Undergraduate Admissions

Montana Tech encourages all prospective students who are interested in attending to apply for admission. Applications for admission are accepted from in-state, out-of-state, and international students. The Admissions Office has specialists available to assist full-time, part-time, and non-degree applicants in the admission process. For admissions or additional information, please call us at (406) 496-4791 or 1-800-445-TECH (8324), or visit our website at: www.mtech.edu.

Application Processing occurs in the Admissions Office located in room 207 of the Mining-Geology Building. Prospective students are encouraged to visit the campus on weekdays when classes are in session or weekends by appointment. Contact Admissions via email at: admissions@mtech.edu. You can also visit us at www.mtech.edu.

Measles Immunization Policy

If you were born after December 31, 1956, you must submit proof of two separate doses of measles and rubella immunity by immunization record or a physician’s record of diagnosis. While measles and rubella immunization (with dates) is not an admission requirement, it is necessary to complete your file and must be submitted before you are allowed to register for courses. This policy is in effect at all units of the Montana University System. Students enrolled exclusively in distance-delivered courses are exempt from the measles requirements.

Freshman Students

Freshmen are students who have graduated from an accredited high school (or have a HiSET or GED) and have never attended another post-secondary institution (excluding dual credit while enrolled in high school).

When to Apply - Freshmen Students

Freshmen applying for Fall admission should apply a www.mtech.edu. Students will not be considered for scholarships, financial aid or housing until they have completed an application. All first-time, U.S. residents enrolling full-time at Montana Tech will be considered for new student scholarships. Undergraduate awards are based primarily on academic merit.  These scholarships are offered at the time of admission.  Students meeting specific qualifications for any additional awards will be invited to apply directly.

Application Procedure - Freshmen Students

1. Complete and submit the Montana Tech Application for Admission.
2. Submit all academic transcripts including: official high school transcript or HiSET/GED test score report or home school and any official transcripts from other post-secondary institutions previously attended.
3. Submit the score report from the ACT or SAT test. (These scores are not required and will be used for placement or scholarship purposes only.)
4. Submit proof of two separate doses of measles and rubella immunization if you were born after December 31, 1956.
5. Placement exams may be required to identify appropriate math and writing coursework. Placement can also be determined by dual credit transcripts or AP test scores. If you have questions about placement, please call the Admissions Office at (406) 496-4791.

Home Schooling Admission Requirements

Students who have received their education through home schooling or who have graduated from a non-accredited high school can satisfy the requirement of high school graduation by:

1. Obtaining a High School Equivalency Diploma based on the G.E.D./HiSET (General Education Development) examination; or
2. Satisfactory performance on the ACT/SAT or university placement exams.

Home school students must also submit a transcript summarizing their academic history.

North Campus - Admission Requirements

All first-time, full-time resident and non-resident freshmen who graduated from high school within the past three years are required to meet the following entrance requirements for full admission.  Students who do not meet these requirements may be admitted on a provisional basis.

Freshmen applicants must satisfy the following standards

1. An ACT composite score of 22 or a combined SAT score of 1120
2. A high school cumulative grade point average of 2.50 (4.0 scale) or greater, OR
3. Rank in the upper half of their graduating class, AND
4. Meet math and English standards (see below)
5. Complete the College Prep Curriculum (see below)

Math and Writing Proficiency Standards

Students must meet math and writing proficiency standards as outlined by the Montana Board of Regents (BOR).  These standards are described below and can also be found on the BOR website at www.mus.edu.

Students who do not meet the math and writing proficiency standards will receive special advising that includes:

• Access to additional math and writing support;
• Guidance to enroll immediately in math and writing coursework; and
• Encouragement to complete math and writing coursework in their first 30 credits.

Demonstration of mathematics proficiency can be accomplished through the following:

1. A score of 22 or above on ACT mathematics; or

2. A score of 27.5 or above on SAT mathematics test; or

3. A score of 3 or above on the AP calculus AB or BC subject examination or a score of 4 on the IB calculus test; or

4. A score of 50 or above on the CLEP subject examinations in selected topics [college algebra, college algebra-trigonometry, pre-calculus, calculus, or trigonometry]; or

5. Completion of a rigorous high school core including four years of mathematics in high school (Algebra I, Algebra II, geometry & a course beyond Algebra II) and three years of laboratory science; or three years of mathematics including a course beyond Algebra II and four years of laboratory science, in addition to English, social studies, and electives as described in the regents’ college preparatory program, with grades of C or better in all courses.

