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Spring 2021: Details on the MISM and MISM-BIDA Slow Start Option


We introduced the Slow Start option to MISM and MISM-BIDA students in the Fall 2020 semester.  The success of this enrollment option has led us to continue to offer this as an option in Spring 2021 for the students who had deferred their admission from 2021 to 2022.

  1. Who is the Slow Start option for?
    The Slow Start option is available only for currently deferred 2020 MISM and MISM-BIDA 12-month and 16-month students that are not in the USA and unable to arrive in the USA for Spring 2021 classes. If you are in the USA, this option is not available to you and does not comply with F1 requirements.
     
  2. Why is the Slow Start option not available for other programs?
    The MISM and MISM-BIDA degrees programs are 3 semesters in duration. It is this 3 semester structure that allows us the flexibility to offer the slow start option.

    The four-semester requirement of our other programs do not allow for the flexibility to offer a slow-start. The course sequencing and a heavier overall unit requirement preclude them from this option.
     
  3. What is the Slow Start Option?
    Heinz College is allowing deferred students to begin their studies remotely by taking a few courses that count fully towards your degree requirements. You then need to arrive at the Pittsburgh, PA, USA, campus by the start of the Fall term (August, 2021) for your first full semester of classes (or the Summer term in May, 2021 if you are a MISM 12-month track student. The tuition you pay for the slow start classes for Spring 2021 will be credited to your account as a scholarship during the remaining three semesters of study. Basically, the spring classes are a ‘perk’ that you are receiving only because of current circumstances.
     
  4. How many classes can I take under this option?
    We are allowing students to take up to two full semester classes (24 units in total), and, no less then one full semester class (12 units in total). Two half-semester classes, which we call a ‘mini’, are the equivalent of one full semester class.
     
  5. Which classes can I take for the Slow Start?
    We are going to offer a combination of core and electives that students can choose from.  Once we know how many students want to pursue the Slow Start option during Spring 2021, the specific classes will be shared with you. Taking advantage of the Slow Start (completing core and/ or elective classes) will increase flexibility once you arrive on campus.

    Please check back periodically for updates to this section.
     
  6. What is the cost of these classes?
    We are charging $6,000 USD for each full semester class and $3,000 for each mini. Again, this dollar amount will be reduced from your future three semesters on campus.
     
  7. Will these classes be graded and show up on my transcript?
    YES. They will be included in all of your GPA calculations.
     
  8. When will I graduate? When is my internship? What if I am a 12-month student?

    The schedule/ graduation date for MISM 16 and MISM BIDA 16 for students who elect to pursue the Slow Start in Spring 2021 is as follows:

    Spring 2021- Slow Start of up to two and no less than one full semester classes

    Summer 2021- break

    Fall 2021- Full time student on Pittsburgh campus

    Spring 2022- 2nd full time semester

    Summer 2022- Required Internship

    Fall 2022- 3rd and Final full time semester

    Graduation- December 2022



    For MISM-12 month students only:

    Spring 2021- Slow Start of up to two and no less than one full semester classes

    Summer 2021- Full time student on Pittsburgh campus

    Fall 2021- 2nd full time semester

    Spring 2022- 3rd and Final full time semester

    Graduation- May 2022



    For MISM-BIDA 12 month students only:

    Spring 2021- Slow Start of up to two and no less than one full semester classes

    Summer 2021- break

    Fall 2021- Full time student on Pittsburgh campus

    Spring 2022- 2nd full time semester

    Summer 2022- 3rd and Final full time semester

    Graduation- August 2022