for admission and may be denied continuation of studies at the University.

Hepatitis B and Meningococcal Meningitis Acknowledgment

The State of Tennessee mandates that each public or private postsecondary institution in the state provide information concerning hepatitis B and meningococcal meningitis to all students entering the institution for the first time. New students must acknowledge that they have read this information before they can register for classes. This information and acknowledgment statement are automatically displayed when new students register for classes on RaiderNet via PipelineMT. If the student is under age 18, a parent or legal guardian is required to sign the form that is linked to the page and return it to Health Services before registration will be allowed.

All students under age 22 who are enrolling in a TBR institution for the first time regardless of the level at which the student is matriculating AND who will be living in on-campus housing, must show proof of adequate immunization against meningitis prior to assignment. “Adequate Immunization” means students must have been vaccinated on or after their 16th birthday. On move-in day, those students who have not previously provided such proof must provide it before they can be allowed to move in. For more information, access www.mtsu.edu/healthservices/immunizations.php.

Measles Immunization

Effective July 1, 1998, the State of Tennessee requires students entering colleges, universities, and technical institutes with enrollment of greater than 200 students to provide proof of two (2) doses of measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine on or after the first birthday, or proof of immunity to measles if date of birth is 1957 or after. Students will not be allowed to register for full-time classes until an acceptable form is on file in the Student Health Services Office. More information can be obtained by contacting Student Health Services, 898-2988, or by visiting www.mtsu.edu/healthservices/Immunizations.php.

Varicella (Chickenpox) Immunization

Effective July 1, 2011, the State of Tennessee requires new full-time enrollees in higher education institutions with enrollments larger than 200 students to provide proof of two (2) doses of Varicella vaccine on or after the first birthday, history of chickenpox illness diagnosed by a healthcare provider or verified by a physician, advanced practice nurse or physician assistant to whom the illness is described, or proof of immunity to Varicella if date of birth is 1980 or after. Students will not be allowed to register full-time for classes until an acceptable form is on file in the Student Health Services Office. More information can be obtained by contacting Student Health Services, 898-2988, or by visiting www.mtsu.edu/healthservices/Immunizations.php.

Residency Classification for Fee-paying and Admission Purposes

The Admissions Office is charged with the determination of an undergraduate student’s residency and verification of citizenship or lawful presence for fee-paying purposes and as the basis for some University admission requirements. The Graduate Office is charged with the determination of a graduate student’s residency for fee-paying purposes. The Office of International Affairs determines residency for international students. Classification is determined by information submitted on the admission application and subsequent fee classification questionnaire. Notification in writing is made soon after the student applies for admission. All decisions are based on regulations established by the Tennessee Board of Regents, with the intent that all Tennessee public institutions of higher education apply uniform classification rules. Should a student be denied in-state classification, the student has the right of appeal. A written appeal should be submitted to the Student Appeals Committee through the Office of the Assistant Vice President for Student Affairs. A recommendation on the appeal will be reviewed and acted upon by the vice president for student affairs, whose decision shall be final.

Veterans shall not be required to pay out-of-state tuition or any out-of-state fees, if the veteran

1. is eligible for Post-9/11 GI bill benefits or Montgomery GI Bill benefits; and
2. enrolls in a public institution of higher education, after satisfying all admission requirements, within three (3) years after the date of discharge as reflected on the veteran’s certificate of release or discharge from active duty, Form DD-214, or an equivalent document.

To continue to qualify for in-state tuition and fees, the veteran shall

1. maintain continuous enrollment; and
2. provide two of the following within three (3) years from the first date of enrollment:
   1. Tennessee driver’s license
   2. Tennessee motor vehicle registration
   3. Tennessee voter’s registration
   4. Proof of established employment in Tennessee. Other documentation clearly evidencing domicile or residence in Tennessee as determined by the Tennessee Higher Education Commission.

Students originally admitted to a TBR community college authorized to grant a border county waiver of out-of-state tuition are entitled to the same tuition waiver if the student transfers after successfully completing an associate’s degree. This condition can be waived by the community college provided the general education requirements were completed and it is determined to be in the student’s best interest.

