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 admission application deadline for Freshman Guaranteed Academic Scholarship is December 1.

The admission application deadline for Transfer Academic Scholarship is February 15.

The deadline for most competitive scholarships is February 15.

U.S. History Requirement (T.C.A. 49-7-110)

Tennessee Code Annotated 49-7-110 requires that no person be granted a baccalaureate degree from a Tennessee public institution of higher education without having earned at least 6 semester hours of credit in American history (up to 3 of those hours may be in Tennessee history). This requirement is to be enforced for all students, including those seeking their first or any subsequent bachelor’s degree, regardless of whether their high school degree comes from a U.S. or international institution, and regardless of their citizenship status. This requirement does not apply, however, to students who have earned one (1) unit of American history in high school. If one (1) unit in high school is not documented, students must complete hours from HIST 2010, HIST 2020, HIST 2030, or equivalent transfer credit. Please note that this requirement is separate from the current True Blue Core history requirement.

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:

Please see U.S. History Requirement (T.C.A. 49-7-110).

High School Graduate

Public School-graduates of public high schools must submit 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) when recognized by the state’s Department of Education must submit an official transcript showing credits earned and date of graduation. Applicants who cannot provide a satisfactory secondary school credential as defined by state law (T.C.A. 49-50-801) may substitute acceptable scores on either the HiSET or GED examination.

NOTE 1: The cumulative high school grade point average is calculated by the high school 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 can be based upon six semesters or after (grade nine through eleven or after).

NOTE 2: Per T.C.A. 49-7-101, applicants who have earned an associate degree from a regionally accredited institution no longer have to provide a high school transcript for admission purposes. However, for U.S. History Requirement (T.C.A. 49-7-110) and scholarship purposes, students may still wish to provide an official copy of their high school transcript.

Standardized Examinations

Admission is based on one complete valid set of ACT/SAT test scores from a single test date (not super scores). Valid ACT/SAT scores are those earned within five years prior to the first day of the first term of enrollment. Note: Please request all scores be sent as the best subscores and best composite/total score will be used for course placement and scholarship purposes. Lower scores will not negatively impact students in any way. 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 five years old) are utilized to determine course placement. Students with ACT subscores of 18 or lower in reading and math or students with ACT subscores of 17 or lower in English generally will have prescribed course requirements. Students with valid SAT scores lower than 510 in mathematics or lower than 510 in reading and/or lower than 500 in English will generally have prescribed course requirements. Students may elect to verify this placement in Math and Reading utilizing university assessment offered through the Academic Assessment Placement Test administered at MTSU through the University Studies Department. Please call (615) 898-2568 for an appointment. Guided Self Placement is the option utilized to verify English placement.

Applicants who will be 21 years of age or older by the first day of class for the admission term have the option to take the Academic Assessment Placement Test in Math and Reading and the Guided Self Placement in English, provide ACT/SAT scores that have been taken within five years, or be placed in the first level of the appropriate required prescribed courses.

Transfer students without previous college-level English composition, reading intensive coursework, or algebra-based mathematics coursework have the option to take the Academic Assessment Placement Test in Math and Reading and the Guided Self Placement English, provide ACT/SAT scores that have been taken within five years, or be placed in the first level of the appropriate required prescribed courses.

The assessment exam and Guided Self Placement are administered during the Fall, Spring, and Summer semesters. A fee is charged for the assessment exam, and there is no fee for Guided Self Placement. On the basis of their test scores, students are placed in prescribed courses or non-prescribed courses. More information about secondary university assessment may be found at University Studies .

NOTE 1: Academic assessment placement scores older than five 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 when 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 semester 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 apply 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. completion of a distribution of college preparatory courses (see above)
3. standardized test scores, either ACT or SAT (students 21 years of age or older are exempt)
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 1:  Applicants who have earned an associate degree from a regionally accredited institution are not required to provide a high school transcript for admission purposes.

NOTE 2: For admission and assessment purposes, MTSU will use the SAT total score calculated from the Evidence-Based Reading/Writing 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.

