Academic Resources
The Writing Lab
The Writing Lab offers free tutorial assistance to students working on papers for their classes. No appointment is necessary, and tutors are prepared to help both undergraduate and graduate students in all the disciplines. Issues covered in the lab include organization, sentence clarity, development, grammar, and usage.
English-as-a-Second Language
The English-as-a-Second Language (ESL) program provides assessment and supplementary ESL courses for international students. Courses are listed under Foreign Languages and Literatures Department.
Mathematics Lab
The Math Lab offers individual assistance on a walk-in basis to students needing help with any mathematics from basic math through calculus or mathematical skills required for a course in another discipline. Students or prospective students who are preparing to take the Mathematics Placement Test or C-Base Exam may come to the lab for help. Review materials for the C-Base Exam are also available on general reserve in the Thomas Jefferson Library. Practice math placement exams are available from the Department of Mathematics and Computer Science.
The Math Lab also offers a three-credit hour (not toward a degree) course in Intermediate Algebra and a zero-credit workshop in Beginning Algebra are offered as semester-long lecture classes or as independent study courses with flexible beginning and ending options. Schedules for the courses can be found in the current Schedule of Courses.
Campus Testing Center
The Campus Testing Center provides a controlled environment for students to take make-up exams or to test under conditions where special accommodations are needed and authorized by the Office of Disability Access Services. Students unable to take campus-level exams (e.g. Math Placement) during regularly scheduled group sessions may take them in the center for a fee. All testing is by appointment by calling 314-516-6396 or emailing assessctr@umsl.edu.
Cashier’s Office
The Cashier’s Office helps students and their families meet their financial obligations to the university. The office produces accurate and timely invoices to collect and process payments, issue refunds, and to ensure that funds are deposited without delay. Staff are available in person at 285 Millennium Student Center, by phone at (314) 516-5151, or my email at umslcash@umsl.edu for inquiries about student accounts.Distance Learning
Campus Support Offered Online
As a service to its students, most of whom do not live close to campus, UMSL offers several services online or by phone. Online services for registration, fee-payment, testing, advising/financial aid, book sales, and administrative support are services offered through the university’s integrated systems, MyView. Before a student is admitted, MyView allows candidates to apply online, explore the course catalog, and access online services, including MyGateway. The student portal on MyGateway lists links to tools that students often need, including links for an enrollment certification letter, class schedule, DARS report, e-bill student account, e-mail forwarding address, creating a friendly e-mail address, accessing grades and GPA, online testing appointments, registration times, and both the online and telephone registration systems. Advising links include academic advising, academic calendars, choosing a major, the Bulletin, course schedules, final exam schedule, and policies. Library holdings are also available through technology. Students can conduct reference searches via telecommunications, and entire texts of an increasing number of periodicals are now available online.
MyGateway
The lines between on-campus and off-campus learning is blurring as UMSL faculty increasingly use technology to communicate with students. Most classes at UMSL use MyGateway, whether students take the class on campus, online, or at an off-campus site. Tutorials are available on the campus’s Information Technology Services website.
Off-Campus Classes
Because of the campus’s close relations with community colleges, schools, businesses, agencies, and hospitals in the region, some programs are offered at these sites for students’ convenience. Most courses in off-campus programs have an instructor on site, but sometimes courses are delivered with technology at the same time (synchronously) as courses on campus. This allows students across the region to take class together without having to drive long distances. Course locations are included in the class schedule available to students and the public on MyView.
Online Education
UMSL’s online courses and programs are offered asynchronously through the MyGateway course-management software. The majority of courses require some on-campus activities, so students must consult the schedule of courses for any on-campus requirements.
Video Instructional Program
The video instructional program offers video lessons available for viewing in UMSL libraries as well over the Higher Education Channel (HEC) cable channel.
Course Listings
The following courses are offered via video:
ANTHRO 1019 Archaeology [SS]
This telecourse uses dramatic onsite filming to enable students to explore how archaeologists reconstruct ancient societies and explain how they evolved. Students will understand how archaeology and anthropology interact, with emphasis on how people have behaved in the past.
ANTHRO 1025 World Cultures [CD, SS, V]
This telecourse is an ethnographic survey of the major culture areas of the world. It is an introductory cultural anthropology course that studies the structure and process of culture.