Eligibility Verification for Entitlements Act (EVEA)

The Tennessee Eligibility Verification for Entitlements Act (EVEA) became effective October 1, 2012. The EVEA requires state public institutions of higher education to verify that persons seeking a “state public benefit” are either a “United States citizen” or “lawfully present” in the United States.

The term “state benefit” includes in-state tuition, lottery scholarship, academic scholarship, common market, or any other form of tuition assistance or waiver funded with state-appropriated dollars. State benefit does not include tuition assistance funded privately, such as a scholarship from the institution’s foundation or a privately endowed scholarship.

Applicants do not have to verify the citizenship or lawful presence if not graduated from high school and are applying as dual enrollment, joint enrollment, or academically talented/gifted.

For additional information concerning EVEA and a list of eligible documents access www.mtsu.edu/evea.

Specific Instructional Programs

Certain instructional programs of the University are subject to special admission requirements which are in addition to the general admission requirements. Such programs include Nursing, programs in the College of Media and Entertainment and Jones College of Business, and Teacher Education. The special admission requirements for these are subject to change according to availability of institutional resources. Students wishing to enter one of these programs of study should check with the appropriate department to become familiar with any special requirements or deadlines.

NOTE 1: Acceptance from Middle Tennessee State University does not guarantee admittance to the Nursing Program-nor does rejection from the Nursing Program nullify acceptance to the University. Applicants desiring acceptance to the Nursing Program must obtain an application from the School of Nursing, MTSU, Murfreesboro, TN 37132.
NOTE 2: The programs in the College of Mass Communication and Jones College of Business require admission to candidacy to earn a degree and as a prerequisite to enrollment in most upper-division courses. Visit these colleges’ websites for more information.
NOTE 3: Anyone wishing to apply for financial assistance to attend MTSU should contact the MT One Stop, MTSU, Murfreesboro, TN 37132. More information on financial aid is presented elsewhere in this catalog.
NOTE 4: Persons wishing to reside on campus should submit a housing application to reserve a room as early as possible due to a high demand for available housing. Application for admission should precede application for housing. Detailed information on housing can be found elsewhere in this catalog.

Advanced Standing

Credit by Examination

Students may earn college credit for acceptable scores on the College Level Examination Program (CLEP), the Foreign Language Tests, the Advanced Placement Examinations (AP) of the College Entrance Examination Board (www.collegeboard.org), the American College Testing Program (ACT) (www.act.org), the International Baccalaureate Program (IB) (www.ibo.org), and the DANTES Subject Standardized Test (DSST). Examinations are administered by Testing Services, 107 Keathley University Center. Additional information can be obtained by calling (615) 898-2863.

All credit-by-examination scores are submitted to the Admissions Office. The test results are evaluated and recorded on a student’s transcript if credit is earned. Semester hours of credit toward graduation are earned on the basis of these tests, but no grades or quality points are given. These credits will not affect a student’s academic GPA. A student may receive no more than 60 semester hours of credit by means of credit-by-examinations, credit for service-related experience, and flight training. Applicants must not have notation of the course on the official transcript for which credit is recommended. If a student has a “W” or “F” in a course or is currently enrolled and cannot drop without a grade, CLEP credit is not allowed. (This includes both MTSU and transfer records.)

College Level Examination Program (CLEP)

Students may earn college credit for the following examinations administered by the College Level Examination Program:

CLEP General Examination
College Mathematics, total score of 45 or greater, three credits, in lieu of MATH 1010

CLEP Subject Examinations
The following examinations require a score of 50 or greater.

