Registration Information
| Site Designations |
| MA |
|
Main Campus (West St. Louis County) |
| JC |
|
MBU at Jefferson College (Hillsboro, MO) |
| AJC |
|
MBU in Arnold (Arnold, MO) |
| HYB |
|
Hybrid (Main/Distance Learning) |
| MDL |
|
Distance Learning (Only for full-time Main Campus undergraduate students taking 12- 18 hours including web course(s)) |
| WDL |
|
Distance Learning (All Regional Learning Center students and graduate students as well as undergraduate students taking less than 12 hours at Main campus including web course(s)) |
| OLP |
|
Online Program Courses (Only for students accepted into the Online Programs) |
In addition, the above site designations will have one or more of the following characters which will further denote specifics regarding the course:
- If preceded by the letter D – this denotes a day class (ex. DMA*)
- If preceded by the letter E – this denotes an evening class (ex. EMA*)
- If followed by an * asterisk – this denotes a 15-week course (ex. DMA*)
- If followed by the letter V - this denotes a videoconferencing course (ex. EMA2V)
- If followed by the letter W – this denotes a weekend course (ex. EMAW)
- If followed by a 1 – this denotes a 1st 8-week course (ex. EMA1)
- If followed by a 2 – this denotes a 2nd 8-week course (ex. EMA2)
- If followed by # – this denotes a 3-week course.
- If followed by ^1, or ^2 – this denotes a 1st or 2nd 4-week course.
- If followed by %1 or %2 – this denotes a 1st or 2nd 5-week summer course.
- If followed by a ~ – this denotes an 8-week late start summer course.
- If followed by a = – this denotes a 12-week course
In addition to the above designations, a class may have an additional letter to denote multiple sections of the same course within the same term. (e.g. DMA*A, DMA*B). These designations indicate that on Main Campus there are two daytime 15-week sections of the same course.
Course numbers are designated as follows:
| 000-099 |
Developmental |
| 100-199 |
Freshman |
| 200-299 |
Sophomore |
| 300-399 |
Junior |
| 400-499 |
Senior |
| 500-599 |
Master1 |
| 600-699 |
Specialist |
| 700-799 |
Doctoral |
The last number in the three-digit number indicates how many credit hours the course carries (e.g. 503 – this is a master-level course that carries three credit hours).
1A four-digit course number such as 5712, 5709, or 5703 indicates a course such as Student Teaching which carries twelve credit hours for a sixteen week semester. Courses in the M.A. curriculum in Clinical Mental Health Counseling and School Counseling (Traditional and Licensure Track) also carry four-digit course numbers, with the second digit indicating program year and the last digit denoting credit hours.
Online Courses:
The MDL sections are reserved for undergraduate students taking 12-18 hours on Main campus including any web course for which they are enrolled (9-15 hours for summer sessions). An undergraduate student taking 12-18 hours of Main campus classes pays a comprehensive tuition rate during the fall and spring semesters (during the summer there is a comprehensive flat rate for those enrolled for 9-15 hours). Enrolling a student in the MDL section of a course does not charge additional tuition and allows the course to count toward full-time enrollment which will impact scholarships.
Students taking classes at Regional Learning Centers, or less than 12 hours on Main campus including any web course for which they are enrolled, are charged tuition on a per credit hour basis. The students in this situation are enrolled in the WDL section as it is charged on the per credit hour basis.
Courses with a type of HYB (Hybrid) indicate courses offered in a combined classroom and online format.
The OLP sections are reserved for students accepted into the Online Programs at MBU.
Terms for Undergraduate, Master, and Specialist students:
| FA-25 |
Fall |
(August – December) |
| WT-25 |
Winter |
(December – January) |
| SP-26 |
Spring |
(January – April/June) |
| SU-26 |
Summer |
(April/May – August |
For specific start, end, add/drop, and withdrawal dates, see the Academic Calendar .
Terms for Doctoral and ABSN students:
| FAQ-25 |
Fall |
(September –December) |
| WTQ-26 |
Winter |
(January – April) |
| SPQ-26 |
Spring |
(April– June) |
| SUQ-26 |
Summer |
(June – September) |
Schedule Adjustment
Students finding it necessary to add or to drop a course(s) must complete a Schedule Adjustment form supplied by the Records Office. Students should consult the University calendar, printed in the appropriate Course Schedule, for all deadline dates. If a student stops attending a course but fails to complete the proper forms, the final grade will be recorded as XF. An XF is a penalty grade and counts against the semester and cumulative grade point averages (GPA).
Students who make any changes to their schedule after the first day of each semester will be charged a $30.00 schedule adjustment fee.
Students should refer to the Academic Calendar for specific deadlines for and financial implications of adding or dropping classes.
To Add a Course
Fifteen and Sixteen-Week Terms (Full Semester)
Students wishing to add a class must file a completed Schedule Adjustment form, including signatures, by the end of the tenth working day of the term in the Records Office.
Twelve-Week Terms (Quarters, Student Teaching)
Students wishing to add a class must file a completed Schedule Adjustment form, including signatures, by the end of the fifth working day of the term in the Records Office.
Ten-Week Terms (Forty Sessions – Summer)
Students wishing to add a class must file a completed Schedule Adjustment form, including signatures, by the end of the fourth working day of the term in the Records Office.
Eight-Week Terms
Students wishing to add a class must file a completed Schedule Adjustment form, including signatures, by the second class meeting in the Records Office.
Five Week Terms (Twenty Sessions – Summer)
Students wishing to add a class must file a completed Schedule Adjustment form, including signatures, by the end of the second working day in the Records Office.
Four Week Terms (Student teaching)
Students wishing to add a class must file a completed Schedule Adjustment form, including signatures, by the end of the second working day of the term in the Records Office.
Three-Week Terms (Twelve Sessions – Summer and Winter)
Students wishing to add a class must file a completed Schedule Adjustment form, including signatures, by the end of the second working day of the term in the Records Office.
To Drop a Course
Fifteen and Sixteen Week Terms (Full Semester)
Courses officially dropped, with a completed, signed, and submitted Schedule Adjustment form in the Records Office, on or before the tenth working day of the semester will not appear on the student’s transcript. Courses officially dropped after the tenth working day, but before the end of the twelfth week of the semester, appear on the transcript with the grade of W, indicating that the student withdrew without grade point penalty. Courses officially dropped after the twelfth week are marked WF. A WF is a penalty grade and counts against the semester and cumulative grade point averages.
