Academic Programs Catalog

All undergraduate students at Michigan State University are required to have a laptop computer that can connect to the Internet using a high speed connection. Many course sections are taught with the expectation that students use laptop computers in class. For each section where it is required, this is noted in the Schedule of Courses. Therefore, a laptop computer provides expanded instructional opportunities for students.

All students should check with their prospective major college and department to determine if their program has specific computer requirements for their academic programs. Some programs strongly recommend using particular computer operating systems.

If there are no specific computer or operating system requirements for the student’s program of study, then the student’s computer may be any brand running most recent Microsoft Windows or MacOS. Students will want to be sure the computer will run the applications software, e.g., office applications, they will use for their courses.  The computer must be able to connect directly to Michigan State University's campus network and the internet using a high-speed Ethernet connection. The Michigan State University wireless network supports all current wireless communication protocols (i.e., 802.11a, g, and n. The 802.11n standard operates in both the 2.4 and 5 GHz frequencies.) MSU does not recommend students rely on tablet devices, mobile phones, or netbook computers (e.g., Chromebooks) as their primary computer due to software limitations.

It is crucially important that all computers be equipped with virus protection and firewall software, and that the software be installed and running prior to connecting a computer to the Michigan State University network. All students that utilize MSU resources such as network, campus labs, etc., are expected to abide by the MSU Acceptable Use Policy.

Costs related to this requirement will be included in the calculation of financial aid eligibility for need-based aid or federal or private loans.

For the latest information on Michigan State University computing services, hardware, and software, visit www.tech.msu.edu.

Recommended Minimum Hardware Specifications

• Processor:
  • Intel: Core i3 minimum, i5 recommended, i7 optional
  • AMD: Ryzen 3 Quad Core Minimum, Ryzen 5 recommended, Ryzen 7 optional

• Memory: 8 GB minimum
• Storage Capacity: 250 GB minimum

A high school student planning to apply as a first-year student should submit an application as soon as possible at the beginning of their senior year. There are many advantages to applying early. For example, some programs are filled on a first-admitted basis. Students interested in being considered for merit scholarships should apply by November 1, for maximum consideration, and the regular admission deadline is February 1. Students should apply using the online application.

The university requires students to have a high school diploma or equivalent. Students must submit official transcripts from all high schools attended, proof of GED (if applicable), an essay, and official ACT or SAT scores (if applicable, as MSU is currently test optional).

Admission to Michigan State University is competitive, but there are no minimum requirements. Freshman admission is based on your academic performance in high school; the strength and quality of your curriculum; recent trends in your academic performance; your class rank; your ACT or SAT results (if applicable, since MSU is test optional); and your leadership, talents, conduct and diversity of experience. Typically, the most important element in the admissions process is high school academic achievement. Each application receives individual attention. Applicants who are admissible will be granted admission pending confirmation of satisfactory status with regard to final grades and other admission criteria.

Applicants may receive an offer of admission to the subsequent term if space is not available for the term in which they have applied. The chief academic officer of the university has authority to grant waivers of usual entrance requirements. 

Admission to the university is conditional upon the applicant providing accurate admissions information and upon the applicant updating such data if circumstances arise that make the previously provided information inaccurate, misleading, or incomplete in an any way. Submission of an application authorizes the university to investigate the accuracy of statements made and data provided by the applicant and those who submit materials or information on behalf of the applicant. Falsifications, misrepresentations, or omissions in application answers or supporting data may constitute grounds to deny or revoke admission to the university. Admission to the university may be denied or revoked if the university learns that an individual has engaged in conduct that indicates to the university that the individual is not ready to be a responsible member of the university community. 

The university encourages all applicants to visit campus. Admissions presentations and campus tours are available Monday-Friday throughout the year and on select Saturdays during fall and spring. There is no charge, but pre-registration is required.

A transfer student is a student who has attended any post-secondary institution after high school graduation, except for the summer immediately following high school graduation or those students enrolled in an early/middle college program.

Submission of an application authorizes the university to investigate the accuracy of statements made and data provided by the applicant and those who submit materials or information on behalf of the applicant. Admission to the university is conditional upon the applicant providing accurate and current admissions information.  All changes to the admissions information  prior to matriculation to the university must be reported to the Office of Admissions.  If circumstances develop that make previously provided information inaccurate, misleading or incomplete, the consequence of the discrepancy may lead to revocation of an offer of admission and up to dismissal from the university if not corrected. Additionally, admission to the university may be denied or revoked if the university learns that an individual has engaged in conduct that indicates to the university that the individual is not ready to be a responsible member of the university community.

Prior to application review, transfer applicants are required to self-report their academic records – including courses currently in progress and future course work:

• For domestic institutions, students should submit official transcripts for all institutions attended.
• For international institutions, students should request that all international institutions attended, or examination boards, send original or attested copies of all transcripts, diplomas, mark sheets, and certificates directly to the Michigan State University Office of Admissions, in an official, sealed envelope. In addition, where the original documents are not issued in English, provide an official English translation of each document.

• An equivalent to MSU WRA 101 or WRA 195H
• An equivalent to MSU MTH 101, 102, 103, 116, or higher; or an equivalent to MSU STT 200 or 201

Michigan State University is authorized under immigration regulations to enroll nonimmigrant students and welcomes applications from such persons. An international student is defined as a person holding a nonimmigrant visa.

Prospective students are encouraged to begin the application process one year prior to the anticipated semester of enrollment.

Students outside of the U.S. who are educated in academic systems whose requirements are comparable to 12 years in an elementary and secondary college preparatory education program in the United States, may apply for admission. Official copies of all mark sheets, transcripts, diplomas and certificates from high schools, and ALL other academic institutions must accompany the application. These records must show courses taken and grades earned, and must be translated into English if the original records are in another language. If a translation is supplied, it should be certified as accurate and correct by an appropriate public or school official, or sponsoring agency or government. The official record in the original language should also be included.

For information on international student admission, see international student admission.