6. A cumulative high school GPA of 3.0 or higher; or

7. A cumulative high school GPA of 2.5 or higher AND an Algebra II (or the sequential content equivalent) course grade of C or better.

Demonstration of writing proficiency can be accomplished through the following:

1. A score of 7 or above on the writing test or 18 or above on the ELA (weighted composite based on the English, reading, and writing scores) of the optional writing test of the ACT; or

2. A score of 25 or above on the writing and language test of the SAT; or

3. A score of 3 or above on the AP English language or English literature examination; or

4. A score of 4 or above on the IB language A1 exam; or

5. A score of 50 or above on the (CLEP) subject examinations in composition.

6. A cumulative high school GPA of 3.0 or higher; or

7. A cumulative high school GPA of 2.5 or higher AND a course grade of C or better in an 11th grade English course

Montana Tech reserves the right to place students in the appropriate Math & English courses.

Freshmen applicants must also complete the full College Preparatory Requirements

1. Four years of English.
2. Three years of Mathematics (Algebra I & II, & Geometry). Math in senior year encouraged.
3. Three years of Social Studies to include one year of Global Studies (World History or World Geography), one year of U.S. History, and a third year of either Government, Economics, Geography, Indian History, Sociology, or Psychology.
4. Two years of laboratory science (one year must be Earth Science, Biology, Chemistry, or Physics), the other year can be from one of those sciences or another college preparatory laboratory science.
5. Two years chosen from the following:
   • foreign language
   • computer science
   • visual and performing arts
   • vocational education units

Out-of-state applicants who have not completed the college preparatory requirements stated above may satisfy the requirements by providing evidence that they have:

1. Completed a similar college preparatory program required in their home state. Evidence of this completion must be certified by the high school.
   OR
2. If the applicant’s state has no college preparatory program, meet two of the five numeric admission requirements stated above plus math and writing standards.

Students who did not graduate from high school but who have passed the General Education Development (GED) examination may be eligible for admission.

The following students are exempt from the above requirements:

Non-traditional age students (those who graduated from high school more than three years ago); students attending during summer session without the intent of registering during the regular academic year; part-time, non-degree-seeking students taking fewer than 8 credits per semester, exclusive of remedial courses.

Applicants who do not meet the admission requirements to North Campus degree programs or the college preparatory requirements stated above may be considered for an admission exemption. Due to the limited number of exemptions available, priority consideration will be given to those applying before February 1 for Fall; December 1 for Spring; and May 1 for Summer.

Highlands College - Admission Requirements

Applicants must provide proof of graduation from a state accredited high school or the equivalent (HiSET/GED). Some programs have waitlists and accept students on a first-come, first-served bases. Placement exams may be required to identify appropriate math and writing coursework. Placement can also be determined by dual credit transcripts or AP test scores. Students will be notified if a placement exam is necessary. If you have questions about placement, please call the Admissions Office at (406) 496-4791.

Transfer Students

A transfer student is one who has completed college credit at another post-secondary institution (excluding dual credit). A preliminary evaluation of transfer credit can be provided upon request and receipt of all unofficial transcripts. Official transfer credit will not be granted without all official transcripts.  Transfer students may be required to complete a placement test if they have not completed college level math and/or writing within the last two years.

When to Apply - Transfer Students

It is recommended that transfer applicants complete their file at least two months before the beginning of the semester so an evaluation of transfer credit can be completed before they register for classes.

Application Procedures - Transfer Students

1. Complete and submit the on file transfer or Montana Tech Application for Admission.
2. Submit official transcripts from all colleges or universities previously attended.
3. Submit ACT or SAT scores on high school transcript. These scores are not required of students who have been out of high school for more than three years, or have earned 30 semester credits of undergraduate course work. (Not required at Highlands College)
4. Submit proof of two separate doses of measles and rubella immunization if you were born after December 31, 1956.
5. Students who have not taken math within the last two years, or College Writing I at a post-secondary institution are required to take a placement exam for advising and placement.

Admission Requirements - Transfer Students

Full admission will be granted to transfer students from U.S. colleges with a cumulative GPA (across all institutions) of 2.0.  Students with a cumulative GPA below 2.0 will be admitted on Academic Warning.  (For more information about this status, you may visit the Academic Standing section of the Montana Tech Catalog.)  Students who have a current status of Suspension from an institution will receive a letter from the Admissions Office with details about the option to petition for admission. Students transferring from non-U.S. colleges are admissable with a 2.0 cumulative GPA (see Transfer Student Applicaiton Requirements - International Student below).

