Midwestern State University (MSU, MSU-Texas) Introduction and Academics

Introduction

Midwestern State University (MSU) has been around since 1922 and since that time the name has changed 3 times from Wichita Falls Junior College to Hardin Junior College and finally to its current name in 1975. Midwestern State University is situated on 254 acres in Wichita Falls,Texas, a medium size town mapped between Dallas/Fort Worth and Oklahoma City. The population of Wichita Fall is estimated at around 100,000. The city offers commonly found diversions such as auto racing, boating, museum excursions, community events, festivals, and of course other forms of live entertainment such as concerts.

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Information Summary

Ranks 55th in Texas and 1287th overall. See the entire top 2,000 colleges and universities list
Overall Score (about)	76.5
Total Cost On-Campus Attendance	$21,069
Admission Success rate	N/A
ACT / SAT 75%ile scores	23 / 1100
Student Ratio Students-to-Faculty	19 : 1
Retention (full-time / part-time)	65% / 60%
Enrollment Total (all students)	6,102

Academics

MSU is regionally accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of College and Schools. Midwestern State University has a student teacher ratio of about 19:1. The university prides itself on the fact that it is the only university in Texas that is a member of the Council of Public Liberal Arts Colleges.

Midwestern State University (MSU) offers 6 colleges of study that offer 54 undergraduate programs and 28 graduate programs. The five most popular majors, according to survey data published by U.S. News and World Report are: communications/journalism, engineering, education, computer sciences, and natural resources/conservation. The Dillard College of Business Administration offers programs of study in finances and economics. The Fain College of Fine Arts offers degree programs in art and mass communication, for example. The Protho-Yeager College of Humanities and Social Sciences offers philosophy and international studies. The College of Science and Mathematics offers physics, astronomy and geosciences. The West College of Education offers special education. The Health Sciences and Human Services College offers criminal justice and social work. They also have pre-professional and extended education programs available.

Most Popular Fields of Study

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Admissions

Midwestern State University has a variety of requirements; all applications however, for fall admission are due by early August. Incoming freshmen that graduate from a Texas accredited high school, have automatic admission if they are ranked in the top 10% of their class. These students do not need any ACT or SAT scores to be eligible for admissions, only a high school transcript that shows their rank status.

Other students from Texas high schools or out of state must mail official high school transcripts directly to MSU (must be mailed by school cannot be sumitted or mailed from student). If their transcripts do not have ranking indicated, students must submit scores on the SAT of at least 1110 or ACT scores of 24 or above. However if rankings do appear on the transcript, but the student does not fall in the top 10% of their class, MSU has a sliding SAT/ACT score system that is used. For instance, if the incoming freshman ranks in the top 15% of their class, he/she is only required to have an 870 (SAT) or 18 (ACT) score, but if s/he are ranked in the third quartile they must have a SAT score of 1030 or an ACT score of 22.

Transfer students must have a minimum of 18 credits. Those credits must have a GPA of at least a 2.0. MSU wants official college transcripts. If transfer students have less than 18 credits they must also follow the admission process for incoming freshmen.

Graduate students must meet with a graduate coordinator for particular program requirements, however all graduates students must submit official college transcripts.

International students’ application deadline for fall semester classes is the end of March. International students must send TOEFL scores and ACT/SAT scores (if coming in as freshman). They must also have proof of financial obligation and transcripts from either high school or colleg. All documents must be sent to the Office of International Services.

Financial Aid

At MSU financial aid is definitely a streamlined process and approximately 75% of students receive some type of financial assistance in the form of scholarships, grants or loans. Every student must fill out a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). The FAFSA federal deadline is mid June and the Texas state deadline for the upcoming fall and spring terms is not concrete or the same across the state, hence you will need to check with MSU for additional information. Keep in mind that the FAFSA is important in that it determines what type of federal grants or loans you are eligible for. In general, grants, scholarships and loans are available to eligible students.