Financial Accounting, three credits, in lieu of ACTG 2110

General Biology, four credits, in lieu of BIOL 1030/BIOL 1031

Business Law, Introduction to, three credits, in lieu of BLAW 3430

General Chemistry, eight credits, in lieu of CHEM 1110/CHEM 1111, CHEM 1120/CHEM 1121

Macroeconomics, Principles of, three credits, in lieu of ECON 2410

Microeconomics, Principles of, three credits, in lieu of ECON 2420

Analysis and Interpretation of Literature–essay required, three credits, in lieu of ENGL 2030

NOTE: Essays written as part of the exam in English will be graded by full-time faculty of the English Department. To receive credit, students must write essays that demonstrate the positive qualities of superior writing defined in the English Department’s Sophomore Writing Standards, in addition to scoring an acceptable score on the objective portion of the examination

American History I: Early Colonizations to 1877, three credits, in lieu of HIST 2010

American History II: 1865 to Present, three credits, in lieu of HIST 2020

Western Civilization I: Ancient Near East to 1648, three credits, in lieu of HIST 1010

Western Civilization II: 1648 to Present, three credits, in lieu of HIST 1020

Management, Principles of, three credits, in lieu of MGMT 3610

Marketing, Principles of, three credits, in lieu of MKT 3820

College Algebra, three credits, in lieu of MATH 1710

Pre-Calculus, four credits, in lieu of MATH 1730

Calculus, four credits, in lieu of MATH 1910 

American Government, three credits, in lieu of PS 1005  (formerly PS 2010)

General Psychology, three credits, in lieu of PSY 1410

Sociology, Introductory, three credits, in lieu of SOC 1010

College Entrance Examination Board (CEEB)

MTSU participates in the Advanced Placement (AP) Program of the College Entrance Examination Board and grants appropriate semester hours credit to qualified students presenting official record of a grade of 3 or above on the appropriate CEEB examination. Semester hours credit in the amount carried by the course or courses from which the student is exempted by CEEB advanced placement examination will be awarded.   

Art History, three credits, in lieu of ART 1030

Biology, four credits, in lieu of BIOL 1030/BIOL 1031 (Science major may receive credit for BIOL 1110/BIOL 1111, BIOL 1120/BIOL 1121 upon recommendation of chair, Department of Biology.)

Calculus AB, four credits, in lieu of MATH 1910

Calculus BC, four credits, in lieu of MATH 1920

Chemistry, eight credits, in lieu of CHEM 1110/CHEM 1111, CHEM 1120/CHEM 1121

Comparative Government and Politics, three credits, in lieu of PS 1010

Computer Science A, four credits in lieu of CSCI 1170

Computer Science AB, four credits, in lieu of CSCI 2170*#

English Language and Composition, three credits in lieu of ENGL 1010

English Literature and Composition, three credits, in lieu of ENGL 1010

Environmental Science, three credits, in lieu of EST 2810

European History, three credits in lieu of HIST 1020

Foreign Languages and Cultures, six credits, in lieu of SPAN 1010 and SPAN 1020, FREN 1010 and FREN 1020, GERM 1010 and GERM 1020, LATN 1010 and LATN 1020

Human Geography, three credits, in lieu of GS 2010

Macroeconomics, three credits for ECON 2410

Microeconomics, three credits for ECON 2420

Music Theory, three credits, in lieu of MUTH 1000

Physics 1, four credits, in lieu of PHYS 2010/2011*

Physics 2, four credits, in lieu of PHYS 2020/2021*

Physics B, four credits, in lieu of PHYS 2010/PHYS 2011*#

Physics C, four credits, in lieu of PHYS 2110/PHYS 2111*

Psychology, three credits, in lieu of PSY 1410

Statistics, three credits, in lieu of MATH 1530

Studio Art: Drawing Portfolio, three credits in lieu of ART 1620 

Studio Art: 2-D Design Portfolio, three credits in lieu of ART 1610

Studio Art: 3-D Design Portfolio, three credits in lieu of ART 1630

U.S. Government and Politics, three credits, in lieu of PS 1005

U.S. History, six credits, in lieu of HIST 2010, HIST 2020

World History, six credits in lieu of HIST 1110, HIST 1120

*NOTE: A grade of 4 or above is required to receive credits

#NOTE: Test has been discontinued by AP

DANTES Subject Standardized Test (DSST)

Students may earn college credit for acceptable scores on the DANTES Subject Standardized Test (DSST) if recommended by the American Council on Education (ACE). MTSU awards lower-division and upper-division credit based on the ACE recommendation. Students should submit an official DANTES transcript to the MTSU Undergraduate Admissions office for review. A student may receive no more than 60 semester hours of credit by means of DSST, credit-by-special exam, credit for service-related experience, and flight training.