Twelve-Week Terms (Quarters, Student Teaching)
Courses officially dropped, with a completed, signed, and submitted Schedule Adjustment form in the Records Office, on or before the fifth working day of the term will not appear on the student’s transcript. Courses officially dropped after the fifth working day but before the end of the ninth week appear on the transcript with the grade of W, indicating that the student withdrew without grade point penalty. Courses officially dropped after the ninth week are marked WF. A WF is a penalty grade and counts against the semester and cumulative grade point averages.
Ten-Week Terms (Forty Sessions – Summer)
Courses officially dropped, with a completed, signed, and submitted Schedule Adjustment form in the Records Office, on or before the fourth working day of the term will not appear on the student’s transcript. Courses officially dropped after the fourth working day but before the end of the sixth week appear on the transcript with the grade of W, indicating that the student withdrew without grade point penalty. Courses officially dropped after the sixth week are marked WF. A WF is a penalty grade and counts against the semester and cumulative grade point averages.
Eight-Week Terms
Eight-week courses officially dropped, with a completed, signed, and submitted Schedule Adjustment form in the Records Office, by the second class meeting will not appear on the transcript of the student. Courses officially dropped after the second class meeting but before the sixth class meeting appear on the transcript with the grade of W, indicating that the student withdrew without grade point penalty. Courses officially dropped after the sixth class meeting are marked WF. A WF is a penalty grade and counts against the semester and cumulative grade point averages.
Five Week Terms (Twenty Sessions – Summer)
Courses officially dropped, with a completed, signed, and submitted Schedule Adjustment form in the Records Office, on or before the second working day of the term will not appear on the student’s transcript. Courses officially dropped after the second working day but before the end of the twelfth working day appear on the transcript with the grade of W, indicating that the student withdrew without grade point penalty. Courses officially dropped after the twelfth working day are marked WF. A WF is a penalty grade and counts against the semester and cumulative grade point averages.
Four Week Terms (Student Teaching)
Four-week courses officially dropped, with a completed, signed, and submitted Schedule Adjustment form in the Records Office, by the second working day of the term will not appear on the transcript of the student. Courses officially dropped after the second working day of the term but before the third week appear on the transcript with the grade of W, indicating that the student withdrew without grade point penalty. Courses officially dropped after the third week are marked WF. A WF is a penalty grade and counts against the semester and cumulative grade point averages.
Three-Week Terms (Twelve Sessions – Summer and Winter)
Courses officially dropped, with a completed, signed, and submitted Schedule Adjustment form in the Records Office, on or before the second working day of the term will not appear on the student’s transcript. Courses officially dropped after the second class day, but before the end of the tenth class day, appear on the transcript with the grade of W, indicating that the student withdrew without grade point penalty. Courses officially dropped after the tenth class day are marked WF. A WF is a penalty grade and counts against the semester and cumulative grade point averages.
Withdrawal from the University
A withdrawal from the University is a full withdrawal from all courses and terminates the matriculation of the student. If a student discontinues enrollment from the Missouri Baptist University, whether voluntarily or not, re-entry for future semesters may be contingent on satisfying conditions outlined by the Director of Online & Graduate Enrollment Services. Any student who voluntarily withdraws from the university or is dismissed for any reason must apply for readmission in order to re-enroll after having been absent the preceding semester.
An accurate student record will be especially important if the student decides to return to Missouri Baptist University or transfer to another institution. Withdrawals can affect a student’s federal financial aid eligibility.
Students finding it necessary to withdraw from the University must complete a Withdrawal from School form, which can be secured from the Records Office on the Main campus or online. All notices of withdrawal must be provided to the Records Office to be considered official notification of a withdrawal. Otherwise, they will receive an XF grade for each course, which is a penalty grade and counts against the semester and cumulative grade point averages.
DROP: If a student withdraws from the University by the tenth working day of the semester, the courses will not appear on the transcript.
WITHDRAW: If a student withdraws from the University by the tenth working day but before the end of the twelfth week of the semester, their courses appear on the transcript with the grade of W, meaning withdrawal without grade point penalty. Additionally, withdrawal after the twelfth week results in a grade of WF, which is a penalty grade and counts against the grade point average. For permissible withdrawal periods for Winter, Summer, and eight-week sessions, consult the section on dropping or adding a course and refer to the Academic Calendar for specific deadline dates.
Charges and/or refunds are made in keeping with catalog regulations (see University Fees and Financial Information ). Accounts become due and payable immediately upon withdrawal.
Petition for Withdrawal Due to Extreme Extenuating Circumstances after Period of “W” Grade
Students who are facing extreme extenuating circumstances, and who have missed the withdrawal during the “W” period, may submit a Petition for Withdrawal Due to Extreme Extenuating Circumstances to be considered for late withdrawal from courses. Regardless of the circumstances, late withdrawal petitions are not guaranteed to be approved.
The petition will require the student to meet the definition of an extreme extenuating circumstance; provide an explanation, details, and documentation of the circumstance, and address why they were not able to withdraw from the classes by the “W” withdrawal period. Documentation to support the petition must be submitted and must support that the extreme extenuating circumstance occurred in a time-frame appropriate to the petition.
Extreme Extenuating Circumstances are limited to:
- Death in the immediate family (NOTE: Immediate family members include spouse, mother, father, sister, brother, son, daughter, or legal equivalent thereof.)
- Medical, legal, or other complications from sexual assault or other violent assault.
- Medical emergency which resulted in medical confinement or incapacitation for at least 50% of the class contact hours or, in the event of an online course, for at least 50% of the total time allotted for the course. The medical confinement or incapacitation need not be consecutive; intermittent medical confinement or incapacitation may be counted as cumulative provided all are caused by the same medical condition.
- Permanently/totally disabled.
- Students who are recalled to military active duty. (Initial enlistment into the military and Active Duty for Training for Reservists do not typically qualify.)
A committee will receive petitions for withdrawal due to extreme personal circumstances. Committee membership includes, but is not limited to, representatives from the Dean of Student Office, Student Financial Services, Records Office, Business Office, Student Success Center, and for graduate students, representation from Graduate Affairs. Documentation of the committee’s recommendation will be sent to the Provost and Records Office.
Petition for Financial Relief
Students meeting criteria defined as an extreme extenuating circumstance may petition for financial relief associated with the cost of tuition and fees in accordance with University policy. More information can be found online on the Student Financial Services webpage.
Full-Time and Part-Time Loads
Academic Advisement
Academic Policies and Procedures
Undergraduate Transfer Credit
The entire transcript of an undergraduate transfer student, including grade point average and credit hours, will be evaluated as if all hours were earned at Missouri Baptist University. Thus, a grade of D is not acceptable in a course taken to fulfill a major or minor requirement but may fulfill other requirements. A required course must be repeated if a grade of F is earned. An elective course may be repeated, or another course substituted if a failing grade is earned. Both will appear on the transcript.
