Frequently Asked Questions

Readmitted students need to complete the admission process first, by reapplying to MTSU and submitting any new transcripts to the Admissions Office. Visit How to Apply and click on Re-Enrolling Students for more information; contact the MTSU Admissions Office (615- 898-2111) for any questions concerning applications. After you are readmitted, please contact a faculty or college advisor for assistance with your selection of courses.

Your faculty advisor has expertise in your field of study and can help you with career-related questions and decisions.  Your college advisor is a higher education expert and focuses more on helping you complete your degree.

You should meet with your college advisor on a regular basis to discuss your progress in your degree program and to plan for future classes. Use the "Instructions" and "Schedule" buttons on the left of this page to schedule an appointment with your advisor via the Navigate website.

Your faculty advisor will be assigned by your major department, generally at a certain point in your degree program. You can schedule an appointment directly with your faculty advisor, rather than through Navigate.

The names and contact information for your advisors is available on PipelineMT: 

• Log into PipelineMT by clicking the link at the top right of the screen.
• Click on "Registration & Student Records" in the menu on the left.
• Click on "Assigned Advisor(s)" in the quick-access box on the top right of the screen. 

Faculty advisors are assigned by departments. You may find your assigned advisor by following the steps listed above. If you do not currently see a faculty advisor listed in PipelineMT, your department may assign an advisor at a future time, such as after you're admitted into a competitive program.

Contact the department of your minor and ask to be assigned a minor advisor.

New students generally do not meet with an advisor until attending a Customs new student orientation session during the weeks before the first semester at MTSU. 

If you are a current or returning student, you can schedule an advising appointment to meet with your college advisor. First, read these instructions for scheduling an appointment, then schedule an advising appointment. (Use your PipelineMT username and password to log in.)

A few tips:

Plan ahead and schedule early! If you wait until a busy time such as priority registration to schedule your appointment, you may have to wait a few days for an open appointment.

Be sure to choose a time that doesn't conflict with your classes!

Allow enough time for the appointment, and arrive on time. Most appointments are 30 minutes but can sometimes run long. If you arrive more than a few minutes late or must leave early for class, you'll generally be asked to reschedule the appointment.

You'll start by attending one of our nursing information sessions. Find more info and register to attend on our nursing info webpage. 

If you have questions and wish to speak with someone after attending a session and reading the nursing info webpage carefully, you may schedule an appointment with an academic advisor. If you'll be a new freshman or transfer student, please note that selection of and registration for classes will occur during your Customs new student orientation session.  There is no need to schedule an individual advising appointment for that purpose.

An academic map is a suggested four-year schedule of courses based on degree requirements in the undergraduate catalog. This sample schedule serves as a general guideline to help build a full schedule each term. Milestones, courses, and special requirements necessary for timely progress to complete a major are designated to keep you on track to graduate in four years. Missing milestones could delay your program.

The academic map is not a substitute for academic advisement; contact your advisor if you have any questions about scheduling or about your degree requirements. Note: Requirements are continually under revision, and there is no guarantee they will not be changed or revoked; contact the department and/or program area for current information.

Maps can be accessed via the MTSU Undergraduate Catalog; click on the Academic Map link on the left side of the page. You may change the catalog term via the dropdown box in the top right corner of the page. Please make sure the catalog year matches your assigned catalog term in PipelineMT:

• Log into PipelineMT by clicking the link at the top right of the screen.
• Click on "Registration & Student Records" in the menu on the left.
• Click on Student Information, near the bottom right of the page.
• Choose the current semester and click Submit.
• "Catalog Term" field is near the bottom of the page.

The upper division form is a binding document between advisors and students, which validates progression towards successful completion of general education, major, and minor credits. The upper division form is a working document that must be updated with grades received after each semester. Grades and all accompanying personal information on the upper division form must be accurate. You'll generally receive an upper division form from your academic advisor at each advising appointment.

An upper division form should be submitted two or three semesters prior to graduation, along with the Intent to Graduate form noted below.