NOTE: Due to accreditation requirements, the Jennings A. Jones College of Business will not allow DSST upper-division credit to count toward graduation.

Credit by Special Examination (Undergraduate)

Any student enrolled in the University who receives departmental approval is eligible to receive credit by special examination for certain MTSU courses. Competence gained through study and/or experience may provide background for students who wish to attempt such examinations. Credit by special examination may be given for undergraduate courses listed in the catalog with the exception of

1. courses described as directed research or directed independent study;
2. any course from which student has been exempted by placement examination;
3. courses not approved by the department.

NOTE: A nonrefundable fee of $20.00 will be charged for each semester hour of credit.

Students seeking credit by examination should, on forms provided by the Admissions Office, request approval from the chair of the department or director of the school in which the course is offered. The method for designing, administering, and evaluating the special examination will be determined by the department/school. The examination shall be comparable in scope and difficulty to a comprehensive final examination in that course. The form for approval to post credit by special examination must be received in the Admissions Office no later than two weeks prior to the first day of final exams for a specified semester. No student will be allowed to repeat a special examination in a given course within one year.

The student will receive credit, to be recorded as P (Pass) on the student’s transcript, upon passing the examination with a minimum equivalent grade of C. Credit by special examination cannot be used in the determination of the 25 percent credit earned through instruction offered by MTSU.

Credit for Freshman English

1. Entering freshmen whose standard score on the English section of the Enhanced ACT is 32 or better will be given six hours credit for ENGL 1010 and ENGL 1020.
2. Entering freshmen whose SAT verbal scores are 720 or better will be given six hours credit for ENGL 1010 and 1020.
   NOTE: If any such student elects to enroll in composition rather than receive credit, he/she must enroll in ENGL 1010 and ENGL 1020. 

International Baccalaureate Program

Students may earn college credit for acceptable scores on examinations administered by the International Baccalaureate Organization.

IB Score/MTSU Credit:
Score of 5 or higher in Physics (higher or standard level exam)/PHYS 2010PHYS 2011, four credits
Score of 6 or higher in Physics (higher or standard level exam)/PHYS 2010/PHYS 2011 and PHYS 2020/PHYS 2021, eight credits
Score of 5 or higher in Biology (higher level exam)/BIOL 1110/BIOL 1111 and BIOL 1120/BIOL 1121, eight credits
Score of 4 or higher in Mathematics (higher level exam)/MATH 1910, MATH 1920 plus three hours lower-division mathematics elective credit, eleven credits
Score of 6 or higher in History (higher level exam)/three hours lower-division history elective credit
Score of 5 or greater in Language A1 (higher level exam)/ENGL 1010, three credits

Service Credits

Students who have served in the reserves, National Guard, or armed forces may receive credit as listed below:

1. Eight semester hours credit (6 hours military science-MS 1010, MS 1020, and MS 2010-and 2 hours PHED activity credit) is granted for a minimum of three years, eleven months, and twenty days of reserve or National Guard service in the Armed Forces of the United States. Veterans who have fewer than three years, eleven months, and twenty days will be awarded two semester hours credit for each year of reserve or National Guard duty.
2. Credit will be awarded for formal service schools based on recommendation from the Office of Educational Credit of the American Council on Education after consultation with an academic advisor. All documentation supporting service-related educational experiences should be filed with the Admissions Office.
3. We recommend submitting discharge papers (DD-214) or a recent pay stub if currently in service and any of the following, as appropriate: Community College of the Air Force transcript, Joint Services transcript, and/or course completion certificates.

Advanced Credit

Aerospace Training and Experience

University credit may be granted for specific aerospace maintenance technician courses for holders of FAA Airframe and/or Powerplant Certificates. See the  Aerospace Department section for more information.

Registered Nurses

R.N.s with an associate degree or diploma may receive advanced standing credit for nursing courses provided they graduated from a state-approved school of nursing and hold a current license as a registered professional nurse. See the School of Nursing section for more information.

