2017-2018 Missouri Southern Catalog

2017·3.7 MB·English

by  Missouri Southern State University

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Table of Contents
Fee Policies........................................................................................................................................ 11
Academic Calendar ........................................................................................................................ 14
Academic Affairs ............................................................................................................................... 16
Student Affairs .................................................................................................................................. 27
Baccalaureate Degree Requirements ............................................................................................... 44
Associate of Science Degree ............................................................................................................. 47
School of Arts and Sciences .............................................................................................................. 49
School of Business ............................................................................................................................. 85
School of Education ........................................................................................................................ 105
Teacher Education ............................................................................................................................. 108
School of Health Sciences ............................................................................................................... 129
Interdisciplinary Studies.................................................................................................................. 143
Major/Minor Degree Codes ..................................................................................................................... 145
University Organization .................................................................................................................. 146
Course Descriptions ........................................................................................................................ 149

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General Information

From the President
The Missouri Southern State University Statement of Values focuses on a complete commitment to the "academic, personal and career
success" of students. We take this charge very seriously and work daily to create the very best university experience possible for our
terrific student body.

As a student at Missouri Southern you will find yourself surrounded by talented and energetic professors who are dedicated to guiding
students toward the success they desire. You will find this highly gifted group of professionals to be totally committed to providing the
very best learning environment possible. The outstanding academic programs they provide are designed to prepare you to compete in a
global society and we have every confidence that you will be perfectly prepared to meet the many challenges of a changing world
when you complete your program of study.
In addition to outstanding academic programs, we also provide a number of student support services to assist you on your higher
education journey. These include assistance provided by the dedicated staff of the Financial Aid Office, Career Services Office, and
the Advising, Counseling and Testing Center. You should always feel welcome to ask questions of these individuals because they are
truly dedicated to helping you succeed.
The campus also hosts numerous student groups that sponsor a myriad of activities throughout the year. And, the student body is
represented by a very active Student Senate that participates in a variety of campus affairs. Students preferring to live on campus enjoy
a lively and engaging residence hall community that provides convenient dining facilities and recreational activities. Additionally, the
Beimdiek Recreation Center is available to all students and is one of the most attractive and well-equipped recreation facilities in the
area. We also have thriving athletic programs, and you can enjoy the fun and excitement of cheering the Lions on to victory in a
number of sports.

An emphasis on understanding and appreciating other cultures, international issues, and global perspectives, all combine to support the
very important international element of the Missouri Southern mission. This focus on learning to live and succeed in a global
community creates a rich sense of diversity on campus and in the surrounding community. Also, as a student here you will have
regular opportunities for international studies abroad and many students throughout the years have gained enormous benefits from
participating in these travel-to-learn experiences.
All in all, we believe that the programs offered at Missouri Southern do a fantastic job of preparing students for the "academic,
personal and career success" identified in our Statement of Values. We invite you to join us on this exciting journey.

If you have questions, please call the Admissions Office at 417.625.9378 or 866.818.6778.

Alan D. Marble, Ph.D.
President
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Dear Student,
If you're entering the university for the first time or even coming back after several years' absence, you'll need information in this
catalog. It's not the most exciting bedtime reading, but it does pack a lot of information about our academic programs into your
university experience.

This catalog and our helpful staff can answer your questions, but here are answers to questions students frequently ask:

1. Can I get financial help with university costs?
Yes, a full range of financial aid programs are available to qualified students. Becca Diskin, Director of Student Financial Aid
and her staff can provide you with information and applications in Hearnes Hall, 417.625.9325, [email protected]. (Financial
Aid)

2. I haven't decided on a major yet. What do I do?
Southern has trained academic advisors to help you discover what your best interests and attributes might be. Visit with Kelly
Wilson, Director of Advising, Counseling and Testing Services (ACTS), Hearnes Hall, 417.625.9324, [email protected].
(ACTS)

3. I'm concerned about the transition from high school to college. Is there someone to help?
Yes, the Advising, Counseling and Testing Services (ACTS) department can help here too, as well as your First-Year
Experience class. Visit with Faustina Abrahams, First-Year Advising Coordinator, Hearnes Hall room 314, 417.625.9521,
[email protected]. or Teresa Thompson, Director, First-Year Experience Program, Hearnes Hall, 417.625.9731,
[email protected]. (ACTS and/or First Year Experience Program)

4. Do you have an Honors Program?
Southern has an excellent and challenging Honors Program, which includes opportunities for international travel. Talk to
Michael Howarth, Director of Honors Program, Taylor Hall 206, 417.625.3005, [email protected]. (Honors Programs)

5. What activities and organizations are available?
A host of special events, student activities and departmental organizations are available throughout the year. Drop by the
Student Activities Office, Billingsly Student Center, 210. Or contact Landon Adams at 417.625.9346 or [email protected]
(Student Activities. See also individual departments.)