The Intent to Graduate form allows you to identify how you would like your name displayed on your diploma, and the location as to where you would like your diploma to be mailed. Furthermore, the form allows you to highlight your major and minor pursuits while enrolled at Middle Tennessee State University. The intent to graduate form should be submitted with the upper division form two or three semesters prior to graduation. To submit the forms, check in at the CBHS Advising Center, CKNB room 108; let the front desk staff know that you need to turn in graduation paperwork to the Graduation Analyst, Angel Bowman.

If you need to update your graduation date, please contact Ms. Angel Bowman via your MTSU email and provide the following information: 

Full Name, MTSU ID #, Old Graduation Date, New Graduation Date

Fifteen or sixteen semester hours of credit is the “normal” Fall or Spring load for students who wish to graduate in four years. Eighteen semester hours (excluding courses for audit) is the maximum load for a student during any semester while enrolled only at MTSU or concurrently at another institution. However, an exception may be granted to students who submit a Request for Overload form and meet the following academic requirements:

1. Students with a 3.50 average on all college work attempted may be permitted to take up to 21 semester hours in a semester.
2. Students with a 3.00 average may be permitted to take a maximum of 19 hours in a semester provided one hour is a physical education activity.

Graduating seniors may be permitted to take an overload with the limits above during the last semester in residence to graduate.

Graduating seniors are required to take two exit exams: the major field test and the general education exam. 

The major field test is required for most majors* during the expected semester of graduation. Visit the Senior Exit Exams webpage for more information.

General Education Exit Exam information can be reviewed on the Senior Exit Exams webpage.  Please Note: You will receive pertinent information via your MT Mail account, so it is pivotal to review your emails on a regular basis during your time at the university, and most importantly, during the final two semesters of your educational career.

*Nursing, physical education, and health education majors do not take a major field test before graduation. Instead, the licensure exam taken after graduation is used as the major exam.

You will need to meet with a college advisor, generally the appropriate advisor for your new major. Your advisor will be happy to submit a change of major form on your behalf.

Not sure what major you want to change to?  Check out our helpful info on how to learn about other MTSU majors above!

Students who meet certain academic requirements are eligible to take honors courses:

• New freshman: 25 or higher ACT score (SAT: 1160) and 3.5 or higher high school GPA
• Transfer or current student: 12 hours or more of college credit and 3.25 or higher GPA (Less than 12 hours? you can qualify under the freshman rules!)

Eligible students are encouraged to enroll in Honors courses even though they may not plan to graduate from the University Honors College. Students who wish to complete an honors minor and graduate from the University Honors College will meet with an honors advisor in addition to their CBHS college advisor. For more information about the honors program, visit the  University Honors College website.

Information can be accessed via the MTSU Undergraduate Catalog.  Click on the Admissions & Registration link on the left side of the page, then on How to Correct High School Deficiencies.

• Log into PipelineMT by clicking the link at the top right of the screen.
• Click on "Registration & Student Records" in the menu on the left.
• Click on "View My Holds" in the quick-access box on the top right of the screen. 

Behavioral and Health Sciences holds are placed on students who are freshmen (less than 30 earned hours) and/or in prescribed (K) classes. Schedule an appointment with your assigned advisor to have the hold removed. First, read these instructions for scheduling an appointment, then schedule an advising appointment. (Use your Pipeline username and password to log in.)

Review the Career Development Center website to find out possible career opportunities with your major.

(Links open in new tabs/windows)

• Department of Criminal Justice
• Department of Health and Human Performance
• Department of Human Sciences
• Department of Psychology
• Department of Social Work
• Departments in other MTSU colleges
• Admissions Office
• Financial Aid & Scholarship Office

CUSTOMS Office, (615) 898-5533, KUC 326

Yes. You will be required to place a small deposit down on the books in order to hold them. For more information visit the Phillips Bookstore website. You can also call Phillips Bookstore at (615) 898-2700.

