How many hours are required for the BSDH degree?

  • There are 55 hours of basic core and dental hygiene prerequisites and 65 hours of dental hygiene major courses for a total of 120 hours.

 

Does admission into the University guarantee admission into the Dental Hygiene Program?

  • No, you must complete and submit an application to the Dental Hygiene Program.
  • The Dental Hygiene Application is located on our website and is open from November 1st – April 1st each year. Application deadline is 5:00PM on April 1.
  • We suggest that students mail in their applications and all required supporting documentation during February or March to insure that any courses which they have in progress are reflected on their transcripts. In progress prerequisite courses earn 1 ranking point each.

(See Dental Hygiene Ranking Form)

 

Can I take core and dental hygiene prerequisite courses at another school for transfer to MSU?

  • Yes, you can take classes at another school for transfer to us. You will want to verify that the courses are necessary and that they will be accepted in transfer to MSU.
  • A maximum of two (2) ranking points can be earned for prerequisite courses taken at MSU.

            13-18 courses =  2 points

            7  -12 courses =  1 point

1   - 6 courses = .5 point

 

How can I be sure to take the right course for transfer?

  • MSU does not use the Texas Common course Numbering System (TCCNS) so it is difficult to figure out.  If your local school uses the TCCN refer to the common course conversion table starting on document page 30 in the Undergraduate Catalog.

What math can I take that is considered "college-level"?

  • Here at MSU, MATH 1053 or higher are considered college-level. MATH 1053 Contemporary Mathematics is what we generally suggest.  College Algebra is typically the lowest-level math considered college-level. Beginning Algebra & Intermediate Algebra are considered remedial and are NOT college-level. Also be cautious of terms like "technical" or "applied" - it is quite possible that the will not be considered college-level.

What type of course can I take to meet the 3 hour Language, Philosophy and Culture core requirement?

  • Any course on the list (see link below). However, an ethics course will earn 3 dental hygiene ranking points; any of the other courses will earn only 2 ranking point.

 

 

What type of course can I take to meet the 3 hour Undergraduate Inquiry and Creativity core requirement?

  • Any course on the list (see link below). However, a research based course (such as MWSU 2003 Creative Inquiry: Interdisciplinary Thinking or SCIE 2103 Understanding Science, Engineering & Technology) will earn 3 dental hygiene ranking points; any of the other courses will earn only 2 ranking point.

 

 

What is this Writing Proficiency Requirement?

  • In its list of Essential Learning Outcomes, Midwestern State University expresses a commitment to preparing students for successful futures. The Writing Proficiency Requirement demonstrates the University's commitment to nurturing critical thinking and effective writing. Consequently, as a condition of graduation, Midwestern State University expects all students to demonstrate
    • Critical and creative thinking about a timely issue or debatable topic
    • Knowledge of the conventions of a thesis-based essay
    • Proficient use of Standard Written American English.
  • All students seeking baccalaureate degrees must fulfill this requirement between the completion of their 60th and 90th semester credit hour; therefore, students who transfer in 90 credit hours or more must fulfill this requirement during their second long (fall or spring) semester enrolled in MSU either by enrolling in and passing English 2113: Composition Skills, or by passing the Writing Proficiency Exam. Each student's academic advisor and major program are responsible for making the student aware of the Writing Proficiency Requirement and the ways in which it can be fulfilled.
  • Ultimately, the Writing Proficiency Exam measures students' maturity and flexibility as writers. Through coursework, students have opportunities to write papers over an extended period of time; such written work certainly attests to students' proficiency when given space and time to plan, draft, and revise. But not all writing situations allow for such luxuries--often, we are asked to think critically and creatively on demand and to articulate our views efficiently and effectively within rather severe time constraints and under considerable pressure. The Writing Proficiency Exam, therefore, covers a specific kind of writing, arguably the most common writing task most college graduates will face. It is no small feat to craft a solid, clear, and grammatically correct persuasive essay in two hours, yet all University graduates should be able to do so.
  • As a significant assessment tool, the Writing Proficiency Exam presents the University with a unique opportunity to determine whether students have the necessary skills to achieve success, to provide timely instruction when they don't, and to ensure that the University community is providing the kind of liberal arts education MSU promises. This commitment to critical thinking and writing not only benefits MSU students but enhances the value of a Midwestern State University degree.