FAQs

Q: What is MOSO CAPS?

A: The Missouri Southern Center for Advanced Professional Studies (MOSO CAPS) is a nationally recognized, innovative high school program located on the main campus of Missouri Southern State University. Students fast forward into their future and are fully immersed in a professional culture, solving real world problems, using industry standard tools and are mentored by actual employers, all while receiving high school and college credit. MOSO CAPS is an example of how business, community and public education can partner to produce personalized learning experiences that educate the workforce of tomorrow, especially in high skill, high demand jobs.

Q: Is MOSO CAPS a trade school or vocational program?

A: No. MOSO CAPS provides students the opportunity to deeply explore professional areas of interest through a profession-based, inquiry learning method. MOSO CAPS is driven by the changing workforce needs of industry, therefore instructors and MOSO CAPS business partners collaborate to develop coursework. MOSO CAPS curriculum is dynamic, constantly evolving to follow industry trends.

Q: What type of credit can be received from a MOSO CAPS course?

A: MOSO CAPS students earn high school credit for successful completion of the program; the amount and type of credit is determined by each participating high school.  

College credit is awarded for all courses upon the successful completion of each course through MSSU.

Q: What is the schedule in the MOSO CAPS program?

A: MOSO CAPS courses meet 5 days a week for a semester. Courses are 2 or 3 periods in length and are offered in both the morning and afternoon to better accommodate students’ schedules.  The morning session is from 8:00 a.m. to 10:30 p.m. and the afternoon session is from Noon to 2:30 p.m.

MOSO CAPS courses meet five days a week either on campus or with the assigned industry partner for a semester, sometimes our calendar does not align completely with our partner high schools.  Please see our year-long calendar for more information.  

Q: What are the requirements to enroll?

A: Students interested in the MOSO CAPS program need to:

  • attain Junior or Senior status
  • desire to work in a profession-based, real-world environment with other area high school students
  • be willing to comply with business ethics (e.g. attendance) and dress codes determined by the MOSO CAPS strand 
  • be willing to spend 2 or 3 periods a day away from home high school
  • be able to provide own transportation to MOSO CAPS and business partner sites

Q: May I receive college credit for MOSO CAPS courses?

A: Yes, all MOSO CAPS courses are eligible for college credit.