Navigating Programs and Course Options at City College at MSU Billings

City College at Montana State University Billings (MSUB) offers a variety of programs and courses designed to provide students with access and excellence in instruction. This article provides an overview of important policies, transfer guidelines, credit options, and other considerations for students pursuing their academic goals at City College.

Transferring Credits to City College

MSU Billings annually updates equivalency agreements with regional community colleges in Wyoming, North Dakota, and Montana; Montana's tribally controlled colleges; and Montana's four-year (public and private) institutions. MSU Billings has a number of articulation agreements with other public and private institutions. These agreements make it possible for students to plan a program of study that begins at a two-year college and leads to a four-year degree from MSU Billings. Each agreement specifies how coursework in the associate degree program applies to the baccalaureate degree program at MSU Billings.

Montana University System (MUS) Core

Transfer students and student advisors should also be familiar with the additional guidelines that have been adopted by the Montana Board of Regents for students who use the Montana University System Core to satisfy their lower division general education requirement. Students must earn the minimum number of credits in each of the six (6) categories of coursework. Coursework can only be used once to satisfy the requirements of the MUS Core.

Acceptance of Transfer Credit and Minimum Course Grades

Special attention should be paid to Board of Regents Policy 301.5.3 on Minimum Course Grades which also applies to acceptance of transfer credit.

Transfer Students with Completed AA or AS Degrees

Note: By action of the Academic Senate of MSU Billings, City College at MSU Billings will accept transfer students with completed AA or AS degrees from other regionally accredited institutions as having fulfilled their City College at MSU Billings General Education requirements if the general education package is comparable in total credits and content.

Earning Credit Through Exams and Prior Learning

City College at MSU Billings provides multiple avenues for students to earn college credit based on prior learning and exam scores.

Advanced Placement (AP) and International Baccalaureate (IB) Exams

Applicants who have taken Advanced Placement (AP) Exams, and/or International Baccalaureate (IB) Exams should request that the official scores be sent directly to the Office of Admissions. AP scores of 3 or higher and IB Exams with scores of 4 or higher will be granted college credit with a Pass (P) grade for the equivalent courses.

Credit for Successfully Completed Exams

Currently enrolled students may receive credit on their transcript for successfully completed Advanced Placement (AP) exams, DSST exams, College Level Examination Program (CLEP) exams or challenge exams prepared by the Academic Department. For the credit to be applied to an City College at MSU Billings transcript, the following procedure must be followed: Students or departments must turn in challenge documentation to the Jacket Student Central Office after the successful challenge has been completed.

Credit for Work-Site Training, Government-Sponsored Workshops, or Military Experience

Students may have already earned credit through work-site training or government-sponsored workshops or military experience. If students have certificates or documentation which state that the American Council on Education (ACE) or the National CCRS (National College Credit Recommendation Service) assesses that training, credit may be available for coursework for which there are equivalencies in MSU Billings’ curriculum. Military credit is assessed from the Joint Services Transcript (JST). Credits are applied to degree program requirements in the same manner as all other credits earned. Once credits are applied to a transcript, they will not be removed.

Auditing Courses

An audit is at the discretion of the course instructor. Individual auditing courses are listening and observing. Individuals auditing will not receive credit for the course. Homework, projects and examinations are not expected and any feedback related to the auditor listening and observing is at the discretion and availability of the instructor. An audit must be declared during the first seven instructional days of a semester. Any person enrolled for audit will be certified as such by the Registrar's Office. In order to audit, the student must obtain instructor’s permission and instructor’s signature on an audit card.

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Understanding Withdrawal Policies and Financial Aid Implications

It is crucial for students to understand the implications of withdrawing from courses, especially concerning financial aid.

Impact of "W" Grades

"W" grades, while having no GPA impact, still count as attempted credits for academic, billing, and financial aid purposes.

Federal Financial Aid and Attendance Requirements

In order to be eligible to receive federal financial aid, a student must have attended a minimum of one class meeting or the equivalent in the case of a distance learning course, have documented academic engagement. Per federal regulations, we are required to confirm participation in courses covered by federal financial aid. If you cease to attend or participate in coursework, this can have a significant impact on you financially, meaning you could have a substantial balance due back to the university. Students who have received or may be receiving federal financial aid must be attending classes to remain eligible for the federal financial aid they have received or could be eligible to receive. A post-withdrawal disbursement will be made if a student shows eligibility for Title IV aid. If a student drops courses, stops attending classes (Unofficial Withdrawal), never starts attending a class, or officially withdraws from the MSUB by completing and submitting the Official Withdrawal form, the University and/or the student may be required to return federal funds awarded to the student. It is very important for students receiving federal financial aid to contact the Financial Aid Office at (406) 657-2188 PRIOR to completing the official withdrawal process. If a student officially withdraws during the first fifteen days of class, the tuition and fees will be re-assessed for the semester based upon the official date of withdrawal and the University’s refund policy. The federal formula requires a return of Title IV aid if the student received federal financial assistance in the form of a Federal Pell Grant, TEACH Grant, Iraq/Afghanistan Service Grant, Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (SEOG), Federal Direct Loan (subsidized or unsubsidized), or Federal Parent or Graduate PLUS loans for students who officially or unofficially withdraw from Department of Education.

Tuition Structure and Credit Load

As students wishing to earn an associate’s degree are expected to complete 60-72 credits over a four-semester period of time to graduate in two years, a minimum of 15 or more credits must be taken each semester. To encourage students to take a full load of 15 or more credits, a “Flat Spot” in the tuition has been created allowing students to register for 12 or more credits for the same tuition as 12 credits. Thus, whether one registers for 12, 15, or 18 credits, the same tuition applies. It is clearly to students’ advantage to register for 15 credits or more a semester. Please note that The MSU Billings Financial Aid Office defines the academic year as 30 weeks and 24 credits. In order to complete the 60-72 credits required to complete an associates degree, students are encouraged to enroll in 15 or more credits each semester. However, to assist students to complete their degree in a timely fashion, the tuition for students taking 12 credits or more will remain the same. Thus, whether one registers for 12, 15, or 18 credits, the same tuition applies. It is clearly to students’ advantage to register for 15 credits or more a semester. Please note that the MSU Billings Financial Aid Office defines the academic year as 30 weeks and 24 credits.

Assessment and Partnerships

MSU Billings understands that student success and student learning take place inside and outside the classroom. The ability to assess and measure that success is imperative. To assure that the University’s programs continue to meet the needs of both the students and the community, MSU Billings engages in ongoing review and revision of its assessment processes. The Institution provides Access and Excellence to students through instruction. City College at MSU Billings enjoys partnerships with key organizations in the greater Billings region including: Billings Clinic, St.

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