When admitted, a digital letter of admission will be available on the student's online portal. All international applicants seeking an F-1 or J-1 visa are also required to submit adequate evidence of financial support to cover the cost of attendance for at least one full year of study at Michigan State University. However, students must also consider that financial resources will be needed for the entire four- to five-year period required to complete an undergraduate program. PLEASE NOTE: No need-based financial aid is available for international undergraduate students.

Evidence of adequate financial support and payment of the Advanced Enrollment Deposit must be received before the I-20  or DS-2019 forms will be mailed. All international students studying on an F-1 visa are required to present the Form I-20  when applying for an F-1 Student Visa and again at the port-of-entry into the United States. Students applying for a J-1 Exchange Visitor Visa will need to present a DS-2019 Form. This form is available from the organization/program sponsoring the student, or from the Office of International Students and Scholars at Michigan State University. Applicants enrolled at another U.S. institution with an F-1 Student Visa must be released from SEVIS by their current institution before MSU can issue a new Form I-20.

Details are available at obtaining your I-20 or DS-2019.

Students who enter the United States with a Form I–20 from another institution should be aware that they must enroll at that school before they are eligible to transfer to Michigan State University. Such transfers require both formal admission to Michigan State University and notification to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. Only students intending to enroll at MSU should enter the United States with the Form I-20 issued by MSU. Additional up-to-date information concerning immigration guidelines can be found at www.oiss.msu.edu.

Any undergraduate student whose enrollment at this university is interrupted for any reason so that the student has not been enrolled for three consecutive semesters, including the summer sessions,  who was recessed or dismissed from the university, who was not allowed to continue in their major, or who has completed prior courses of study, should submit a readmission application to the Office of the Registrar via the web at www.reg.msu.edu at least one month prior to the beginning of the semester in which the student intends to resume studies. International students should submit their application at least four months prior to the beginning of the semester in which the student intends to resume studies. Readmission is only available for Spring and Fall semesters for international students.

Students applying for readmission after academic recess or dismissal should refer to the section on Readmission After Academic Recess or Dismissal.

Students may transfer a maximum of 60 credits from two-year institutions. Those credits may be earned and transferred into MSU at any time in the student’s degree.  No more than 10 of the last 30 total credits toward a degree may be transferred without approval by the Associate Provost for Undergraduate Education.  Only grades of 2.0 and above are eligible for transfer credit.

New undergraduate students engage in a comprehensive orientation process designed to support and guide them as they transition to MSU. Because of MSU’s commitment to student success, as a condition of course enrollment, all new undergraduate students are required to attend the New Student Orientation (NSO), an early step in the academic orientation and transitions process.

NSO for new students who enter MSU fall semester takes place primarily in June and July. There is a program in late August for students who are not able to attend a program in June or July. International undergraduate first year and transfer students on an F1 or J1 visa who enter fall semester complete an online pre-arrival module, attend a mandatory orientation program prior to the start of classes, as well as an extended orientation during the fall semester. International students with other visa types who enter fall semester will begin their NSO experience in July and August. All undergraduate first year and transfer students who enter spring or summer semester will also participate in the NSO experience preceding the first day of classes for that semester.

Prior to attending the New Student Orientation, students take one or more online placement tests. NSO takes place in three parts: an online pre-orientation, advising and enrollment with their academic advisor, and participating in the UGS 100: Introduction to MSU course. During NSO and the UGS 100, students learn more about their declared major and have the opportunity to explore other majors, learn what MSU is all about, learn who the Spartans are, become familiar with academic, financial, health, safety, and wellness resources, the diversity of the university, what life is like on campus and the East Lansing area, and how to get involved on campus. During the orientation experience, students will also have and opportunity to engage with current MSU students and other new students in a group setting.

First year and transfer students are required to register for the New Student Orientation Program online at www.orientation.msu.edu. Students who do not register for and participate in New Student Orientation cannot enroll for classes and may have their admission to the university cancelled.

Visit the Web site: www.orientation.msu.edu or call 1-517-355-8490.

 

Each entering undergraduate student will take one or more placement tests depending on the nature of the student's previous academic program and intended academic program at Michigan State University. The results of these tests will be used by the student and the academic advisor to develop an academic learning plan. Following is a brief explanation of the use of the various placement tests:

 

The policy governing remedial–developmental–preparatory types of courses was established to protect the academic standards of Michigan State University undergraduate degrees while at the same time reinforcing the university's commitment to assist students in remedying their academic deficiencies in fundamental skill areas. The policy serves to motivate students to overcome their deficiencies while ensuring that all students complete a minimum of 120 credits of college level work as a condition of graduation.

Remedial-developmental-preparatory course numbers are four digits, rather than the three digits used for all other courses. The fourth or last digit identifies the type of remedial-developmental-preparatory course. For example, Writing, Rhetoric and American Cultures 1004 is a Type 4 course.

There are five types of remedial-developmental-preparatory courses.

Type 1:
Single courses designed to remedy deficiencies identified by Michigan State University placement test scores. The removal of any such deficiencies, either by one retest or by passing the course, is required as a condition for graduation.

Credits earned are included in all university computations except the total number required for graduation.

Type 2:
Course sequences designed to remedy deficiencies identified by Michigan State University placement test scores. The removal of any such deficiencies, either by one retest or by passing the courses, is required as a condition for graduation. More than the usual number of contact hours may be required.

Credits earned are included in all university computations except the total number required for graduation.

Type 3:
Courses designed to remedy deficiencies identified by Michigan State University placement test scores. The removal of such deficiencies, either by one retest or by passing the course, is required only as a condition for entry into some degree programs, and is required as a condition for graduation only for students in those programs.  More than the usual number of contact hours may be required.

Credits earned are included in all university computations and are included in the total number required for graduation.

Type 4:
Courses that students place into because of inadequate scores on Michigan State University placement tests that identify relevant skill deficiencies, although they do not measure knowledge in the course material. The removal of skill deficiencies is not part of the course objectives. It is expected that students will be enrolled concurrently in Type I and/or Type II and/or Type III courses for purposes of remedying those deficiencies. More than the usual number of contact hours may be required. 