ANTHRO 1095 Brief Overview of the Four Fields of Anthropology (1)
Through the use of videos, readings, and the online course management system, this course provides a brief overview of the four traditional fields of anthropology: biological, archaeological, cultural, and linguistic anthropology. This course is designed for video instruction and offers minimal direct interaction with the instructor.
ANTHRO 2124 Cultures of Africa [CD]
This telecourse offers a basic ethnographic survey of African cultures, with attention to social groupings, tribalism, religion, language, social change, the ecological relationship between humans and nature.
BIOL 1012 General Biology (For Non-Science Majors) [MS]
This telecourse provides a firm foundation in the fundamental principles of biology.
COMM 2232 Effective Communication in the Organization: Tool for Leadership (3)
Prerequisites: Junior standing or consent of instructor. Telecourse designed to equip students with communication skills applicable to the organizational context. The course will present effective strategies for the articulation of ideas, with particular emphasis on the development of leadership skills.
HIST 1031 Topics in European Civilization: Emergence of Western Europe to 1715 [SS]
This telecourse offers lectures and discussions on the development of Western European society and tradition from approximately 800 to 1715.
HIST 1032 Topics in European Civilization: 1715 to the Present [SS]
This telecourse offers lectures and discussions on the development of Western European society and tradition from 1715 to the present. Hist 1031 or Hist 1032 may be taken separately.
MEDIA ST 1070 Introduction to Cinema
This telecourse examines the history, rhetoric, and aesthetics of film. The content is designed to bring Hollywood filmmaking into clear focus as an art form, as an economic force, and as a system of representation and communication. Film theory and criticism will be studied, as well as major genres, authors, and artists. Introduction to Cinema explores how Hollywood films work technically, artistically, and culturally. The course also probes the deeper meaning of American movies--the hidden messages of genres, the social and psychological effects of Hollywood film style, and the mutual influence of society and popular culture on filmmaking.
PHIL 1090 Philosophy and Other Disciplines [H,V]
Prerequisites: Video course offering. General introduction to philosophy examines its connections to works of art and related areas. Course does not satisfy any requirements for philosophy major or minor.
PHIL 1091 Significant Figures in Philosophy [H,V]
Video course introduces philosophy through a survey of the ideas of some of the important figures in the history of the discipline. Course cannot be used to satisfy any requirements for philosophy major or minor.
PSYCH 1003 General Psychology [SS]
This telecourse is an introductory college level course that covers the fundamental principles and major concepts of psychology. The content is designed to provide a broad introductory survey of the general principles of human behavior.
PSYCH 1268 Human Growth and Behavior [SS]
Prerequisites: PSYCH 1003. This telecourse uses special readings, reports, and/or field research as well as video and audio courses to explore the stages of life as an introduction to developmental psychology.
PSYCH 2245 Abnormal Psychology
Prerequisite: PSYCH 1003, General Psychology. This telecourse introduces the major theoretical models for explaining and treating disorders - psychodynamic, behavioral, cognitive and biological. Ten of the 13 programs feature specific disorders, including anxiety disorders, personality disorders, the schizophrenias, sexual disorders, substance abuse, and the disorders of childhood. The first program concerns assessment, while the last two provide information on treatment and prevention. This approach serves the introductory abnormal psychology student, while allowing individual faculty latitude to underscore the approach to which they subscribe.
PSYCH 2280 The Psychology of Death and Dying
Same as GERON 2280. Prerequisite: PSYCH 1003. This telecourse will address the psychological aspects of death and dying for both adults and children. The psychological reactions of terminally ill patients and their families will also be examined, and therapeutic interventions will be discussed.
SOC 1010 Introduction to Sociology [V, SS]
This telecourse is an introductory college level course designed to give students an in-depth look at sociological approaches to human behavior, including types of social organizations, patterns of social interaction, and social influences on individual conduct.
Faculty Senate and University Assembly
The Faculty Senate has primary responsibility for making educational policy decisions to create a rigorous, innovative, student-oriented environment for learning, research, and community service. The Senate and University Assembly together and through their committees advise the chancellor and other senior administrators on matters related to students, faculty and staff.
