FAQ

Applying For Graduation


Degrees and Diplomas


Graduation Ceremony Information


Master Class Schedules


Registration and Records


Transcripts


Transfer Credit


Complete list of questions and answers

Applying For Graduation

Can I cancel my application and will my money be refunded?

You can cancel your application at any time before graduation, but to receive a refund of your degree audit fee, you must cancel before the first posted deadline to apply for your degree as stated on the academic calendar.

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Applying For Graduation

How do I apply for graduation?

You must apply for your degree by logging into myState, choose the Banner tab, then under the Academic Records Menu, choose Apply For A Degree. The deadlines for the degree application and payment of your student account will be posted on the academic calendar on the Office of the Registrar web page.

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Applying For Graduation

If I cancel my application, will it be carried over to the next term?

No, the degree application and the degree audit fee are only good for one term. If you cancel your application, you will have to reapply for the degree in the next term or whenever you are ready to graduate. This is our way of knowing when you are ready to graduate and we can begin the degree audit process.

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Applying For Graduation

If you miss the final deadline to apply, you must wait until next semester to submit an application.

Go to the MSU home page, click on myState, log in, click on the Banner tab, then click on Apply for a Degree under the Academic Records section. On this same page, you should have the option to check your degree application status. When your application has been submitted, your degree application will be “applied”. It will continue to say “applied” until after the ceremony and final grades are received. When you have been fully cleared, your status will change from applied to awarded or not awarded.

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Applying For Graduation

What if I miss the deadline?

If you miss the first deadline to apply for a degree, you must pay your account balance in full; including the degree audit fee and late fee. Then you will be able to access the application.  If your account balance is not paid, you can be pulled from degree audit due to unpaid fees.

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Applying For Graduation

Why will the system not allow me to apply for my degree online?

You may not be allowed to apply online if you have an outstanding balance on your account or if you are not currently enrolled in classes at MSU.  Also, your current student account record determines the degree for which you can apply.

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Degrees and Diplomas

What if my degree is not awarded?

Check with your college or department for information on why the coordinator did not clear you for the degree. If your degree is not awarded, you will have to reapply for your degree the next available term.

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Degrees and Diplomas

When will my degree be awarded?

Final grades are due in our office a few days after the graduation ceremony. Once grades have been entered, the college academic coordinators work with the Office of Registrar staff to clear each student. At this time, the degree audit staff will begin to award degrees. Within a few days, undergraduates should be able to check the degree application status and see that it has been changed to “awarded” or “not awarded”. Graduate students may take longer to clear.

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Degrees and Diplomas

When will my diploma be mailed?

After all undergraduate and graduate degrees are awarded, diplomas will be printed and mailed. This process of clearing students and printing diplomas usually takes 4 to 6 weeks.

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Degrees and Diplomas

Where will my diploma be mailed?

The diploma will be mailed to the address designated in your application. It will be mailed “First Class” and will be packaged in a mailer clearly marked “DIPLOMA-DO NOT BEND".

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Graduation Ceremony Information

Can I purchase my regalia?

The regalia rented by the Barnes and Noble Bookstore must be returned. If you are interested in purchasing regalia or accessories, please contact Hendrick Graduate Supply House.

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Graduation Ceremony Information

When and where do I pick up my regalia (cap and gown)?

The Barnes and Noble Bookstore is responsible for regalia rental. About three weeks before graduation, the Registrar’s Office will publish commencement instructions on www.registrar.msstate.edu. It will also include information about when and where to line up at the coliseum. 

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Master Class Schedules

When will the master schedule of courses be available on the Web?

The Master Class Schedule is posted on the Web approximately two weeks before faculty advising for pre-registration begins. The spring class schedule is posted in mid-October; summer and fall schedules are posted in mid-March.

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Master Class Schedules

Where can I view the master class schedule on the Web?

You may view the schedule at the following link, Master Class Schedule.

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Registration and Records

Can I add a course after the 5th day of class?

Normally, students may NOT add a class after the 5th class day. Students may request the advisor to consider a late add request. The advisor has the right to approve or NOT approve the add request depending on circumstances. The late add approval process includes: complete the add form, obtain signatures from the advisor and instructor of the course; obtain signature from the dean; form processed by the Office of the Registrar.