Student Health Services provides MTSU students with a wide variety of services including health education, outpatient services, treatment and allergy clinic and women's health. If you have questions or comments, please visit us in Campus Recreation or call (615) 898-2988 during our office hours. The Health Services Building is open Monday-Friday, 8:00am - 4:00pm and closed during university holidays. When Health Services is closed, local hospital emergency rooms and some walk-in centers are available. You may also access additional information and schedule appointments on the Health Services website.

Guidance and Counseling Services are located in KUC 329. The Guidance Services staff provides assistance to students in their emotional, intellectual and social growth. Services are provided in a non-judgmental and confidential environment.  For more information you can call (615) 898-2670.

Every full-time student is assigned an MTSU post office box. Simply go to the Post Office in the KUC and get the combination. It is very important that you check your campus box because all important MTSU correspondence will be sent to it.

View instructions on resetting your password in the MTSU ITD Knowledge Base. If you have trouble signing in or have questions about your new password you will need to contact the ITD Help Desk at (615) 898-5345.

Once logged into PipelineMT click on "My Account" on the top left-hand side of the page. The option to change your password and log in will be on the next page.

Your PipelineMT account and your email account are created the day after you are admitted to the university. Log into PipelineMT and click on the email envelope to get started with your email. Your email address will be your PipelineMT username followed by "@mtmail.mtsu.edu" (ie. abc2d@mtmail.mtsu.edu). You may also access your email by logging into Webmail from the MTSU home page using your PipelineMT username and password.

You can pay your parking tickets at the Business Office, CAB 103 or through your PipelineMT/RaiderNet account. Tickets must be paid before you can register for any classes.

The card is required to receive a variety of services on campus including cashing checks, admission to athletic and special events, checking out library materials, obtaining meal tickets, and using Raider Funds. If a student loses his/her ID card or fails to have the card validated during registration, a replacement fee is charged for each card. The fee must be paid at the Campus ID Station located in the Student Services Building (SSAC), Room 112.

Students in good financial standing at MTSU may defer payment of up to 50 percent of their registration, housing, and freshman meal plan fees for the fall and spring semesters. To be eligible for the Deferred Payment Plan, each participant must make a minimum down payment of 50 percent of the registration fees, residence hall rent, and freshmen meal plan costs. Contact the Business Office in Student Services & Admissions Center, Room 290  for more information.

Raider Funds can be used to purchase meals and snacks at any of the food service locations on campus; to buy a meal plan or budget card from the food service office; to make purchases at Phillips Bookstore; to pay fines at the Library; to use the washers and dryers in the residence halls; to get items from most campus vending machines; to pay for services at the Student Health Services Center; or to pay any amount payable at the Business Office. Your Raider Funds account can be activated by making a minimum deposit of $10.00 at the Business Office cashier windows in CAB 10.3. 

If you stop attending a class, you will receive an 'F' for that class. If you encounter personal or academic difficulties that affect your ability to attend class, you have the option of dropping the class up until a certain point in the semester. Course withdrawals may be processed using PipelineMT. Be sure to consult the calendar in the class schedule book to find out the official drop dates for each semester. Your financial aid can be affected if you withdraw or simply stop attending classes. Be sure to check with your financial aid counselor and academic advisor before making the decision to drop a class!

There are many different scholarships available. Visit Financial Aid for more information on what's available and how to apply.

For more information about the Lottery Scholarship you will want to visit Financial Aid Lottery Scholarship Information Website 

Currently enrolled MTSU students register for classes based on the number of hours they have earned. Assigned registration dates and times can be found in Pipeline Accounts. To find this information check your PipelineMT account under "Registration and Student Records". Look for link to "Assigned Registration Time". Dates are usually assigned approximately one month before Priority Registration; first two weeks of November for spring registration, first two weeks of April for summer and fall registration. Make sure you have all holds cleared before attempting to register.

Students may register online through their PipelineMT account.

1. Log in using your user name and password.
2. Click on the Registration and Student Records Link.
3. Click on "Add or Drop Classes" (Click on "Look Up Classes" to search for open classes).

The classes that students can register for depends on the student's major. Students should consult with their academic advisor for the selection of courses.