Students will be permitted to take up to twenty-one credit hours in a semester in combination with MBU and another institution. Students who are enrolled in MBU and continue to take coursework outside of MBU that exceeds the twenty-one credit hour limit will not have those additional courses applied to their transcript.
Missouri Baptist University does not have an academic forgiveness policy and therefore accepts all transfer credits with the grade originally earned unless the course has been repeated for a higher grade (see “Repeating a Course” in Grading Policies ).
Academic Priorities
All students are expected to do the best academic work of which they are capable. They are expected to give first priority to the preparation of assignments, to class attendance, and to class participation. Outside study time needed will vary with each class. Generally, two hours of outside study time are required for each hour of in-class time.
For the University experience to be fulfilling, students must strive to grow through the knowledge offered in class and outside study. True intellectual growth results from an individual forming opinions under the rigors of intellectual discipline.
Academic Honors and Awards
Undergraduate
Academic honors for undergraduate students are conferred at two levels: semester recognition and in conjunction with graduation.
Semester Honors
Semester Honors recognize those undergraduate students on the Honor Roll and the Dean’s List, and those receiving the President’s Citation, during Fall, Spring, and Summer semesters or undergraduate students enrolled in Winter, Spring, Summer, and Fall quarters. All full-time students enrolled for at least twelve semester hours at Missouri Baptist University are eligible to receive Semester Honors recognition with the following exceptions: students are disqualified for honors during any semester in which they are on disciplinary probation (such as for failing to attend chapel), or in which they receive a grade of F, WF, XF, or IN, regardless of grade point average. Semester honors are based only on the MBU classes enrolled for that semester.
The Dean’s List carries the names of all qualified students who have achieved a grade point average of 3.75 or higher during a regular (Spring or Fall) semester or qualifying undergraduate quarter (Winter, Spring, Summer, Fall). Those students on this list who have achieved a perfect 4.00 grade point average are further honored by a special citation from the President.
The Honor Roll carries the names of all qualified students who have achieved a grade point average of at least 3.40, but less than 3.75 during a regular semester or qualifying undergraduate quarter.
Graduate students do not qualify for semester hours.
Student Fellows
A student fellow is an undergraduate upperclassman selected by a faculty member to assist in grading papers and tests, proctoring exams, or other appropriate duties related to the instructional process, including typing, copying, and filing.
To be eligible a student must meet the following criteria:
- Be recommended by a full-time faculty member;
- Be ranked as a junior or senior;
- Be pursuing a major or minor in the discipline taught by the faculty member recommending the student;
- Have a minimum cumulative grade point average of 3.00 on a 4.00 scale;
- Have completed at least one full-time semester or twelve credit hours at Missouri Baptist University;
- Be enrolled as a full-time student for the semester(s) in which he/she is serving as a fellow.
Each full-time faculty member is eligible to nominate a student to serve as a fellow. The nominations are reviewed and approved by the Dean’s Council each semester.
Recognition for service as a student fellow is noted on the student’s transcript as an academic honor. In addition, the student will receive a stipend each semester that they serve as a student fellow.
Awards
Awards are conferred during the Spring semester at the Missouri Baptist University Outstanding Students of Achievement awards ceremony. Students are recognized for the following areas of achievement.
- Demonstrating exceptional achievement or progress in an academic discipline
- Making a significant contribution to the University, commonly through exceptional participation in extracurricular activities
- Demonstrating superior university citizenship and positive attitude in relationships with the faculty, staff, and student body.
Graduation with Honors
An undergraduate student who has attended Missouri Baptist University as a full-time student (12 hours or more) for at least two semesters or undergraduate quarters (Fall, Spring, and Summer or Winter, Spring, Summer, and Fall Quarter), or as at least a half-time student (6 to 11 hours) for at least four semesters (Fall, Spring, and Summer or Winter, Spring, Summer, and Fall Quarter), may qualify for honors at graduation by achieving one of the following cumulative grade point averages:
- An index of 3.40 to 3.59 may qualify for graduation Cum Laude
- An index of 3.60 to 3.79 may qualify for graduation Magna Cum Laude
- An index of 3.80 to 4.00 may qualify for graduation Summa Cum Laude
In considering the eligibility of a transfer student for graduation with honors, the student’s entire transcript will be evaluated as if the hours were earned at Missouri Baptist University. For all students, both the degree credit cumulative and total cumulative grade point averages must be at or above the indexes listed above.
Only students who have completed all requirements for graduation (Fall or Spring semester graduates) are recognized at commencement by the wearing of gold honors cords. Summer graduates receive their honors cords with their diplomas upon completion of all requirements for graduation.
Grading Policies
Grade Appeal Policy
If a student believes he or she has received a course grade that is not reflective of the quality of work put forth in accordance with the expectations outlined in the course syllabus, the following procedure provides a way for that student to appeal the grade and address his or her concerns. However, the student should not assume that any grade appeal will be successful.
The first step is to contact the instructor upon posting of the final course grade. Final course grades are posted online through myMBU Access the week following the end of the course. In the event that the instructor is no longer employed by the University, the grade appeal will be determined by the Associate Dean. This first step should be completed by the student in writing by letter or e-mail to both the instructor and the Associate Dean no later than 30 days after the beginning of the semester following the one in which the disputed final grade was received (30 days into the Spring semester for a Fall or Winter course or 30 days into the Fall semester for a Spring or Summer course). The appeal must be factually based and the evidence for the appeal clearly explained. An appeal may be based on one of the following standards: (1) the recorded grade is an error or (2) the grade determination was not reflective of the quality of work put forth in accordance with the expectations outlined in the course syllabus. These are the only legitimate grounds for an appeal. Students may not appeal an individual test, assignment, or project grade.
Upon receipt of the appeal, the instructor has fourteen (14) days to evaluate and respond in writing. The instructor’s response need only notify the student as to whether the appeal has been sustained or denied. If the instructor determines that the grade should be changed, the instructor will file a Change of Grade Form with the Records Office. A copy of that communication will be provided to the student and to the Associate Dean.
If the instructor denies the appeal, the student may next appeal to the Associate Dean responsible for the course within fourteen (14) days of receiving the instructor’s decision. If the course instructor is the Associate Dean, or if the Associate Dean reviewed the original appeal because the instructor is no longer with the University, the appeal would be to the Dean. To initiate the second-level appeal, the student must submit the following items to the Associate Dean (or the Dean, when appropriate) and to the Records Office: signed Grade Appeal Form, the instructor’s written denial, and an explanation with supporting evidence as to why the denial is deemed to be unjustified. The Grade Appeal Form is available in the Records Office and can be downloaded from the MBU website.
