Admissions and Registration

Requirements for Admission

Admissions Office
Cope Administration Building, 208

Application Filing Deadlines

The deadline for Fall Semester applications is July 1.

The deadline for Spring Semester applications is December 15.

Required High School Courses

In addition to the admission requirements described below, all students graduating from high school in 1993 or thereafter must have completed the high school subject units listed below for regular admission to MTSU. Students graduating from high school in 1989–92 must meet the 1989 14-unit requirements—those listed below but excluding visual and/or performing arts.

An additional unit in the arts, in mathematics, and in foreign languages is recommended. Applicants who attended high schools not offering the required courses may be admitted, but they must remove the deficiencies before enrolling for 64 credit hours. Different requirements may exist for some freshman applicants (e.g., early admission and international students). Students who graduated from high school prior to Spring 1989 and students who acquired a GED credential in 1988 or earlier are exempt from removing unit deficiencies. Transfer students who graduated from high school in May 1989 or thereafter are subject to the requirements.

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. The transcript of graduates of Tennessee public high schools must include a notation indicating that the student passed the required proficiency examination.

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 GED examination or the ACE 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). The review for high school unit requirements is based upon grades nine through twelve.

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.

Freshman Admission Standards

Each fall new applicants will be admitted until a maximum number is achieved. 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. Application deadline dates are

• February 15–First priority deadline for Fall semester. Applications received after February 15 will be considered until July 1 (second priority deadline) or when the undergraduate enrollment capacity is reached.
• December 15 for Spring semester.

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 the 14 units required for college admission (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

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

MTSU will continue to admit a very limited number of applicants who have not completed all of the specified high school units (using the Conditional Admission category). Competition for these spaces is keen. Applicants with more than two deficiencies are rarely admitted.

Guaranteed Admission—Regular admission will be granted to applicants who complete the 14 units with one of the following:

• a minimum 3.0 GPA
• a minimum composite ACT of 22
• a minimum 2.7 GPA and minimum ACT of 19

Honors admission will be granted to applicants who complete the 14 units with

• ACT composite score of 25 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.

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. Students admitted in this category will be expected to

• remove high school deficiencies (if applicable) within the first 64 hours of enrollment
• maintain academic good standing as defined by University retention standards
• receive services from the University College Advising Center (UCAC)
• enroll in UNIV 1010  the first semester of enrollment
• meet more specific requirements as required for certain populations of students.

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

The Admissions Review Board may also request additional documentation specific to each individual’s circumstances. It is expected that only 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.

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 $10 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.

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 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 or 35 or fewer 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 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 requirement (see above). Eligible transfer applicants who have not completed all of the required high school courses will be admitted, but they must remove deficiencies during the first 30 credit hours of enrollment at MTSU. Courses required to remove deficiencies 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. The algebra-based mathematics course can be used to satisfy the high school unit deficiency. The college-level English composition course can be used to satisfy the English high school deficiency.

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 transfer appeal form which will be provided to the student from the Admissions Office.

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 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/mat_admissn.shtml. 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 associate director of admissions for transfer services.

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.

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 any high school deficiencies.
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.

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;
   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:

1. be a junior or senior in high school;
2. have a minimum 3.0 high school GPA;
3. have a minimum ACT composite of 22 (students enrolling in English or mathematics must have a minimum subscore of 20 on respective subject areas).

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 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 the first day of class. Regular registration fees will be charged for credit courses.

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.

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 the first day of class, paying a minimum registration fee. The cost is one-half the semester hour rate up to a maximum of $70.00. 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.

Transient 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

1. submit the nonrefundable application fee online;
2. complete the application form online;
3. submit an official college transcript from the institution last attended.

NOTE 1: 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).
NOTE 2: Federal financial aid is not available to students in this category.

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 may be asked to submit proof (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 and may be denied continuation of studies at the University.

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.shtml.

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.shtml.

Residency Classification for Fee-paying and Admission Purposes

The Admissions Office is charged with the determination of an undergraduate student’s residency 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 Education 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.

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 Mass Communication 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 Student Financial Aid, 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.

Application Information

New Freshman (No college attendance after high school graduation)

1. Complete undergraduate application for admission at www.mtsu.edu/admissn/apply_admissn.shtml.
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 high school to forward official transcript. If tentative acceptance is desired, request high school transcript through the sixth semester (end of junior year). A final transcript stating date of graduation must be forwarded immediately after graduation.
5. If eligible by GED, have official copy of test scores sent directly from reporting institution. Note: If GED 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 [Previously attended college(s)]

1. Complete undergraduate application for admission at www.mtsu.edu/admissn/apply_admissn.shtml.
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.
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 (Previously attended MTSU)

1. Complete undergraduate application for readmission at www.mtsu.edu/admissn/apply_admissn.shtml.
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.

Regents Online Degree Program

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

High School Scholars Program or Early Admission (High-ability High School Students)

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

Special Student (Audit or noncredit)

1. Complete undergraduate application for admission at www.mtsu.edu/admissn/apply_admissn.shtml.  
2. Submit $25.00 nonrefundable application fee online. The regular registration fee will be charged. Applicants 60 years of age or older or permanently and totally disabled (T.C.A., Section 49-7-113) and domiciled in Tennessee are not required to pay registration fees. (Proof of age or disability and fee discount/waiver form required each semester.)

Adult Special Student (Age 21 or older)

1. Complete undergraduate application for admission at www.mtsu.edu/admissn/apply_admissn.shtml.
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.

Transient Student (One semester only)

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

65-Year-Old/Permanently and Totally Disabled Credit Student

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

International Student

The International Education Office handles application procedures for all international students. See International Education Office   for more information.

