Frequently Asked Advising Questions

When does registration begin?

Continuing student registration for Fall semester and summer session begins in April; and for Spring semester in October.  Continuing students must see their departmental advisor in order to register for the following semester.  Registration for new and transfer students is during orientation.

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Can I take any Math course at any time?

Math courses at MSU are based on placement from your ACT or SAT scores. See the Math flowchart (PDF) to determine appropriate placement.  The Department of Mathematical Sciences also manages an online placement exam at certain times of the year.  See Math Placement Level Exam for more information.

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What do I have to take for CORE?

CORE 2.0 is MSU's core curriculum focused on inquiry-based learning. CORE 2.0 was introduced in Fall 2004, and is required for all students who have entered since then. The mission of CORE 2.0 is to enhance students' use of multiple perspectives in making informed critical and ethical judgments in their personal, public and professional lives through inquiry and research experiences.

CORE 2.0 Foundation Courses:

• University Seminar (US)
• College Writing (W)
• Quantitative Reasoning (Q)
• Diversity (D)
• Contemporary Issues in Science (CS)

CORE 2.0 Ways of Knowing Courses:

All students must also take at least one core course in each of the following inquiry areas:

• Arts (IA or RA)
• Humanities (IH or RH)
• Natural Sciences (IN or RN)
• Social Sciences (IS or RS)

All students must also take at least one (1) approved Research & Creative Experience course. Students may take an approved Research & Creative Experience course in of the four areas listed below, or they may take a separate Research & Creative Experience course in any discipline, including the Undergraduate Scholars Program (USP 489/490).

Additional CORE 2.0 Information:

• Total number of courses: 9, if the Research and Creative Experience requirement is completed as part of the requirements in Arts, Humanities, Natural Sciences or Social Sciences; otherwise 10.
• A grade of C- or better is required in all Core courses.
• Completion of at least two approved natural science courses with a grade of C- or better satisfies both the Contemporary Issues in Science and the Inquiry Natural Science requirements. Individual substitutions for one requirement or the other are not permissible.
• Completion of UH 202 with a grade of C- or better satisfies the Inquiry Humanities requirement.

Do my high school AP credits fulfill CORE?

If you took Advanced Placement (AP) courses during high school, and passed the AP exam with a score of 3 or higher, you may have some CORE and/or major requirements fulfilled.  See AP course equivalencies to determine which AP courses MSU will accept.

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How do I CLEP a course?

Montana State University awards credit toward graduation for successful performance in certain Subject Examinations of the College Level Examination Program (CLEP) conducted by the College Entrance Examination Board. Students may arrange to take these examinations on campus at the Testing Center, 243 Reid Hall, or at designated centers throughout the country. Students receive credit and a P grade on the transcript for scores above the passing level; scores below the passing level are not entered on the transcript. CLEP examinations do not apply as a grade waiver for a course previously taken. University Core requirements cannot be satisfyed by the CLEP procedures. There are 35 CLEP exams to choose from and a fee of $80.00 per exam is required. See the Testing Center website or call (406) 994-4133 for more information.

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How many credits should I take next semester?

A full time credit load is 12 or more credits, and some students (student athletes, GI Bill recipients, full-time Financial Aid recipients) are mandated to be full-time.  However, if you do not have any stipulations for amount of credits, you may take as many credits as you find suitable.  An advisor can help you determine a suitable credit load.

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What if I am having difficulty in a class?

If you are having difficulty in a class, there are many MSU resources that offer help.  First and foremost, it is important to talk with your instructor and determine if they can offer help.  Additional resources include tutoring and study skills from SmartyCats Tutoring, First Year Initiative, and TRiO/Student Support Services.  You can also visit the Writing Center, the Math Learning Center, and Disabled Student Services for help.

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Where do I find my advisor PIN?

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How do I add/drop classes after school begins?

Students may continue to add classes online using MyInfo through the first five (5) days of the semester.  Students may continue to drop courses using MyInfo through the first eleven (11) days of the semester.  After the eleventh day of the semester, students must submit an Add/Drop Request Form with the instructor and advisor signatures to the Registrar's Office to be officially registered for the class.

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How do I take a Spanish class at MSU?

Spanish classes at MSU fill up quickly and are managed by the Department of Modern Languages & Literatures in 117 Gaines Halll.  Visit the department as soon as possible to assure enrollment in a Spanish class.  If you have taken a Spanish class before, you must take a placement test to determine your appropriate level in Spanish.  See the Department website here or call (406) 994-4448 for more information.

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What if I have no major in mind?

Approximately 30% of incoming freshmen at MSU are undecided and exploring majors.  In addition, statistics from the National Resource Center for the Freshmen Year Experience and Students in Transition indicates 65% of students who have declared a major change their major at least once during their college years, a statistic that is similar with MSU students.

Advisors in the Academic Advising Center will help you explore your values, interests, and goals, and encourage choosing CORE 2.0 courses and major requirements that overlap with your goals. You can also visit Career, Internship & Student Employment Services, in 177 Strand Union Building, for help with career exploration.

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How do I change my major?

A change of curriculum card, found in the Registrar's Office, the Academic Advising Center, and in many departments on campus, must be completed and submitted to the Registrar's Office. The card requires a departmental signature from both the former curriculum department and the new curriculum department.  You are encouraged to discuss your change of major with an advisor to assure your decision is an informed one.

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What if I'm not happy in my current major, but don't know what else I could major in?

MSU has many majors that may interest you.  Visit the Students-in-Transition Advisor in the Academic Advising Center for help exploring majors and careers.  The Students-in-Transition Advisor can be found in 130 Gaines Hall, 994-7427.

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How do I apply for graduation?

Graduation applications are available online here. All applications for graduation must be on file with the Registrar's Office by the end of pre-registration preceding the semester of completion.

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How do I calculate my GPA?

Your GPA is automatically calculated for each semester on your transcript.  However, if you would like to see how your GPA is calculated or do your own caluclating, see GPA calculation worksheet.

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What is an incomplete (I) grade, and how do I get one?

You may request an incomplete or "I" grade from a faculty member if you are unable to complete your academic obligations because of circumstances beyond your control, such as a personal hardship or unusual academic situation. In order to be considered for an "I" grade, you must have completed 75% of the course with a passing grade. The instructor has the final authority to approve or disapprove the "I" grade.  An "I" grade authorization form is available in PDF format here or at the Registrar's Office in 101 Montana Hall. On this form, the instructor will list the make-up requirements and the date beyond which the I will revert to a F grade.

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What if I want to drop all of my courses this semester?

If you plan to drop all of your courses at any time before or during the semester, you must submit a University Withdrawal with the Dean of Students Office in 174 Strand Union Building.  Note: if you are dropping only some of your courses, not all of them, you can submit an Add/Drop Request Form.

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