The Associate Dean will consider the grade appeal and review the points of disagreement and thereby determine whether the grade was recorded in error, or whether the award of the grade was not reflective of the quality of work put forth in accordance with the expectations outlined in the course syllabus.
The Associate Dean will render judgment as to whether the grade that has been assigned is the accurate grade. The Associate Dean’s decision will be the final determination of the grade.
Senior Permission
Undergraduate students majoring or minoring in Accounting; Business Administration; Healthcare Management; Management; Marketing; Exercise Science; Health Sciences; Sport Management; English; Christian Ministry; Behavioral Sciences; Criminal Justice; Psychology; History; Human Services; Social Sciences; Worship Arts Technology; Worship Leadership; Worship Studies; or Biology, Chemistry, Cross-Categorical Disabilities, or Early Childhood, Elementary, Health, Middle Childhood, Physical, Secondary, Music, or Early Childhood Special Education may take designated, dually-listed courses (400/500) during their senior year.
Missouri Baptist University undergraduate, senior-level students with a GPA of 3.0 or higher may take up to twelve (12) hours of graduate credit; they may take no more than six (6) hours in any one semester (or 3 hours per 8-week session). Students must complete a Senior Permission form via Formstack, available online under Electronic Forms at https://www.mobap.edu/academics/records-registrar/undergraduate-forms/ during the first two weeks of each semester or 8-week session, which must be signed by their academic advisor. To be eligible for Senior Permission, students will have completed a total of 90 hours of undergraduate work and cannot exceed a total of nineteen (19) hours in the semester in which they are taking Senior Permission courses. These hours may count toward a master’s degree if they meet the specific requirements for the program. Credits earned as Senior Permission must be applied toward a master’s program within seven years.
The following guidelines apply to Senior Permission students:
- Senior-level students (those who have earned at least 90 semester hours of credit), with a cumulative grade point average of 3.000, may request permission to take up to 12 hours of graduate credit with a maximum of 6 hours per semester (or 3 hours per 8-week session). Students may not be enrolled for more than 19 hours during any semester in which a senior permission course is taken.
- Seniors will register for any dually listed (400/500) course as undergraduates (for 400-level courses) and will be charged undergraduate tuition.
- Seniors must complete the Senior Permission Form via Formstack, available online under Electronic Forms at https://www.mobap.edu/academics/records-registrar/undergraduate-forms/ during the first two weeks of each semester or 8-week session, which must be signed by their academic advisor.
- The Records Office will notify students and their instructors by the end of the second week of day classes, or by the second class session for evening classes, if they have met the eligibility requirements and have been approved to complete the course for graduate credit. Students who elect not to pursue graduate credit after approval has been granted must notify the Records Office in writing.
- At the end of each semester, instructors will notify the Records Office of those students who have successfully completed graduate-level requirements. The Vice President for Graduate Affairs will approve those students to receive graduate credit, and the undergraduate course will be updated to the graduate course on the transcript at that time.
- These hours may count toward a master’s degree if they meet the specific requirements for the program the student is pursuing. Credits earned as Senior Permission must be applied toward a master’s program within seven years.
- Students taking Criminal Justice (CRJS or CRPH) courses for senior permission must be enrolled in online sections.
This program is provided for regular undergraduate students enrolled in a program of study at Missouri Baptist University. Undergraduate students enrolled in courses at MBU through the Intercollege Consortium are not allowed to enroll in these courses for graduate credit.
Overload Policy
Undergraduate
The waiver of overload fees policy clarifies conditions in which students are eligible to receive waiver of overload fees.
Policy
MUSIC: For Music Education majors who are required to enroll in small or large ensemble courses during each regular term of attendance (excluding summer), overload fees are waived up to 19, 20, and 21 credit hours for instrumental or vocal large ensemble or small ensemble courses. This excludes Theatre ensemble courses as they are not required courses for the Music Education major. If a student carries an overload during a semester in which they are NOT enrolled in ensemble courses, the overload fee applies. See definitions section below for ensemble courses which qualify for waiver of overload fee. Students enrolling in the ensemble courses who do NOT need the credit for completion of their major requirements (i.e. non-Music Education majors) will not be eligible to receive waiver of overload fees. NOTE: a zero credit hour ensemble course is available for students who do not need the credit hours for their degree programs.
SCIENCE: Students in the Natural Sciences Division may enroll in BIOL 382-384 Instructional Methods and Problems in Biology or CHEM 372-374 Instructional Methods and Problems in Chemistry to earn credit for serving as a department laboratory assistant. If enrolling in the course causes the student to carry an overload, the overload fee for up to 20 credit hours will be waived. This waiver of overload fee will apply only in semesters in which the student is enrolled in the Instructional Methods course.
BY APPEAL: Any overload scenarios not addressed above may be considered for waiver of the overload fee on a case-by-case basis, as determined by the Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs in conjunction with the Director of Financial Services. Students who wish to request that overload fees be waived for a particular course must submit a written request to the Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs, outlining the nature of the overload and rationale for why the waiver of overload fees should be applied.
Definitions
A list of definitions can be found here: PDF of Definitions.
Graduate
Graduate students are not allowed to exceed 12 hours per term.
Academic Probation and Suspension
Attendance Policy
Attendance Policy for Undergraduate Courses:
Missouri Baptist University’s mission and vision embrace the importance of transformational learning opportunities in both the curricular and co-curricular realms. It is inevitable conflicts will arise between those curricular and co-curricular experiences. As such, the university expects students to attend all classes, yet recognizes co-curricular opportunities could lead to occasional class absences. Faculty, students, and staff are responsible for supporting an environment that upholds the integrity of the education and students’ ability to experience a diversity of educational experiences. However, absence from class prevents a student from receiving the full benefit of the course and often detracts from the learning process for other students in the class. Additionally, for students eligible for financial aid, documented attendance is necessary before the initial disbursement of funds to their student accounts. Absences may result in lower grades due to missed examinations, assignments, exercises, and the failure to actively engage in the classroom learning experience. Excused absences are defined by MBU as:
- Participation in an approved university-sanctioned event;
- Extenuating circumstances that make it impossible for a student to be present in class (e.g., jury duty, military duty, severe injury or acute/chronic illness). In the event of an extenuating circumstance, a student should submit relevant documentation (jury summons, doctor’s note, etc.), in advance when possible or within three school days of an unexpected event, to the Dean of Students office. The office will validate the circumstances of the absence and, If the absence is approved as excused, provide notification of excused absence to the student’s instructors.