The answer to this question depends on the student. A minimum of 12 hours per semester is required to remain a full-time student; maximum enrollment is 18 hours per semester. A reasonable class load is between 15 and 18 hours, but strong consideration should be taken under advisement for travel time, job, and family commitments. It is recommended that for every hour in class a student needs to spend two hours outside of class for that particular subject. For full-time students, we recommend you register for around 15 hours. In the event you must drop a course during the semester, this minimizes the chances of impacting your full-time status. Taking and passing 15 hours a semester for 4 years will result in 120 hours, the minimum number of hours needed to graduate from MTSU.

Classes may be dropped by PipelineMT. Consult the current Registration Guide for the  term for deadlines concerning grade assignment and refunds. Tennessee Board of Regents policy prohibits students from dropping prescribed courses. Under extenuating circumstances a course may be dropped with the approval of the Chair of the University Studies Department.

You can withdraw from the University using your PipelineMT Account.  Refer to Withdrawing from the University and check in with the MT One Stop and your advisor before dropping any classes.

To get off academic probation you'll need to earn a 2.0 GPA for the semester or meet one of the following standards:

1. If you have earned 0-29.99 quality hours, you'll need to have at least a 1.5 cumulative GPA.
2. If you have earned 30-49.99 quality hours, you'll need to have at least 1.8 cumulative GPA.
3. If you have earned 50 or more quality hours, you'll need to have at least a 2.0 cumulative GPA.

If you are paying for your tuition via cash, personal checks, or credit cards your payment is technically "confirming" that you intend to take classes for that semester (make sure you keep your receipt of payment on file). However, if you have financial aid, student loans, or if your registration is paid through a third party, you must confirm your registration using PipelineMT. You will be given a confirmation number when you have successfully confirmed your registration. ****If a payment or confirmation has not been processed by the fee payment deadline your schedule will be deleted.

You may check your grades via PipelineMT under Student Records. If you only want to see your final grades for one semester you can select Final Grades.  If you would like to view your entire transcript you will select Transcript. The Academic Calendar lists the date when final grades will be posted.

Your GPA is a weighted average that takes into account your grades and the number of credits you have. It is very important to remember that your TELS (Lottery Scholarship GPA is calculated differently because you are not allowed to replace grades under the Lottery guidelines. Please see the MT One Stop for assistance calculating your TELS GPA.

During the first week of each semester, you can easily drop and add classes. However, there is a point where you can no longer add a class without that instructor's approval. It is important that you know of a class section opening before you drop; you wouldn't want to be left with a dropped class and nothing to add. Please refer to the Registration Guide for specific dates associated with the term you are enrolled.

Yes. There is a math lab located in KOM 204. Having trouble in other classes? To see all the free tutoring offered at MTSU visit the Office of Student Success.

This depends a lot on how much the exam contributes to your overall grade. The more it counts towards the final grade, the stronger your other grades will have to be. If you are unsure before the exam about how well you think you might do, speak with your instructor and get some advice from him or her.

Yes you can. However, no course should be attempted more than twice except upon the advice of an advisor. The second grade earned will stand, even if the second grade received is an "F" and you had previously received a higher grade. All repeated courses remain on your transcript with repeat notation. You may not repeat a course in which you have previously earned a grade of "A" or "B" without written approval from the Dean of the College which houses your major. Once again, remember that if you are on the Lottery Scholarship you will not be able to replace grades in your TELS GPA like you can in your regular MTSU GPA. Please speak with the MT One Stop for details about your TELS GPA.

Student appeals concerning a course grade should be resolved by conference between the student and the faculty member who assigned the grade. This should occur within forty (40) days of the graduation date for each term. In the event of an impasse between the student and faculty member, the student should discuss it with the Department Chair within ten (10) days of the conference. The Chair will investigate, record his/her findings, and respond to the student within ten (10) days of notification of impasse. The process can continue further into a committee determination as a next and final step.

Official transcripts are available as an eTranscript (PDF) or printed on secure blue paper. MTSU does not fax transcripts.  Transcripts will not be issued until all debts or obligations to the institution have been satisfied. The MT One Stop does not provide unofficial transcripts. Unofficial transcripts can be accessed on-line using PipelineMT. Select Registration & Student Records > Transcript icon.

