Seeking Feedback
We are eager for feedback from coaches, debaters, or parents who are interested in our program. This includes questions, but also comments or suggestions. If you've sought out this page but aren't planning to enroll at this time, please send us an email at EricMorris@MissouriState.edu.We are eager for insights on how to adapt our program in the coming semesters.
Who can apply?
Our debate online program targets both high school and college debaters. For high school debaters, you get a camp-style experience, but in an online setting and for academic credit. You get access to a college coach & Missouri State's library resources for a whole semester. For college debaters, our class makes sense if your university does not offer a credit option. You can enroll as late as the first week of classes, but since class offering as contingent on enrollment, we encourage you to enroll as early as possible.
How much does it cost?
Our courses are 3 hours of credit. The current price for ALL online credit at Missouri State is $275/hour, so the total is $825. There is no admission fee for high school students or college students from other universities who enroll in these courses. Although it is easier administrative to pay up front, it is also possible to make deferred payments on the same basis as other Missouri State students. This is a normal online course, so you can also browse the Missouri State Extended Campus website to understand online course policies. Due to a change in university policies, summer 2009 admission/enrollment requires a $60 deposit. This deposit will not be collected in the fall 2009 semester or in future semesters.
Is it like a debate camp?
Yes and no. It is like a camp in the material covered and produced. Like a camp, there is considerable collaborative research, access to a coach/lab leader, fundamental material covered, and considerable teaching through application.
It is unlike a camp in that your price includes academic credit, it avoids travel and housing costs, and, while longer than a camp, it's not full immersion. It would be possible to take the online course while attending a live camp, here or elsewhere. It is unlike a camp, in that the focus on drills and activities is less given the online format.
It is certainly unlike a camp, in that classes are also offered during your normal school year. Depending on your high school's policies about taking college classes for credit, you might be able to adjust your high school schedule in ways that are convenient as well.
If you don't live close enough to commute to a college camp, taking our online course is probably the least expensive camp-style option. You could take two or more online classes and have access to college coaching throughout the year for less than in would cost to attend a few weeks of many camps.
Are there other online debate courses available?
We are not aware of ANY program comparable to the Missouri State Debate Online program. Although some institutes do offer the option to pay for credit hours on top of your normal camp fees, we are not aware of any other program where the course fees are the ONLY charge. Furthermore, this program is offered by the coaching staff of one of the top programs in college debate.* Our curriculum is similar in several ways to MSDI (Missouri State Debate Institute), one of the fastest growing institutes in the nation.**
*For example, four Missouri State debaters have recently received a 1st round, we placed in semifinals of both NDT and CEDA Nationals in 2008, we had the top speaker at both NDT and CEDA in 2008, and we consistently clear at major national tournaments.
** We've been growing about 20% per year for several years, largely on word of mouth from satisfied students.
I'm a high school student. How do I enroll?
1. You have to qualify for pre-college admission. The requirements are:
a. You must be a junior or senior in fall 2009 (e.g. completing your sophomore year in spring 2009 makes you eligible for summer 2009 and beyond)
b. You must have a 3.0 GPA on a 4.0 scale
c. You must have a 21 on the ACT (or equivalent score on the PSAT, SAT, or PLAN)
d. You must have permission from both parent/legal guardian and your high school
2. The enrollment form is linked here. Please contact Dr. Eric Morris with any questions or concerns as you navigate the enrollment process. We've worked with the university to create a single-step enrollment, and you can fax your enrollment once it has been signed by parent/legal guardian and an appropriate school official.
I'm a college student from another university. How do I enroll?
1. The enrollment status you would seek is a non-degree seeking undergraduate. Under this status, you can take up to 24 hours, and you will not need to send a transcript in order to be admitted. The extended (online) campus makes this VERY easy - a single form for both admission and enrollment. You can browse their website to better understand the online program at Missouri State.
2. You will need to fill out a different form for summer 2009 enrollment than for fall 2009 enrollment.
a. Here is the summer 2009 enrollment form.
b. Here is the fall 2009 enrollment form.
Will Missouri State debaters enroll in these classes?
Probably. Our regulations limit them from enrolling in COM 321 and the debate online program in the same semester. However, either course will fulfill their scholarship expectations, and we anticipate several of them will select this option. Any of their work in the debate online would be separated from the squad research effort on the college topic.