A restricted major is a major that has additional admission requirements, including the successful completion of specific prerequisite coursework, a competitive grade point average or a required number of credits.
If you are a transfer student, or an early/middle college applicant with 42 or more transferrable credits, who wants to apply to a restricted major, make sure to carefully review the additional requirements first. By knowing exactly what is required, you can plan ahead and develop an academic plan and timeline.
For students applying to a restricted major, a course in progress does not constitute satisfying the requirement. The prerequisites need to be completed at the time of application to be considered for admission to that major.
If you select a restricted major on your application, you will be asked to provide up to two additional major choices. One of your choices must be a non-restricted major. If you do not meet the requirements for your first-choice restricted major, you will be reviewed for the other major selections in the order you specify. We will only render one decision to one major, which will be the highest priority major to which you are admissible.
Please don’t worry if you are not initially admitted to a restricted major. Although there is no guarantee, many MSU students — especially those who have less than a year of transferable credits and a strong GPA at their current institution — eventually reapply and are admitted to a restricted major once they have been on campus and fulfilled the necessary coursework.
Below are the restricted majors at Michigan State University and their additional requirements.
Students interested in majoring in accounting, finance, human resource management, management, marketing or supply chain management should visit the Broad transfer page.
The actuarial science major at MSU can be completed through either the College of Natural Science or Lyman Briggs College (LBC). If you plan to pursue this major through Lyman Briggs College, you will need to meet the following requirements as a transfer students.
Lyman Briggs College admission requirements for transfer students:
More information may be found on the Lyman Briggs College website. Also, the LBC recruitment office is available to answer questions related to the college via email at lbc.recruiting@msu.edu.
Students interested in pursuing the advertising creative major need to have the following courses completed with a 2.0 or better, by the time they reach 56 credits:
Students with 28 or more transferable credits who have satisfied the above requirements will be admitted directly to the major.
Students with 56 or more transferable credits that do not meet these requirements will need to select an alternative major at MSU. Speaking with an advertising adviser prior to or during NSO is highly recommended.Until the start of fall semester 2025:
Students interested in pursuing the advertising management major need to have the following courses completed with a 2.0 average by the time they reach 56 credits:
Students with 28 or more transferable credits who have satisfied the above requirements will be admitted directly to the major.
Students with 56 or more transferable credits that do not meet these requirements will need to select an alternative major at MSU. Speaking with an advertising adviser prior to or during NSO is highly recommended.
Fall semester 2025 and forward:
Two courses will be required, with an average grade of at least 2.0:The astrophysics major at MSU can be completed through either the College of Natural Science or Lyman Briggs College (LBC). The requirements for transferring into this major differ depending on which of these two colleges you plan to pursue this major through.
College of Natural Science admission requirements for transfer students:
Lyman Briggs College admission requirements for transfer students:
More information may be found on the Lyman Briggs College website. Also, the LBC recruitment office is available to answer questions related to the college via email at lbc.recruiting@msu.edu.
The biochemistry and molecular biology major at MSU can be completed through either the College of Natural Science or Lyman Briggs College (LBC). The requirements for transferring into this major differ depending on which of these two colleges you plan to pursue this major through.
College of Natural Science admission requirements for transfer students:
Lyman Briggs College admission requirements for transfer students:
More information may be found on the Lyman Briggs College website. Also, the LBC recruitment office is available to answer questions related to the college via email at lbc.recruiting@msu.edu.
The biochemistry and molecular biology/biotechnology major at MSU can be completed through either the College of Natural Science or Lyman Briggs College (LBC). The requirements for transferring into this major differ depending on which of these two colleges you plan to pursue this major through.
College of Natural Science admission requirements for transfer students:
Lyman Briggs College admission requirements for transfer students:
More information may be found on the Lyman Briggs College website. Also, the LBC recruitment office is available to answer questions related to the college via email at lbc.recruiting@msu.edu.
The biological science - secondary education major at MSU can be completed through either the College of Natural Science or Lyman Briggs College (LBC). The requirements for transferring into this major differ depending on which of these two colleges you plan to pursue this major through.
College of Natural Science admission requirements for transfer students:
Lyman Briggs College admission requirements for transfer students:
More information may be found on the Lyman Briggs College website. Also, the LBC recruitment office is available to answer questions related to the college via email at lbc.recruiting@msu.edu.
The biomedical laboratory science major at MSU can be completed through either the College of Natural Science or Lyman Briggs College (LBC). The requirements for transferring into this major differ depending on which of these two colleges you plan to pursue this major through.
