The Missouri Academy of Science, Mathematics and Computing / 81
Dean: Cleopas T. Samudzi
Director of Student Achievement: Neal Davis
The Missouri Academy of Science, Mathematics and Computing (Missouri Academy or MASMC) is a two-year early-entrance-to-college, residential school for academically high performing high school students. It is located on the campus of Northwest Missouri State University in Maryville, Missouri. The school selects students (domestic and international) who have completed 10th grade at their traditional high schools, and thus replaces the junior and senior years of traditional high school. The curriculum consists of college coursework taught by professors at Northwest Missouri State University. Missouri Academy students attend the same classes with traditional university students, and professors have the same high expectations of Missouri Academy students as they do for traditional university students. Students who complete this program earn an Associate of Science degree and a high school diploma. It is an opportunity for high achieving high school students to live and study in a community of peers. By most measures, this program has been successful since its inception in August 2000.
The primary goals of the Missouri Academy are: 1) to prepare students for continued success in higher education in the areas of science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM), and 2) to provide a solid foundation of education, integrity and quality and thus, to enable its graduates to have a lasting positive impact in society. Missouri Academy students participate in many co-curricular and extra-curricular activities that offer opportunities for enduring friendships, personal growth, recreation and leadership.
Many Missouri Academy graduates have gone on to attend in-state institutions such as the University of Missouri-Columbia, Missouri University of Science and Technology, Northwest Missouri State University, Washington University in St. Louis, Truman State University, and out-of-state institutions such as Boston University, University of Illinois, Cornell University, MIT and the University of Iowa.
Missouri residents selected to attend the Missouri Academy receive scholarships covering about 45% of tuition/fees for two years (completion of FAFSA is required). The Missouri Academy is committed to being affordable for all Missouri students regardless of family income. Therefore, depending on demonstrated need based on information provided on the FAFSA form, students receive scholarships to cover 20-100 percent of the room costs. All students are expected to pay their board (meal) costs.
Applicants to the Missouri Academy must be currently enrolled in the tenth grade (or equivalent) of their traditional high school. A minimum ACT composite score of 23 and a math score of 24, or a minimum SAT composite score of 1060, with 560 in math, is required for eligibility. Geometry and Algebra II must be completed prior to beginning the first trimester at the Missouri Academy. Admission decision is based on: 1) cumulative GPA in the 9th and 10th grades, 2) standardized test scores, 3) evaluations from high school teachers, 4) student essays, and 5) mathematics/science career interests as well as student/family commitment, and good disciplinary record.
Additional information and application forms can be obtained from the Missouri Academy by calling toll free (877) 398-4615, or by email at MASMC@nwmissouri.edu or at www.nwmissouri.edu/MASMC.
Statement of Mission
The Missouri Academy of Science, Mathematics and Computing is an early-entrance-to-college school at Northwest Missouri State University. Utilizing the principles of Integrity and Quality (IQ), this living and learning community prepares its graduates to succeed in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) and other academic fields at any higher education institution – thus empowering them to contribute to society in ethical and meaningful ways.
Degree Program
The Missouri Academy has a structured curriculum leading to the Associate of Science degree in Mathematics and Science. This degree is designed for the Missouri Academy only, and not for traditional students at Northwest Missouri State University.