Credits earned are included in all university computations and are included in the total number required for graduation.

Type 5:
Courses that may be required by departments or colleges for some students. The course may be designed either to prepare the student to handle the subject matter of a required entry level college course, or to improve his or her study skills or ability to make productive use of university offerings in general. More than the usual number of contact hours may be required.

Credits earned are included in all University computations except the total required for graduation.

Remedial–developmental–preparatory courses may not carry numbers above the 100 level and may not be offered under variable content numbers.

The removal of academic deficiencies, which would preclude graduation from Michigan State University, should have the highest priority in student program planning. Drops from Type I and Type II courses should not normally be processed except to facilitate transfer between sections. If a course overload requires that a student drop one or more courses in a specific semester, courses in the regular program of studies shall be dropped in preference to those designed to remove deficiencies.

The University Committee on Curriculum controls the number of  remedial-developmental–preparatory courses and assures conformity of such courses with existing policy. Upon recommendation by the University Committee on Curriculum, the Faculty Senate approves remedial–developmental–preparatory courses by type.

Information regarding university housing is sent to each first-year and transfer student entering fall semester with the letter of admission. Information regarding university housing is sent to each first-year and transfer student entering spring semester or summer session after the letter of admission has been issued. Former students may apply for housing after their applications for readmission have been accepted. All returning students will be accommodated in on-campus housing as space is available, regardless of their class standing.  See University Housing Policy in the General Information, Policies, Procedures and Regulations section of this catalog, and visit the Residence Education and Housing Services Web site at liveon.msu.edu. 
 

Michigan State University pioneered the model for living and learning communities. The Brody Complex, East Complex, and South Complex halls were designated as living and learning complexes in the 1960's. The living and learning community concept is based on the premise that the cultural and intellectual life of the student is enhanced when the educational process extends beyond the classroom into the environment of the residence halls. Now known as neighborhoods, the concept has been extended to include the North Neighborhood and the River Trail Neighborhood.

Each neighborhood provides an opportunity for students to relate to a smaller unit of the university and to participate in various social and cultural activities. In addition to the usual facilities of traditional residence halls, at the core of each neighborhood is the Engagement Center that includes classrooms, lecture halls, faculty offices, and health and wellness facilities. Faculty, academic advisors, tutors, and other staff support students’ overall intellectual professional, social, and personal development. A range of university courses are scheduled in each neighborhood complex, facilitating student and faculty interaction outside the classroom. More information is available at www.nssc.msu.edu.

Students in the Honors College and Academic Scholars program have the opportunity to select Honors–specific housing. James Madison College, Lyman Briggs College, and the Residential College in the Arts and Humanities are highly visible, four-year, residentially-based academic programs. In addition, a range of shorter-term options addressing student academic interests have emerged. These include Residential Business Community, Charles Drew Science Scholars, College of Engineering CoRe Experience, and RISE - Residential Initiative on the Study of the Environment, for students interested in the study of the environment.

Residence Education staff are committed to enhancing the living and learning experience by assisting with existing options and building strong learning communities throughout the residential system.

Additional information is available at Living and Learning at www.admissions.msu.edu/academics/living-learning.aspx.

Refer to the statement on Student Rights and Responsibilities in the General Information, Policies, Procedures and Regulations section of this catalog.

Many students come to the university uncertain about a preferred area of academic interest.  Other students find their academic interests shift or expand as they are introduced to the many and varied academic experiences associated with attendance at the university. The Exploratory Preference major option allows students to investigate the wide variety of majors available at Michigan State University. NSSC advisors assist students with major and career advice, as well as course selection.

 

Neighborhood Advisors are housed in each Engagement Center across campus. They assist students with adjusting to university life, guide students in the selection of a major, facilitate and support academic skill building, and make appropriate referrals to enable students to take advantage of other resources and services the university offers. Neighborhood Advisors' efforts promote self-sufficiency, self-responsibility and self-development that will enable students to achieve academic, career and life goals long after their days on the MSU campus have passed.

Students who declare major preferences are assigned to academic advisors in the colleges of their major preferences.  However, the services and professional advisors in the NSSC are also available to these students.


 

At MSU, every undergraduate student is a part of a Neighborhood, where they have access to resources to succeed academically, gain global perspectives, make connections, learn by doing, and live a healthy life. The Neighborhoods bring MSU resources to where students live and connect. The Engagement Centers are unique spaces located in each neighborhood and serve as the main access points to important resources such as neighborhood advisors, tutors, help rooms, health practitioners, and other resources that can help you navigate through your college career. Services available in the neighborhoods include: academic advising; assistance with math coursework, writing papers, and other academic subjects; recreation and fitness programs; health clinic; intercultural dialogues; and exploring majors and careers. When you have a question, need support or want to connect with other Spartans, visit the Engagement Center in your neighborhood.

While students are encouraged to visit the Engagement Center in their Neighborhood, students can visit an Engagement Center in any of the locations listed below.

Brody Neighborhood Engagement Center
Brody Hall, Room 160
1-517-884-6670

North Neighborhood Engagement Center
MSU Union, Room 200
1-517-884-4050

River Trail Neighborhood Engagement Center
E. McDonel, Hall Room C101 
1-517-884-4080

South Neighborhood Engagement Center  
East Holden Hall 
1-517-884-6680

East Neighborhood Engagement Center
Hubbard Hall, Room C130
1-517-884-3501 

Visit our website maps, hours, and more:
nssc.msu.edu

 

The Collaborative Learning Center (CLC) is MSU’s source for training peer educators—including tutors, supplemental instruction leaders, undergraduate learning assistants, recitation leaders, and academic coaches—to deliver effective study skills and learning strategies, collaborative learning techniques, and classroom assessment techniques. The CLC provides training in “how to learn” with “what to learn.” Peer educators learn about academic success skills and study skills and how to apply them to their role. The CLC also provides Academic Success skills workshops available to all MSU students, with a focus on first and second year students who are either on probation, enrolled in a Freshman Seminar (UGS) course or have time management or anxiety issues. In addition to training peer educators and providing success skills workshops, the CLC are also experts on non-cognitive indicators of academic success.  

