1. Missouri Western Dual Credit Program
Academic Advising

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

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

4. 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

5. 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)

6. 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

7. 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?

8. 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?

9. 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

10. Course Planning Tools
Sample Degree Plans:
Major Declaration Forms:

11. 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 $ per semester.
16 credits through the dual credit program costs $1520, for a cost savings of $ 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?

12. 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
Also, check sample degree plan
Just because you plan to attend another institution, doesn’t mean we won’t help

13. 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

14. Questions? Stacy Turner Special Credit Program Coordinator Eric Kramer Academic Advisor