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

• ACT composite score of 25 (SAT 1200-Evidence-Based Reading/Writing and Math) 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-Standard admission will be granted to freshman applicants who complete a distribution of college preparatory courses with one of the following:

• a minimum 3.0 high school GPA (based on a 4.0 scale)
• a minimum composite ACT of 22 (SAT 1100-Evidence-Based Reading/Writing and Math)
• a minimum 2.7 high school GPA and minimum composite ACT of 19 (SAT 990-Evidence-Based Reading/Writing and Math)

Committee Review Admission-Any student not meeting guaranteed admission requirements will be considered by the Committee Review Board for 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 admitted by review 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 admission by review. 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/SAT report (not required if 21 years of age or older). Official test score report(s) can be requested online (ACT: my.act.org and sent to MTSU, Code #3994; SAT: mysat.collegeboard.org, MTSU code #1466). ACT/SAT scores on official high school transcripts are also utilized if a set of scores from a single test date can be determined.
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 classes starting. If GED or HiSET is earned, have an official copy of test scores sent directly from reporting institution. Official HiSET scores can be requested at hiset.ets.org/myhiset or call 1-855-MyHiSET (1-855-694-4738) and GED at ged.com. Note: If GED or HiSET recipient is less than 21 years of age, ACT scores must be presented.
5. Submit official college transcripts for any dual enrollment completed while in high school (not required if dual enrollment was at MTSU).
6. ACT and SAT sub-scores will be used to determine course placement. Additional information will be emailed to applicants upon receipt of official scores.

Transfer

Any undergraduate applicant who previously 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 or higher cumulative grade point average from all postsecondary schools attended as calculated by MTSU’s repeat policy and grading scale. 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 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 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 they will be admitted on academic probation if their cumulative grade point average is less than 2.00.

Transfer applicants who have not completed one high school unit of United States History will be admitted, but they must satisfy the U.S. History Requirement (T.C.A. 49-7-110) before graduation (see above). Transfer students whose transfer coursework includes earned credit in a college-level English composition, reading intensive course, and algebra-based mathematics course will be exempt from placement testing. Transfer applicants without this previous credit have the option to take the Academic Assessment Placement Test, provide ACT/SAT scores that have been taken within five years, or be placed in the first level of the appropriate required prescribed courses. The test will assist in course placement and may result in requiring some students to enroll in prescribed courses with elective or general education credit.

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.

Acceptance of Transfer Credit

Middle Tennessee State University accepts transfer credit from accredited 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. Grades of Incomplete or No Credit will be converted to failing grades. The Admissions Office will send an email message when the transcript has been evaluated. 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 Earned at Other Institutions Form available at mtsu.edu/how-to-apply/forms.php. 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 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 50 semester hours of senior college credit (credit awarded at four-year institutions) is required of all students who transfer from approved colleges of less than four-year designation, with at least 36 of the 50 being upper-division courses. A grade of D, D+, or 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 public universities and community colleges in Tennessee 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 Tennessee public 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 other 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 sent directly to MTSU from your high school and each college/technical/post-secondary school attended.
4. If applicant has earned fewer than 24 semester hours, an ACT/SAT score is recommended but optional.
5. Transfer students without previous English composition, algebraic math, and intensive reading coursework will be required to take the Academic Assessment Placement Test, provide ACT/SAT scores that have been taken within five years, or be placed in the first level of the appropriate required prescribed courses prior to registration. The test will assist in course placement and may result in requiring some students to enroll in prescribed courses providing elective or general education credit.

Reenrollee

1. Reenrollees who have not attended another institution since leaving MTSU need only apply for readmission.
2. Reenrollees who have attended another institution since leaving MTSU need to apply for readmission and request an official transcript be sent directly to MTSU from all institutions attended since leaving MTSU or that were not provided with a prior application. Applicants in this category need a grade point average of 2.00 or higher on all courses attempted at all colleges. Reenrollees 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 2.00.
3. Registration cannot occur until all transcripts are received so that eligibility for readmission can be determined. Reenrollees must satisfy  the U.S. History Requirement (T.C.A. 49-7-110) before graduation (see above).
4. 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 semester 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 inclusive combined and overall combined grade point averages (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 at www.mtsu.edu/applynow/.
2. Applicants who have attended other institutions since attending MTSU must have an official transcript forwarded directly 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 1260-Evidence-Based Reading/Writing and Math);
   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 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 high school students.

Dual Enrollment

With a recommendation from a high school principal or counselor, 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 (SAT 1100-Evidence-Based Reading/Writing and Math) or equivalent Pre-ACT or PSAT score.