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Registration and Records

Can I add/drop without penalty?

A student has through the fifth class day (by 5:00 pm, Central Time Zone) to drop a course and until the sixth class day (by 8:00 am, Central Time Zone) to add a course without being assessed a fee. 

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Registration and Records

How can I make changes to my class schedule before the last day to add/drop?

Log into myState, choose the Banner tab, then under the Registration Menu, choose Register for Classes.

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Registration and Records

How do I change my major?

Obtain a “major change” form from the Office of the Registrar or your academic department.  Complete form, obtain approval from the deans’s office of your new major, then approval from dean’s office of previous major, then return form to the Office of the Registrar for processing.

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Registration and Records

How do I drop an individual course AFTER the 36th class day into the semester?

A student cannot drop courses after this period except in documented cases of serious illness, extreme hardship, or failure of the instructor to provide an undergraduate student with significant assessment of his/her performance. (Claims of lack of assessment within the designated time period must include documentation from the instructor of record.)  A request to drop a course during this period must be approved by the student’s advisor and academic dean. The dean who permits the drop will specify the effective date. A student receiving permission to drop will receive a W on his/her academic record and be assessed a $50.00 late fee and tuition fees may apply.

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Registration and Records

How do I get released to register for my classes?

You must first meet with your advisor and be released to register before you can register for your classes.

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Registration and Records

How do I withdraw from the University?

We encourage you to speak with your advisor before you make your decision to withdraw.  The process for withdrawing includes:  Log into myState, choose the Banner tab, then under the Registration menu, choose Withdrawal Request.  

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Registration and Records

Is there a charge for dropping or adding an individual course after the last day to drop a course?

Yes. When the approved add or drop slip is processed, your student account will automatically be charged a $50 late fee and tuition fees may apply.

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Registration and Records

What do I do if I haven’t been enrolled for more than one semester and want to return to MSU?

If an Undergraduate, fill out a Readmission Application either on the Office of the Registrar Forms & Petitions or online at http://apply.msstate.edu/.  If a Graduate student, contact the Office of Graduate School.

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Registration and Records

What do I do if I wish to enroll in more hours than the registration system allows?

Request an “overload form” from the Office of the Registrar. Request your advisor, department head and dean’s approval. The dean may or MAY NOT approve your request depending on your situation. If approved, return form to the Office of the Registrar.

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Registration and Records

What do I do if my “NetPassword” has been disabled?

You can go to NetPassword Maintenance at:  netpassword.msstate.edu to reset your NetPassword.  Or if you need assistance, contact the MSU Help Desk. The Help Desk is located at 108 Allen Hall and can be reached by telephone at 662-325-0631 or 888-398-6394, by email at helpdesk@msstate.edu, and via the web at http://its.msstate.edu.

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Registration and Records

What if I don’t know who my advisor is?

Contact the department of your major.  

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Registration and Records

What is the add/drop schedule for the summer sessions?

“Add Day” shows the last day to add without being assessed a fee or academic penalty, “Drop Day” shows the last day to drop without a grade, “Drop with W Day” shows the last day to drop with a “W”. As in the case for regular sessions, a drop with a grade of “W” requires advisor permission, and the student will be assessed a fee. The requirement for providing significant assessment has the same date as the last day with a “W”.

Format Add Day Drop Day Drop with W Day
5-week Session 2 2 14
10-week Session 3 3 28
Shortened Format (10-15 class meetings) 2 2 5
Shortened Format (16-24 class meetings) 2 2 9

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Registration and Records

What is the difference between dropping a class and a withdrawal?

A drop is for one course and a withdrawal is dropping ALL of your courses and withdrawing from the university for the current semester.  

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Registration and Records

Where can I find a list of deadlines for adding, dropping courses, etc?

The academic calendar containing all important dates and deadlines is posted on the Office of the Registrar’s web page. All deadlines are at 5:00 pm Central Time Zone unless otherwise stated.

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Transcripts

Are ACT scores automatically posted to my transcript?

No, you must request this information at the time you request your transcript.

