Col (R) Stephen H Robinette Associate Vice President – International Programs at Missouri State University, USA
Missouri State University has recently launched a course which is tailor-made for Indian students. Master of Science in Computer Science course is designed in a manner which will benefit Indian students to groom them in International job market. The university has also lately announced $5000“International Excellence Scholarship” for Indian students. In an email interview to Curriculum Magazine editor, Autar Nehru, Col (R) Stephen H Robinette, Associate Vice President – International Programs at Missouri State University, who retuned back from a visit to India talks about MSU at length
Can you provide us a brief summary of MSU in terms of its nature, rankings, accreditation and popular courses?
Ans- Missouri State University (MSU) is a public, comprehensive university system with a mission to develop fully educated global citizens with a focus on ethical leadership, cultural competence, and community engagement. MSU is the second largest university in Missouri and is named in America’s Top Colleges list by Forbes magazine. The Princeton University has also reviewed MSU as ‘The Best in the Midwest distinction’.
Missouri State University offers wide-ranging courses and has six academic colleges, one School of Agriculture and one Graduate college. These units manage the overall structure of the University’s academic programs. Students can explore more than 180 academic programmes— including doctorates, master’s degrees, certificates, accelerated tracks and online options. Besides regular degree programmes, Missouri State University provides off beat degree courses in subjects like Agriculture, Music, Fine Arts, Viticulture, Equestrian, Child and Family Development Programmes and Oenology as per industry needs. The three popular courses amongst Indian students are: Business (BBA & MBA), Master of Health Administration and Master of Natural and Applied Science.
MSU provides facilities to its students like a world-class library, a brand new recreational centre and dedicated academic facilities. Students can choose from more than 300 student organizations and groups based on culture, religion, politics, socializing, sports, academic interests and more.
Studying in USA is on top of the wish list of every student everywhere, can you tell us what is special about American higher education in general that makes it so attractive?
Ans- With American institutions consistently topping the list of world’s best universities, the US has been the preferred choice of destination for Indian students who have wished to study abroad for more than two centuries now. A degree from a reputed American institute, therefore, continues to value high all across the world. The presence of a strong Asian community, huge variety of research-centric science and technology courses, large number of scholarships, fellowships, part time job opportunities and career guidance even after the completion of the course, has given Indian and other international students, studying in these American universities, an edge.
You are a state university, so what are its advantages. Is it a public funded university?
Ans- As state-funded university, Missouri State University has a very affordable tuition fee. This university offers many social and extra-curricular opportunities to students. Students can take advantage of on-campus employment opportunities as well. Being a state university, we have distinguished scholars as professors which is an added advantage to the students.
Illustrate for us the application process with timeline please.
Ans- Students who fit in the eligibility criteria can apply online by completing “International Student Application”. Also, the Sub Continent office, based out of the National Capital Region gives proper and thorough counseling. The office provides guidance support in terms of the interview preparation.
MSU’s special focus on students from India with exclusive course
Missouri State University has recently launched a course which is tailor-made for Indian students. Master of Science in Computer Science course is designed in a manner which will benefit Indian students to groom them in International job market. The university has also lately announced $5000“International Excellence Scholarship” for Indian students. In an email interview to Curriculum Magazine editor, Autar Nehru, Col (R) Stephen H Robinette, Associate Vice President – International Programs at Missouri State University, who retuned back from a visit to India talks about MSU at length
Applications are available in two break ups. First set of applications are available in the beginning of the month of August and second set of applications are available in the beginning of the month of January.
Coming to international students and in particular India, how should an Indian student prepare to get into MSU?
Ans- Students should go through the website of the university and should carefully read the eligibility criteria to plan their study-chart. Students must go through the university prospectus and learn more about the course (they are planning to study), structure of the course and modules. They should also have a grip on what is happening around the world viz current affairs.
Making way to an interview of MSU itself is an achievement. Essentially, through the interview the students can to showcase who they are, how they have been doing, what are their future plans with passion and clarity. Students need to connect with their interviewer and share their passion with them with honesty. Students should express themselves in polite respectful manner to receive a similar behavior from the interviewers.
What are some of the initial difficulties cultural or otherwise that students from India have to face. Is there a way they can prepare somewhat differently while still in school.
Ans-Students in their initial days face cultural alterations, budget problems, home-sickness and repulsion from entirely new education culture.
Students in schools should be taught to step out of their comfort zone and interact with people from all the age groups and diversities because for the ease to adapt into a new culture, with even newer curriculum, requires a good community circle.
You made some India specific announcements recently, can you briefly repeat these for our readers?
Ans- Missouri State University has recently launched a course which is tailor-made for Indian students. Master of Science in Computer Science course is designed in a manner which will benefit Indian students to groom them in International job market. The university has also lately announced $5000“International Excellence Scholarship” for Indian students. The scholarship has not been restricted to any number. All undergraduate students who deserve it will get it.
University has also announced its support to Indian students besides the setting of New Immigration Rules proposed by the US.
H1B visa is an issue that has made people perplexed to some extent. Can you explain how does it impact say our students and professionals?
Ans- The number of H1B visas issues is limited to 65,000 per year with an additional 20,000 made available for foreigners with advanced degrees from US universities. Indian students studying in American Universities will benefit from proposed bill. Majority of the American companies that employ highly educated students who have completed their Masters studies in the USA- offer a high starting salary. Indian students graduating in the STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) category have a period of up to 3 years on OPT where they can work on student visa before getting H1B work visa.