College of Natural Science admission requirements for transfer students:
Lyman Briggs College admission requirements for transfer students:
More information may be found on the Lyman Briggs College website. Also, the LBC recruitment office is available to answer questions related to the college via email at lbc.recruiting@msu.edu.
The chemical physics major at MSU can be completed through either the College of Natural Science or Lyman Briggs College (LBC). The requirements for transferring into this major differ depending on which of these two colleges you plan to pursue this major through.
College of Natural Science admission requirements for transfer students:
Lyman Briggs College admission requirements for transfer students:
More information may be found on the Lyman Briggs College website. Also, the LBC recruitment office is available to answer questions related to the college via email at lbc.recruiting@msu.edu.
The chemistry major at MSU can be completed through either the College of Natural Science or Lyman Briggs College (LBC). The requirements for transferring into this major differ depending on which of these two colleges you plan to pursue this major through.
College of Natural Science admission requirements for transfer students:
Lyman Briggs College admission requirements for transfer students:
More information may be found on the Lyman Briggs College website. Also, the LBC recruitment office is available to answer questions related to the college via email at lbc.recruiting@msu.edu.
The comparative cultures and politics major is within James Madison College. Admission to James Madison College is based on the following requirements.
James Madison College admission requirements for transfer students:
More information can be found on the James Madison College website. Additionally, the JMC Admissions Office is available to answer questions, related to the college’s programs, at (517) 353-5260 or jmcadmin@msu.edu.
The computational and applied mathematics major at MSU can be completed through either the College of Natural Science or Lyman Briggs College (LBC). The requirements for transferring into this major differ depending on which of these two colleges you plan to pursue this major through.
College of Natural Science admission requirements for transfer students:
Lyman Briggs College admission requirements for transfer students:
More information may be found on the Lyman Briggs College website. Also, the LBC recruitment office is available to answer questions related to the college via email at lbc.recruiting@msu.edu.
The computer science major at MSU can be completed through either the College of Engineering or Lyman Briggs College (LBC). The requirements for transferring into this major differ depending on which of these two colleges you plan to pursue this major through.
College of Engineering admission requirements for transfer students:
Lyman Briggs College admission requirements for transfer students:
More information may be found on the Lyman Briggs College website. Also, the LBC recruitment office is available to answer questions related to the college via email at lbc.recruiting@msu.edu.
For students interested in the construction management program, it's best to have completed no more than 28 credits before applying. Below are the required and recommended courses for applicants.
Required coursesIf you've already completed between 28 and 56 credits, you should talk to an undergraduate adviser from the School of Planning, Design and Construction (SPDC) to discuss whether the construction management program is right for you, as well as other major options that may be better suited to your needs and interests.
If you've completed more than 56 credits, it is not recommended that you apply for the undergraduate construction management program due to the timeframe required to complete the degree. Instead, you could consider applying for the master's program in construction management or exploring alternative undergraduate majors at Michigan State University.
To learn more about your options, feel free to contact an SPDC undergraduate adviser or Hannah Brodhead at brodhead@msu.edu.
The environmental biology - microbiology major at MSU can be completed through either the College of Natural Science or Lyman Briggs College (LBC). The requirements for transferring into this major differ depending on which of these two colleges you plan to pursue this major through.
College of Natural Science admission requirements for transfer students:
Lyman Briggs College admission requirements for transfer students:
More information may be found on the Lyman Briggs College website. Also, the LBC recruitment office is available to answer questions related to the college via email at lbc.recruiting@msu.edu.
The environmental biology/plant biology major at MSU can be completed through either the College of Natural Science or Lyman Briggs College (LBC). The requirements for transferring into this major differ depending on which of these two colleges you plan to pursue this major through.
College of Natural Science admission requirements for transfer students:
Lyman Briggs College admission requirements for transfer students:
More information may be found on the Lyman Briggs College website. Also, the LBC recruitment office is available to answer questions related to the college via email at lbc.recruiting@msu.edu.
The environmental biology/zoology major at MSU can be completed through either the College of Natural Science or Lyman Briggs College (LBC). The requirements for transferring into this major differ depending on which of these two colleges you plan to pursue this major through.
College of Natural Science admission requirements for transfer students:
Lyman Briggs College admission requirements for transfer students:
More information may be found on the Lyman Briggs College website. Also, the LBC recruitment office is available to answer questions related to the college via email at lbc.recruiting@msu.edu.
The environmental geosciences major at MSU can be completed through either the College of Natural Science or Lyman Briggs College (LBC). The requirements for transferring into this major differ depending on which of these two colleges you plan to pursue this major through.