How to Correct High School Deficiency

Students admitted to MTSU with a United States History high school unit deficiency will be required to remove this deficiency by earning credit for the courses listed below. New freshman students must remove the deficiency within the first 64 hours of enrollment and transfer students within the first 30 hours of enrollment.

Registration Process

Getting Started

To be accepted to the University, all students, including reenrollees and part-time students, must meet admission requirements. The University reserves the right to stop accepting applications and to terminate registration at any point to ensure enrollment limitations according to guidelines set forth by the institution and/or Tennessee Board of Regents.

MTSU offers priority registration for current, reenrolling, or new undergraduates with a previous degree. Assigned registration times are accessible on RaiderNet and communicated via your MTMail account so check your email regularly.

• Students must resolve any registration holds before being eligible for registration. Students may access RaiderNet to view holds.
• Students must meet State of Tennessee immunization requirements. (see above)
• ACT/SAT sub-scores determine if students need additional testing to determine if placement in prescribed courses is needed. Students placed into prescribed courses offered by University Studies must enroll in and complete the designated courses in sequence. Failure to enroll in the designated courses will result in the student’s immediate withdrawal from the University.

Advising

It is strongly recommended that each student meet with an advisor to work out a schedule of classes, to review progress toward graduation, and for program updates or changes.

• Advising is required for new freshmen and new transfer students before registration.
• Currently enrolled undergraduate students with fewer than 30 hours earned are required to be advised by an advisor as determined by the college’s advising plan before registration is permitted.
• Any student with a prescribed course requirement must be advised by a college advisor if major is declared or by the Undeclared Advising Center (UAC) if major is undecided until all requirements are completed.
• All undeclared students are required to see their UAC advisors.
• All pre-professional students must be advised by their pre-professional advisors.
• Upper-division students should have on file a degree plan (upper-division form). Students should follow their degree plan to stay on track for graduation. Students should complete an upper-division form two semesters before the term of graduation. This form should be filed with the graduation coordinator along with the Intent to Graduate form. (See Registrar’s Office.)
• All full-time, degree-seeking students should be enrolled in the appropriate General Education English course and either six hours in General Education or three hours in General Education and three hours in their majors until they have satisfied the University’s General Education requirements.

Registering Online for Courses

Click on PipelineMT at www.mtsu.edu; select the RaiderNet tab. Click on the Student tab to access Student Services. Then, select the Registration menu for the following:

• Assigned Registration Time
• View Holds
• Assigned Advisor
• Look Up Classes (class section search)
• Add/drop classes,
• Schedule (grid format) after you have registered

Fee Payment and Confirmation

For fee payment procedures and payment deadlines see Bursar’s website at www.mtsu.edu/tuition.

• A student is not officially enrolled until completion of all of the requirements of registration including the payment of fees or confirmation of attendance.
• To pay or confirm online: log in to PipelineMT, click on RaiderNet, then on the Student tab. Select Student Account; select Confirm Enrollment/Registration Payment/Account Detail for Term. Select the appropriate term. To confirm, select, “Yes, I will attend.,” If you do not get a confirmation number, you have a balance due and either need to pay or contact the MT One Stop if receiving loans, grants or scholarships which should cover your total bill. To pay, select Continue.
• Class schedules will be deleted unless fees are paid or registration confirmed by the fee payment deadlines.
• Former students must settle all prior accounts in the Business Office and Walker Library before readmission.
• Students are required to have an ID card which is automatically validated each semester upon payment of fees.
• Students must register their automobiles for the current academic year.

Determination of Residence for Fee-paying Purposes

The Admissions Office and International Affairs Office makes decisions concerning residence classifications for undergraduate students. Regulations concerning residency are printed on the back of the Application for Tennessee Residency Form that may be obtained from the Admissions Office, Student Services and Admission Center. Students who disagree with a residency decision may appeal to the Student Appeals Committee. Additional information can be found above.

Selective Service

All male U.S.citizens and male noncitizens who take up residency in the United States of American before their 28th birthday must register with Selective Service prior to registering for classes at MTSU. This requirement does not apply to veterans and others exempt by federal law.