Rising juniors (current sophomores) at the time of application who have not yet taken the ACT may be considered for admission based on a Pre-ACT or PSAT.

For those who have not taken any of the accepted tests, enrollment in courses is dependent on completing University placement testing and achieving the minimum benchmarks for college readiness as determined by University Studies.

Admission to MTSU for 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 send official transcript.
4. Submit an official ACT/SAT/Pre-ACT/PSAT report.

Special Students

Audit

Any person who is over 18 years of age may opt to take a course but receive no credit (audit).

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

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. 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).

To Apply

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

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

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 with no college credit must hold a high school diploma or the equivalent and meet guaranteed freshman admission standards (above). Applicants with college credit after high school graduation need only submit the last college attended transcript with a 2.00 or higher grade point average to be admitted. Applicants not meeting guaranteed standards can submit a personal statement form for Committee Review 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 mathematics or English course unless the appropriate portion of an academic assessment placement test is taken;
2. any course which has a prescribed course prerequisite;
3. any 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. Students taking those 16 credits over consecutive terms will need to contact Admissions to allow registration the next semester. To continue enrolling at MTSU after receiving 16 hours, the applicant 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 high school transcript or equivalent).

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 at MTSU 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 Affairs .

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 (permanent resident/green card) of status to determine residency for fee payment purposes.

Withholding Application Information

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

Additional Information

Anyone needing additional information on financial assistance to attend MTSU should contact the MT One Stop at mtsu.edu/one-stop/.

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.

Accepted applicants will be notified about CUSTOMS orientation for new freshmen and transfer students. More information can be accessed at mtsu.edu/customs.

Immunization Information

Additional information can be obtained from Student Health Services at  www.mtsu.edu/healthservices/Immunizations.php.

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 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 at MTSU 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 move-in day. “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.

Measles

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 has been uploaded to the Student Portal.

Varicella (Chickenpox)

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 has been uploaded to the Student Portal.

Residency and Rates

65-Year-Old/Disabled Discount Rate

Persons 65 years of age or older or permanently and totally disabled persons (T.C.A. 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. The applicant must submit proof of age (initially) or disability (annually) and a fee discount/waiver form each semester.

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.

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

Residency Classification for Fee-paying and Admission Purposes

The Admissions Office/MT One Stop is charged with the determination of an undergraduate student’s residency and verification of citizenship or lawful presence for fee-paying purposes. 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. The Daniels Center is charged with the determination of a military/veteran student’s residency for fee-paying purposes. Classification is determined by information submitted on the admission application and subsequent Undergraduate Application for In-State Classification that may be obtained from the MT One Stop Student Services and Admission Center or online at mtsu.edu/one-stop/docs/ResidencyApplication.pdf. Notification in writing is made soon after the student applies for admission. All decisions are based on regulations 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.

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 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.

Veteran Residency

Per Tennessee Code Annotated Section 49-7-1304, qualifying military affiliated out-of-state students are eligible to attend Tennessee Public Institutions at the in-state rate.

A “Qualifying Military Affiliated Out-of-State Student” is anyone who is a veteran, active duty, National Guard, or contracted Reserve Office Training Corps (ROTC) cadet. To verify status, a DD214 (Member-4 or Service-2), Leave and Earnings Statement (LES), or ROTC Contract must be submitted to the Charlie and Hazel Daniels Veteran and Military Family Center.

Military spouses and dependents should reach out to the Charlie and Hazel Daniels Veteran and Military Family Center for more information on similar qualifications for the in-state rate.

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 specific requirements or deadlines.

NOTE 1: Acceptance to 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 apply to the School of Nursing at mtsu.edu/nursing.
NOTE 2: Programs in the College of Media and Entertainment 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.

Advanced Standing

All advanced standing scores as defined below should be submitted to the MTSU Undergraduate Admissions Office. 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 examination, credit by special examination, College Dual Credit and Tennessee Statewide Dual Credit, credit for service-related experience, and flight training. All requests for credit must be submitted to the MTSU Undergraduate Admissions Office for review no later than the final day of classes during the term for which credits are requested. If a student elects to take a course rather than receive Advanced Standing credit, then the student forgoes all credit related to that specific exam. Credit will be removed from the transcript and will not be re-posted regardless of outcome (withdrawals, passes, or fails) which includes MTSU and transfer coursework.