Additional information is available at the Southern website:
www.mssu.edu
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Our Mission
Missouri Southern State University is a state-supported, comprehensive university offering programs leading to
undergraduate and graduate degrees. Central to our mission is a strong commitment to international education, liberal arts,
professional and pre-professional programs and the complementary relationship that must exist among them to prepare
individuals for success in careers and lifelong learning.

Vision
Missouri Southern State University will be recognized as a leader in offering undergraduate and graduate degree programs
that foster the total education of each student. In order to remain loyal to the trust given to the University by the people of
the State of Missouri, Missouri Southern State University will:
• fulfill its mission and objectives in an honorable and ethical manner;
• periodically review its mission in light of contemporary changes in society and in the needs of the people of
Missouri and our communities;
• continually assess the effectiveness of its programs in order to ensure their quality and integrity.
Values
International Education
The University prepares its students to be global citizens in fulfillment of its statewide mission.

Liberal Arts Education
The University commits to a comprehensive program of General Education Requirements for all students.

Teaching and Learning
The University provides exemplary teaching and learning as supported by scholarship and creative expression.

Student Success
The University commits to the academic, personal and career success of its students.

Community Service
The University leads the intellectual, creative, cultural and economic advancement of our communities.
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International Education
The State of Missouri has designated Missouri Southern State University, through special legislation, as "a statewide
institution of international or global education." The university is charged with developing "such academic support
programs and public service activities it deems necessary and appropriate to establish international or global education as
a distinctive theme of its mission."
This "international mission," as it is commonly known, enables students to participate in a breadth of international
experiences that will prepare them to succeed in an ever-changing global economy.
MSSU provides a variety of short-term and semester-long study abroad programs, including an international student
teaching experience for teacher education majors. In order to make its study abroad programs more accessible and
affordable, MSSU awards qualifying students $750 grants for faculty-led short-term trips and $1,000 grants for students
spending an entire semester or year abroad.
Each fall, MSSU selects a particular country or region of the world to become the focus of intensive study. The "themed
semesters" bring the world to the university and the community, and allow every student to have a global experience
without leaving the campus. Lectures, concerts, plays, films, readings, art exhibits, and other cultural activities from the
featured country permeate the fall semester and result in the students becoming true global citizens.
Robust foreign language offerings, including courses and degree programs in Spanish, French, Japanese, and Chinese,
give students the opportunity to increase their cultural competency and become more marketable in a competitive
workplace. Becoming proficient in more than one language will open many doors for MSSU graduates and expand their
worldview.
Majors in International Studies and International Business and other related areas provide a substantial foundation for
professional careers in diplomacy, law, education, international business and commerce, journalism, the military,
research, public health, human service organizations, and much more. Opportunities in most of these professions are
available in both the public and private sectors in the United States and abroad. The majors are also a good foundation for
graduate study in such diverse areas as international law, business, history, political science, and anthropology, as well as
international relations, intercultural communication, peace studies, and other interdisciplinary programs.
The International English Program (IEP) provides English as a Second Language (ESL) instruction to international and
resident students whose first language is not English. This supports MSSU's mission of a strong commitment to
international education by enabling more international students to attend the university. In turn, these students bring
different perspectives and values to their American peers, and lifelong friendships often develop.
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Student's Guide to the Baccalaureate Degree
Non Scholae Sed Vitae Discimus "Education not for a living, but for life."

