General Registration & Advising Information

Advising Appointments

We are happy to work with you in person, over the phone, or by email to discuss your academic plans.  Appointments are available with each advisor by calling (406) 657-2240 or (800) 565-6782 x2240.  Appointments are generally scheduled for 30-45 minutes.

If you haven’t met your advisor, are unsure of who your advisor is, or are planning to change majors and need to meet with a different advisor, please contact us and we hare happy to assist you.

Each advisor also has walk-in times available.  They are designed for brief (10-15 minute) sessions.  We have several advisors available on walk-ins at a time, and you are welcome to call the office to ask about the schedule.

As advisors we can assist you with selection of courses and academic issues, but the ultimate responsibility for meeting graduation requirements belongs to you, the student.

First Time Students

We are excited you have selected MSU Billings!  All first-time freshmen students are required to see an academic advisor before registering for classes. During the initial advising session, you will receive information regarding Academic Foundations requirements and worksheets, we request that you attend New Student Orientation where you’ll placement test, receive a campus tour, meet with your academic advisor to discuss your educational goals and formulate your course schedule, and take care of several other “new student” details while on campus.

Orientation Information

Assessment Testing – Compass Placement

All entering students and transfer students who have not completed their Academic Foundations requirements in English or Mathematics must take the COMPASS Placement Test. This test is given during Student Orientation. For further information, contact the Advising Center at (406) 657-2240.

As part of the Compass Placement Test, you will visit with an academic advisor to determine appropriate math and English courses in which to begin. In some instances, you can earn credit for classes as a result of the placement score.

Ability to Benefit

Students without a high school diploma or GED may take the Compass Ability-To-Benefit Test as a way to qualify for admission to Montana State University Billings and to qualify to apply for financial aid.  The Ability-To-Benefit Test includes the ACT Compass Math, Reading and Writing Placement Tests.  Students must achieve or exceed the minimum scores on each subtest in a single testing experience.  The minimum scores for the three subtests of the Ability-To-Benefit Test are:

All students taking the Ability-To-Benefit Test will be assessed a fee of $15.00 for each administration of the test.

For additional information or to make arrangements to take the Ability-To-Benefit Test, please contact the Advising Center by calling (406) 657-2240.

Transfer Students

We hope to make your transfer to MSU Billings as smooth as possible.  As a transfer student, we encourage you to visit with an academic advisor to learn how your credits transfer and begin developing a plan of study. In order to complete an accurate transcript evaluation, we ask you to provide copies of transcripts of all previous college level work. Although we maintain course equivalency guides for all Montana colleges and universities, it is helpful if transfer students can provide catalogs with course descriptions for coursework completed at out-of-state institutions.

Request for Transmittal of Application Materials Form

Additional information on MSU Billings transfer credits practices for undergraduate students can be located in the undergraduate catalog.

Additional information on MSU Billings transfer credit practices for graduate students can be located in the graduate catalog.

Montana University System transfer information is accessible by linking to the Office of the Commissioner of Higher Education.

Continuing/Returning Students

If you are a current MSU Billings student or are returning after having taken some time off, we require you to meet with your advisor.  We can assist you with planning course registration, reviewing changes in your degree program, and, if changing majors, examining your transcripts. 

Post Baccalaureate/Graduate Students

Montana State University Billings offers various Masters degrees. For current information regarding graduate programs and degrees, visit the Graduate Studies & Research web site. Catalogs are available through the Office of Graduate Studies and Research, McMullen 200, 657-2238 or on the MSU Billings Web.

Academic advising for graduate students is done in the College of the student's graduate program. Initial advising is through the Office of Graduate Studies and Research with subsequent assignment to a permanent faculty advisor. The faculty advisor assists the student with the development of a plan of study and guidance in completing the requirements for the chosen degree program. Further information can be obtained by contacting the Office of Graduate Studies and Research, McMullen 200, 406 657-2238.

Undeclared Major

We understand you have many decisions to make in college, and one of the hardest can be picking a major.  if you have not selected a major we register you as General Studies student. In an effort to assist you in completing degree requirements as efficiently as possible, you will be encouraged to focus on Academic Foundations requirements in your first semester or two. You will also be encouraged to visit the Office of Career Services to explore career interests.

Academic Calendar
Web Registration Instructions

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