Students are responsible for turning work in on time, even if the student has an excused absence. In the case of an excused absence, it is the student’s responsibility to make arrangements with the instructor to complete missed work in advance when possible or within 24 hours of an unexpected event. All other absences are subject to individual instructor syllabus attendance policies. Students who incur absences in excess of 25% of the total class meetings may have their final grades lowered, up to and including failureof the course. Instructors may establish additional attendance guidelines for their courses in accordance with the official university attendance policy as stated in the academic catalog. Note: For programs leading to certification or licensure (e.g., teacher education or nursing), individual course attendance policies may out of necessity be more strict as the students are required to complete a specified number of hours of clinical or classroom experience to satisfy licensure/certification requirements.
If students believe they have received a course grade that is not reflective of the quality of their work or their class attendance, they should refer to the MBU Grade Appeal Policy in the MBU Academic Catalog.
For students enrolled in hybrid or online courses, course attendance may be defined differently. For asynchronous online courses, documented attendance will be determined by the completion of weekly class assignments. Students failing to complete at least one academic activity, such as assignments, quizzes, exams, or discussions in an online class during a given week will be counted as absent for that week. For students enrolled in hybrid or synchronous online courses, attendance during the in-person hybrid class sessions and synchronous online sessions will be determined by the student’s physical presence during the specified course meetings. Attendance in the online portion of a hybrid course will be determined by completion of class assignments in the same manner as for asynchronous online courses.
In accordance with Title IX of the Educational Amendments of 1972, Missouri Baptist University shall treat pregnancy and related conditions as a justification for an excused absence for so long a period of time as is deemed medically necessary by the student’s physician. Requests for excused absence related to pregnancy should be directed to the Dean of Students Office; questions about Title IX should be directed to the University Title IX Coordinator.
Attendance Policy for Graduate Courses:
Each instructor gives reasonable consideration for unavoidable absences and to the possibility of making up missed work. The instructor has the right to request the withdrawal of a student with excessive absences in any course. Since eight-week courses are offered in an accelerated format, students who miss a significant amount of content as deemed by the instructor will receive an automatic “F” for the class. Course attendance may be defined differently for students enrolled in hybrid or online courses.For asynchronous online courses, documented attendance will be determined by completing weekly class assignments. Students failing to complete at least one academic activity, such as assignments, quizzes, exams, or discussions in an online class during a given week, will be counted as absent. For students enrolled in hybrid or synchronous online courses, attendance during the in-person hybrid class sessions and synchronous online sessions will be determined by the student’s physical presence during the specified course meetings. Attendance in the online portion of a hybrid course will be determined by completing class assignments in the same manner as for asynchronous online courses.
MBU defines excused absences as:
- Participation in an approved university-sanctioned event;
- Extenuating circumstances that make it impossible for a student to be present in class (e.g., jury duty, military duty, pregnancy, severe injury, or acute/chronic illness). In an extenuating circumstance, a student should submit relevant documentation (jury summons, doctor’s note, etc.) in advance, when possible or within three school days of an unexpected event, to the Dean of Students office. The office will validate the circumstances of the absence and, if the absence is approved as excused, provide notification of excused absence to the student’s instructors.
Students are responsible for turning work in on time, even if the student has an excused absence. In the case of an excused absence, the student must make arrangements with the instructor to complete missed work in advance when possible or within 24 hours of the excused event.
Approved Style for Research Papers
All formal communication by the student with regard to course assignments, either written or oral, is graded not only according to the content demanded by the assignment, but also according to established standards of proper English or specified in the Modern Language Association Manual (MLA) or the American Psychological Association Stylebook (APA), or composition books featuring these styles. The faculty of the school in which the student’s major is listed determines the formal style required for papers, projects, or theses.
Statement on Uniform Grading System Regarding Proper Communication
All formal communication by the student, either written or oral, is graded not only according to the content demanded by the assignment, but also according to established standards of proper English as specified in the Modern Language Association (MLA) or the American Psychological Association (APA) stylebook, or composition books featuring these styles.
Missouri Baptist University Institutional Review Board
Missouri Baptist University (MBU) maintains an active Institutional Review Board (IRB) whose purpose is to ensure the safety of research subjects and investigators. The IRB meets regularly to review all applications for conducting research by MBU students and faculty. All research conducted under the auspices of MBU is subject to the approval of the IRB. The policies governing the operation of the IRB and the research subject to it, as well as appropriate research application forms and procedures, can be accessed at this link https://www.mobap.edu/institutional-review-board/.
Academic Integrity and Honesty
Academic dishonesty jeopardizes the academic integrity of the University and is not in keeping with Christian principles. It is considered to be a serious offense. Missouri Baptist University expects students to attach their names only to work or research which they have done themselves. Materials and sources must be properly documented. Students must prepare original work and research, present their own reports and papers, and take examinations without any assistance or aids not expressly permitted in the testing procedure.
Academic dishonesty includes but is not necessarily confined to plagiarizing; cheating on examinations; submitting counterfeit reports, tests, or papers; stealing tests or other academic materials; knowingly falsifying academic records or documents such as transcripts; and submitting the same work to more than one class without consent of the instructors involved.
The use of any generative artificial intelligence (AI) tool, unless explicitly stated in the assignment instructions and on the syllabus, is prohibited at Missouri Baptist University. Using generative AI tools (including but not limited to ChatGPT, Grammarly, or other similar tools) to create, alter, or complete coursework, without explicit instructor permission is considered to be academic misconduct that may result in disciplinary action. Faculty may use third-party tools, their professional judgment, or both to detect work that they believe to be produced or enhanced with generative AI.
Academic dishonesty of any nature will result in disciplinary action, which may include receiving a failing grade on the work in question, failure in the course, or dismissal from the University. Academic dishonesty is a part of the Student Conduct Code.
The academic honesty policy is located in The Student Handbook. Violations of the academic honesty policy may result in accountability through the Student Code of Conduct process.
The following procedures in relation to academic integrity and honesty are also located in The Student Handbook.