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, 327 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.
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 
Calculus with Elementary Functions, three credits, in lieu of MATH 1710 
General Biology, four credits, in lieu of BIOL 1030 /BIOL 1031 
General Chemistry, eight credits, in lieu of CHEM 1110 /CHEM 1111 , CHEM 1120 /CHEM 1121 
Business Law, Introduction to, three credits, in lieu of BLAW 3430 
Financial Accounting, three credits, in lieu of ACTG 2110 
Marketing, Principles of, three credits, in lieu of MKT 3820 
Management, Principles of, three credits, in lieu of MGMT 3610 
Macroeconomics, Principles of, three credits, in lieu of ECON 2410 
Microeconomics, Principles of, three credits, in lieu of ECON 2420 
General Psychology, three credits, in lieu of PSY 1410 
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 
American Government, three credits, in lieu of PS 1005  (formerly PS 2010)
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.

U.S. Government and Politics, three credits, in lieu of PS 1005  (formerly PS 2010)
U.S. History, six credits, in lieu of HIST 2010 , HIST 2020 
Art History, three credits, in lieu of ART 1910 
Studio Art, three credits, in lieu of ART 1610  or ART 1620 
Biology, four credits, in lieu of BIOL 1030 /BIOL 1031 
(Science majors may receive credit for BIOL 1110 /BIOL 1111 , BIOL 1120 /BIOL 1121  upon recommendation of chair, Department of Biology)
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 *
Macroeconomics, three credits for ECON 2410 
Microeconomics, three credits for ECON 2420 
English Composition/Literature, three credits, in lieu of ENGL 1010 
English Language, 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 Literatures, 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 
Calculus AB, four credits, in lieu of MATH 1910 
Calculus BC, four credits, in lieu of MATH 1920 
Statistics, three credits, in lieu of MATH 1530 
Music Theory, three credits, in lieu of MUTH 1000 
Physics B, four credits, in lieu of PHYS 2010 *
Physics C, four credits, in lieu of PHYS 2110 *
Psychology, three credits, in lieu of PSY 1410 
World History, six credits in lieu of HIST 1110 

*NOTE: A grade of 4 or above is required to receive four credits in lieu of CSCI 2170 , PHYS 2010 /PHYS 2011 , PHYS 2110 /PHYS 2111 .

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 2010 PHYS 2011 , four credits
Score of 6 or higher in Physics (higher or standard level exam)/PHYS 2010 /PHYS 2011  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. Six semester hours credit (4 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 one semester hour 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 (or a recent pay stub if currently in service), and any of the following, as appropriate: Community College of the Air Force transcript, Army AARTS transcript, course completion certificates, and/or DD-2295, Application for the Evaluation of Learning Experiences During Military Service.

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 Deficiencies

Students admitted to MTSU with high school unit requirement deficiencies will be required to remove these deficiencies by earning credit for the courses listed below. New freshman students must remove deficiencies within the first 64 hours of enrollment and transfer students within the first 30 hours of enrollment.

Registration Procedures

Scheduling Center, James Union Building, 123

Classes are selected on the RaiderNet system via PipelineMT at www.mtsu.edu/, and the registration guide containing important dates and deadlines can be accessed at www.mtsu.edu/records/sbooks.shtml.

To avoid delay, the following must be observed prior to registration:

1. To be accepted to the University, all students, including reenrollees and part-time students, must complete an admission application by the deadline and submit proper credentials. 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.
2. MTSU conducts Priority Registration (preselection of classes) for current, reenrolling, new graduate students, or new undergraduates with a previous degree. Assigned registration times are accessible on RaiderNet via PipelineMT at www.mtsu.edu. A student is not officially enrolled until completion of all of the requirements of registration including the payment of fees or confirmation of attendance. The registration guide for each semester has information on fee payment, late registration, and dropping and adding classes, as does the website www.mtsu.edu/records.
3. It is strongly recommended that each student confer with an academic advisor to obtain an approved list of classes to be used when classes are selected via RaiderNet. All new undergraduates (freshmen) are required to attend CUSTOMS (the new student orientation program) or to complete the advising process before a registration time is assigned. All new transfer students must attend Transfer Advising Day or meet with an advisor prior to being cleared to register.
4. Former students must settle all prior accounts in the Business Office and Walker Library before readmission. All students must resolve any registration holds before being eligible for registration. RaiderNet may be accessed for a list of holds, if any, by each student.

The following must be observed during the registration period:

1. ACT/SAT sub-scores determine if students need additional testing to determine if placement in prescribed courses is required. Students placed into prescribed courses 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. 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. Upper-division students should have on file an upper-division form and follow a plan for major and minors.
2. The bursar’s website should be consulted for fee payment procedures and payment deadlines at www.mtsu.edu/bursar/.
3. Everyone who does not have an ID card will be required to have an identification (ID) picture made. All students must have an ID card which is automatically validated each semester upon payment of fees, and ID cards are to be used for the complete period of time a student attends MTSU. All students must register their automobiles for the current academic year.
4. All male U.S. citizens and male noncitizens who take up residency in the United States of America before their 26th birthdays 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.
5. Effective July 1, 1998, the State of Tennessee requires 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. DD 214 for veterans can also serve as proof. Registration for classes will be limited to part-time status until an acceptable form is on file in the Student Health Services Office.
6. 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.
7. Effective July 1, 2011, proof of immunity to varicella (chickenpox) is required by meeting one of the following four criteria:
   1. Date of birth before January 1, 1980;
   2. 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;
   3. Documentation of two doses of varicella vaccine given at least 28 days apart, excluding doses given earlier than four days before the first birthday; or
   4. Documentation of blood test (serology) showing immunity to varicella.

Registration for classes will be limited to part-time status until an acceptable form is on file in the Student Health Services Office.

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, Cope Administration Building. Students who disagree with a residency decision may appeal to the Student Appeals Committee. Additional information can be found above.