Credit by Examination

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

College Level Examination Program (CLEP)

Students may earn college credit for acceptable scores on the College Level Examination Program (CLEP), a computer-based program. Exam scores are available at the completion of the exam. All CLEP scores are submitted to the Admissions Office, and the test results are evaluated and recorded as transfer credit on a student’s transcript if credit is earned. These credits do not carry quality points and will not affect a student’s academic GPA but are considered during repeat processing. Admissions will email the student’s MTSU email account when credit has been evaluated. Students can view their earned credit in PipelineMT. Required scores to earn credit can be found at Credit by Examination.

NOTE: A waiting period of three (3) months is required before retaking a test.

Foreign Language Placement Tests

Any student may earn up to twelve credit hours for language skills by taking the foreign language placement test and completing the recommended placement course with a C- or better. The placement test can be taken if no college language credit has been earned. The adaptive computerized exam is available for French, German, Spanish, Russian, and Italian. Arabic, Japanese, Chinese, Portuguese, and Latin are available upon request. World Languages, Literatures, and Cultures  (WLLC) will notify Admissions to award credit for the courses that preceded the completed class in the world language sequence. More information can be found at Foreign Language Placement Test.

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 (unless otherwise noted) on the appropriate CEEB examination. Credit in the amount carried by the course(s) from which the student is exempted by CEEB advanced placement examination will be awarded. Required scores to earn credit can be found at Credit by Examination.

Credit for English Composition (ACT/SAT)

1. Entering students whose standard score on the English section of the ACT is 32 or better will be given six hours credit for both ENGL 1010 and ENGL 1020. If the student has already completed ENGL 1010 or ENGL 1020, the transcript will reflect three hours credit for the remaining course.
2. Entering students whose SAT verbal scores (before March 2016) are 720 or better or SAT Evidence-Based Reading/Writing scores (March 2016 or after) are 700 will be given six hours credit for both ENGL 1010 and 1020. If the student has already completed ENGL 1010 or ENGL 1020, the transcript will reflect three hours credit for the remaining course.
   NOTE: If a student elects to enroll in ENGL 1010 and/or ENGL 1020 rather than receive credit for the ACT or SAT score, the student will receive the grade from the course-including F or W-rather than receive the waiver.

Cambridge International Examinations

MTSU grants appropriate semester hours credit to qualified students presenting official record of acceptable grades on Cambridge Advanced International Certificate of Education (AICE) examinations. Credit will be awarded for A (Advanced) level and AS (Advanced Subsidiary) level. Required scores to earn credit can be found at Credit by Examination.

DANTES Subject Standardized Test (DSST)

Students who earn a minimum score of 400 (formerly 48) on a DANTES Subject Standardized Test (DSST) may receive course credit. DSST credit may apply to certain University requirements as approved by department chairs. Students should submit an official DANTES transcript to the MTSU Undergraduate Admissions Office for review. Required scores to earn credit can be found at Credit by Examination.

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

International Baccalaureate Program

Students may earn college credit for acceptable scores on examinations administered by the International Baccalaureate Organization. Required scores to earn credit can be found at Credit by Examination.

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 special 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.

College Dual Credit and Tennessee Statewide Dual Credit

Students may earn college credit for acceptable scores on examinations administered through college dual credit programs and the Tennessee Statewide Dual Credit program. Required scores to earn credit can be found at Credit by Examination.

Service Credits

At Middle Tennessee State University, the Charlie and Hazel Daniels Veterans and Military Family Center (Daniels Center) is tasked with coordinating and evaluating service credit. Specifically, all discharged veterans, National Guard members, military reservists, or active duty service members who are receiving VA, DOD, or the state of Tennessee military educational benefits are

• required to submit to the Daniels Center the Member 4 DD214 or the Leave and Earnings Statement (LES),
• required to submit directly to the Office of Admission the Community College of the Air Force (CCAF) transcript-for those who are or have served in the Air Force,
• strongly recommended to submit to the Daniels Center a Joint Services Transcript (JST)-all branches other than Air Force.  

Please submit the DD214 at the time of application for admission to the university.

Academic credit awards are made from evaluation of factors such as time in service, the recommendations of the American Council on Education (ACE), the student’s learning needs, and the ability for the credit to fulfill degree requirements.

Students participating/intending to participate in the ROTC program must notify the Daniels Center when submitting the above documents. 

