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Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions


Accreditation, Faculty, and Recognition

Michigan State University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission. 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: 

Absolutely. Our online programs adhere to the same rigorous academic standards and are taught by the same esteemed faculty members as our on-campus programs.

Program-specific accreditations can be verified on the program’s webpage or by contacting the academic department directly.

Online courses are taught by the same qualified and experienced instructors and faculty members who teach on-campus courses, ensuring consistency in the quality of education.

No, your diploma will not specify the mode of delivery. It will simply state that you have earned a degree from Michigan State University.

Yes, faculty members are accessible to online students through various channels, including email, virtual office hours, discussion forums, and video conferencing.

Yes, some online students have opportunities to engage in research, depending on the program and faculty involvement. Some online programs graduate plans offer a thesis (Plan A) and non-thesis (Plan B) component. Reach out to your program coordinator or faculty advisor for specific opportunities.

Tuition, Fees & Financial Aid

A complete tuition and fees schedule is available on the Controller's Office Student Accounts site. 
To find out what holds are on your account, log in to sis.msu.edu. Choose the “Tasks” tile, then click on "holds". Please note that you will not be allowed to enroll in classes or receive your diploma or transcript until all holds are cleared. 
Tuition costs vary depending on the program. For detailed information on tuition and fees, please visit the Office of the Controller's webpage. 
Yes, there may be additional fees such as technology fees, course material fees, and other miscellaneous fees. Please visit the Graduate Budget page for more information. 
Yes, online students are eligible to apply for the same federal, state, and institutional financial aid as on-campus students. 
Visit the MSU Scholarships database to browse through scholarship and fellowship opportunities MSU provides. For graduate loans, visit the Loan Resources page. For other types of aid, such as education tax credits, aid for veterans, and aid for indigenous students, visit the Other Types of Aid page.  
Yes, Michigan State University offers payment plans to help manage your tuition and fees. Visit our Payment Plan page for more details. 
Yes, we offer tuition assistance and other benefits for military personnel and veterans. Please visit the Student Veterans Resource Center website for more information. 
If you need to withdraw, you may be eligible for a partial refund depending on the withdrawal date and university policies. Check our Refund Policy for more details. 

Technical & Accessibility Requirements

Technology resources at MSU can be found here. 
Read about:

For general technology help and support, contact the MSU IT Service Desk at (517) 432-6200 or (844) 678-6200, or visit tech support online. 

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. 
You will need a reliable internet connection, a computer that meets our minimum specifications, and access to the required software, typically listed in the course syllabus. 
Required software varies by course. Commonly used software includes Microsoft Office, Adobe Reader, and specific applications as stipulated by your program or course instructor. Always check your course syllabus for specific requirements. 
If you encounter technical issues, you should contact MSU IT Service Desk, available 24/7, for assistance. You can reach them via phone or by submitting a request. 
Yes, Michigan State University is committed to providing accessible learning experiences. Contact our Resource Center for Persons with Disabilities (RCPD) for accommodations and support. 
Yes, many of our online courses are mobile-friendly and can be accessed via smartphones or tablets. However, some tasks may require a full desktop experience, so it's beneficial to have access to a computer as well. 
We recommend using updated versions of browsers like Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, Safari, or Microsoft Edge for the best experience. Some specific courses may have additional browser recommendations. 
We offer tutorials and training materials through our Educational Technology Training page. Resources include guides and videos to help you navigate the D2L Brightspace Learning Environment. 

Registration, Schedules & Course Delivery

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. 
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. 
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 visit the Registrar Office’s webpage for more information. 
You can register for online courses through the MSU Student Information System (SIS). Detailed registration instructions are available on our Registrar's Office website. 
Our online courses typically follow the same academic calendar as on-campus courses. Please refer to the academic calendar for specific start and end dates. 
Some online courses offer a flexible, asynchronous format where you can complete work at your own pace within set deadlines. Others follow a more structured schedule with synchronous sessions. Always check your course syllabus for specific details. 
Your course schedule and important dates, such as deadlines and exams, are typically available in the course syllabus and on the MSU academic calendar. Additionally, this information will be posted on your course platform (e.g., D2L). 
To add or drop an online course, log into the MSU Student Information System (SIS) and follow the instructions. Be sure to check the deadlines and refund policies on our Registrar's Office website. 
Exams in online courses can be administered through online or in-person proctoring services, timed assessments, take-home exams, and other formats as specified by your instructor. Always refer to your course syllabus for detailed exam instructions. 
It's important to communicate with your instructor as soon as possible if you anticipate any conflicts due to time zone differences. Many instructors can offer flexibility or alternative arrangements, but it's crucial to address these issues proactively. 
A graduate certificate program entails completing three or four graduate courses to gain specialized expertise and earn university credit, which can often be applied toward a master's degree at MSU. In contrast, a master’s degree program offers a more comprehensive education in a given field, delivered online or in a hybrid format, and follows the same criteria, curricula, grading policies, and standards as on-campus programs. Upon completion, master’s degree graduates receive diplomas issued by the University Registrar. 

Internship, Career Services & Support

Yes, online students have access to internship opportunities similar to on-campus students. Consult your program advisor and the Career Services Network for available internships. 
Online students can access career services through the MSU Career Services Network, which offers virtual career counseling, resume reviews, job search support, and more. 
Yes, MSU offers job placement assistance to all graduates, including online students. The Career Services Network provides resources such as job fairs, career counseling, and job search platforms. 
Yes, online students can participate in virtual networking events, join online student organizations, and connect with alumni through MSU Connect. 
You can find and apply for internships through the Career Services Network's online job portal, Handshake, and by contacting your program advisor for specific recommendations and opportunities. 
Yes, the Career Services Network offers various online workshops and seminars focusing on resume writing, interview skills, job search strategies, and more. 
The Career Services Network offers a variety of resources for resume and cover letter preparation, including templates, online tutorials, and individual consultations with career advisors who provide personalized feedback. 
Yes, career counseling is available to online students. You can schedule virtual appointments with career advisors to discuss career planning, job search strategies, and professional development. 

International Students

Yes, international students are welcome to enroll in MSU’s online programs. Be sure to check the specific admission requirements for your desired program. 

Admission requirements for international students include proof of proficiency in English (e.g., TOEFL or IELTS scores), academic transcripts, and other program-specific criteria. Consult the specific program's webpage for detailed requirements. 

Review admissions requirements at the Office of Admissions site. 

No, if you are studying entirely online from your home country, you do not need a U.S. visa. Visa requirements apply to international students who plan to study on campus in the United States. 
There may be some additional fees for international students, such as application fees or document evaluation fees. Reach out to specific programs directly to inquire about additional fees for international students. 
You can request academic transcripts and certificates through the Office of the Registrar. The process is the same for all students, and requests can be made online. 
MSU offers various support services for international students, including academic advising, technical support, language assistance, and career services. The Office for International Students and Scholars (OISS) provides comprehensive support. 
Online courses at MSU can be either synchronous (live sessions at scheduled times) or asynchronous (pre-recorded materials available for flexible viewing). Asynchronous courses are often more convenient for international students in different time zones. Check your course syllabus for specific details. 
International students can improve their English proficiency by utilizing The Writing Center’s language resources, such as online tutoring, language labs, and conversation groups. Additionally, the English Language Center offers many courses to help you succeed academically. 

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 State Authorization and Distance Learning, 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 Office of Accreditation, Assessment, Curriculum and Compliance website.