 

The Detroit M.A.D.E (Mastering Academics Demonstrating Excellence) Scholars Program focuses on college retention, graduation, and career development for students who are both Detroit residents and graduates of Detroit Public or Charter high schools. Funded by the Gilbert Family Foundation, the Detroit M.A.D.E. program promotes personal and academic excellence through pre-college outreach, as well as individualized academic advising and cohort activities while in college. Students in the program engage in specialized, high-impact practices spanning four years—including a first-year seminar, service-learning projects, education abroad or study away, and undergraduate research. Through these opportunities and initiatives, Detroit M.A.D.E. students will enter conversations and experiences connecting them back to the city of Detroit. 

 

The Dow STEM Success Scholars (DSS) Program is designed for in-state first-year students who scored under an 11 on the MSU Math Placement Test and are planning on a Science, Technology, Engineering, or Math (STEM) major. The Program allows students to take a specially-focused online Math course during the summer prior to their starting at MSU. From specifically designed Dow STEM chemistry and math courses to activities and field trips, this program is demonstrated to boost DSS students’ academic success in STEM fields with a dedicated Dow advisor and peer mentors. Enrollment is limited to the first 120 students who apply, so—if you are a Michigan resident planning on a STEM major as an MSU freshman and scored under 11 on the Math Placement Test.

Visit https://dowstemscholars.natsci.msu.edu/ to complete an application.

 

Spartan Success Scholars is designed to support first generation, Pell Grant eligible students during their transition to MSU, offering academic and social support with solid, research-supported positive results. Spartan Success Scholars receive continuous communications and support from dedicated NSSC Neighborhood staff members. Not only does students who engage in the activities offered through this opportunity have better grades, they are statistically more likely to stay on course for graduation in four years. Spartan Success Scholars have advanced opportunities to enhance their academic achievement, gain life skills, and build strong social networks. First generation students, Pell Grant eligible, recipients of Spartan Advantage, international students, and/or students in Developmental Writing (WRA 1004) and math (MTH 1825) are automatically enrolled in this program upon admission to MSU.

For more information on these programs, visit nssc.msu.edu/student-success-scholars.

 

Students may check their progress toward a degree by using the online advising tool by visiting the Academic Progress tile, available at student.msu.edu. Students should contact their advisor to experiment with different scenarios to learn how their past and current course work might apply to many other majors.

Students may be admitted as first-year students to James Madison College, Lyman Briggs College, and the Residential College in the Arts and Humanities. Students may be admitted to certain colleges following completion of a designated combination or sequence of courses. (see Admission to the College in the appropriate college section of this catalog). Students who have completed the prerequisite courses for admission to the College of Nursing may apply during the freshman year for subsequent admission. Any student who has reached junior standing by earning 56 credits must be admitted to a degree-granting college to continue as a student at Michigan State University.

ACCEPTANCE  BY A DEGREE-GRANTING COLLEGE. A student seeking admission to a degree-granting college will be accepted by a degree-granting college provided he or she:

1. has earned a minimum of 28 credits,
2. is in good standing (see Academic Standing of Undergraduate Students - ASUS - for additional information),
3. has the required grade-point average in designated combinations or sequences of courses within the 28 credit minimum (see Requirements for Admission to the College in the appropriate college section of the catalog), and
4. is selected for admission by the duly established selection committee in any department, college, or school where a specific limitation on enrollment has been established.

TEACHER CERTIFICATION. For information about teacher certification opportunities, options, and requirements, refer to the statement on Teacher Certification in the Department of Teacher Education section of this catalog.

REFUSAL OF ACCEPTANCE BY A DEGREE-GRANTING COLLEGE. By the fifth day of the next semester, students who fail to meet the requirements for admission to the degree-granting college of their choice but have earned a minimum of 56 credits and are in good standing must:

1. apply for acceptance by another degree-granting college, or
2. transfer to an appropriate program in the College of Arts and Letters, the College of Social Science, or the College of Natural Science.

Enrollment is the selection of courses for a fall, spring, or summer schedule based on the student's Academic Progress Plan previously developed and continually reviewed with an academic advisor.  

For purposes of enrollment and determining eligibility for certain student activities, a division of students by class is made by the Office of the Registrar at the end of each semester on the basis of the number of credits earned and according to the following schedule:

Students who have matriculated at Michigan State University and have achieved junior standing (56 semester credits) may not earn credits from two-year institutions.

Students who have matriculated at Michigan State University and have not yet achieved junior standing (56 semester credits) may earn credits from two-year institutions, up to the 56-semester credit limit.

Registration is the process of securing classes for which one has enrolled by payment of charges due or confirmation of attendance, if no payment is due.

Refer to the statement on Period Covered by Registration in The Academic Program section of this catalog. 

All undergraduate baccalaureate programs require a minimum of 120 credits. Most programs are designed so that a student starting a program as a first-year student may finish it in 8 semesters by satisfactorily completing an average of 15 credits a semester.  In practice, students usually carry from 12 to 18 credits a semester depending on personal circumstances and the chosen program of study. Students with less than a 2.50 grade–point average (GPA) the preceding semester should not enroll for more than 15 or 16 credits except when required by the specific program. Only under unusual circumstances will a student be permitted to carry more than 20 credits.

A student with less than satisfactory academic performance may be required to take a reduced credit load as a condition of continued registration in the university.

A major, also known as a plan, is a primary field of study. Selection of a field of study as a major preference may be made at the time the application for admission is submitted. Any student entering the university with fewer than 56 credits may choose to enter without a major preference by selecting Exploratory. Exploratory students may defer declaring a major preference or major until there has been an opportunity to explore a variety of fields under special academic advising directed by an advisor in the Neighborhood Student Success Collaborative.  Students meeting college admission requirements have the option of declaring a major at 28 credits.  A major must be selected before junior standing (56 credits) is reached.

Certain academic programs which specify particular courses or sequences of courses during the first two years may require more than eight semesters for completion of the degree program.