College of Natural Science admission requirements for transfer students:
Lyman Briggs College admission requirements for transfer students:
More information may be found on the Lyman Briggs College website. Also, the LBC recruitment office is available to answer questions related to the college via email at lbc.recruiting@msu.edu.
The genomics and molecular genetics major at MSU can be completed through either the College of Natural Science or Lyman Briggs College (LBC). The requirements for transferring into this major differ depending on which of these two colleges you plan to pursue this major through.
College of Natural Science admission requirements for transfer students:
Lyman Briggs College admission requirements for transfer students:
More information may be found on the Lyman Briggs College website. Also, the LBC recruitment office is available to answer questions related to the college via email at lbc.recruiting@msu.edu.
The geological sciences major at MSU can be completed through either the College of Natural Science or Lyman Briggs College (LBC). The requirements for transferring into this major differ depending on which of these two colleges you plan to pursue this major through.
College of Natural Science admission requirements for transfer students:
Lyman Briggs College admission requirements for transfer students:
More information may be found on the Lyman Briggs College website. Also, the LBC recruitment office is available to answer questions related to the college via email at lbc.recruiting@msu.edu.
Students with 55 or less transferable credits can transfer with a major preference in hospitality business. Students must have a minimum GPA of 3.25 across all institutions. Students must have completed the following courses with no individual grade below a 3.0:
Students with 56 or more transferable credits can transfer with a major in hospitality business. Students must have a minimum GPA of 3.25 across all institutions. Students must have completed the following courses with no individual grade below a 3.0:
The human biology major at MSU can be completed through either the College of Natural Science or Lyman Briggs College (LBC). The requirements for transferring into this major differ depending on which of these two colleges you plan to pursue this major through.
College of Natural Science admission requirements for transfer students:
Lyman Briggs College admission requirements for transfer students:
More information may be found on the Lyman Briggs College website. Also, the LBC recruitment office is available to answer questions related to the college via email at lbc.recruiting@msu.edu.
The integrated science - secondary education major at MSU can be completed through either the College of Natural Science or Lyman Briggs College (LBC). The requirements for transferring into this major differ depending on which of these two colleges you plan to pursue this major through.
College of Natural Science admission requirements for transfer students:
Lyman Briggs College admission requirements for transfer students:
More information may be found on the Lyman Briggs College website. Also, the LBC recruitment office is available to answer questions related to the college via email at lbc.recruiting@msu.edu.
The integrative biology major is within the College of Natural Science. Admission to the College of Natural Science is based on the following requirements.
College of Natural Science admission requirements for transfer students:
All potential applicants interested in interior design should email Marcus Martin at mart2134@msu.edubefore applying for admission. Interior design (IDES) is a limited enrollment program with a secondary admissions process. A range of 5-10 students are admitted to the interior design major each semester. The interior design program takes four years to complete, regardless of the number of credits brought to MSU.
Admissions requirements:
Students with the above will be reviewed by the IDES department faculty for admission to the program.
Transfer students admitted to MSU will complete the following in their first year:
To contact the School of Planning, Design and Construction (SPDC), email Marcus Martin at mart2134@msu.edu.
The program would then take four years to complete upon arriving at MSU, no matter how many credits students are transferring. Therefore, SPDC recommends that students transfer to MSU as early as possible to complete appropriate coursework, if the equivalent courses are not available at their current institution. Students who would like to receive guidance about curricular matters should contact an SPDC undergraduate adviser or Marcus Martin at mart2134@msu.edu.
The international relations major is within James Madison College. Admission to James Madison College is based on the following requirements.
James Madison College admission requirements for transfer students:
More information can be found on the James Madison College website. Additionally, the JMC Admissions Office is available to answer questions, related to the college’s programs, at (517) 353-5260 or jmcadmin@msu.edu.
James Madison College (JMC) is a living-learning program that provides an interdisciplinary liberal arts education in public affairs. The college has four available majors:
James Madison College admission requirements for transfer students:
More information can be found on the James Madison College website. Additionally, the JMC Admissions Office is available to answer questions, related to the college’s programs, at (517) 353-5260 or jmcadmin@msu.edu.
All potential applicants interested in landscape architecture should email Marcus Martin at mart2134@msu.edu before applying for admission. Landscape architecture is a limited enrollment, 4.5-year program with a secondary admissions process. Students with 28 or more transferrable credits must meet the following standards to be considered for direct admission into the landscape architecture program at the sophomore level.
To be eligible, students must:
To contact the School of Planning, Design and Construction (SPDC), email Marcus Martin at mart2134@msu.edu.