Transfer of Credit

All college or university-level credit earned at accredited post-secondary educational institutions noted under “General Information” on this page, will be considered for transfer credit. Students planning to transfer to Montana Tech are strongly urged to consult with the Admissions Office and their prospective major department as far in advance as possible in order to ensure that the courses they take will satisfy course prerequisites and degree requirements at Tech. For additional information, refer to the section on “Transfer Credit Policy .” A grade of “C-” or better is required for acceptance of credit.

Dual Admission (UM Helena)

Students will be governed by the catalog in effect when they are accepted for the dual admission status provided the catalog is not more than six years old when the students graduate. Students with dual admission to Montana University System schools who interrupt their attendance are governed by the catalog in effect when they are readmitted.

International Students

Montana Tech is authorized to issue the U.S. Immigration and Custom Enforcement (ICE) Form I-20AB for F-1 student visas and DS-2019 for J-1 student visas. Students and Exchange Visitors issued an I-20 or a DS-2019 are required to pay fees in SEVIS prior to being issued a visa to enter the United States. (Note:  Canadian citizen students do not need a visa, their I-20 or DS 2019 is sufficient.) For more information visit: https://www.ice.gov/sevis/students.

International students interested in pursuing graduate certificates or a Master’s degree or a Doctorate of Philosophy Degree (PhD) should go to the catalog sections under the Graduate School for application information.

When to Apply - International Students

All of the items listed below should be received by Enrollment Services according to the following schedule:

Freshman Application Requirements (Undergraduate) - International Student

Freshman students are those applying for admission during or immediately following completion of high school (secondary school).  Freshman students have not attended other colleges.

1. APPLICATION FOR ADMISSION (Undergraduate)
   All items on the form are required. Names should be spelled as they appear on the passport.
2. EDUCATION CREDENTIALS FOR INTERNATIONAL FRESHMAN
   Secondary school graduates must show the equivalent of at least a 2.50 grade point average (GPA) on a 4.0 scale. Admission to some programs may be restricted.
   • An official copy of the final high school transcript, converted into English.
   • Students must demonstrate math and English proficiency.  It is highly recommended that students provide SAT or ACT scores to ensure proper placement math and writing courses.  If ACT or SAT scores are not received prior to arrival, students will complete a placement exam at Montana Tech.  This approach is discouraged as students will not know until their arrival how their placement affects the duration of their program. 
3. PROOF OF ENGLISH PROFICIENCY
   Applicants who are citizens of countries other than Australia, Canada, England, Ireland, New Zealand, Scotland, or Wales are required to certify English proficiency by supplying one of the following:
   1. Official TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign language) score report showing a minimum score of 71 Internet based, 525 paper-based or 195 computer-based. Please obtain information concerning this test at www.ets.org/toefl.
   2. Official IELTS score report showing a minimum score of 6. Please obtain all information concerning this test at www.ielts.org.
   3. Certification of successful completion of ELS Language Centers level 112. Please obtain all information concerning ELS from: ELS Language Centers, Executive Offices, 57961 Buckingham Parkway, Culver City, CA 90230, U.S.A
   4. Certification of grade “C” or higher on the English Language section of one of the General Certificate of Education, Ordinary Level (GCE-O), examinations administered in England.
   5. Official Cambridge IGCSE scores with five passes of grade C and above.
   6. Students who have graduated from an accredited high school in the U.S. may satisfy this requirement by providing an official high school transcript along with two letters of recommendation from high school faculty/administrators regarding proficiency in English language skills.
   7. Students with none of the requirements listed above may consider the English Language Institute (ELI) program at the University of Montana.  See the UM website for more information.

Transfer Student Application Requirements (Undergraduate) - International Student

Students who attended another college are considered transfers.

1. APPLICATION FOR ADMISSION (Undergraduate)
   All items on the form are required. Names should be spelled as they appear on the passport

2. EDUCATION CREDENTIALS FOR INTERNATIONAL TRANSFERS Transfer students must show the equivalent of at least a 2.0 grade point average (GPA) on a 4.0 scale on all college transcripts averaged together.  Some articulation agreements require a higher GPA.

   • Official copies of all college transcripts.  (This includes technical schools, colleges, and universities.)