- Procedures for Academic Integrity Council
- Procedures for Appealing Academic Integrity and Honesty Adjudication Outcome
- Procedures for Suspensions, Expulsions, and Grades “F” Sanctions
- Sanctioning for Academic Integrity and Honesty Violations
- Multiple Incidents
- Expungement
Professional Behavior
Students and faculty are expected to behave at all times in a manner that is in keeping with the standards of the profession that they are planning to enter. It is also important that students recognize and accept that Missouri Baptist University is a faith-based institution and it is expected that the values and traditions of the University will be respected regardless of whether the individual student personally agrees with these values. While the University provides a climate of openness with regard to a plurality of intellectual viewpoints, the use of profane or off-color language, with the exception of certain case-study material, is not considered appropriate behavior. Disrespectful and/or aggressive behavior toward other students, faculty members, or staff will not be tolerated. Students who act in a hostile or provocative manner in relation to others will be subject to disciplinary action. Disciplinary action may include a range of responses including warnings, memorandums for the record in the student’s file, and/ or dismissal from the University depending on the seriousness of the offense. The policies and procedures for dealing with such behavior are included under Student Development, Student Services. See the Harassment Policy and Complaint Procedure and the Missouri Baptist University Policy on Sexual Assault and Relationship Violence.
Readmission of Service Members
If service members cannot attend school due to military service as defined below, MBU will readmit them with the same academic status they had when they last attended, or when they were last admitted to MBU but did not begin attendance because of military service obligations. A student’s readmission rights under this specific policy are terminated in the case of a dishonorable or bad conduct discharge, general court-martial, federal or state prison sentence, or other reasons as stated in 34 CFR 668.18(h), but students may still be eligible for regular readmittance.
Readmission Procedures
The student, or an appropriate officer of the Armed Forces or official of the Department of Defense, must give oral or written notice of the student’s military service as far in advance as is reasonable under the circumstances. This notice must be provided to the Director of Records. No notice is required if precluded by military necessity. The student may, alternatively, submit an attestation that military service necessitated the student’s absence from the institution at the time of readmission.
The student must also notify the Director of Records of their intent to return to MBU within three years after the completion of the period of service and provide appropriate documentation. If a student is hospitalized for or convalescing from an illness or injury incurred in or aggravated due to service, the student will be given a two-year extension from the end of the recovery from such illness or injury to provide notification.
The cumulative length of absence and of all previous absences from the school for military service may not exceed five years. Only the time the student spends performing service is counted.
Documentation Requirements
Students applying for readmission should provide documentation to establish that they did not exceed the five-year service limitation, and that their readmission rights have not been terminated pursuant to the exceptions stated in 34 CFR 668.18(h). Documentation that will satisfy these requirements includes, but is not limited to, the following:
- DD (Department of Defense) 214 Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty.
- Copy of duty orders prepared by the facility where the orders were fulfilled carrying an endorsement indicating completion of the described service.
- Letter from the commanding officer of a Personnel Support Activity or someone of comparable authority.
- Certificate of completion from military training school.
- Discharge certificate showing character of service.
- Copy of extracts from payroll documents showing periods of service.
- Letter from National Disaster Medical System (NDMS) Team Leader of Administrative Officer verifying dates and times of NDMS training or Federal activation.
Terms and Conditions
Military service is defined as voluntary or involuntary service in the armed forces, including service by a member of the National Guard or Reserve on active duty, active duty for training, or full-time National Guard duty under federal authority, for a period of more than 30 consecutive days under a call or order to active duty of more than 30 consecutive days. This does not include National Guard service under state authority.
An appropriate officer, as defined for the purposes of providing notification of a student’s military service that necessitates the student’s absence from an institution, is a commissioned, warrant, or non-commissioned officer authorized to give such notice by the military service concerned.
At the time of readmission, the student will be admitted at the same academic status into the next program class occurring after MBU has received the student’s intent to return to courses, unless a later date is requested. MBU reserves the right to readmit at a later date to extenuating circumstances. If the program is no longer offered, admittance will be offered into a program determined to be most like the prior program.
For the first academic year, a student readmitted to the same program will be charged tuition and fee charges they would have been assessed for the academic year during which they left the school. However, if veteran education benefits or other service member education benefits will pay the higher tuition and fee charges for the year, the school may assess those charges to the student as well. Subsequent years will be assessed no more than the tuition and fee rates that other students in the program are assessed for that academic year.
If MBU determines that the student is not prepared to resume the program, MBU will make reasonable efforts to assist the student to become prepared. However, MBU will not readmit a student if it is determined that there are no reasonable efforts available to prepare the student to resume the program at the same point or enable them to complete, or that the student is not prepared after reasonable efforts are made.
Students who fail to apply for readmission within the required time limits or who otherwise do not meet the conditions set out herein may still be eligible for regular readmittance to MBU.
Distance Learning
Through technologically-enhanced teaching-learning opportunities, Missouri Baptist University is prepared to reach out to a global and culturally diverse community of learners with a Biblically-based Christian perspective that students will find to be:
- Caring and personalized
- Learner-centered
- Respectful of individuality
- Accessible and convenient
- Responsive to students’ spiritual, intellectual. and professional needs
- Accommodating to students’ schedules
- Interactive among students, faculty, and staff
- Academically stimulating and challenging
- Replicating the same high quality for education and support services as in the traditional on-campus environment
Web-Enhanced Courses
A web-enhanced course uses online technology and tools to support traditional classroom-based instruction, supply course material (i.e.: resources, lecture notes, assessments), and facilitate faculty-to-student and student-to-student communication (through email and discussion boards).
Web-Centric Courses
The center of instruction shifts from the classroom to the Internet in a web-centric class. A web-centric course makes significant use of the Internet to facilitate and support self-paced, self-directed learning activities (online content, exercises, and assessments). This type of course has few classroom-based lectures or seminars.
Online Courses
An online course at Missouri Baptist University can be accessed through the Internet from any location at any time. All instructional strategies are planned and executed around the communication capabilities and content resources available on the Internet in any given online class offering. Online courses at MBU will not require any “face-to-face” meetings. Online communication requirements are flexible and generally asynchronous. Times and places for online interaction and communication in MBU online classes will be determined by the individual faculty member. The University offers online courses in various disciplines. Both undergraduate and graduate courses are available.
FERPA: Notice of Educational and Privacy Rights
The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) affords eligible students certain rights with respect to their education records. (An “eligible student” under FERPA is a student who is 18 years of age or older or who attends a postsecondary institution at any age.) These rights include:
- The right to inspect and review the student’s education records within 45 days after the day the University receives a request for access. A student should submit a written request that identifies the record(s) the student wishes to inspect to the Records Office (for academic records), the Office of Student Development (for disciplinary records), the Office of Student Financial Services (for financial records), the Office of Career Development (for placement records), or the Student Success Center/Special Needs Coordinator (for Special Needs/individual accommodation records). A University official will make arrangements for access and notify the student of the time and place where the records may be inspected. If the records are not maintained by the University official to whom the request was submitted, that official shall advise the student of the correct official to whom the request should be addressed.