The Faculty Senate has 40 faculty members, 30 representing departments and 10 elected at large. In addition, three administrators are non-voting members. The voting members of the University Assembly consist of the elected members of the Senate; the president; the chancellor; the vice chancellor for academic affairs; the dean of the graduate school; the vice provost for student affairs; the dean of continuing education; student representatives equal in number to one-third of the faculty members of the assembly; and three staff members, including the president of the Staff Association. Non-voting members consist of vice chancellors and vice provosts not already included, deans of all colleges, the dean of libraries, and the president of the Student Government Association. The Faculty Senate meets monthly between September and May and the Assembly meets in alternate months during the year. Information about the Faculty Senate and University Assembly are available on the Senate’s Web site.
Institutional Safety
The mission of the University of Missouri-St. Louis police department is to work cooperatively with the university community and within the framework of the Constitution, enforce the laws, preserve the peace, and provide a safe environment for the campus.
The police department an internationally accredited department is committed to professional management and to providing services in a manner that is responsive to community concerns. It pledges to be sensitive to the needs of those it serves.
The police department located in the TeleCommunity Center serves the students, faculty, and staff by providing year‑round campus security. The police are trained to give emergency aid in the event of accident or illness. All incidents should be reported immediately to the police department, telephone 314 516‑5155. A “911” phone number is available on all phones with a 516 prefix and should be used for emergencies only. These numbers are monitored 24 hours a day. Call for help or to report fire or any hazardous conditions. Emergency telephones on campus include the red A Hot‑Line phones, which are located in every building. In addition, there are a number of outdoor emergency phones that connect directly to the police dispatcher. Also tips on crime prevention and other useful publications are available outside the police department office.
All members of the campus community are strongly encouraged to call the police for an escort if they feel uncomfortable walking to their car at night. For information regarding services, contact the police by calling 314-516‑5158, Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. For emergencies, call 314 516‑5155 or 911.
Parking and Transportation
Traffic regulation is the responsibility of the Parking and Transportation Department, including issuance of faculty, staff and guest permanent and temporary parking permits. These permits may be picked up at the Parking and Transportation office, located at 7700 Florissant Road, 314 516-4190. Information on traffic regulations, parking, and campus maps can be obtained at the Parking and Transportation web site.
Internships
Internships, co-ops, and other community engagement activities give students, normally undergraduates, the opportunity to combine classroom studies with work experience in a field related to their career goals. These degree-related positions let students gain professional job experience and earn money while learning what career choices they might make. Information is available from Career Services (314-516-5111 or in 278 Millennium Center).
In addition to internships available through Career Services, internships and practica are available through academic departments. Academic advisors can provide information about the requirements for these experiences, some of which are summarized below.
College of Arts and Sciences
Anthropology
ANTHRO 4325-4329, Internship in Cultural Anthropology, Archaeology, Folklore, Museum Studies, Physical Anthropology - elective, for credit; placement with outside organizations; junior standing required. Positions available on competitive basis as lab and research assistants, teachers/facilitators, and interns/assistants - optional, noncredit.
The Human Origin and Cultural Diversity program offers internships in educational anthropology and diversity education.
Biology
BIOL 3699, Undergraduate Internship in Biotechnology - optional as part of certificate program, for credit or noncredit, enrollment in certificate program required.
BIOL 4299, Practicum in Conservation - required as part of certificate program, for credit, enrollment in certificate program required.
Chemistry and Biochemistry
Opportunities are available to pursue research with faculty members for credit during the academic year, normally while enrolled in CHEM 3905. Stipends may be available in some cases. Expanded opportunities are available in the summer through the Research Experience for Undergraduates Program, which is typically funded by the National Science Foundation and local industry. In some cases students may conduct CHEM 3905 research at a local company through collaborative arrangement between a faculty members and an industrial chemist.
Criminology and Criminal Justice
CRIMIN 3280, Internship in Criminology and Criminal Justice - elective, for credit.
Economics
ECON 4990, Internship in Applied Economics; not required; 3 hours maximum.
English
ENGL 4890, Independent Writing Project - internships offered in areas such as journalism, public relations, advertising, publishing, and technical writing; for credit, enrollment in Writing Certificate Program required.
Foreign Languages and Literatures
Paid, noncredit positions as tutors in language lab available on a competitive basis. Students of German can apply for summer noncredit internships abroad in the German-American Student Exchange Program at the Study Abroad Office.
History
HIST 4001, Special Readings - internships occasionally available with historical agencies; department chair and/or undergraduate coordinator must approve to obtain credit.