     • International students who have attended institutions outside the U.S. or Canada must request an evaluation of their transcripts from either the Educational Credential Evaluators, Inc. (ECE) or World Education Services (WES). IMPORTANT! ECE or WES transcript evaluations may not reflect actual college credits accepted by Montana Tech. Allow 8-12 weeks for ECE or WES to complete their evaluation process.

   • Students who graduated from high school within the last 3 years and earned less than 30 college credits must submit an official high school transcript (translated into English).

   • Students who did not pass a college level math class with a C- or better will be required to take a placement exam. Students are encouraged to accomplish this prior to arrival at Montana Tech.  Otherwise, students will not know until their arrival how their placement affects the duration of their program.  Contact the Admissions Office at admissions@mtech.edu for guidance.

3. PROOF OF ENGLISH PROFICIENCY
   Applicants who are citizens of countries other than Australia, Canada, England, Ireland, New Zealand, Scotland, or Wales are required to certify English proficiency by supplying one of the following:
   1. Official TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign language) score report showing a minimum score of 71 Internet based, 525 paper-based or 195 computer-based. Please obtain information concerning this test at www.ets.org/toefl.
   2. Official IELTS score report showing a minimum score of 6. Please obtain all information concerning this test at www.ielts.org.
   3. Certification of successful completion of ELS Language Centers level 112. Please obtain all information concerning ELS from: ELS Language Centers, Executive Offices, 57961 Buckingham Parkway, Culver City, CA 90230, U.S.A
   4. Certification of grade “C” or higher on the English Language section of one of the General Certificate of Education, Ordinary Level (GCE-O), examinations administered in England.
   5. Official Cambridge IGCSE scores with five passes of grade C and above.
   6. Students who have graduated from an accredited high school in the U.S. may satisfy this requirement by providing an official high school transcript along with two letters of recommendation from high school faculty/administrators regarding proficiency in English language skills.
   7. Students with none of the requirements listed above may consider the English Language Institute (ELI) program at the University of Montana.  See the UM website for more information.
4. FOREIGN INTENT TO TRANSFER FORM This form is only required of International transfer students transferring to Montana Tech from another U.S. institution. Before transferring to Montana Tech from a U.S. college or university, students must see their current foreign student advisor regarding transfer procedures and have them complete the “Notice of Intent to Transfer” form.

Additional items needed from all international applicants before an I-20 or DS 2019 will be issued:

1. Color Copy of Passport Photo Page
2. Statement of Financial Support  The International Statement of Financial Support form must be completed by the student, the student’s sponsor (if applicable), and the bank certifying the funds. 
3. Immunization/Health Records A physician-validated record showing immunization for Measles, Mumps and Rubella (MMR) (two doses after 1st birthday), diphtheria, tetanus, and a recent (within the last year) skin test for tuberculosis. Each of these must be identified on the record in English and signed by a physician or registered nurse.

Former Student Readmission

A former student who was not in attendance during the semester preceding the intended term of return, excluding summer school, is required to reapply for admission. Returning students are required to follow the college catalog in effect at the time of reentry, including any changes to program requirements.

When to Apply - Returning Students

It is recommended that students apply at least one month in advance of the semester, however, applications will be accepted until the 1st day of class.

Application Procedures - Returning Student

1. Complete and submit an Application for Admission on the Montana Tech website.
2. If applicable, submit official transcripts from all colleges or universities attended since leaving Montana Tech.
3. If you were born after December 31, 1956, and have not attended Montana Tech in the last five academic calendar years or were enrolled as a non-degree student, you must submit proof of two separate doses of measles and rubella immunization.

Admission Requirements - Returning Student

All returning or former students who have attended a college or university since leaving Montana Tech must meet the admission requirements for transfer students in order to be readmitted.

Former students who have not attended another college or university must be readmissible according to the policy in the section titled “Academic Standing .” Students who are on a probationary/warning status from Montana Tech are considered readmissible.

Students on first suspension are readmissible after one semester of non-attendance (remaining out-of-residence). If a student has been suspended twice from Montana Tech, he or she must be out of school for an interval of one academic year, and must receive approval for readmission from the Academic Standards Committee. 

Military Re-admission

For students returning after an absence due to active military status, please follow the Returning Student Readmission Procedures. Montana Tech automatically accepts any former student who wishes to re-enroll who is in good academic standing.