FIRST-YEAR STUDENTS AND SOPHOMORES. Students initiate changes of major preference either in the office of the associate dean of the college major or in their Neighborhood Engagement Center. For students who have not declared a major and have fewer than 56 credit hours, the associate dean’s function is served by the Neighborhood Student Success Collaborative (NSSC). Exceptions are James Madison College, Lyman Briggs College, the Residential College in Arts and Humanities.

JUNIORS AND SENIORS. A student wishing to change a major in one degree college to a major in another degree college (or within the same college) must initiate the change in the office of the associate dean of the college to which the student wishes to transfer.

The student must meet the requirements for graduation given in the catalog current at the time the change is effective.  Twenty credits must be completed while enrolled in the major in the college in which the degree is to be earned.

A minor is a secondary field of study at the undergraduate level. It is a coherent set of courses that provides a student with an introduction to a field of study. Minors are supplementary to the student’s major. Minors are not open to students who are in majors in a field of study with the same name represented by the minor, and minors may be limited to students in particular majors or colleges. The minimum number of credits for a minor is 15. The Academic Programs catalog must clearly state if some of these credits for the minor are required to be “unique.” “Unique” credits for a minor are defined as credits that do not count for a course taken to satisfy another university, college, or major requirement. 

Undergraduate certificate programs are constructed in selected fields as complements to degree programs, minors, or as distinct offerings. The issuance of an undergraduate certificate signifies that the certificate holder has completed specified course work, co-curricular experiences, specified training or possess specified skills or competency levels. Five types of undergraduate certificate programs are offered at Michigan State University: Type 1 - directly related to a degree program that are transcriptable; Type 2 - distinct entities not related to a degree program or minor that are transcriptable; Type 3 - distinct entities designed for external stakeholders or guest students that are not transcriptable; and Type 4 - university-level certificate programs; and Type 5 – directly related to a degree program, exclusively reserved for the Institute of Agricultural Technology, and are transcriptable. Undergraduate certificate programs that appear on the transcript have been approved via academic governance.

The minimum number of credits for an Undergraduate Certificate is nine with a maximum of twelve. Visit www.reg.msu.edu/Read/UCC/ungradcert.pdf.

Academic Standards

A 2.00 cumulative grade–point average for all credit-bearing experiences counting toward the undergraduate certificate is the minimum university standard; however, academic units may establish a higher minimum standard in the decision to award the certificate.

Certificates may be structured as either discipline-specific, interdisciplinary, or thematic. (1) academic units applying for certificates must consult with and/or obtain support from related programs and departments to ensure availability of courses required for the certificate, but offered by another department, and to avoid unnecessary duplication of content; (2) non-academic units may create certificates that are sponsored by the Associate Provost for Undergraduate Education or an academic unit if it undergoes an academic program review; (3) non-academic units seeking to create certificates or intercollegiate/unit groups wanting to create certificates that would not clearly reside in a single college or department or focus on non-disciplinary themes should consult with the Associate Provost for Undergraduate Education, which will administer pan-institutional certificate programs.

Transfer Credits

Previously completed course work, experiences, and transfer credits can count toward the certificate at the discretion of the program coordinator up to a limit of six (6) credits. Sponsoring units can set additional parameters on the amount of prior and transfer credit that can be counted toward a certificate.

Applied Credits to Undergraduate Degree Program or Minor

Participants who take MSU course work as a guest student may only transfer up to sixteen (16) credits to an undergraduate major or minor per MSU policy.
 

MSU students may attend other institutions as Guest Students or Non–matriculated Students for short periods for the purpose of earning credit for transfer to Michigan State University.

Students planning to attend institutions within the State of Michigan should use the Michigan Uniform Undergraduate Guest Application form available on the web at www.reg.msu.edu. Students who wish to attend non-Michigan institutions should apply to the host institution. The completed application should be submitted to the host school.

A student wishing to take courses at another institution should consult an academic advisor or the Transfer MSU course equivalency table on the web at www.transfer.msu.edu to assure transferability.

A minimum grade of 2.0 must be earned in each course in order for the credit to be transferred to Michigan State University.

Students may transfer a maximum of 60 credits from two-year institutions. Those credits may be earned and transferred into MSU at any time in the student’s degree.  No more than 10 of the last 30 total credits toward a degree may be transferred without approval by the Associate Provost for Undergraduate Education.  Only grades of 2.0 and above are eligible for transfer credit.

An Entrepreneurship and Innovation Experiences Option (E&I) is a project consisting of original work that builds on the content of a course in which a student is enrolled but extends the experience of that course beyond the typical scope and content. E&I Experiences Options allow undergraduates the opportunity to add entrepreneurial content to courses already in the student’s program, thus providing a flexible alternative for those interested in exploring entrepreneurial ideas beyond the normal course requirements. An E&I Experiences Option can be in any course in any discipline. Students propose the E&I Experiences Option to the instructor of record for the course. E&I Experiences Option requests must be accompanied by the Application for Entrepreneurship and Innovation Experiences Option form. E&I Experiences Options that are approved and completed will be designated on the student’s transcript.  For more information, students should contact the undergraduate advising office of their college.



 

The Army and Air Force Reserve Officers' Training Corps (ROTC) programs provide preprofessional preparation for future Army and Air Force officers. They are designed to develop the skills of students who can apply their education to their initial assignments as commissioned officers. In order to receive a commission, ROTC cadets must complete all requirements for a degree in accordance with university requirements, as well as complete certain courses specified by the Department of Military Science or the Department of Aerospace Studies. Depending on the student's program of study, such courses may supplement or serve as electives with the approval of the appropriate academic unit.

For details on the Air Force or Army ROTC program, refer to Department of Aerospace Studies or Department of Military Science in the Other Departments and Offices for Research and Services section of this catalog.