Mathematics and Computer Science
Career-related work arrangements for students majoring in math and/or computer science are primarily administered through Career Services located in 278 Millennium Student Center. These positions are paid and non-credit-bearing.
Physics and Astronomy
The department funds research internships in the department in both physics and astronomy. The awards are competitive, and preference is given to students who have completed the PHYSICS 2111/2112 sequence.
Political Science
POL SCI 3940, Public Affairs Internship - required, for credit, for bachelor of science in public administration program. It may also count as an elective, for credit, within the bachelor of arts in political science program and is open to all majors. Placements include municipal, state, and federal governmental agencies, nonprofit organizations, courts, and political campaign offices.
Psychology
PSYCH 3295, Selected Projects in Field Placement - elective, for credit.
PSYCH 3390, Research Assistant.
Social Work
SOC WK 4800 and 4850, Supervised Field Experience in Social Work I and II - required, for credit, admission to B.S.W. program and prior consent of instructor are required.
Sociology
SOC 4385, Internship in Sociology - elective, for credit.
College of Business Administration
Career Services works in partnership with the College of Business Administration to assist students in securing career-related work arrangements for students majoring in all areas of business. These positions can be paid or unpaid and credit bearing or non-credit bearing. Those students choosing to receive academic credit through one of the courses listed below must contact the College of Business Administration Internship Coordinator in Room 469 SSB, by phone at 314-516-6117, or by email.
ACCTNG 3490, Internship in Accounting
BUS AD 3090, Internship in Business Administration
BUS AD 3289, Internship Practicum in International Business
BUS AD 3990, Internship in Business Law
FINANCE 3590, Internship in Finance
INFSYS 3890, Internship in Management Information Systems
LOG OM 3390, Internship in Logistics & Operations Management
MGMT 3690, Internship in Management
MKTG 3790, Internship in Marketing
College of Education
Internships (4989) are required for 3 hours credit for most undergraduate programs and Student Teaching (4990 and 4991) is required for 12 hours credit in all teacher certification programs. For more information, contact the Teacher Certification and Advising Office at Deborah_Ballard@umsl.edu or at 314-516-6710.
College of Fine Arts and Communication
Art
ART HS 3387, Professional Internship for Art History majors only elective, for credit.
ART HS 3388, St. Louis Art Museum Internship for Studio Art or Art History majors only – competitive position elective for credit.
Communication
COMM 1193, Practicum in Applied Communication
COMM 4393, Internship in Applied Communication
Media Studies
On-campus positions, as available:
MEDIA ST 1194, Practicum In Journalism
MEDIA ST 1195, Practicum In Advertising
MEDIA ST 1196, Practicum In Radio
MEDIA ST 1197, Practicum In Television/Film
MEDIA ST 1198, Practicum in Media Studies
Elective for credit, Senior standing, 3.0 GPA, and faculty recommendation required; off-campus positions:
MEDIA ST 3394, Internship in Journalism
MEDIA ST 3395, Internship in Advertising
MEDIA ST 3396, Internship in Radio
MEDIA ST 3397, Internship in Television/Film
MEDIA ST 3398, Internship in Media Studies
Music
PRACTM 4920, Internship – required, for credit, enrollment in bachelor of music business required. Department sponsored internships available for all majors at St. Louis area arts institutions.
Joint Engineering Program
UMSL/Washington University Joint Undergraduate Engineering Program career-related work arrangements for students majoring in all areas of engineering are primarily administered through Career Services. These positions are paid and non-credit-bearing.
College of Nursing
Clinical courses are required in both the undergraduate and graduate programs. These experiences are limited to nursing majors only.
Pierre Laclede Honors College
Internships chosen by Honors College students, or arranged by their major departments, are valuable opportunities to broaden educational experience while also meeting the honors independent study requirement for graduation. Visit Career Services, 278 Millennium Student Center, or call 314 516-5111 for more information on these programs and other work arrangements available.
Alumni Association
The Alumni Association sponsors several scholarships for UMSL students, provides special funding for campus projects, and works as an organization to obtain increased public support for the university. Membership in the Alumni Association is open to all graduates and former students with payment of modest dues. For more information, call 314-516‑5833.
The Alumni Center, located at 7956 Natural Bridge Road across the street from the main campus entrance, offers students, faculty, staff, and alumni a gathering place for community receptions and other social events. Contact the Alumni Center at 314-516‑5722 for reservations.