Southeast Missouri State University

Cape Girardeau is located on the Mississippi River, approximately mid-way between St. Louis, Missouri; and Memphis, Tennessee. Settled in the 1730s by French traders, it became a town in 1793 and has had both French and German influence.  Cape Girardeau is noted as a stop on the Lewis and Clark exploration of the American west, a part of the 1838 Native American Trail of Tears, and more recently as “The City of Roses on the River.” Cape Girardeau’s small-town feel with all necessary amenities, such as shopping, dining, museums, and recreational trails, makes it a safe and comfortable place for international students.

Bachelor Courses in English

Business, Computer Science & Cybersecurity, Industrial Technology, Health and Human Services, Social Work, Mass Communications, and Fine Arts.  All other fields are excluded from the exchange. Students taking a full course load normally register for 12 credit hours, which represents 4 courses each meeting 3 hours per week.  Enrollment in 15 credit hours (5 courses) may be possible in consultation with the home school coordinator.  Courses and their descriptions are available here (choose classes numbered 500 and below). Some courses are offered on a rotating basis, so they may not be available every semester.

Note: Visa regulations restrict enrollment in online-courses.

Master Courses in English

Business.  Master-level students can participate for one semester or summer and can enroll in upper-level bachelor courses, master-level courses, research with courses, or research only.  Master level students may enroll in 6-9 credit hours, which represents 2-3 courses each meeting 3 hours per week.  General information about master-level courses can be found here (choose classes numbered 500 and above from the Master of Business Administration program). Note that some courses are offered on a rotating basis, so they may not be available every semester.

Note: Visa regulations restrict enrollment in online-courses.

Thesis/Project Work

Business.  Bachelor or master level students interested in working on their thesis or final project may do so, with prior permission.  Southeast can generally arrange a faculty advisor.  For bachelor level students, 3 credit hours of independent study credit can be granted (6 ECTS).  For master level students, 3 credit hours of independent study credit and 3 credit hours of MBA credit can be granted (12 ECTS).  Students may participate in part-time courses, plus thesis work, or, if space is available, they may come to Southeast only to work on their thesis (no courses/credit; maximum duration 3 months).  In some cases, the only-thesis option may be available only during the summer rather than the regular semester.  Please inquire about the thesis-only option prior to applying.

Accreditations
The Donald L. Harrison College of Business & Computing holds AACSB, NIBS (Network of International Business Schools), and ABET accreditation. The university has a variety of other accreditations.

Orientation

Students must complete an online orientation prior to arrival, as well as a mandatory in-person orientation that is typically held on the Wednesday through Friday the week before classes start.  Throughout these events, exchange students will learn how the University works, find and use resources, and meet fellow students and University staff.

Internships
Though placements cannot be guaranteed, unpaid on- and off-campus internships can possibly be arranged in the areas of web design, research, computers, marketing, retail, and finance.  Internships typically require a minimum commitment of 10-20 hours per week for 8 weeks.  Depending on the duration, academic credit of 3-6 semester credit hours (6-12 ECTS units) can generally be granted.

Part-time Employment

Part-time employment in an on-campus position is possible for exchange students; however, limited opportunities exist and are not guaranteed.  Should exchange students arrange part-time employment on their own, Southeast can possibly cooperate to provide internship credit.

Students with Disabilities
Information is available online.

Grades & Transcripts

Southeast Missouri State uses a four point/letter grade evaluation system.  For additional details on transfer of credits, please refer to the Student Guidebook.

Health Insurance
Magellan students are exempt from the University’s health insurance plan if they can demonstrate proof of adequate health coverage that meets U.S. Department of State requirements. Otherwise, insurance can be purchased through the university’s official provider.

International Student Enrollment Fee
$200.  Billed to your Southeast student account, this provides for the international student orientation and other student services.

Program, Course and Electronic Course Access Fees
Tuition and General Fees are waived for Magellan students; however, certain programs and courses (not all) require additional fees. Please click here or here for more information.

Textbooks
$35 + tax per course (rental).  Textbook rental is an option for all bachelor-level classes as well as for 500-level master classes.  For 600-level master classes, books may need to be purchased. Alternatively, some courses use an e-text, so a subscription fee is required instead of a rental fee. In this case, the cost is approximately $156 for 4 months.

Official Transcript
$15, plus any requested delivery expenses.  This fee is paid at the conclusion of the exchange semester.

All non-US citizens are required to obtain either an F-1 or J-1 visa to study in the United States. More information is available here.

Housing

Shared residence hall or shared apartment. Students can choose to live in on-campus university residence halls or an off-campus apartment (all students under 21 must live on-campus).  On-campus housing with utilities starts at approximately $775 per month. The university’s residence halls boast amenities like computer access, television with HDMI hookup rentals, common or private bathrooms, shared kitchens, lounges, and laundry.   Off-campus housing including utilities is approximately $425-$750 per month; this housing option is very limited.

Meals

Southeast offers four different dining plans which includes varying amounts of meals and flex dollars. Additionally, the university offers Redbucks that can be used in all dining venues. Students who live on campus are required to purchase one of the meal plan options, which range from approximately $1,650 to $1,905 per semester.

Transportation

There is a small airport in Cape Girardeau (CGI), which offers Contour Airlines connections to/from Chicago O’Hare Airport (ORD). Flying into Cape Girardeau is advised since the airport is only 15 minutes from campus; however, there is also an option to fly into St. Louis, Missouri (STL), which is 200 km north of Cape Girardeau and a 2-hour drive. The university offers pick-up service on certain days, ranging from $25 to $75, if the student confirms arrival details with the Office of International Education and Services.

Within Cape Girardeau, private taxi service is available as well as limited city bus service and ride-share services. There is also a university shuttle system, which serves the campus.

Entertainment

Leisure venues in Cape Girardeau include a multi-plex theatre with 14 screens, bowling, bars with local entertainment, a large casino complex, university museum and nature centers, and an assortment of community and university activities. Cultural events include concerts, live theatre performances, festivals, and exhibitions.  The University has two recreation centers, which include indoor pool, basketball and racquetball courts, indoor track, and weight and exercise facilities; the city offers numerous indoor and outdoor sport facilities.  Collegiate basketball, American football, baseball, and women’s soccer and volleyball are major University spectator sports.  Golf, tennis, cycling, hiking, canoeing, and hunting are popular outdoor activities.  Student organizations sponsor various social and educational events; intramural sport activities include soccer, rugby, and more.

Shopping

The campus is located near the riverfront and downtown area, which offers small shops and restaurants. Several shopping malls and large, chain discount stores are located west of the downtown area; larger stores are typically open every day, some for 24 hours.

Climate

Cape Girardeau has a warm, temperate climate.  Winter temperatures range from -3ºC to 10ºC with occasional snow or ice.  Summers are hot and humid with temperatures ranging from 20ºC to 35ºC.  Precipitation is possible throughout the year.

Disclaimer: The information presented on the Magellan website is for general informational purposes only. Although every effort is made to ensure institutional profiles are up-to-date and accurate, it is possible that variation may occur.