We, the faculty at Missouri Southern, believe that you furnishes knowledge in depth, it is the General
achieve a complete education through an interrelated Education curriculum that seeks to arm you with the
program of study which includes the General education intellectual skills and the breadth of knowledge that
curriculum and your major, as well as the extra- characterize well-educated and socially responsible
curricular opportunities that complete the total collegiate individuals.
experience. We realize that over a lifetime many of you
will change occupations and careers several times. While Goals of the General Education Curriculum
specialized knowledge in your field is essential, we
In compliance with the Missouri Department of Higher
believe that certain lifelong thinking and learning skills
Education (MDHE) and statewide policy, Missouri
and a common body of knowledge are critical for an
Southern State University provides a block of general
understanding of yourself and your larger community
education classes that meet the state-level curricular
and for career advancement in the 21st-century
goals. There are four skill-related areas
marketplace. Specifically, we are committed to assist
(Communicating, Higher-Order Thinking, Valuing, and
you as an undergraduate to:
Managing Information) as well as four knowledge areas
(Social and Behavioral Sciences, Humanities and Fine
• Acquire knowledge, both in breadth and depth,
Arts, Mathematics, and Life and Physical Sciences).
through exposure to a wide variety of disciplines and
through majoring in your chosen field.
Communicating: Well-educated people develop
• Communicate with precision and style and to think effective use of the English language and quantitative
clearly and critically.
and other symbolic systems essential to their success in
• Achieve competence in quantitative skills. school and in the world. Students should be able to read
• Know the methods of inquiry and thought necessary and listen critically and to write and speak with
for understanding nature, society and self.
thoughtfulness, clarity, coherence and persuasiveness.
• Sharpen your awareness and appreciation of cultures
around the world with their differing values, Higher-Order Thinking: Well-educated people
traditions and institutions. develop the ability to distinguish among opinions, facts
• Develop lasting intellectual and cultural interests. and inferences; to identify underlying or implicit
• Recognize and appreciate the importance of assumptions; to make informed judgments; and to solve
creativity and imagination in the human experience. problems by applying evaluative standards.
• Achieve greater social maturity and tolerance for
human diversity through the experience of working Valuing: Well-educated people develop abilities to
closely with a wide variety of fellow students and understand the moral and ethical values of a diverse
faculty members. society and to understand that many courses of action
• Recognize and examine the formation of personal are guided by value judgments about the way things
ethical values in a diverse society. ought to be. Students should be able to make informed
decisions through identifying personal values and the
values of others and through understanding how such
General Education Curriculum
values develop. They should be able to analyze the
The General Education curriculum at Missouri Southern ethical implications of choices made on the basis of
is a carefully designed series of courses that all students these values.
earning a bachelor's degree must complete. It is our
effort to furnish you a liberal education. But why? What Managing Information: Well-educated people develop
about the General Education is so important that it abilities to locate, organize, store, retrieve, evaluate,
constitutes nearly half of the credit hours necessary for synthesize and annotate information from print,
your degree? electronic and other sources in preparation for solving
problems and making informed decisions.
One way to answer that question is to reflect on another:
What does it mean to be well-educated? While the Social and Behavioral Sciences: Well-educated people
question has generated much debate and there is no develop an understanding of themselves and the world
simple answer, most agree that a well-educated person around them through study of content and the processes
possesses certain fundamental intellectual skills, a broad used by historians and social and behavioral scientists to
knowledge of the world and a deep knowledge of a discover, describe, explain and predict human behavior
particular subject. While pursuit of a major field of study and social systems. Students must understand the
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diversities and complexities of the cultural and social Thanks to technological resources and the commitment
world, past and present and come to an informed sense of our faculty, students have the opportunity to complete
of self and others. many of the General Education courses in modes that
suit their individual schedules and needs. While
Humanities and Fine Arts: Well-educated people Missouri Southern offers all of the General Education
develop an understanding of the ways in which humans courses in traditional classroom settings, students who
have addressed their condition through imaginative work possess the skills and responsibility required for success
in the humanities and fine arts. They deepen their in General Education courses offered in non-traditional
understanding of how that imaginative process is modes, such as on-line and televised courses, will be
informed and limited by social, cultural, linguistic and able to do so.
historical circumstances and by learning to appreciate