Students do NOT receive grades for military credit. MTSU does not award vocational or graduate credit.

Those students interested in receiving academic credit for their military training and experiences and are not using military educational benefits can also submit to the Daniels Center the above documentation for evaluation.

Students are encouraged to pursue credits via examination such as CLEP, CEEB, DSST, Credit by Special Exam, International Baccalaureate Program, Foreign Language Tests, the Advanced Placement Examinations (AP), and the American College Testing Program (ACT).

For more information on Service Credit, please contact the Daniels Center (KUC 124, 615/904-8374) or visit www.mtsu.edu/military/admission.php.

Exception: If a student using educational benefits is unable to provide a DD214, the JST or the CCAF will be accepted to fulfill this need.

Holds: Students using military educational benefits who do not comply with the above requirements will not receive Financial Aid (ex: Pell Grant, Stafford Loans, etc.) until the DD214/LES is submitted and reviewed. Additionally, these students will have a hold on their records and will be unable to register beyond the initial semester.  

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.

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.

MTSU offers priority registration for current, reenrolling, or new undergraduates with a previous degree. Assigned registration times are accessible on PipelineMT 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 PipelineMT to view holds.
• Students must meet State of Tennessee immunization requirements (see above).
• ACT/SAT sub scores will determine if a student will be placed in prescribed courses; however, students will have the option to verify/challenge by taking the Academic Assessment Placement Test. Students without ACT/SAT scores may elect to undergo the Academic Assessment Placement Test or be placed automatically in the first level of the appropriate prescribed subject.

Advising

It is strongly recommended for students to meet with an advisor to work out a schedule of classes, to review progress toward graduation, review Financial Aid Course Program of Study (CPoS) applicability, and for program updates or changes.

• Before registration, advising is required for new freshmen and new transfer students.
• Advising is strongly recommended for currently enrolled undergraduate students.
• All pre-professional students should be advised by their pre-professional advisors.
• Upper-division students should closely monitor their progress toward degree using DegreeWorks on PipelineMT.
• Two semesters before their desired graduation, students should meet with their advisors to complete an Intent to Graduate form to ensure they are on track for graduation and the intent is submitted to their graduation analysts prior to the published deadline.
• All full-time, degree-seeking students should be enrolled in the appropriate True Blue Core English course and either six hours in True Blue Core or three hours in True Blue Core and three hours in their majors until they have satisfied the University’s True Blue Core requirements.

Registering Online for Courses

Click on PipelineMT at www.mtsu.edu; Choose Registration and Student Records (left menu). Choose from one of the following:

Registration

• Add or Drop Classes
• Look Up Classes
• Display Corequisites

Priority Registration Tools

• Assigned Advisor
• Assigned Registration Time
• Holds
• Maximum Registration Hours for Term
• Prescribed Course and High School Deficiency Summary
• Registration Status
• Schedule an Advising Appointment
• Schedule Planner

Safety Precautions

Certain courses and programs require the use and/or handling of hazardous materials or equipment.  Students are expected to follow all safety instructions and to take the required safety precautions including, but not limited to, the use of personal protection equipment (PPE) during the course or program to prevent incidences of injury to self or other students

Fee Payment and Confirming Registration

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 confirming registration.

How to pay registration fees by credit card or check card on PipelineMT:

• Log in to PipelineMT, click on Billing and Payment.
• Select Pay Registration, Balance, or Installment. 
• Select Continue. You will be taken to the bill payment system. 
• Select Make a Payment.
• Check Current account balance then click Continue.
• Click on the Select Payment Method drop down box then select Credit or Debit Card then click Select.
• Enter in credit/debit card number then click Continue. 
• Enter in credit/debit card information then click Continue.
• Verify your information is correct then click Submit Payment. 
• Wait for payment confirmation.

How to confirm registration on PipelineMT:

• Log in to PipelineMT, click on Billing and Payment.
• Select Confirm Registration.
• Select the term. Then click Submit. The account balance summary and account detail for the term will be displayed.
• Click “Yes, I will attend during …” and wait for a confirmation number.
  Students will be given a confirmation number and should write down the confirmation number and date as proof of confirmation. If in doubt, students should try the process again and the system will tell them if registration has been confirmed. The confirmation number will not be repeated. If the student does not receive a confirmation number and is instead taken to the bill payment system, aid is either not on the account or a balance is still due.
• 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.

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.