For degree programs earned via distance learning, students must meet the same admission requirements to MSU as on-campus students. Those who are already enrolled at MSU may also take distance classes. Graduate student applicants may be required to submit Graduate Record Examination (GRE) scores. Students with a college degree can take classes as unclassified students.
Distance learning classes including may include workshops as well as independent study courses. The school is on a semester system. There is a fall, spring and summer term. Undergraduate and graduate classes are offered in nearly 50 subjects. Distance learning courses are academically equivalent to MSU's traditional on-site classes.
There are four Bachelor of Science degrees. Majors include: interdisciplinary studies, elementary education, geosciences with an emphasis in broadcast meteorology and geosciences with an emphasis in operational meteorology.
There are 14 masters degrees in the distance learning department including three Master of Arts and five Master of Science programs. Students can earn a Master of Business Administration with the option to specialize in project management. The MBA program was rated a "Best Buy" for online MBAs by the consumer watchdog group GetEducated.com. As of 2010, the cost of the MBA program was $14,500. Members of the United States military receive discounted tuition for the MBA program. Other masters programs include engineering and public policy administration.
There are 13 certificate and licensure programs. They include certificates for teachers such as the Advancing Teachers on Middle School Sciences (ATOMSS) certificate and the Teacher Conservation Workshop program. Science and technology certificate fields include geospatial and remote sensing technology, operational meteorology and broadcast meteorology. Firefighters can advance their careers by completing the Interagency Fire Program Management training series.
Fees for distant learning classes are non-refundable. Students are charged the MSU in-state tuition rate for classes in undergraduate degree programs. As of 2010, the costs of one-year of tuition and fees for full-time undergraduate students totaled $5,151. Financial aid is available and students should contact the university's department of financial aid to discuss funding options. Senior citizens are eligible for a tuition waiver. Mississippi residents age 60 or over can take up to two classes per semester for free.