Current and former students may order transcripts online 24/7 using TranscriptsPlus, a service provided by Credentials Solutions. Payment for the handling and delivery of eTranscripts and/or secure blue paper transcripts is made by credit card to Credentials, Inc. This vendor provides this service through an agreement with Middle Tennessee State University and is considered secure and encrypted.

The grade "I" indicates that the student has not completed all course requirements because of illness or other uncontrollable circumstances, especially those that may occur toward the close of the term. Mere failure to make up work or turn in required work on time does not provide the basis for the grade of "I" unless the extenuating circumstances noted above are present for reasons acceptable to the instructor. The "incomplete" must be removed during the succeeding semester, excluding summer. Otherwise a grade of "F" is entered. The "I" grade carries no value until converted to a final grade.

A "W" is assigned in courses that are dropped during a specified period of time within a term. You should consult the appropriate Registration Guide for specific dates each term. A "W" is not a grade; it is done to simply record that you decided to withdraw from a course. It is not calculated into your GPA at all but can negatively impact current and future Financial Aid/Load awards.

If you're placed on academic suspension, you have the opportunity to go through an appeals process. Consideration for readmission will be given to students who present adequate evidence of ability, maturity, and motivation. Students should refer to the MT One Stop website for the deadline dates for academic appeals. 

General Studies classes are a set of science, liberal arts, and fine arts courses that serve as a foundation for all majors. Each student at MTSU is required to complete 41 credits  in General Studies. The MTSU community values the curriculum, as it provides a broad knowledge and appreciation of the arts and sciences as well as the intellectual skills that provide a basis for effective communication, problem solving, and evaluation. The Tennessee Board of Regents set these minimum requirements for all its schools; therefore, it is necessary for all students to complete it.

As part of the General Studies requirement, at least one math course is required in all majors.

Only if you have a high school deficiency (i.e., you didn't take a foreign language in high school) or are seeking a B.A. degree must you take a foreign language. If you are deficient in two years of foreign language requirements you will be required to complete a 1010 and a 1020 of the same language. 

Prescribed classes are  designed for students who need additional instruction in areas before completing regular college curriculum courses. ACT scores, assessment tests, and areas of high school deficiency are used to determine an individual student's need for prescribed classes. Courses in mathematics, reading, writing and study skills are offered. A learning strategies course is required for students who are placed in any two of those subject areas. A grade of "C-" or better is required to satisfy a Prescribed Course requirement.

If you do not successfully pass your prescribed classes, you are required to retake the same courses over next semester until successfully passed. The second time you attempt the class and successfully pass, the grade will be recalculated in your overall average. However, if your prior academic record indicates academic probation, you may have to appeal to the Academic Appeals Committee to be reinstated due to poor academic progress.

Students should be aware of prerequisites that may apply to their particular major. Please contact your advisor for questions regarding the classes you need for your major.

The Tennessee Board of Regents requires all admitted students to have demonstrated mastery of various high school content areas (i.e., English, Algebra, Geometry, Natural/Physical Science, etc.) In the event your high school did not offer some of these subjects, or you did not demonstrate mastery, you would have a high school deficiency. It would be necessary to take coursework at MTSU to cover this deficiency.

You must continuously enroll in needed Prescribed courses until completion. If you are placed in four basic or Prescribed classes per semester, you may take only one other course; either an ROTC or PHED activity course. You may not take any college-level course which requires skill in any area in which you show a deficiency as determined by the placement test. 

An  advisor  must request a change of major, minor, or catalog for any student currently enrolled or enrolled for a future term. It is highly recommended that students meet with an advisor in their intended new major to ensure their major/minor selection meets their career goals as well as abides by University policy.

An upper-division form displays all courses required for a degree and tracks a student's grades and progress.

Two semesters before the term you intend to graduate, students should complete an upper-division form and file it with their Graduation Analyst along with the Intent to Graduate form. See your advisor to additional information related specifically to your major.