The Prelaw Handbook, the official law school guide published by the Association of American Law Schools, emphasizes that there is not a prescribed course of study which can be recommended to all students seeking to enter law school.  The two most important law school admission criteria, according to the Prelaw Handbook, are the student's undergraduate grade–point average and their score on the Law School Admission Test (LSAT). The admission policies of various law schools, and the degree to which they utilize other criteria as well as the above, are described in the Prelaw Handbook which may be examined in the University Library or purchased in most bookstores.  The prelaw student is urged to study this handbook carefully and to discuss it with an advisor in the college of their choice.

Although the Prelaw Handbook does not single out specific courses or majors as being especially suitable for prelaw studies, it does call attention to certain skills and insights which the student should seek to develop, and which the LSAT attempts to measure. These are the ability to think carefully and critically, to comprehend the thoughts of others and express one's own with accuracy and clarity, and to understand critically the human values and institutions with which the law deals.

The development of these abilities is not the monopoly of any one subject area, department, or school. While the  Prelaw Handbook does discuss specific areas of study and the potential contribution each can make to prelaw education, it prefaces its discussion by insisting on the importance of a prelegal education of the broadest scope. Thus, a prelaw student may major in virtually any discipline, provided that the major is made part of a rigorous and broad education.

The following colleges at Michigan State University have defined prelaw programs and advisors:  Arts and Letters, Business, James Madison, and Social Science. Additional information may be obtained from the office of the associate dean of these and other colleges.

Michigan State University is a national leader in education abroad, offering more than 275 programs, on all continents and in over 60 countries.  Programs are offered every session, including winter and spring break, and range from one week to two semesters.

More than a quarter of current Michigan State University undergraduates participate in education abroad and the program continues to grow.  An increasingly common component of excellence in higher education today, education abroad is quickly becoming an integral part of the undergraduate experience at Michigan State University.

Programs are offered in many academic disciplines in all colleges.  Participating in education abroad helps students develop the academic/intellectual, personal, professional, and intercultural skills and attitudes required to become effective and competitive in the global environments they will encounter after graduation.

Students are encouraged to explore opportunities abroad early. They may start by visiting the Education Abroad Web site at educationabroad.msu.edu, by calling 1-517-353-8920, or by visiting the Education Abroad Advising Center in the International Center, 427 N. Shaw, Room 108, or email abroad@msu.edu.

For additional information, see the Guest Status at Another Institution section of this catalog.
 

Co-sponsored education abroad programs vetted and sponsored by one or more academic units at Michigan State University, implemented by an international host partner institution, and staffed by non-Michigan State University faculty. Co-sponsored education abroad programs may include exchange programs, direct enrollment at a university abroad, and consortium and other provider programs. Co-sponsored programs offer course work that is comparable to Michigan State University courses and allows students to make progress toward their degrees while exploring their chosen field of study in an international environment. Co-sponsored programs yield Michigan State University credit and grades, transfer credit, or a combination of both. For advice on how to incorporate education abroad into your undergraduate program, see your academic advisor.

 

UNDERGRADUATE LEARNING ASSISTANTS

Undergraduate Learning Assistant (ULA) is a term referring to any undergraduate student who assists the faculty-of-record in that faculty member’s assigned, for-credit course(s) at Michigan State University. An ULA can, under the mentorship and supervision of the faculty-of-record, assist in class preparation; objective grading; and active and collaborative learning exercises within lecture, laboratory, and discussion sections. No undergraduate student may perform activities requiring professional judgment such as determining course content, conducting lectures or seminars, performing subjective evaluations of student performance, or assigning grades for any for-credit course at Michigan State University.

Tutors, who are not part of the instructional team of a specific course, are not subject to this policy.

Selection Process

Individuals serving as an ULA must have demonstrated knowledge of subject content by either completing and excelling in the course or its equivalent in which they assist, or through a high level of performance in more advanced courses that depend upon knowledge of relevant course content.

Training

Each faculty-of-record utilizing ULAs must provide ULAs with appropriate guidelines and information necessary to carry out their assignments and responsibilities. These shall take the form of a written guide or handbook, which must reference relevant university policies.

Undergraduate Learning Assistant Responsibilities

Expectations and specific tasks necessary for the execution of ULA assignments and responsibilities must be provided in writing to the ULA. If ULAs are assigned to grade student work, it is the faculty-of-record’s responsibility to provide a framework for objective evaluation of student work, to train the ULA on the appropriate use of this framework, and to ensure that the ULA is using this framework correctly and reliably. The faculty-of-record also must inform ULAs about the importance of maintaining student confidentiality with regard to student work.

Evaluation of Undergraduate Learning Assistant Performance

The faculty-of-record has the responsibility for the performance and evaluation of ULAs serving in that course. ULAs must be systematically evaluated during and at the end of each semester. Feedback must be shared with the ULA with the goal of improving the learning experience, developing better ULA performance in the future, and ultimately in developing skill sets and attitudes needed in the workplace.

Stipends

The position of an ULA is typically a paid position. However, in some instances, following consultation with the course’s faculty-of-record, the ULA may exercise an option to enroll in course credit rather than receive pay. An ULA may not receive both course credit and pay for a single course to which they have been assigned. In no case may a student be enrolled in a course for which they serve as an ULA.

Administration and Oversight

Any questions concerning the administration of this policy should be referred to the Office of the Associate Provost for Undergraduate Education and Dean of Undergraduate Studies.

To be recommended for a bachelor's degree, a student must:

1. Complete one year's work, normally the year of graduation, earning at least 30 credits in courses given by Michigan State University. No more than 10 of the last 30 total credits toward a degree may be transferred without approval by the Associate Provost for Undergraduate Education.
2. Earn at least 27 credits on the East Lansing campus or at approved Michigan State University instructional sites after reaching junior standing.
3. Complete at least 20 credits at Michigan State University while enrolled in the major in the college in which the degree is to be earned.
4. Remove any deficiencies identified by Michigan State University placement test scores, as described in the Academic Placement Tests and Remedial–Developmental–Preparatory Courses sections.
5. Complete the university mathematics requirement, as described below.
6. Complete the university writing requirement, as described below.
7. Complete the university Integrative Studies requirement, as described below.
8. Complete satisfactorily an approved program of study in a college.
9. Complete a minimum of 120 credits with at least a 2.00 grade–point average. Note that certain programs require more than 120 credits. See program degree requirements for specific totals.