- The right to request the amendment of the student’s education records that the student believes is inaccurate, misleading, or otherwise in violation of the student’s privacy rights under FERPA.
A student who wishes to ask the University to amend a record should write the University Office responsible for the record, clearly identify the part of the record the student wants changed, and specify why it should be changed.
If the University decides not to amend the record as requested, the University will notify the student in writing of the decision and the student’s right to a hearing regarding the request for amendment. Additional information regarding the hearing procedures will be provided to the student when notified of the right to a hearing.
- The right to provide written consent before the University discloses personally identifiable information (PII) from the student’s education records, except to the extent that FERPA authorizes disclosure without consent.
The University discloses education records without a student’s prior written consent under the FERPA exception for disclosure to University officials with legitimate educational interests. A University official is typically includes a person employed by the University in an administrative, supervisory, academic, research, or support staff position (including law enforcement unit personnel and health staff); a person serving on the board of trustees; or a student serving on an official committee, such as a disciplinary or grievance committee. A University official also may include a volunteer or contractor outside of the University who performs an institutional service or function for which the University would otherwise use its own employees and who is under the direct control of the University with respect to the use and maintenance of PII from education records, such as an attorney, auditor, or collection agent or a student volunteering to assist another University official in performing his or her tasks. A University official typically has a legitimate educational interest if the official needs to review an education record in order to fulfill his or her professional responsibilities for the University.
- The right to file a complaint with the U.S. Department of Education concerning alleged failures by the University to comply with the requirements of FERPA. The name and address of the office that administers FERPA is:
Family Policy Compliance Office
U.S. Department of Education
400 Maryland Avenue, SW
Washington, DC 20202
FERPA permits the disclosure of PII from students’ education records, without consent of the student, if the disclosure meets certain conditions found in § 99.31 of the FERPA regulations. Except for disclosures to University officials, disclosures related to some judicial orders or lawfully issued subpoenas, disclosures of directory information, and disclosures to the student, § 99.32 of FERPA regulations requires the institution to record the disclosure. Eligible students have a right to inspect and review the record of disclosures. A postsecondary institution may disclose PII from the education records without obtaining prior written consent of the student —
- To other University officials, including teachers, within the University whom the University has determined to have legitimate educational interests. This includes contractors, consultants, volunteers, or other parties to whom the University has outsourced institutional services or functions, provided that the conditions listed in § 99.31(a)(1)(i)(B)(1) - (a)(1)(i)(B)(3) are met.
- To officials of another educational institution where the student seeks or intends to enroll, or where the student is already enrolled if the disclosure is for purposes related to the student’s enrollment or transfer, subject to the requirements of § 99.34.
- To authorized representatives of the U. S. Comptroller General, the U.S. Attorney General, the U.S. Secretary of Education, or State and local educational authorities, such as a State postsecondary authority that is responsible for supervising the university’s State-supported education programs. Disclosures under this provision may be made, subject to the requirements of §99.35, in connection with an audit or evaluation of Federal- or State-supported education programs, or for the enforcement of or compliance with Federal legal requirements that relate to those programs. These entities may make further disclosures of PII to outside entities that are designated by them as their authorized representatives to conduct any audit, evaluation, or enforcement or compliance activity on their behalf.
- In connection with financial aid for which the student has applied or which the student has received, if the information is necessary to determine eligibility for the aid, determine the amount of the aid, determine the conditions of the aid, or enforce the terms and conditions of the aid.
- To organizations conducting studies for, or on behalf of, the University, in order to: (a) develop, validate, or administer predictive tests; (b) administer student aid programs; or (c) improve instruction.
- To accrediting organizations to carry out their accrediting functions.
- To parents of an eligible student if the student is a dependent for IRS tax purposes.
- To comply with a judicial order or lawfully issued subpoena.
- To appropriate officials in connection with a health or safety emergency, subject to § 99.36.
- Information the University has designated as “directory information” under § 99.37.
- To a victim of an alleged perpetrator of a crime of violence or a non-forcible sex offense, subject to the requirements of § 99.39. The disclosure may only include the final results of the disciplinary proceeding with respect to that alleged crime or offense, regardless of the finding.
- To the general public, the final results of a disciplinary proceeding, subject to the requirements of § 99.39, if the University determines the student is an alleged perpetrator of a crime of violence or non-forcible sex offense and the student has committed a violation of the University’s rules or policies with respect to the allegation made against him or her.
- To parents of a student regarding the student’s violation of any Federal, State, or local law, or of any rule or policy of the University, governing the use or possession of alcohol or a controlled substance if the University determines the student committed a disciplinary violation and the student is under the age of 21.
Directory Information Notice
The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA), a Federal law, requires that the University, with certain exceptions, obtain students’ written consent prior to the disclosure of personally identifiable information (PII) from their education records. However, the University may disclose appropriately designated “directory information” without written consent, unless a student has advised the University to the contrary in accordance with University procedures.
Students who do not want the University to disclose any or all of the types of information designated below as directory information from their education records without their prior written consent must notify the University’s Director of Records in writing. Those who choose to block the University from releasing directory information should note that this will restrict financial records, degree conferral, and dates of attendance from being released to any agencies that may require this information for employment or loan deferment. Once directory information has been blocked, the student must submit a formal written request to remove the block.
The University has designated the following information as directory information:
- Student’s name, address and telephone number
- Date and place of birth
- Email address
- Photograph
- Program of Study (including degree, major, minor, and/or educator certification area)
- Dates of attendance and enrollment status/grade level
- Degrees, honors, and awards received
- Credit hours in progress or already completed
- Participation in officially recognized activities and sports
- Weight and height of members of athletic teams
- The most recent educational agency or institution attended
Retention of Records
Missouri Baptist University has adopted the recommendations of the American Association of Collegiate Registrars and Admissions Officers as its policy concerning retention of student records. The majority of a student’s record is maintained in the permanent file and will be retained until five (5) years after graduation or the date of last attendance, whichever is later. Exceptions include audit authorizations, schedule adjustment forms, registration forms, and transcript requests, which are maintained one (1) year from the date submitted, and official transcripts from high schools and other colleges or universities which will be maintained for ten (10) years after graduation or last date of attendance.
Records of academic performance, including individual student records (transcripts, narrative evaluations, competency assessments, etc.) change of grade forms, original graded rosters, and graduation lists are maintained permanently in the Records Office.
The admission materials of those who apply but do not enroll are retained by the Admissions Office for one year after the term for which application was made.