Jump Start/Early Admission/Dual Credit

Montana Tech initiated the Jump Start Program for high-achieving high school juniors and seniors who have an interest in early admission at Montana Tech to enroll in college-level course work while still enrolled in high school.  Dual Credit college-level courses are also taught at the high school by Montana Tech-approved instructors, and count towards BOTH high school graduation requirements and also appears on the student’s Montana Tech transcript. Jump Start and Dual Credit courses are open to any eligible high school student and are taught at area high schools, on campus, or via the internet. Applicants must submit a completed Jump Start/Dual Credit Application and Registration Form to apply for participation in the program. Applicants must have a minimum 2.75 GPA, be at least 16 years of age, and must receive the permission of their parents or guardians and their high school counselor or principal. Partial fee waivers are available (limits may apply) for students participating in this program. Contact Bernie Phelps with the Institute for Education Opportunities, (406) 496-4565 or bphelps@mtech.edu for more information.

When to Apply - Jump Start and Dual Credit Students

Applicants for early admission should complete the Jump Start application process at least two weeks prior to the beginning of the semester. A completed application is required for each term of enrollment. 

Application Procedures - Jump Start and Dual Credit Students

Application for early admission must be initiated by the student through the appropriate high school administrator. Such application must meet with the specific agreement, recommendation and approval of the student’s parents or guardian, the student’s high school, and the Enrollment Services Office. Students applying for early admission must complete and submit a Jump Start Application with all required signatures.

Non-Degree Students

A non-degree student is defined as a student taking 6 credits or less a semester and whose purpose in attending Montana Tech is not to pursue a degree. If a non-degree student subsequently decides to pursue a degree at Montana Tech, he or she must complete a regular undergraduate or graduate application form and submit additional documentation as required (see the Enrollment Services Office). Enrollment as a non-degree student does not guarantee admission to a degree program. A maximum of 45 credit hours earned as a Montana Tech non-degree student may be transferable to an undergraduate degree program. Any graduate course taken by a non-degree student must be approved in advance by the director of the Graduate School and the head of the department in which the student intends to pursue a graduate degree in order for the course to be applicable to the degree. Non-degree students must maintain satisfactory academic progress.

Application Procedure - Non-degree

1. A student must submit the Application for Admission via the Montana Tech website.
2. Students taking more than 6 credits must submit proof of two separate doses of MMR if born after December 31, 1956.

Admission Requirements - Non-degree

All non-degree students should be high school graduates or have earned a high school equivalency credential. However, high school or college transcripts or standardized test scores are not required unless necessary to comply with course prerequisites or if the student chooses to seek a degree.

General Information for all Students

1. Any qualified applicant will be accepted for admission to Montana Tech regardless of race, color, creed, sex, national origin, or handicap.
2. Failure to submit all required credentials may result in cancellation of registration.
3. The falsification or willful suppression by the applicant of any information requested on the application form may be grounds for cancellation of registration and exclusion from subsequent attendance at Montana Tech. Failure on the part of the applicant to provide all of the requested information will cause delays in processing the application for admission.
4. The term “official” in reference to academic credentials indicates that the documents are forwarded directly by the principal or registrar of each school attended to the Admissions Office at Montana Tech. Faxed copies, or those “issued to the student” will not be accepted. An official transcript must have a signature, stamp or seal.
5. Information regarding residency classification for fee purposes is available from the Admissions or Enrollment Services Offices.
6. HiSet or GED: A student may be admitted on the presentation of a high school equivalency certificate issued by the State Superintendent of Public Instruction under authorization of the Board of Public Education. The high school equivalency certificate based on the HiSet examination may not be used to satisfy the requirement of high school graduation until after the student’s high school class has graduated. Further information regarding requirements and test center locations in Montana may be obtained from the Office of Public Instruction, Helena, MT 59620.
7. WICHE-WUE: On a space available basis, residents of states participating in the Western Interstate Commission on Higher Education (WlCHE) Western Undergraduate Exchange (WUE) may be eligible for WICHE-WUE status. Students approved for this benefit pay 150% of resident tuition instead of the non-resident tuition. This scholarship is available to qualifying newly admitted, first-time undergraduate students only. Post-baccalaureate and graduate students are not eligible. Currently participating states are as follows: Alaska, Arizona, California, Colorado, Hawaii, Idaho, Nevada, New Mexico, North Dakota, Oregon, South Dakota, Utah, Washington, and Wyoming. Montana Tech reserves the right to change the requirements for admission into the WUE program without further notice. For current information about the WICHE-WUE Program, contact the Admissions Office.