Note: A maximum of 6 credits in Advanced Academic English (AAE) 220, 221, 222 or 223 may count towards the 120-credit minimum.

Note: Fulfillment of Requirement 1. (above) by active-duty service members of the U.S. Armed Forces may occur any time they are enrolled.  At least 30 credits or no more than twenty-five percent of the degree requirements for the undergraduate degree must be earned in courses given by Michigan State University. Reservist and National Guardsmen on active-duty are covered in the same manner.

With the permission of the relevant department and college, a student who is enrolled in or has completed a Michigan State University bachelor's degree program may elect to complete the requirements for an additional major. An additional major may be completed within the number of credits required for the student's bachelor's degree program or with only such additional credits necessary to satisfy the requirements for the additional major. The additional major consists of the specified requirements of the major and, where required, of the college.

A student interested in completing an additional major should contact the department that administers the intended additional major. The department requests the additional major from the college to update the student's record.

The completion of the additional major will be noted on the student's final transcript. Only the primary major of the student's bachelor's degree program will be designated on the student's diploma.

There is no time limit for the completion of the bachelor's degree.  For students who have been admitted to a major, progress toward the degree shall be evaluated on an individual basis after an assessment of the student's academic record and degree requirements. The student shall be informed of the remaining requirements for graduation at the time of admission or readmission to the major and encouraged to complete his or her degree.

Requirements for a major or degree program may be updated through the appropriate university processes.  Changes in a major or degree program shall be implemented in a manner which will not delay the graduation date or significantly alter the program of a currently enrolled student who is making normal progress toward the degree. Michigan State University must reserve the right to modify or eliminate programs that are described in this publication. In the event such an action is taken, students affected will be advised by their units of the options available to them to complete their degrees. Every reasonable effort will be made to permit students to complete these programs or similar programs.

To pursue a second bachelor's degree, a student must be admitted to the second bachelor's degree program. To be granted a second bachelor's degree, a student must earn at least 30 credits in residence in addition to the credits required for the first degree and meet the specified requirements of the second college and  major. A student who completes the requirements for a second bachelor's degree will receive two diplomas, one for each major.

The Dean's List honors all undergraduates in the university who earn a 3.50 or better grade–point average (GPA) for the courses in their undergraduate program totaling 12 or more credits for a given semester. The courses must be taken as part of the undergraduate program to be recognized as part of the semester total GPA, and not taken to fulfill the requirements of a graduate or professional degree program. The credits for a given semester must have been recorded under the numerical grading system. The Dean's List designation appears on the student's official transcript. The list, prepared each semester, is displayed in the MSU Union Building and is also available at www.reg.msu.edu/ROInfo/GradHonor/DeansList.aspx.

Several of the colleges present students with awards at special occasions such as honors banquets or award receptions.

A variety of awards and prizes in recognition of special talents and achievement are available.

Honors College students, students who complete the Academic Scholars program within the Honors College, students who graduate with honor or high honor, and Board of Trustees Award recipients are recognized in the commencement program and at the commencement exercise.

Federal aid regulations limit the amount of time federal financial aid recipients can work toward a bachelor's degree and require measured progress toward that degree.

1. Students who have completed the requirements for an undergraduate degree are no longer eligible for federal, state, or institutional funds once the degree requirements have been met, regardless of whether the student seeks conferral of the degree.
2. Students who have exceeded the maximum time frame to complete the degree as described below are no longer eligible for any federal, state, or institutional need-based funds or any federal loans funds.

Undergraduate students seeking their first bachelor's degree are allowed to earn 150% of the number of credits required for the degree. Most bachelor's degrees require 120 credits. In this case, students enrolling in a semester after earning their 180th credit are no longer considered to be making Satisfactory Academic Progress toward the degree.

Many Certificates in Agriculture Technology and Certificates in Veterinary Technology require 60 credits. For these programs, the 150% limit would be 90 credits.

Credits completed at all post-secondary institutions that are acceptable for transfer at Michigan State University are counted in the total, whether the credits apply to a student's current program or not and whether or not the student received aid for them.

Students are expected to successfully complete 67% of the credits taken during their time of attendance. Successful completion of these credits means the student receives passing grades for them, even if the grades do not meet degree requirements specific to their program. If a course is repeated, each instance of the course is counted as an attempt, but the student can only earn credit for the course once.

Federal regulations require that students must maintain a cumulative grade-point average (GPA) sufficient to meet university graduation requirements. This is a minimum GPA of 2.00 for undergraduate students.

Students who fail to meet any of the above requirements are notified by the Office of Financial Aid regarding their federal-aid eligibility status. The notification will outline the appeal process for students with extenuating circumstances.

There are four kinds of federal aid eligibility status:

1. Federal aid regular status applies to students who successfully complete 67% of their MSU assessed credits, are within the 150% maximum credit limit and have the minimum required GPA.
2. Federal aid warning applies to students who have failed the 67% successful completion rule and/or who have fallen below the minimum cumulative GPA in the semester. This is a one-semester grace period. Students are eligible for federal aid while in this status.  
3. Federal aid denial applies to students who, after a semester on warning have not achieved regular status, after a semester of probation have not achieved regular status or the terms outlined in the granting of probation, or have exceeded the 150% maximum credit limit. In all cases, the denial will apply unless the student submits a successful appeal or regains good standing by fulfilling the requirements.
4. Federal aid probation applies when a student has submitted a successful appeal, for the duration of the approved appeal. 

Students who are unable to complete a bachelor's degree within 150% of the required credits for the degree are ineligible for federal financial aid and are placed on federal aid denial beginning with the semester following the one in which they enrolled in their last credit. A student granted an extension will be placed on federal aid probation.

