Michigan State University

General Information about Michigan State University

Michigan State University was founded in 1855 as the Agricultural College of the State of Michigan, and it earned its present name in 1964. The main campus is located in East Lansing, Michigan, but has numerous research sites throughout the state.

More than 47,000 students are enrolled in over 200 programs of study within 18 colleges. U.S. News and World Report ranked Michigan State University in the top 30 of the nation's public universities in 2010.

Admissions and Enrollment Information

Prospective undergraduate students submit their application with ACT or SAT scores, high school transcripts and a personal statement. Letters of recommendation aren't required for undergraduate admission. Home-schooled applicants submit the same application materials, although additional information may be required. The graduate application process varies depending on the program of interest.

Michigan State University Colleges

College of Agriculture and Natural Resources

The College of Agriculture and Natural Resources consists of 13 schools and departments, including animal science, entomology and forestry. The college offers undergraduate and graduate degrees along with 2-year certificate programs within its Institute of Agricultural Technology. The college has numerous centers and institutes and works with local communities.

College of Arts and Letters

Consisting of nine departments, the College of Arts and Letters is one of the three core colleges at Michigan State University. The required writing courses for undergraduate students are provided through this college. Bachelor's, master's and doctoral degree programs are offered in numerous areas, such as religious studies, philosophy, art and linguistics. Specialized programs are available, including museum studies, global studies and elementary Chinese.

Eli Broad College of Business

Five academic departments, including finance and marketing, make up the Eli Broad College of Business. The college offers bachelor's, master's, doctoral degrees and non-degree executive programs. More than 6,000 students are enrolled at the undergraduate and graduate levels. Integrated international and multicultural business programs that stress diversity and global awareness are also provided through the College of Business.

College of Communication Arts and Sciences

Founded in 1955, this college includes four departments and the School of Journalism, and students pursue undergraduate and graduate degrees. Health and risk communication, international communication and communication technologies are the areas in which the college leads the most. Specialization area in different topics, including game design and development, documentary studies and information technology, are also available.

College of Education

The four departments within the College of Education offer a variety of academic and professional degree and certification programs. Undergraduate and graduate programs are available in teacher education, educational administration, kinesiology and counseling. Students who require flexibility while pursuing a master's degree have the opportunity to enroll in online programs.

College of Engineering

One of the oldest colleges at Michigan State University, this college is home to six departments. Nine undergraduate and nine graduate degree programs are offered, as well as two multi-disciplinary undergraduate programs in biomedical engineering and environmental engineering. In addition to academic programs, the College of Engineering is involved in wide-ranging research endeavors that include bio-economy, nanotechnology and renewable resources.

College of Human Medicine

This community-based school was the first of its kind when it was established in 1964, and seven campuses are now across Michigan. Students pursue graduate degrees, including Doctor of Medicine and Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine, within its 18 departments and divisions. The College of Human Medicine also offers two additional specialized Ph.D. programs in cell and molecular biology and genetics.

James Madison College

Political theory and constitutional democracy, comparative cultures and politics, international relations and social relations are the four majors offered within this small undergraduate college. First-year students follow a common curriculum in James Madison College along with completing an internship or study abroad program. In addition to the four majors offered, students have the opportunity to enroll in specialized areas of study, such as political economy.

College of Law

The college offers many specialized areas of study for those pursuing a Doctor of Law (J.D.) degree, including intellectual property law, corporate law and health law. Students may also pursue a dual-degree, such as a J.D. and Master of Business Administration. Foreign-educated lawyers enroll in Master of Laws programs.

Lyman Briggs College

Lyman Briggs College (LBC) is an interdisciplinary school established in 1967 that focuses on studies that relate to societal impacts of natural sciences. This undergraduate residential college offers numerous areas of study, including biological, environmental, physical and social sciences. The LBC is engaged in research initiatives and provides extensive support to undergraduate research opportunities.

College of Music

The College of Music offers Bachelor and Master of Arts, Bachelor and Master of Music, Doctor of Musical Arts and Doctor of Philosophy degrees. Students choose their study from an array of areas, including music theory, music therapy, composition and conducting. Musicians with an advanced performance level may enroll in a 2-year performance diploma program. This intensive program provides students with the opportunity to strengthen their skills and study with a master teacher.

College of Natural Science

A multitude of degree programs are available within the college's 13 departments and divisions. The college offers bachelor's, master's and doctoral degrees in science and mathematics disciplines, such as zoology, genetics and physiology. Advanced dual-degree programs, such as a Doctor of Medicine and Doctor of Philosophy degree, are additional options.

College of Nursing

The College of Nursing offers a diverse selection of degree programs. Among its bachelor's programs, students choose between an accelerated or traditional track and an online program for registered nurses who seek a bachelor's degree. Advanced degree programs include a Master of Science in Nursing and a Doctor of Philosophy in Nursing. Two post-master's certificate programs are available for registered nurses.

College of Osteopathic Medicine

Since its inception in 1969, the college has partnered with a handful of other Michigan State University colleges to provide interdisciplinary degree programs. Advanced degrees, including master's and doctoral, are awarded. Specialties are varied and some include internal medicine, pediatrics and radiology. The U.S. News and World report consistently recognizes the college as one of the top five percent medical schools for primary care education.

College of Social Science

As the largest college at Michigan State University, the College of Social Science houses 13 disciplines. Undergraduate and graduate degree programs are provided in economic, behavioral and social sciences. Students pursue interdisciplinary, thematic, global and specialized programs that range from environmental science and policy to international development.

College of Veterinary Medicine

Veterinary science has been part of Michigan State University since its foundation in 1855. The college has four biomedical science departments, two service units and two clinical departments. Students study large and small animal clinical sciences, pharmacology and physiology, among other disciplines. Certificate, undergraduate and graduate programs are available.

Honors College

The Honors College was founded in 1955 and is intended for advanced incoming freshmen. Students meet a set of general education requirements, and upon acceptance are enrolled in an enriched program of study. This specialized program provides students academic flexibility and opportunity to experience more in-depth learning.

Residential College in the Arts and Humanities

Art, history, ethics and cultures are emphasized in this undergraduate college. Students complete core courses, such as writing or civics classes, and a capstone experience as either a senior thesis or seminar. All enrollees live and learn together in a historic building called Snyder-Phillips Hall. This setting inspires imagination and creativity.

Contact Information

• Address: 450 Hannah Administration Building, East Lansing, MI 48824
• Phone Number: (517) 355-1855