Academic Transcripts
Official academic transcripts must be requested from the Records Office in writing by mail, fax, in person, or electronically through Parchment and must include the signature of the student. The charge for each official transcript is $10.00. Unofficial transcripts may be printed from myMBU Access (see the catalog section on myMBU for more information on accessing the student portal page). No transcript, official or unofficial, will be issued until the account of the student has been cleared by both the Business and Student Financial Services Offices and all holds affecting the release of transcripts have been cleared. Transcript request forms are available at the following link: https://mobap.formstack.com/forms/transcript_request_form
Graduation Requirements and Application for Graduation Process
Definitions of Academic Terms
Definition of Semester and Terms
Missouri Baptist University operates on the semester plan for master and specialist level classes, offering two regular semesters of fifteen (15) weeks each. Eight-week evening and weekend classes, Winter, and Summer terms operate on different calendar schedules, but within the semester hour principle. The doctorate is a cohort program that is on a twelve-week cycle limited to admission during specific times during the year.
Definition of Semester Hour
Missouri Baptist University grants credit expressed as semester hours. Quarter hours are accepted in transfer as two-thirds of a semester hour. One semester hour normally requires one 55-minute class period per week throughout a regular 15-week semester. Adaptations of this principle are sometimes employed, especially in music, physical education, and laboratory courses.
- A one-credit hour laboratory science course meets for one hour and 55 minutes per week; a two-credit hour laboratory science course meets for the equivalent of three hours and 55 minutes per week.
- A one-credit hour physical education activity course meets for two 55-minute class sessions per week.
- A one-credit hour music ensemble meets for three 55-minute or two 85-minute class sessions per week.
- Applied music lessons follow this standard:
- One-credit hour lesson (elective/secondary) meets for 30 minutes per week.
- One-credit hour lesson (major/primary) meets for 45 minutes per week.
- Two-credit hour lesson (major/primary) meets for 60 minutes per week.
Courses operating on an accelerated schedule are offered in accordance with the semester hour principle: day summer sessions, two weeks and five weeks; winter, three weeks; and online, evening, weekend, and selected day classes, eight weeks.
Definition and System of Course Numbers
Courses numbered 000-099 are developmental in nature and are not considered for degree credit. Courses numbered 100-299 are lower division courses designed for freshmen and sophomores. Those numbered 300-499 are upper division courses designed for juniors and seniors. Those numbered 500-599 are master’s degree level courses. Those numbered 600-699 are specialist degree level courses. Those numbered 700-799 are doctoral level courses. The third digit in the course number indicates the number of semester hours of credit which the course carries, except for classes with four-digit course numbers. In the case of four-digit course numbers in the Teacher Education Program the third and fourth digits indicate the number of semester hours of credit (e.g. - 4709 = nine, 4712 = twelve). Courses in the M.A. curriculum in Clinical Mental Health Counseling and School Counseling also carry four-digit course numbers, with the second digit indicating program year and the last digit denoting credit hours.
Special Numbering
- A course number such as MUAP 111 /MUAP 311 indicates a course that may be taken for multiple semesters of credit. Piano Lesson (Major/Primary) for the first four semesters of credit would use the course number MUAP 111 and upon successful completion of the Sophomore Proficiency the student would receive upper division credit for Piano Lesson (Major/ Primary) using the course number MUAP 311 for the final four semesters of credit.
- A course number such as BCHM 481-486 indicates variable credit, ranging from one to six hours.
- A course number such as MURA 110 /MURA 310 indicates a course which carries no credit per semester toward the degree, but is required for the major or program.
- A course number such as KATH 211SC/311SC or KATH 221SC/321SC indicates a course which may be taken twice for credit: the first semester for lower division credit and the second semester for upper division credit. A course number such as BIOL 273 /BIOL 373 indicates a course which may be taken once for either lower or upper division credit. Instructor approval is required before the student may register for upper division credit, and additional advanced work is required.
- A course number such as COMT 483A/B indicates a course which may be taken for credit twice, with the A course being designated with I after the title and the B course being designated with II after the title. A course number such as ENGL 333A , ENGL 333B , or ENGL 333C indicates separate but related courses.
- Courses with prefixes such as EDPS or CMHS are cross-listed in two disciplines, such as Education/Psychology or Christian Ministry/History. The courses will be listed under both disciplines in the Course Schedule (see the Cross-Listed Courses information on the Course Descriptions page).
- Courses cross-listed at the 400- and 500-levels may be taken for either undergraduate or graduate credit. Selected courses are available to undergraduate students for graduate credit with Senior Permission (see the catalog section on Senior Permission). Students must complete all graduate course requirements to earn graduate credit.
- A four-digit course number such as 4712, 4709, or 4703 indicates a course such as Student Teaching which carries twelve credit hours for a sixteen week semester. Students seeking certification in a K-12 subject area or in more than one subject will complete 4709+4703. Students seeking certification in only one area or level will complete 4712.
- Courses listed at the 500-level designation are master’s level classes.
- Courses listed at the 600-level designation are specialist level classes.
- Courses listed at the 700-level designation are doctoral level classes.
Definition of Student Classification
Students are classified by total hours earned, as follows:
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Freshman
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0-29
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Sophomore
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30-59
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Junior
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60-89
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Senior
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90+
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Unclassified
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Non-degree seeking
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Master
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Baccalaureate degree earned
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Specialist
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Master’s degree earned
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Doctor
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Master’s and/or Specialist degree earned
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Definition of Major
An undergraduate major consists of a minimum number of credit hours (at least 30) in a concentrated subject area declared by the student. Majors are detailed in the catalog, listing the required and elective courses.
Definition of Minor
An undergraduate minor consists of a minimum number of credit hours (at least 18) in a subject area. Minor requirements are listed in the catalog. A minor is often chosen in an area complementary to the major.
Definition of a Cognate Group
An undergraduate student may take at least eighteen semester hours of courses which are cognate to the major. At least nine hours of the cognate group must be upper division. All cognate courses must be chosen from a list which has been developed by the faculty in the discipline, approved by the Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs and the faculty of the University, and placed on file in the Records Office.
Definition of Concentration/Emphasis Area
Some majors, such as Biology, English, and Christian Ministry, are designed to require one or more concentration/emphasis areas to complete the requirements for the major. Concentration/emphasis areas allow students to focus their interest within the major and vary from twelve to eighteen semester hours, depending upon the program.
Final Grades
Final grades are available to all students at the conclusion of each semester or term. It is the student’s responsibility to login to myMBU Access to print out a final grade report. (See the bulletin section on myMBU for more information on accessing the student portal page).
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