Missouri Western Dual Credit Program Academic Advising

Why do I Need Academic Advising? Money Time Academic Success Career Choice

Money College can be EXPENSIVE!!! Avoid taking unnecessary courses Scholarship/grant opportunities Missing deadlines can cost you dearly Financial Aid Limits

Time Why take 5 years to graduate when you could graduate in 4 years or less? Missing out on full-time pay for a year Potential of adding loan debt by taking extra time to graduate Developing a class schedule that fits your schedule, can save time and money Challenges facing those who don’t graduate, but return years later

Academic Success Advisors can point you to helpful resources Enrolling in the right mix of courses Setting goals Suggesting campus resources Satisfactory Academic Progress (Fin. Aid)

Focus Areas (a.k.a. what interests you?) Seven focus area options at MWSU Not majors, more interest areas Not official, but narrows focus to include classes that may be related to a future major Helps students avoid unnecessary courses, and determine major sooner It helps to start thinking about it now Dual credit provides options regardless of focus area

Focus Areas Focus Area Majors Careers Questions to ask yourself Business & Entrepreneurship Business, Communication, Computer Science, Psychology, Sport Management Manager, Economist, Psychiatrist, Accountant, Events Coordinator, Computer Engineer Do you have an interest in leading, developing & managing others? Maybe you enjoy analyzing data or financial markets? Do you have an interest in innovating, communicating, & delivering offerings that have value for customers? The thought of creating & running your own business excites you Education Elem. Education, Secondary Education Teacher, School Administrator, School Counselor Do you enjoy teaching or training others? Are you interested in working in the field of early childhood, elementary or secondary education? Do you have a passion to help young people learn & develop their skills and talents? Would you like to make a difference in the lives of students? Health Sciences & Health Careers Biology, Chemistry, Nursing, Population Health Nurse, Athletic Trainer, Physical Therapist, Fitness/Wellness Coach Do you have a passion for helping those in need? Do you enjoy helping people recovering from injury or illness? Would you like to develop programs and policies that reduce cost, manage data, or look at the bigger picture of health care delivery in a town, region, or country? Do you want to work with clients and companies to improve health and fitness through exercise and health living?

Focus Areas Focus Area Majors Careers Questions to ask yourself Humanities Political Science, Sociology, English, History, Philosophy K-12 Teacher, Governmental Relations, Public Policy, Writer, Editor, Project Management Do you want to better understand the human experience? Do you like to explore ideas? Are you curious about the history and development of other cultures in the world? Social & Behavioral Science Communication, Criminal Justice, Social Work, Psychology, Public Relations Police or Probation Officer, Legal Assistant, Counselor, Social Worker, Coaching, Public Relations Specialist Do you love learning about people, society, culture and how they interact? Are you interested in helping people and protecting society? Do you want a career in counseling or the law? Are you interested in communication and relationships? STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, & Mathematics) Biology, Chemistry, Mathematics, Computer Science, Engineering Technology Chemist, Environmental Safety, Pharmacy, Forensics, Systems Development, Web Administration, Research Do you enjoy problem solving? Do you enjoy understanding how things work? Do you enjoy learning about principles that control the natural world? Visual & Performing Arts Art Education, Graphic Design, Digital Animation, Music, Music Education Photography, Web Design, Advertising, Stage Performing, Theatre Production, Band Director, Composer, Graphic Designer Do you find yourself re-imagining your surroundings, whether it’s drawings, sculptures or animations? D you find yourself regularly deconstructing and reconstructing songs in your head? Are you known among your friends and family as the actor, performer, or creator?

What Now? Develop Plan Choose Major/Focus Bigger Picture Review Career Options What are your interests? Ex. UNV 101 for Nursing Choose Major/Focus Talk w/: Dual Credit Advisor Academic Dept. HS Counselor Dual Credit Options Develop Plan How do your dual credit courses fit? Degree Plan Bigger Picture

Course Planning Tools Sample Degree Plans: https://forms.missouriwestern.edu/registrar/ug/NUR/SP-BSN-Nursing.pdf Major Declaration Forms: https://forms.missouriwestern.edu/registrar/ug/NUR/BSN-Nursing.pdf

What Can Dual Credit Do for You? MWSU requires 124 credit hours to graduate with a bachelor’s degree 31 credit hours per year or 15.5 credit hours per semester required to graduate in 4 years The Cost of Attendance (living on campus) for one year at MWSU is $19,695 or $9847.50 per semester. 16 credits through the dual credit program costs $1520, for a cost savings of $8327.50 for one semester at MWSU Graduating a semester early will also allow you to potentially start your career sooner Dual credit could also help lighten your course load each semester to improve academic success Help meet prerequisites before you step foot on campus What Can Dual Credit Do for You?

What if I don’t plan on attending MWSU? Most institutions have similar general studies requirements, usually with a few subtle differences Prior to enrolling in dual credit courses, check transfer course equivalencies from MWSU https://www.secure.missouristate.edu/appadm/transequiv/transequiv.asp Also, check sample degree plan https://psychology.missouristate.edu/bspsyfouryearplan.htm Just because you plan to attend another institution, doesn’t mean we won’t help

Don’t Feel Overwhelmed Campus Resources (we can help connect you early) Professional Academic Advisors Professional Counselors Student Engagement Career Development Financial Aid Residential Life

Questions? Stacy Turner Special Credit Program Coordinator 816-271-4109 turner@missouriwestern.edu Eric Kramer Academic Advisor 816-271-4113 ekramer@missouriwestern.edu