Because Montana Tech participates in the WICHE-WUE Program, residents of Montana may enroll under similar terms in designated institutions and programs in other participating states. Montana residents may obtain information about WUE programs in other states on the WICHE-WUE website.

8. All eligible high school applicants may be considered for admission and given conditional acceptance on the basis of six or seven completed semesters of acceptable high school work. However, applicants must supply the Admissions Office with final semester grades, certification of high school graduation, class size, rank in class, and meet the minimum admission standards and college preparatory requirements in order to be officially admitted.

Transfer Credit & Other College-Level Course Work Policies

Montana University System Transfer of Credit Policies

https://mus.edu/borpol/bor300/301-5.pdf

Board Policy Transfer of Credits (Policy 301.5)

A. All college level courses from institutions of higher education accredited by one of the following accrediting agencies will be received and applied by all campuses of the Montana university system (MUS), and by the community colleges, towards the free elective requirements of the associate and baccalaureate degrees.

• Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges (ACCJC)
• Higher Learning Commission (HLC)
• Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools (MSCHE)
• New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NECHE)
• Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU)
• Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) 
• WASC Senior College and University Commission

College level courses shall be defined as those courses that are applicable toward an associate of arts, associate of science or baccalaureate degree at their respective institution. The receiving institution will determine in advance of a student’s enrollment which courses within an associate of applied science degree program will be credited toward a given associates or baccalaureate degree. In all cases, such courses shall not include remedial or developmental courses.

B. In relation to the major, minor, general education, distribution requirements, and free electives of the associate and baccalaureate degrees, all campuses of the MUS, and the community colleges, are authorized to determine the applicability of credits earned at institutions of higher education accredited by one of the listed accrediting agencies.

C. In administering the policy in paragraphs A and B an institution shall include the credits earned by a student from an institution which is a candidate for accreditation by one of the listed accrediting agencies after the student has successfully completed 20 semester credits with a 2.0 cumulative grade point average at the receiving institution.

D. Campuses of the MUS, and the community colleges, may give credit for education received from non-collegiate institutions on the basis of recommendations published by the American Council on Education and the National Program on Non-collegiate Sponsored Instruction from the board of regents of the State of NY (NYSED).

E. Campuses of the MUS and community colleges, shall provide military and veteran students with a means of evaluation of prior learning, shall develop policies to ensure appropriate granting of credit for military training and courses based on American Council of Education recommendations. Campuses of the MUS shall submit policies to the Commissioner of Higher Education for approval. The community colleges shall submit policies to the Commissioner of Higher Education for review.

Campuses of the MUS, and the community colleges shall also provide accessible and timely information to prospective and admitted military and veteran students regarding opportunities for credit for prior learning.

F. Institutions may make exceptions to give credit if the criteria described above are not met. However, the following principles should be followed: 1. The chief academic officer, registrar, and admissions officer should review each case to ensure that there is evidence of academic quality in the sending institution, both in the faculty and in the curriculum. 2. Institutions may determine policies relating to the acceptance of college credit from other countries.

G. Campuses of the MUS, and the community colleges shall establish an internal appeals process to review decisions concerning the transfer of credits. Because of the significant differences in size and organizational structure within the MUS, the processes will not be absolutely identical. The appeals procedures will have the following common features, however: 1. Decisions concerning the applicability of courses in a student’s major, minor, option or certificate will be reviewed, using the academic structure and hierarchy in place on each campus. The review will begin with the appropriate academic administrator who is closest to the program where the credential is offered, and will end with the chief academic officer. On most campuses, that means that the review may begin with a department chair, could include a dean, and would end with a provost or vice president for academic affairs. 2. Decisions concerning the applicability of courses in the institution’s general education program will be reviewed by a faculty committee. That committee can be one that already exists on the campus; or it can be a committee created to satisfy the expectations of this policy. Any decision of the committee can be appealed to the chief academic officer of the campus, who will make the final review and decision for the institution. 3. Decisions concerning the applicability of courses as free elective credits at the institution will follow the procedure outlined in subsection 2 above.

The campuses are required to notify students of their appeal rights, under this policy, when a decision has been made about the applicability of their transfer credit coursework and that written decision is given to students. Board policy 301.5.1, system of controls, sets out most of those notice times.

