Delta State University was first established as the Delta State Teacher's College in 1924 after the Senate Bill No. 236 was passed by Governor Henry L. Whitfield. In 1955, the college evolved into a comprehensive four-year public state institution. Once declared White-only, DSU ended its racial segregation in 1967 by admitting the first African American. Today, DSU stands as one of eight publicly funded universities in Mississippi. Sprawling over 332 rural acres, Delta State University is located in Cleveland between the Mississippi and Yazoo Rivers. DSU enrolls around 2,700 undergraduates and 650 post-graduates with a retention rate of 65 percent.
In Washington Monthly magazine, Delta State was ranked the 333rd best master's-level institution for research, service, and social mobility in America. Consistently, DSU is included within the Princeton Review's "Best in the Southeast" schools. Military Times magazine named Delta State University among its "Best for Vets" in 2016. According to the U.S. News and World Report, DSU offers the 42nd best online graduate nursing programs. Since tuition hasn't risen in three years, Delta State is the fifth most affordable college in Mississippi. The Delta State Institute was also honored to open the first sanctioned Grammy Museum outside Los Angeles.
Delta State University Accreditation Details
Last reaffirmed in 2011, Delta State University is regionally accredited through the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC). DSU is institutionally certified by the Mississippi Department of Education. Business programs are approved via the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP). Teaching degrees align with the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE). Music programs meet the standards of the National Association of Schools of Music (NASM). Nursing degrees are also accredited through the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE).
Delta State University Application Requirements
Even though Delta State University has an acceptance rate of 92 percent, applicants must still meet selective admissions criteria. First-year freshmen must be graduating from a regionally accredited high school or pass the General Education Development (GED) test. Mississippi mandates a college-prep curriculum with four units of English, three units of math, three units of science, three units of social studies, and two units of advanced electives. Candidates must achieve a minimum high school GPA of 2.5. Freshmen must have scored at least 16 on the ACT or 760 on the SAT (critical reading and math).
Transfer students from other accredited higher learning institutions can apply a minimum of 30 semester credits at DSU. Having at least six hours of English composition, three hours of college algebra, six hours of natural science, and nine hours of humanities is advised. Incoming transfers with an associate's degree and cumulative GPA of 2.0 or higher may qualify. Students from non-English speaking countries must take the TOEFL with a minimum iBT score of 70 or pBT score of 525. Graduate applicants must hold a baccalaureate degree from an accredited U.S. university or foreign equivalent. Online master's programs generally require an undergraduate GPA of 3.0 in related majors.
Before the final August 1st deadline, interested students applying to Delta State University must send in the following:
• Completed online application form
• Official transcripts of all academics
• College entrance exam scores
• Three letters of recommendation
• Resume of professional work experience
• Written statement of career objectives
• $25 non-refundable application fee
Tuition and Financial Aid
Full-time undergraduates taking 12 to 19 hours will pay $3,006 per semester or $6,012 each year regardless of state residence. Part-time undergraduates are charged $251 per credit. Full-time graduate students taking nine to 13 hours at Delta State pay $3,006 each semester or $6,012 every year. Part-time graduates are billed $334 per credit hour. The iMBA program specifically costs $398 per credit for everyone. All registered students, including online, must pay the $100 capital improvement fee each year. Online students are saved from paying $3,950 and $2,950 for room and board respectively.
94 percent of beginning, full-time DSU students receive financial aid. After filing the FAFSA, students can borrow federal aid via the Perkins, Stafford, or Direct PLUS loans. Delta State is a Title IV school offering Federal Pell Grant and FSEOG Grant money to low-income students. In-state residents could qualify for the Mississippi Tuition Assistance Grant (MTAG), Mississippi Eminent Scholars Grant (MSEG), or Critical Needs Teacher Scholarship. The Nursing Teacher Stipend (NTSP) can provide up to $12,000 yearly for graduates. Veterans benefits are available for former military with honorable discharge. Scholarships are also numerous, including the Merit Scholarship, Achievement Scholarship, Phi Theta Kappa Scholarship, and Transfer Recognition Scholarship.
Online Degrees Available
Through the Graduate & Continuing Studies Division, Delta State University offers flexible, affordable online education with no out-of-state tuition fees. Currently, online learners can select from nine master's degrees, three specialist degrees, and one doctoral program. DSU online courses are taught by the same full-time faculty for accredited training anytime 24/7. Thanks to the low student-faculty ratio of 14:1, over 64 percent of online classes have under 20 students. Available online programs include:
Master of Commercial Aviation
As the only program of its kind in Mississippi, the Master of Commercial Aviation at DSU offers graduate managerial education focused specifically on the concepts and operations in the aerospace industry. Requiring just 30 credits, the one-year curriculum can be completed fully online without any campus trips until the graduation ceremony. Coursework will study human factors, airline management, aviation safety, logistics planning, cargo management, transportation systems, and airport administration.
Master of Applied Science in Geospatial Information Technologies
Over 16 months, the Master of Applied Science in Geospatial Information Technologies (MAS-GIT) program is delivered fully online to Delta State students interested in the state-of-the-art systems that capture, analyze, and manage geographical data. Within the 30-credit curriculum, students are trained to use spatial analysis tools for urban planning, ecology, natural resource management, economy, government policy, and business. Intensive online courses can be balanced with applied practicum in students' local communities.
Master of Education in Special Education
Consisting of 30 to 33 hours, the Master of Education in Special Education is available online for licensed teachers who wish to broaden their classroom skills for effectively educating children with mild to moderate disabilities. Although all courses are completed via the Internet, an internship in an inclusive K-12 special education setting is required. Coursework will explore child psychology, educational research, instructional planning, curriculum design, gifted education, learning assessment, and inclusion teaching.
What Are The Pros And Cons Of Online Master's Degree Programs?
Other online degrees at Delta State University are the Master of Business Administration, Master of Science in Community Development, Master of Arts in Teaching, Educational Specialist in Counseling, and Master of Science in Nursing.