the world of the creative imagination as a form of
Your Major
knowledge.
The University offers more than 100 majors in a wide
Mathematics: Well-educated people develop an variety of fields. Your pursuit of your major will furnish
understanding of fundamental mathematical concepts you with the knowledge in depth that is also
and their applications. Students should develop a level of characteristic of a well-educated person. Some students
quantitative literacy that would enable them to make come to Southern with a clearly defined idea of their
decisions and solve problems and which could serve as a major; others come uncertain, relying on their exposure
basis for continued learning. to the General Education curriculum and on
experimenting with a few elective courses to help them
Life and Physical Sciences: Well-educated people
choose.
develop an understanding of the principles and
laboratory procedures of life and physical sciences and In either case, when you emerge with your baccalaureate
cultivate their abilities to apply the empirical methods of degree, you will have mastered a body of knowledge that
scientific inquiry. Students should understand how sets you apart from well-educated people in other fields.
scientific discovery changes theoretical views of the Often it is your mastery of a particular discipline that
world, informs our imaginations and shapes human makes you of great value in the workplace. Not only do
history. Students should also understand that science is you emerge knowing a great deal, but you also emerge
shaped by historical and social contexts. armed with the power to learn more, to extend your
knowledge.
In addition to the statewide general education goals,

Missouri Southern has two Institutional Goals
Special Features of Missouri Southern
(International Cultural Studies and Health and
Wellness.) A comprehensive education fostering life-long learning
is the aim of our liberal arts curriculum. Southern strives
International Cultural Studies: Well-educated people to present the best in higher learning. The following
develop an understanding of how cultures and societies features distinguish our university.
around the world are formed, sustained and evolve.
Students should understand world affairs, international Emphasis on Teaching: The heart of Missouri Southern
issues and cultures other than their own as seen through is that of an undergraduate university where the
the history, geography, language, literature, philosophy, interaction between teacher and student is of primary
economics or politics of the cultures. Students will importance in the learning experience. Here you will be
acquire empathy for the values and perspectives of taught by professors with degrees from the most
cultures other than their own and an awareness of the prestigious universities across the nation.
international and multicultural influences in their own
Emphasis on International: The world is changing
lives.
rapidly and dramatically. The future will belong to those
Health and Wellness: Well-educated people develop who have an understanding and appreciation for the
the knowledge and self-management skills that will world beyond the boundaries of their country. That is
assist them in adopting healthy lifestyles. This why Missouri Southern has chosen to emphasize a
encompasses all areas of wellness: physical, emotional, global perspective throughout our entire curriculum and
spiritual, social, intellectual and financial. Students will wherever possible to add an international dimension to
understand the relationship between lifestyle our courses.
management, quality of life and societal health and
Enrichment Programs: Your opportunity for total
productivity.
education is enriched through a variety of special
programs including the Honors Program, internships and
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independent study opportunities, involvement with the improve our programs. In this way, we ensure our
student media and "themed" semesters that focus on a curriculum is dynamic and up-to-date.
country, continent or section of the world. Study abroad
opportunities include the Summer in Sweden art Diverse Student Body: Students at Southern represent a
program; language immersion programs in France, wide variety of ages and places of origin. The sizable
enrollment of nontraditional students (those over 25) and
Germany, Mexico and Spain; and semester-long
exchange programs throughout the world. Short-term international students is a great advantage. On our
study abroad experiences, including comparative trips campus, students come to see each other as friends and
and on-site classes, introduce students to aspects of allies and learn to develop healthy and supportive
another country's culture in order to expand their views relationships with a variety of people.
beyond the U.S. perspective.
Flexible Class Scheduling: Day and evening classes,
hybrid classes and delayed start classes are available to
Total Collegiate Experience: A great deal of college
students for the purposes of flexible scheduling.
education happens outside the classroom. An array of
extracurricular activities are offered to meet almost Distance Learning provides a variety of forms of access
to education to meet the needs of today's students.
every academic and social interest. In addition,
Missouri Southern also offers a broad selection of online
numerous services are available for the student to meet
programs and courses, providing flexible access to
educational and personal needs.
education to meet the needs of today's students.
Assessment of Outcomes: Missouri Southern
Our faculty and staff are always willing to help you to
continually assesses the effectiveness of its programs,
including the General Education curriculum and all the make the most of your college experience. Don't hesitate
majors. The assessment information helps us revise and to ask. We're here for you!
Assessment of Outcomes
Goals of Assessment of Outcomes faculty and administration in program evaluation
processes. The Center for Assessment and Institutional
Assessment is an ongoing, cyclical effort of identifying
Research assists faculty and administration in gathering
goals, developing programs to achieve those goals,
data for those studies. In addition, a Faculty Assessment
evaluating the effectiveness of the programs, analyzing
Advisory Committee meets regularly to study current
results, redefining goals and improving programs. That
assessment methods and make recommendations for
cycle is a basic responsibility of all faculty and
improvement of the University's assessment program.
administrators. Stated goals of outcomes assessment at