If a student exercises the appeal rights set out in this policy, the review and a final decision must be completed by the class pre-registration date for the following academic term. The student must initiate the appeal process, in a timely manner, in order to give the institution time to complete its review before the deadline described in the preceding sentence.

Board Policy General Education Transfer (Policy 301.10)

https://mus.edu/borpol/bor300/301-10.pdf

Board Policy Outdated Course work (Policy 301.5.2)

https://mus.edu/borpol/bor300/301-5-2.pdf

A. In evaluating coursework from post-secondary institutions, the campuses within the Montana university system (MUS) will:
1. guarantee that any post-secondary coursework taken within five (5) years of being admitted or readmitted to the campus will be included in the transfer analysis of specific required classes in a major, minor, option or certificate.
2. guarantee that any post secondary coursework taken within fifteen (15) years of being admitted or readmitted to the campus will be included in the transfer analysis of general education coursework.
3. guarantee that any post secondary coursework taken within fifteen (15) years of being admitted or readmitted to the campus will be included in the transfer analysis of elective coursework.

B. Coursework that falls outside these guarantee periods may be included in the evaluation, at the discretion of the individual campuses. Since it is a discretionary decision, it cannot be challenged by students.

C. Individual programs in the MUS may request a stricter standard for outdated coursework.
1. Such requests must be approved by the Montana board of regents.
2. If a program is duplicated throughout the MUS, all of those duplicated programs must agree to the stricter standard as part of the documentation submitted to the board of regents for approval. For instance, if one computer degree program on a campus requests a stricter standard, all computer degree programs of a similar nature must request the same standard.

D. The provisions of this policy will also govern the evaluation of “outdated” classes that have been completed at the institution doing the evaluation.

Board Policy Minimum Course Grades (Policy 301.5.3)

https://mus.edu/borpol/bor300/301-5-3.pdf

A. All students in the Montana university system (MUS) and the three (3) community colleges must earn the following minimum grades to demonstrate their competency and preparation:

1. a “D-” or better in all classes that are used to satisfy so-called free or elective credits in an associate or baccalaureate degree program;

2. a “C-” or better in all classes that are used to satisfy a general education program;

3. a “C-” or better in all classes that are used to satisfy the pre-requisites or required courses in a major, minor, option or certificate.

In cases where it has been deemed appropriate through a campus’s curriculum review process or by an accrediting body to offer a course on a credit/ no credit (pass or fail) basis, a “pass” grade may serve as the minimum grade.

B. Individual programs may establish grade standards that are higher than the minimums set out in paragraph A above for some or all the courses that are used to satisfy the pre-requisites or requirements for a major, minor, option, certificate or general education. Students will be notified of that expectation.

To ensure that students are notified of this expectation, campuses must include in their catalogs, advising guidelines and websites detailed information about such exceptions, including the names of the programs with the courses and grades that are required.

C. All campuses of the MUS and the three (3) community colleges will adopt a grading system that includes the use of pluses and minuses, in addition to letter grades. The grade point average calculation will also be the same throughout the system.

D. Students are required to meet the overall MUS standard of a 2.00 grade point average for satisfactory academic progress, as specified in board policy 301.8.

General Information

Montana Tech reserves the right to make the final decision in regard to the evaluation and approval of course work presented for transfer credit. An evaluation of transfer credit will be performed for any student who has previously acquired college level credit for courses at institutionally accredited institutions of higher education and who wishes to pursue a degree at Montana Tech.

To qualify for a transfer credit evaluation, transfer students must submit ALL official transcripts to the Admissions Office. An official transfer credit evaluation will not be performed until all transcripts have been received, the student’s application for admission is complete, and the student has been admitted. An official transcript must have a signature, stamp or seal. Faxed copies, or those “issued to student” will not be accepted. Preliminary evaluation can be provided to the prospective student by contacting the Enrollment Services Office.

If all college-level transcripts are on file in the Admissions Office 30 days before the semester begins, an evaluation will be performed and notification will be mailed to the admitted student within 10 working days. College transcripts received less than 30 days before the semester begins will be evaluated as soon as possible. Every effort will be made to evaluate transcripts within two weeks of the student’s admission to the institution.

The Admissions Office, in conjunction with the appropriate academic department, will review all eligible course work for transferability, and will determine the applicability of transfer credit to specific degree program requirements. Transfer credit not applicable for some degree requirements will be applicable as additional free elective credit.