MSU offers a variety of special programs for tuition help. The Mustang Guarantee Program is a need based program in which MSU will pay the remaining tuition not covered through grants and scholarships. Students eligible for this program must be an incoming freshman, a Texas resident, Pell grant eligible and have a family income of $50,000 or less. Students remain eligible for the program if they maintain 15 credit hours, a 2.5 cumulative GPA and an eligible income. MSU also has a tuition promise (that may change) that will only increase tuition by no more than 5% a year for the next four school years.

Student Financial Aid Details

Ranks 4542nd for the average student loan amount.
Secrets to getting the best scholarships and financial aid in Texas.

Students

MSU has a population of over 5000 students and many activities to make the college experience an exciting one. If Greek life is something you wish to experience during your college years, MSU offers 8 fraternities and 8 sororities. Recruitment starts as soon as the fall semester begins, but true intake into a fraternity of sorority is not until later in the year when students have completed at least 12 or sometimes 24 credits. If one is interested in Greek life it is useful to make yourself known to the groups by attending meetings and informational functions or by networking with current members. If a Greek life is not your thing, MSU has a number of different clubs and organizations such as the special interest club “As One Gospel” or an academic club like the American Chemical Society.

Recreational sports such as dodge ball, archery, frisbee and golf are other ways students can be active around campus. Typically to be part of these intramural sports one only has to sign up, however some sports that may be recognized as a club require tryouts because they tend to compete with other college leagues.

There are many helpful resources for students to make sure the best educational experience is offered. Skills for Success is a 3 credit elective that is offered to freshmen, current students on academic probation and returning academic suspension students. This course offers study skills such as time management, listening and note taking, test taking skills and reading.

MSU also has a program called supplemental instruction. This program resembles a huge study group that offers extra instruction for students in classes that are deemed to be difficult. The program is headed by students that previously took the class and did exceptionally well. If a student has a tough time transitioning from high school to college life or just finds himself a little stressed then MSU has a counseling center with professional counselors. This service is free to all MSU students. MSU also offers transport/escort services to all students who may feel uncomfortable or simply prefer not to walk around campus on their own during the late evening hours.

Student Enrollment Demographics

Student Graduation Demographics

Athletics

MSU, also known as the mustangs, is part of the NCAA Division II Lone Star Conference sports. They have basketball, football, soccer, golf and tennis for men. Women sports such as basketball, soccer, volleyball, cross country, tennis and softball are also offered.

Additional School Information

Housing

MSU offers several resident housing choices. Killingsworth Hall is the largest residence hall on campus; it is also the all-female hall. This hall was remodeled and currently has two full kitchens, study lounges, a chapel and private bathrooms. Peirce Hall is the all male residence hall. The hall has a full kitchen, micro-fridges in every dorm room and a large indoor recreational area. Pierce Hall will eventually be remodeled to include private washrooms.

McCullough –Trigg is a co-ed hall that features suite style dorm rooms that have amenities like micro-fridges in every suite and washer and dryers, private phone lines and voicemails. All resident halls receive copies of newspapers such as USA Today, the Dallas morning news, and Wichita Falls Times-Record every day for free.

MSU has a special house for its students in the honors program. Only a few honors students are selected to live inside a remodeled 5 bedroom and 3 bathroom house. The house comes fully furnished so students don’t need to bring anything but their own special touches. The house throughout the year is used to host events and parties that support the honors program. Aside from resident hall living, MSU also has apartment living generally occupied by upperclassmen and graduate student families. The Sunwatcher Village has 2 and 4 bedroom apartments that are fully furnished; the monthly rent includes all utilities cable and phone services. The apartment building also has common features that you would expect to find on off campus housing such as a workout room and a computer lab. The other apartment complex is called Bridwell courts. This apartment building also like the Sunwatcher is fully furnished and all utilities are paid.

Bibliography

US News and World Report LP. “Charleston Southern University: Overview.” Web. 18 April 2011. <http://colleges.usnews.rankingsandreviews.com/best-college>

Midwestern State University. Web. 24 April 2011.

Wichita Falls Convention Center and Visitor’s Bureau. Web. 5 May 2011. <http://www.wichitafallstx.gov/>

Midwestern State University