Skip navigation links
Michigan State University
Michigan State University

MSU Online
MSU Online >

Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions


Due to emerging health concerns related to the novel coronavirus, MSU has implemented a number of changes. Read more about coronavirus updates here. 

General Information

For more information about financial aid options for online graduate students, please visit the financial aid site.

Our hybrid programs offer varying dates and times throughout the year when students are required to visit campus. Please contact your program of interest for details by clicking "Request Information" on this page.

MSU online courses are supported by a learning management system, D2L (Desire to Learn). All students will log in to D2L to access their online courses using their MSU NetID and password. It is important to contact your department or program for detailed course information regarding expectations to meet online at certain times (synchronously). Most online courses are designed (asynchronously) where no scheduled meeting times occur.

Delivery Method: Desire to Learn (D2L). Please note that courses may not be listed or made available until the course start date.

Michigan State University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission. Some individual programs, schools and colleges are recognized by the accrediting agencies in their respective fields. Information about the accreditation of individual programs, schools and colleges is included in program descriptions in Academic Programs Catalog. The university is a member of the following:

A complete tuition and fees schedule is available on the Controller's Office Student Accounts site.

 

You will not be allowed to enroll or receive a diploma or transcript until all holds are cleared. Holds not cleared will appear in StuInfo. Choose "holds" on the menu. 

 

Students expecting to graduate must fill out a graduation application before the start of their final semester.

 

Commencement information will be sent to each degree candidate midway through their final semester. Commencements are held Fall and Spring semesters. Summer degree candidates may participate during the Fall or Spring ceremonies.

 

For further information, visit the Commencement and Ceremonial Events site.

You may enroll in courses at Michigan State as a Lifelong Education student. The Michigan Uniform Guest Application is not required. Read the rules governing Lifelong Education status.

 

Set up your MSU NetID and email account here. In order to activate, you will need your MSU Personal Identification Number (PID) and Personal Access Number (PAN) which is provided in the official letter of admissions.

Additional MSU technology resources are available by visiting tech support.

 

Transcripts may be ordered over the web, in person, by fax or mail. You must provide a complete mailing address for all transcripts ordered. Please contact your department for specific information.

International Student

Lifelong Learner

Lifelong Learner Information at MSU

The Lifelong Education enrollment status permits and facilitates access to Michigan State University courses and workshops (on-campus, off-campus, online, and study abroad) for persons not wishing to pursue an undergraduate or graduate Michigan State University degree. This status is limited to persons who have attained a high school diploma or its equivalent.

Requirements for Lifelong Education

  • Applicants must have a bachelor's degree, professional degree, or equivalent degree from an accredited and recognized college or university.
  • Students must maintain a cumulative grade point average of 3.0 or better for their first 9 credits. Failure to maintain the appropriate GPA standard may result in removal from Lifelong Education status.  
  • Note that lifelong credits intended for transfer into a degree program will count toward the 5 year time limit for completion of degree certification.
  • Only classes earning a grade of 3.0 or better will qualify for transfer into a degree program.

For information on Continuing Education Units (CEUs) go to the General Procedures and Regulations section of Academic Programs.

 

You will receive an email or hardcopy confirmation from the Registrar's Office.

Michigan State University regulations govern enrollment changes. Go to the Late Drops, Adds and Section Changes page for more information.

 

Please email the course instructor or program coordinator.
Students taking MSU courses under the Lifelong Education status will receive college credit. Students taking courses for non-credit will receive high school credit or documentation that they have completed a particular course.

State Authorization Information

Course and program availability varies by state. Admission into a program is granted at the time of initial acceptance into the program and is dependent on program availability in the state where the student is physically located at the time of admission. Before you apply, see MSU RO: State Authorization, including, the MSU State Authorization Status - State-By-State Summary of program availability.

Professional Licensure And Certification

Federal regulations require MSU to publicly disclose, for each educational program designed to meet the educational requirements for a specific professional license or certification required for employment in an occupation (or advertised as meeting those requirements), information about whether program completion would meet those requirements in a state. These public disclosure requirements apply to all programs, regardless of their modality (i.e., on-ground, online, and hybrid programs). MSU discloses the required information related to the educational requirements for professional licensure and certification. For more information, please visit the Student Consumer Information page.