The U.S. Department of Education requires institutions to verify that students who receive a Federal Pell Grant, TEACH Grant or the Iraq and Afghanistan Service Grant (IASG) begin attendance in all the classes for which they are registered. The amount a student receives for these grants is prorated if the student is enrolled less than full-time prior to the end of the “tuition refund period” end date listed in the academic calendar. In some cases, students may be ineligible for the grant at a lower enrollment status. 

When a student earns a failing grade at the end of a semester the instructor is also required to indicate whether the student began attendance in the course. If the instructor does not confirm attendance in the course, then the student’s eligibility will be revised retroactively for the term and the student will be responsible for paying the balance owed to the school.
 

The Student Employment Office provides resources for students seeking part–time and summer employment opportunities throughout their careers at Michigan State University. Various types of positions are available, both on–campus and off–campus. Students interested in employment after graduation will find assistance through Career Services and Placement.

Students who qualify for financial aid through the Federal Work–Study programs will find job opportunities listed on the Career Services Web site, Handshake, for jobs located both on–campus and off–campus.

A student who plans to work will need to provide identification and an original Social Security card in order to complete the W–4 and I–9 forms to comply with federal laws. A complete list of acceptable documents and more specific information is available at the Career Services, 113 Student Services Building, 1-517-355-9510.

Besides listing job opportunities, Career Services offers many other services and resources to students during their careers at Michigan State University.  Services include workshops offered throughout the year to aid students in their job searches, resume critiquing, advising about specific aspects of jobs searches and employment, a career–related referral service for paid internships, on–campus interviewing for summer positions, and a summer Job and Internship Fair, held every February.

These programs are not administered directly by Michigan State University. However, the university will on request, certify students receiving awards under these programs with the appropriate agency.

Brief descriptions of the programs are given below and additional information can be obtained from the agency indicated or from the Veteran Certification Team, Office of the Registrar, 150 Administration Building.

State of Michigan

Michigan Indian Tuition Waiver

To qualify a student must be certified by the Michigan Department of Civil Rights as a member of a federally recognized tribe, and be a legal resident of the State of Michigan for not less than 12 consecutive months. This program covers only resident tuition for any postsecondary–level course work, part–time or full–time. Further information concerning qualifications and application procedures is available by contacting the Office of Financial Aid.

Children of Veterans Tuition Grant (CVTG)

A person not under 16 and not over 22 years of age who has been a resident of Michigan for 12 months and who is the child of a Michigan veteran of the armed forces of the United States who was killed in action or died from other causes during a war or war condition in which the United States has been, is, or may hereafter be a participant, or who as a result of wartime service has since died or is totally disabled, or who as a result of war time service was totally disabled before death from any cause or who is officially listed by the United States government as missing in action in a foreign country, may be eligible for educational assistance under this act. Inquiries and application should be made with the Michigan Department of Treasury at https://www.michigan.gov/mistudentaid or 1-888-447-2687.

Police Officer's and Fire Fighter's Survivor Tuition Grant
Public Act 195 of 1996

The Survivor Tuition Grant provides for the waiver of tuition at public universities for the surviving spouse and children of Michigan police officers and fire fighters killed in the line of duty. Tuition will be covered for eligible survivors enrolled in an undergraduate degree program. Inquiries and application should be made with the Michigan Department of Treasury at https://www.michigan.gov/mistudentaid or 1-888-447-2687.

Michigan Veterans Trust Fund

Temporary assistance granted by the Michigan Veterans Trust Fund (MVTF) for emergencies or hardships is available to eligible wartime veterans, and their families, residing in the state. Additional information is available at Michigan Veterans Trust Fund at https://www.michigan.gov/dmva or 1-800-642-4938.

Michigan Rehabilitation Services

Financial assistance to persons who have a disability that has interfered with or may interfere with the individual's job performance should contact the Michigan Rehabilitation Services, Human Services, Box 30010, Lansing, Michigan 48909 or 1-800-605-6722.

United States Government

Veterans Education Benefits

The Veterans Administration (VA) offers a number of programs to those who have served, as well as to eligible survivors and dependents of veterans. Contact the Veterans Certification Team, Office of the Registrar, 150 Administration Building. A brief summary of each program is listed below.

The Post-9/11 GI Bill^®

The Post-9/11 GI Bill® provides up to 36 months of education benefits to those who have served on active duty after September 10, 2001. These benefits can be used only at institutions of higher learning within 15 years from the date of last discharge from active duty.

Montgomery GI Bill^® - Active Duty (Chapter 30)

The MGIB-Active Duty program provides up to 36 months of education benefits to those who have served on active duty.

Montgomery GI Bill^® - Selected Reserve (Chapter 1606)

The MGIB-Selected Reserve program may be available to eligible members of the Selected Reserve. The Selected Reserve includes the Army Reserve, Navy Reserve, Air Force Reserve, Marine Corps Reserve and Coast Guard Reserve, and the Army National Guard and the Air National Guard.

Reserve Educational Assistance Program (Chapter 1607)

The Reserve Educational Assistance Program (REAP) is a Department of Defense education benefit program designed to provide educational assistance to members of the Reserve components called or ordered to active duty in response to a war or national emergency (contingency operation) as declared by the President or Congress. This program makes certain reservists who were activated for at least 90 days after September 11, 2001 either eligible for education benefits or eligible for increased benefits.

Survivors and Dependents’ Educational Assistance Program (Chapter 35)

The Dependents' Educational Assistance Program (DEA) provides education and training opportunities to eligible survivors and dependents of veterans who are permanently and totally disabled due to a service-related condition, or who died while on active duty or as a result of a service related condition. The program offers up to 45 months of education benefits.

Veterans’ Educational Assistance Program (Chapter 32)

The Veterans’ Educational Assistance Program (VEAP) is available if those who first entered active duty between January 1, 1977 and June 30, 1985 and elected to make contributions from military pay to participate in this education benefit program. Contributions are matched on a $2 for $1 basis by the U.S. Government.

Department of Veterans Affairs Work–Study Allowance

Eligible veterans may apply directly with the Department of Veterans Affairs for the VA Work–Study Program.
Students approved for educational assistance allowances should contact a VA Certifying Official, Office of the Registrar, 150 Administration Building.