Students with fewer than 56 credits who do not meet the criteria above can still transfer into the landscape architecture major, but they would need to meet the secondary admission requirements once on campus. The program would then take 4.5 years to complete upon arriving at MSU, no matter how many credits students are transferring. Therefore, SPDC recommends that students transfer to MSU as early as possible to complete the appropriate course work, if the equivalent courses are not available at their current institution.
Students who would like to receive guidance about curricular matters should contact an SPDC undergraduate adviser or Marcus Martin at mart2134@msu.edu.
Lyman Briggs College (LBC) is a science-focused residential college that provides students a solid foundation in biology, chemistry, mathematics and physics while also empowering students to explore the sciences in their social, global, and human contexts. The college has nearly 40 majors to choose from. The Lyman Briggs program is best for students who are transferring less than 24 credits to Michigan State, though all applicants will be reviewed.
Lyman Briggs only accepts students for the fall semester on a first-come, first-served basis
The deadline for fall applications is January 15th of each year.
Lyman Briggs College admission requirements for transfer students:
More information may be found on the Lyman Briggs College website. Also, the LBC recruitment office is available to answer questions related to the college via email at lbc.recruiting@msu.edu.
The mathematics major at MSU can be completed through either the College of Natural Science or Lyman Briggs College (LBC). The requirements for transferring into this major differ depending on which of these two colleges you plan to pursue this major through.
College of Natural Science admission requirements for transfer students:
Lyman Briggs College admission requirements for transfer students:
More information may be found on the Lyman Briggs College website. Also, the LBC recruitment office is available to answer questions related to the college via email at lbc.recruiting@msu.edu.
Applicants must complete course work equivalent to a minimum of College Algebra (MTH 103) or College Algebra and Trigonometry (MTH 116) prior to applying for the mathematics - secondary education major.
The mathematics, advanced major at MSU can be completed through either the College of Natural Science or Lyman Briggs College (LBC). The requirements for transferring into this major differ depending on which of these two colleges you plan to pursue this major through.
College of Natural Science admission requirements for transfer students:
Lyman Briggs College admission requirements for transfer students:
More information may be found on the Lyman Briggs College website. Also, the LBC recruitment office is available to answer questions related to the college via email at lbc.recruiting@msu.edu.
The microbiology major at MSU can be completed through either the College of Natural Science or Lyman Briggs College (LBC). The requirements for transferring into this major differ depending on which of these two colleges you plan to pursue this major through.
College of Natural Science admission requirements for transfer students:
Lyman Briggs College admission requirements for transfer students:
More information may be found on the Lyman Briggs College website. Also, the LBC recruitment office is available to answer questions related to the college via email at lbc.recruiting@msu.edu.
The College of Natural Science encourages transfer students with strong academic backgrounds in math and science to apply to MSU to pursue majors within the College.
Applicants must complete course work equivalent to a minimum of College Algebra (MTH 103) or College Algebra and Trigonometry (MTH 116) prior to applying to College of Natural Science majors.
The neuroscience major at MSU can be completed through either the College of Natural Science or Lyman Briggs College (LBC). The requirements for transferring into this major differ depending on which of these two colleges you plan to pursue this major through.
College of Natural Science admission requirements for transfer students:
Lyman Briggs College admission requirements for transfer students:
More information may be found on the Lyman Briggs College website. Also, the LBC recruitment office is available to answer questions related to the college via email at lbc.recruiting@msu.edu.
To be considered for direct admission into the College of Nursing for the nursing program, applicants must have completed at least 28 transferable credit hours and a minimum overall GPA of 3.0 is required. Students should also have completed the prenursing admission prerequisites for the nursing program listed below by the end of the semester of application.
Writing as Inquiry (WRA 101 or WRA 110 – 150 or WRA 195H)
College Algebra (MTH 103)
General Chemistry (CEM 141)
Cells and Molecules (BS 161)
Human Gross Anatomy and Structural Biology (ANTR 350)
Students with at least 28 transferable credit hours meeting the prerequisite course requirements and minimum GPA must also submit a supplemental application to the College of Nursing. This application is available on the College of Nursing website.
The College of Nursing supplemental application deadlines are:
April 1 for fall (late August) admission consideration
November 1 for spring (January) admission consideration
Students applying for direct admission into the nursing program are encouraged to begin working on the Integrative Studies requirements in the Arts and Humanities (IAH) and Social, Behavioral and Economic Sciences (ISS) prior to matriculation at MSU. However, these are not prerequisite courses for admission.