Missouri Southern are:
1. Evaluation of institutional effectiveness by research Program for Assessment of Outcomes
and assessment of: Importance of assessment for college accountability is
a. General Education programs and school underscored by a Board of Governors policy requiring
departments that students participate in assessment activities when
b. Academic and developmental student outcomes requested. Information obtained from standardized tests,
2. Improvement of both academic and student affairs faculty developed tests, surveys, student research,
programs: portfolio reviews, student interviews and performances
a. To increase student academic and developmental is used to develop both quantitative and qualitative data
outcomes needed for the analysis phase of our assessment plan.
b. To increase student retention and degree Three identified areas of student outcomes are assessed
completion each year: General Education, programs and student
3. Provision of data needed for assessment, program development. In addition, follow-up studies of alumni
review and strategic planning to fulfill the university and their employers are conducted periodically.
mission
4. Fulfillment of governmental mandates General Education: Data for study is gathered each
In its mission, Missouri Southern is committed to year by administering a standardized test and needed
developing effective programs to fulfill the needs of the surveys to incoming freshmen and exiting seniors. The
students while developing knowledge, skills and positive Proficiency Profile from the Educational Testing Service
attitudes so they can be successful and responsible is a standardized test used to measure the impact of the
citizens of a diverse world. In order to accomplish that General Education curriculum on students as they
goal, ongoing assessment is conducted not only by complete a degree program. Students are called upon to
professors in classes offered each semester, but also by analyze, synthesize, apply and evaluate information
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within several academic contexts, rather than just to major field tests offered by the Educational Testing
recall or recognize content. Missouri Southern seniors Service, PACAT, Inc. or by their particular professional
consistently score at or above the national average on organizations include Biology, Business Administration,
this test. Chemistry, Criminal Justice Administration, English,
Environmental Health, History, Mathematics, Physics,
Program Level: The faculty and administration of each Sociology, Music and Psychology.
department are responsible for evaluating the In major areas where standardized tests are currently
effectiveness of their programs. Departments have unavailable, departmentally developed assessments are
mission statements, goals and objectives that are drawn used. They utilize one or more of the following methods:
from our institutional mission and values. Evidence is faculty developed exams, portfolio review, student
gathered through multiple measures and analyzed in an interviews, external examiners, capstone projects and
atmosphere of shared responsibility among department simulations, among others. The Art, Communications,
faculty and administrators. Kinesiology, Political Science, Foreign Language and
Theatre departments have developed such plans.
Following guidelines from the Higher Learning
Commission in determining the role of assessment in Student Development: The impact of a college is not
affirming and improving student learning, departments limited to the classroom. While General Education
are asked to respond to the following questions: curriculum and departmental major assessment is
1. How are your stated student learning outcomes focused on knowledge and skill outcomes, student
appropriate to your mission, programs and degrees? development assessment focuses on social and personal
2. What evidence do you have that students achieve growth of students both inside and outside of the
your stated learning outcomes? classroom. Surveys are the primary method of gathering
3. In what ways do you analyze and use evidence of data to assess student development. Data are collected
student learning? from entering and graduating students each year to
4. How do you ensure shared responsibility for assess current attitudes and opinions as well as trends in
assessment of student learning? that information.
5. How do you evaluate and improve the effectiveness
of your efforts to assess and improve student
Results of Assessment of Student
learning?
Learning Outcomes
6. How do you insure your student learning outcomes
are shared with campus constituencies and the As our assessment program matures, we have an
public? ongoing commitment to use the data collected from
tests, surveys, etc. to analyze trends and link results to
A variety of assessment methods are used by the various the review and planning processes. Teams of students,
departments. Some departments that offer degrees faculty, administrators and staff are involved in these
leading to state or national certifications use the required activities.
standardized tests for certification as their quantitative
Evaluation of our assessment process continues as we
measures. These departments include Computer
make improvements and confirm successes to insure the
Information Science, Dental Hygiene, Teacher
integrity of our assessment efforts.
Education, Medical Technology, Radiology, Respiratory
Care and Nursing. Departments that use standardized
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