Missouri College Admission Requirements

  • The University of Missouri System (University of Missouri-Columbia, University of Missouri-St. Louis, Missouri University of Science and Technology, University of Missouri-Kansas City) has the following course requirements for admission:

    • Four (4) units of English, one of which may be Speech or Debate. Two units emphasizing composition or writing skills are required.
    • Four (4) units of Mathematics in Algebra 1 and higher level courses. This requirement may be satisfied by completion of courses in middle school, junior high, or senior high.
    • Three (3) units of Science.
    • Three (3) units of Social Studies.
    • One (1) unit of Fine Arts.
    • Two (2) units of a single World Language.

    The Missouri Coordinating Board for Higher Education requires students attending any Missouri State University to meet the following core course requirements for admission:

    • English- Four (4) units, one of which may be Speech or Debate: two units emphasizing composition or writing skills are required.
    • Mathematics: Three (3) units of Mathematics in Algebra 1 and higher level courses.
    • Social Studies: Three (3) units.
    • Science: Three (3) units.
    • Visual Performing Arts: One (1) unit (Fine Arts courses in Visual Arts, Music, and Theatre.)
    • Electives: Three (3) units, selected from World Language and/or combinations of the above courses. (Two units of World Language are strongly recommended.)

    Recommendations for course selection depend on the student's ability, interests, and career plans. This chart merely suggests the variables that can exist. Use this as a guide only. Since admission requirements periodically change, parents and students should check individual institutions and specific programs within those institutions for exact requirements.

    High School diploma (Minimum Requirements: State of Missouri)

    Requirements:

    4 units Language Arts
    3 units Social Studies
    3 units Mathematics
    3 units Science
    1 unit Fine Art
    1 unit CTE
    1 unit Physical Education
    .5 unit Health Education
    .5 unit Personal Finance
    7 units Electives

    Community College

    Requirements:

    High School diploma or GED

    Recommendations:

    Core coursework for all four years in high school in preparation for college-level work is preferred.

    Missouri CBHE-Recommended High School Curriculum for regional colleges and universities

    Requirements:

    Missouri public high school students are required by the State Board of Education to complete units in CTE (1), physical education (1), health education (1/2), and personal finance (1/2).

    All students should complete at least 3 elective units total in World Language and/or other courses within high school core content areas. (Two units of a single World Language are strongly recommended).

    Recommendations:

    4 units English/Language Arts
    3 units Social Studies
    4 units Mathematics
    3 units Science
    1 unit Fine Arts
    3 units Additional Coursework
    7 units Electives
    NOTE: Missouri State University will not accept credit earned in Middle School.

    University of Missouri System

    Requirements:

    4 units Language Arts
    4 units Mathematics (Algebra 1 and higher)
    3 units Social Studies
    3 units Science
    2 units World Language (same language)
    1 unit Fine Art
    Adequate ACT/SAT score

    Recommendations:

    Core coursework all four years in high school in preparation for college-level work

    Highly Selective

    Requirements:

    Often the college will state that there are no prescriptions or minimum requirements. They want to talk in terms of averages with regard to test scores, academic standing and course preparation.

    Recommendations:
    4 units Language Arts
    4 units Mathematics (Algebra 1 and higher)
    4 units Science
    4 units Social Studies
    4 units World Language (same language)

    • Applicants need to take the most challenging courses offered in the above areas as appropriate and demonstrate a high level of performance in these classes.
    • Exemplary ACT, SAT I and SAT II (Scores when requested)
    • Extracurricular records must clearly demonstrate an eagerness and confidence in taking initiative, making the most of opportunities and gaining recognition for accomplishments both inside and outside of the school setting.
    • Supplementary parts of the application must be solidly supportive of the total picture.