FAQ's about Missouri S&T Distance Education 

What are the admissions requirements for a distance education student?

Requirements are the same as for an on-campus graduate student, including the following:

• B average in the last two years of undergraduate work
• GRE scores
• Three letters of recommendation
  
  There may be other requirements for specific departments.

What is the cost per credit hour for distance classes?

The academic fee structure differs from the fee structure for on-campus students. Click here for fee schedule for distance programs.

Can I get an entire master's degree through distance?

Yes! Degree programs require completion of 10 courses while second master's degrees require eight. To see the list of degree programs offered entirely through distance, click here. 

Are non-graduate degree programs available?

Currently there are a number of graduate certificate programs available. A certificate in a specialized area gives you an opportunity to broaden your knowledge in a particular discipline, learn the latest in developing fields and stay competitive in today's marketplace.

Also, a B average in a certificate program enables you to be accepted into the corresponding master's program without taking the GRE or requiring a minimum GPA from your undergraduate studies. Click here for a complete list of available certificates. 

Are undergraduate degree programs offered?

Currently, Missouri S&T does not offer an undergraduate degree program at a distance. However, there are a number of individual courses that can apply to undergraduate programs and are important to specific audience groups. In general, this student would apply for admission as an undergraduate, non-candidate for degree. If you later wish to obtain your degree, complete application requirements must be completed. 

What non-credit programs are available?

Missouri S&T offers short courses, conferences and workshops for continuing education, with many of the courses offering Continuing Education Units (CEUs) which can be used to document Professional Development Hours (PDHs). Some are offered on campus, some on-line and some at other locations. To get a list of all course offerings, go here. 

What equipment is needed to take distance courses?

All you need is a computer with a high-speed Internet connection (cable/DSL is highly recommended). You can view the live streaming video class while interacting with the on-campus students via an 800 number phone connection. Or, you may want to watch the class later through the archived servers. 

How are labs handled?

Distance courses typically do not have labs. The courses have been structured in such a way as to remove the lab component. Most distance students are already in the workforce and experience the practical application of what they are learning at their jobs. 

How many hours are feasible to carry per semester if I work full time?

While this number will vary from student to student depending on a variety of other factors, most Missouri S&T distance students take 3 hours (1 course) per semester.

How do I register?

•  Complete the DCE Application for Admission form, then print and sign
•  Obtain unofficial copies of transcripts from all universities previously attended
•  Complete First Time Registration form indicating class(es) you wish to enroll in
•  Fax these documents to Distance and Continuing Education at 573-341-4992
•  Forms and more information can be found by going to the DCE admissions page. 

FAQs about Engineering Education Center in St. Louis

How often do classes meet?

The classes are designed for working professionals and only meet one night a week for three hours.
The schedule follows the fall and winter semesters of the University System campuses. Summer classes are on an eight-week schedule June-July. 

Where is the EEC located?

The EEC is location on the University of Missouri-St. Louis campus. A few classes are taught elsewhere. 

Who are the faculty?

Faculty are either resident UMSL faculty or those commuting from the main Rolla campus. There are also adjunct professors who work in industry, most of whom have PhDs, who teach at the center. For a list of faculty, go here. 

Would my graduate degree be from UMSL or Missouri S&T?

The Engineering Education Center is a part of Missouri S&T's School of Extended Learning, so those graduating from the Center are Missouri S&T alumni. 

Can classes taken at the Engineering Education Center be used toward a Ph.D. program at Missouri S&T?

Yes. 

What is the quality of the programs?

The program is identical to the corresponding programs on the Missouri S&T campus. For more information, click here. 

FAQs about Video Communications Center 

How do I participate in my distance class?

Watch the Real or Windows player live stream;
Listen and ask questions live (by phone);
Log on to WebEx and share everyone's computer documents 

What if I miss a class?

You can go to archived streaming media links to see an archived class. 

What do I do if I have problems with my equipment?

Go to Class Schedules which has the phone numbers to call if you have problems connecting to your class; or email VCC at vcchelp@mst.edu.
VCC conducts a live stream test each semester on the Monday before classes begin to ensure that your system is ready to go prior to the first class. Test information can be found here. 

What are the systems requirements for distance classes?

Go to System Requirements page for more information. 

FAQs about International Affairs for prospective students 

I am an international who wants to take classes through the internet at Missouri S&T. How do I get admitted?

You are treated as an American student as far as admission requirements, no matter where your location. Go here for admissions requirements for distance students. 

I am an international who wants to attend Missouri S&T and physically be on campus. What do I need to be admitted?

See admissions requirements for undergraduate and graduate international students.

What sort of financial aid is available for international students?

Graduate Research Assistantships and Graduate Teaching Assistantships are available to graduate students and awarded through the individual departments.
International students do not qualify for U.S. government-based student loans. 

What if I do not pass the TOEFL requirement for English language proficiency?

Missouri S&T's International Affairs department offers an Intensive English Program through its Applied Language Institute, which can bring you up to speed to fulfill the language proficiency requirement. The program offers three levels of instruction - beginning, intermediate and advanced - and successful completion of the program means the TOEFL is waived by most Missouri S&T departments. Click here for more information. 

Where is Rolla?

Rolla is a town of 16,000 people located halfway between two large Missouri cities, St. Louis and Springfield, in the center of the United States. It was ranked one of the 100 best small towns in the United States and the number one small town in Missouri in 2000.
Missouri S&T is a 284-acre campus and is known as a premier technological research university.