How do I get an advisor?
Current Missouri State students must see Angela Plank to be assigned to their permanent academic advisors in the Biology Department. She can be reached at 417-836-6851 or by e-mail at AngelaPlank@MissouriState.edu.
Transfer students refer to the section on this web page entitled “What else do transfer students need to know”.
Are advising worksheets available?
Yes! These worksheets summarize the required biology and supplemental courses needed to complete your degree. This information may also be found in the Missouri State Undergraduate Catalog. You should always consult with your advisor when choosing biology electives so that your degree can be tailored to meet your specific career goals.
If you find any discrepancies in these documents, please contact Angela Plank at AngelaPlank@MissouriState.edu or at 417-836-6851.
Non-comprehensive degrees (minor required)
· Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Biology
· Bachelor of Science (BS) in Biology
Comprehensive degrees (no minor required)
· BS in Biology: Ecology, Evolution, and Systematics
· BS in Biology: General Biology
· BS in Biology: Microbiology and Biotechnology
· BS in Biology: Wildlife Biology
· BS in Wildlife Conservation and Management
· BS in Education: Unified Science
Is a minor required? How do I choose a minor?
A minor is required for all non-comprehensive degrees and will have to be in the same form as the degree of your major (i.e.: if you get a BS in your major, your minor will also need to be a BS). Ideally a minor should compliment your major and advance your career goals. Your permanent advisor in the department will discuss the best options for you and assist you with the process of determining your minor. Students with a double major will not need a minor to satisfy graduation requirements.
What is a degree program application encumbrance?
Being admitted to a degree program is different from simply declaring a major or minor. A degree program consists of a major, and minor (when needed), and the applicable requirements associated with the degree. You must be admitted to a degree program before completing 60 credit hours or you will be encumbered and not allowed to register. In order to file the degree program application, you must have completed (or have in progress) the following courses: IDS/UHC 110, CIS/CSC 101, COM 115, ENG 110, MTH 135 (or higher), and PED 100. Students who are transferring an AA degree or the 42 hour block will have automatically met these course requirements.
The application forms can be picked up in the Biology Departmental Office and will need to be completed with the assistance of your advisor. The form will require several signatures and will take a few days to process, so you will need to start this process in advance of your registration time. All students who are encumbered for not filing this paperwork are sent reminder letters by the Records Office encouraging them to take care of this form. Transfer students should generally complete this form during their first semester on the Missouri State campus.
How do I participate in an internships and co-op experience?
Internships and cooperative work experiences can provide a unique opportunity to expand classroom knowledge. Simply stated, a co-op is another method for learning. As a co-op student, you use what you’ve learned in the classroom and apply it in a work environment. You discover what careers are available for someone with your major and what types of jobs you like and don’t like. In some cases, you are able to get your foot in the door with a company you would like to work for after you graduate.
The co-op office on campus can assist students with constructing an internship and will be able to answer general questions about these out-of-class experiences.
Missouri State University Career Center (Hours: Monday-Friday 8am-5pm)BIO 399 can be taken for 1-3 hours of credit. Dr. Lynn Robbins (Biology professor) oversees all Biology internships/co-ops. He may be contacted at lynnrobbins@missouristate.edu or at 417-836-5366 for additional information.
Can undergraduates participate in faculty research?
Yes! See this link: http://biology.missouristate.edu/Undergrad%20Programs/Research.htm
What else do transfer students need to know?
Transfer students are among the fastest growing populations on the Missouri State campus! By visiting the Missouri State website, you will find a checklist of things that you should be doing to prepare for your transfer. This list is may be found under “Information for admitted transfer students” at http://www.missouristate.edu/transfer/.
The above web page will likely answer many of your questions, but often transferring students will call to verify information. You should contact Angela Plank at 417-836-6851 for more information or to set up an appointment. Appointments are best made via phone as e-mail often results in too much lag time between responses. Also, certain questions (such as whether or not placement tests are needed) may have to be addressed.
Ideally, you should begin your transfer process a semester before you would like to matriculate to the Missouri State campus. It is very important to note that you can have your transfer credit sent even though you are currently taking classes! You will, of course, have to send the credit again once the semester has completed. Transfer students are allowed to register at the same time as Missouri State students…so if you would like the best selection of classes and available times, you will want to make an appointment in early November (for spring registration) or in early April (for fall registration). It is best to call for an appointment a week in advance of the date you would like. Transfer appointments require extensive preparation, so walk-ins are not generally the ideal approach.
Missouri State University Department of Biology • 901 South National, Springfield, MO 65897 Phone: 417-836-5126 Fax: 417-836-4204 Email: biology@missouristate.edu