The Montana Tech transcript will list all transfer courses acceptable in the degree program being pursued as the equivalent Montana Tech course or general degree requirement. Additional free electives will be posted as such. The transfer grade point average is not listed nor calculated into the Montana Tech grade point average. Only the credits and grade points earned in courses taken at Montana Tech are used in the calculation of the grade point average. A transfer student’s Montana Tech transcript will list previous institutions attended from which transfer credit has been granted.

For veteran/active duty members who wish to utilize Veterans Education Benefits: Montana Tech will evaluate all previous education and training, including Joint Services Transcripts, and will maintain records of any prior credit awarded. It is up to the discretion of Montana Tech to award credit and we will keep record of that information. Joint Services Transcripts must be sent to the designated School Certifying Official prior to certification of credits to the VA. 

College and University Credit

Montana Tech maintains and updates transfer credit guidelines with numerous regional community colleges, as well as with a number of technical institutes in Canada. Copies of these agreements are generally available from these institutions, or from the Montana Tech Enrollment Services Office. Course equivalencies may be viewed via the Montana University System Office web site, https://ccn.mus.edu/search/. All courses listed on official transcripts from accredited institutions of higher education will be eligible for transfer credit to Montana Tech. All college-level courses will be reviewed for transfer credit and applied to degree program requirements. Credit will not be granted for course work taken at any institution not accredited by a recognized regional accrediting association. Credit will be granted from an institution which is a candidate for accreditation upon the student successfully completing 30 credits at Montana Tech.

Prior Learning Assessment (PLA)

Montana Tech and the Montana University System recognize the value of prior learning in the achievement of academic goals.  It is the policy of the MUS Board of Regents that a student’s previous college-level learning, including that acquired outside of the traditional college setting, may be evaluated for college credit upon the student’s request.  The Montana Board of Regents policy can be found here.

For more information related to PLA opportunities at Montana Tech, refer to the Academic Regulations and Requirements section of the catalog.

Technical Level Course Work from Colleges of Technology

Course work taken prior to Fall 1991 from Montana Vocational Technical Centers is NOT TRANSFERABLE. The Colleges of Technology (now Highlands College) were once called Vo-Tech and were not accredited until Fall 1991, when they became part of the MUS system and began granting AAS degrees. Technical level course work earned from vocational-technical schools or colleges of technology, including Montana Tech College of Technology (Montana Tech COT courses ending with a “T” or numbered between 0100-0999, unless specifically excluded), may be transferred as free electives at the undergraduate level and will be considered for transfer toward specific degree requirements for the Associate of Science or Baccalaureate Degree. A grade of “C-” or above is required. The student’s department head will make the final decision of acceptance of technical level course work toward specific degree requirements within the student’s Associate of Science or Baccalaureate Degree program. Those students seeking the Bachelor of Applied Science Degree and who have completed an Associate of Applied Science Degree will receive a block transfer of A.A.S. credit as noted in the program descriptions within this catalog.

High School Diploma/Equivalency Validation Policy

Montana Technological University requires an official high school transcript for first-time students who attend the first fall semester immediately after graduation.  This transcript must note a graduation date and arrive in an envelope sealed by the high school. 

Other first-time students may submit a transcript, a high school diploma, or proof of equivalency such as GED or HiSet.  In the event Montana Tech has reason to believe that proof of graduation is not valid or was not obtained from an entity that provides secondary school education, the Admissions Office will conduct additional research to determine if the credential is in fact valid. Details that will prompt additional research include (but are not limited to):

• No apparent state legal authority for the granting entity
• Limited curriculum/instructors
• High school diploma given for a fee within a short period of time
• High school diploma date/place not consistent
• High school diplomas/equivalencies that have names and/or dates that have been written on the diploma, and those where “white out” type corrections have been made

Should any reasonable doubt exist, Montana Tech will conduct additional research to include:

• Checking the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) website for information relative to the validity of the school, and if the school in fact provides secondary school education. If unable to confirm the required information, Montana Tech will contact the state in which the school is located to obtain the appropriate documentation.
• Conducting internet research to determine if the school has previously been identified as a high school diploma mill.
• Determining if the transcript, diploma, or equivalency was purchased online with little work expected by the student, or if it was earned via brick-and-mortar traditional high school.

If Montana Tech is not reasonably certain a credential is valid, the student will not be admitted. Montana Tech’s decision relative to the validity of submitted documentation is final, and not subject to appeal.