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Transcripts

Can I order an official transcript online?

Yes, Mississippi State University (MSU) has authorized Credentials Solutions to provide the transcript ordering system via the Web. Through TranscriptsPlus, a transcript request can be submitted 24 hours/day, 7 days/week. “The Quickest and Most Convenient Way to Order a Transcript!”

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Transcripts

Can I request a transcript by telephone or e-mail?

No, we must have your signature.

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Transcripts

Can MSU provide a student with a copy of a transcript from another institution?

No. You will need to contact that institution for an official transcript.

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Transcripts

Can my parents or friends request or pick up my transcript?

Third parties must have documentation (i.e. a letter, release of information, power of attorney) from the person whose transcript they are picking up, stating that they are authorized to obtain the transcript or academic record. They must have a current picture ID when they come to get the transcript.

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Transcripts

Can my transcript be sent electronically?

Yes. Transcripts can be forwarded electronically between participating universities.  If you have not attended Mississippi State University since Fall 1997, we can not send your transcript electronically.  

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Transcripts

Do you still have records from the early 1900's?

Yes.

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Transcripts

How do I order my official transcript if I am a currently enrolled student or within a year of my last enrollment period?

Please visit Transcripts for information.

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Transcripts

How do I order my official transcript if I have not attended the university for more than one year?

Please visit Transcripts for information.

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Transcripts

I need a transcript, but I have a hold on my record. Can I get a transcript?

We can process your request once the hold has been cleared. 

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Transcripts

If I buy transcripts in bulk, will I get a discount?

No.

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Transcripts

If I have a question about my transcript order that I placed online, who should I contact?

Please visit Transcripts for information.

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Transcripts

Is the first copy of my transcript free?

No. All official transcripts are $9.25 per copy, however, your Dean provides you with a coupon for a free transcript. The coupon is mailed to you with your diploma.

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Transcripts

What information does the Office of the Registrar need to process a transcript request?

If you cannot order online, you can fax or mail the Office of the Registrar this information: MSU ID Number, Full Name, Date of Birth, Date of Last Attendance at MSU, Daytime Phone Number, Current Mailing Address, Address where transcript should be mailed, and credit card information for payment. PLEASE DO NOT SEND CASH. Be sure to sign Your Request (VERY IMPORTANT).  To process your transcript within the Office of the Registrar the fee will be $15.00 per copy.  

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Transcripts

What is the fee for having a transcript mailed?

All official transcripts are $9.25 per copy when ordered online.  

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Transcripts

What modes of payment are accepted for processing transcripts?

Checks, credit cards, and money orders. Effective December 1, 2008, cash is no longer accepted.

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Transfer Credit

Can I send an unofficial transcript?

Unofficial transcripts are not accepted.  Mississippi State University does not accept transcripts issued to the student, mailed by the student, or faxed copies.  We will only accept a hand-delivered copy of the official transcript if it is unopened in a sealed envelope from the transfer institution.  

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Transfer Credit

How do I see if my transfer credits will apply to my degree?

Students with transfer credit must submit an official transcript from all institutions attended.  The Office of the Registrar will add transfer courses to your MSU record and then your advisors will determine if your transfer credit will apply toward your degree requirements.  

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Transfer Credit

How do I transfer my credit to Mississippi State University?

In order to receive transfer credit, submit official copies of your final transcript from all previously attended colleges and universities.  In order for a transcript to be considered official it must be sent directly from the university by mail or electronically. You may also hand deliver a transcript in a sealed envelope directly from the transfer institution. 

Address for mailing transcripts:
Office of Admissions and Scholarships
P.O. Box 6334
Mississippi State, MS  39762-6334

If the transcript service you use is requesting an email address to deliver your document    to Mississippi State University, please have it sent to: admit@msstate.edu    

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Transfer Credit

Will my classes transfer?

For Mississippi Institutions and select other out-of-state institutions, please visit the Transfer Course Equivalencies page. 

For all other out-of-state institutions equivalencies, please call the Office of the Registrar at 662-325-2022 or send a detailed email to transferarticulation@registrar.msstate.edu requesting the course be reviewed. Email should include name of school, course symbol, course number, course title, and course description.

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