Adult Degree Completion

Mission of the Adult Degree Completion Program

The Adult Degree Completion program (ADC) provides adult learners accessible, affordable, and accelerated degrees, certificates, and courses to assist non-traditional students who stopped out of college or are applying for the first time.

Six Principles of ADC

Accessible - Five starting dates a year and a hassle-free application process.

Accelerated - Eight-week online courses for most degrees and certificates, with opportunities to apply learning from work experience towards academic credits. 

Affordable - MSSU offers quality education at a great value. Already one of the most affordable institutions in the region MSSU provides in-state tuition rates to residents living in any state bordering Missouri, and to residents of Texas. 

Flexible - Create a schedule and degree plan that works for you. 

Supportive - Dedicated staff assist the adult learner from the application process through graduation by providing advising, career counseling, and connecting adult learners with university and community resources. 

Accredited - MSSU is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC) and adheres to policies and procedures set by the Missouri Department of Higher Education and Workforce Development (MDHEWD).

Next Steps

ADC APPLICATIOn process

Interested in earning college credit from life or work experiences?

Prior Learning Assessment by Portfolio and License/Certification

meet the staff

Dr. William Mountz

Director of Adult Degree Completion

Doctor of Philosophy in History from University of Missouri 
Master of Arts in History from Texas Tech University 
Bachelor of Arts in History and Journalism from Angelo State University

Dr. Mountz started his career at MSSU in 2017.  He earned a Ph.D. in History from the University of Missouri in Columbia.  He also holds an M.A. in History from Texas Tech University, and a B.A. in History & Journalism (double major) from Angelo State University where he graduated magnum cum laude . In addition to serving as Director of Adult Degree Completion, he serves as an instructor in the Honors Program, teaching Honors Forum, Service Learning, and Special Topics Seminars. Dr. Mountz is also active in the community.  He serves as a Commissioner for the Joplin Historic Preservation Commission and on the Policy Council for Head Start/Early Head Start.  In his free time, he enjoys reading, running, and spending time with his daughter.