Applicants with fewer than 42 transferable credits may apply for admission to MSU as a prenursing student. Prenursing students will have access to the remaining course work required to be eligible to apply to the nursing program. For more information on admission to the nursing program, prospective students are encouraged to visit the College of Nursing website.
To be considered for direct admission into the College of Nursing for the accelerated second degree nursing program, applicants must have completed a bachelor’s degree from an accredited and recognized college or university and have a minimum overall GPA of 3.0. Students must also complete prerequisite course work equivalent to the course work listed below (as determined by the College of Nursing) by the start date of the program (mid-May). Anatomy 350 and Physiology 250 (or 310) must be completed at the time of application.
Students meeting the prerequisite course requirements must submit a supplemental application to the College of Nursing after applying to MSU. The College of Nursing supplemental application deadline is December 1 for summer (May) admission consideration.
For more information on admission to the accelerated second degree nursing program, prospective students are encouraged to visit the College of Nursing website.
To be considered for direct admission into the College of Nursing for the online nursing program, applicants must have a diploma or associate's degree in nursing, be licensed as a registered nurse to practice in the United States, and have a minimum overall GPA of at least 3.0. Students should also have completed the prerequisite courses for the nursing program listed below by the start date of the program.
Students applying for direct admission into the nursing program are encouraged to complete the Integrative Studies requirements in the Arts and Humanities (IAH). However, these are not prerequisite courses for admission.
Students meeting the prerequisite course requirements should submit a supplemental application to the College of Nursing after applying to MSU. The College of Nursing reviews the supplemental application on a rolling basis and admits students for summer, fall and spring admission. For more information on admission to the online nursing program, visit the College of Nursing website.
To be considered for admission into the School of Packaging, students must have an overall 3.0 GPA, with a minimum 2.0 in all prerequisite course work listed below. Students with 56 or more transferable credits must have equivalent course work completed in these prerequisite courses:
Additional questions about the packaging major can be directed to Aaron Tucker at tucker68@msu.edu.
The physical science - secondary education major at MSU can be completed through either the College of Natural Science or Lyman Briggs College (LBC). The requirements for transferring into this major differ depending on which of these two colleges you plan to pursue this major through.
College of Natural Science admission requirements for transfer students:
Lyman Briggs College admission requirements for transfer students:
More information may be found on the Lyman Briggs College website. Also, the LBC recruitment office is available to answer questions related to the college via email at lbc.recruiting@msu.edu.
The physics major at MSU can be completed through either the College of Natural Science or Lyman Briggs College (LBC). The requirements for transferring into this major differ depending on which of these two colleges you plan to pursue this major through.
College of Natural Science admission requirements for transfer students:
Lyman Briggs College admission requirements for transfer students:
More information may be found on the Lyman Briggs College website. Also, the LBC recruitment office is available to answer questions related to the college via email at lbc.recruiting@msu.edu.
The physiology major at MSU can be completed through either the College of Natural Science or Lyman Briggs College (LBC). The requirements for transferring into this major differ depending on which of these two colleges you plan to pursue this major through.
College of Natural Science admission requirements for transfer students:
Lyman Briggs College admission requirements for transfer students:
More information may be found on the Lyman Briggs College website. Also, the LBC recruitment office is available to answer questions related to the college via email at lbc.recruiting@msu.edu.
The plant biology major at MSU can be completed through either the College of Natural Science or Lyman Briggs College (LBC). The requirements for transferring into this major differ depending on which of these two colleges you plan to pursue this major through.
College of Natural Science admission requirements for transfer students:
Lyman Briggs College admission requirements for transfer students:
More information may be found on the Lyman Briggs College website. Also, the LBC recruitment office is available to answer questions related to the college via email at lbc.recruiting@msu.edu.
The political theory and constitutional democracy major is within James Madison College. Admission to James Madison College is based on the following requirements.
James Madison College admission requirements for transfer students:
More information can be found on the James Madison College website. Additionally, the JMC Admissions Office is available to answer questions, related to the college’s programs, at (517) 353-5260 or jmcadmin@msu.edu.
Students who have earned 42 or more college credits by the time they start at MSU cannot select the major of preveterinary. This is because preveterinary is a non-degree-granting designation only available to first-year and sophomore students to prepare them to apply to veterinary school. Students who start out with the preveterinary designation often complete an undergraduate degree in animal science, integrative biology or other life sciences prior to going on to veterinary school.
All MSU students must choose a degree-granting major by the time they earn 56 college credits.
Students interested in pursuing the public relations major need to have the following courses completed with a minimum of a 3.0 combined GPA by the time they reach 56 credits with a 3.0 overall GPA.
Quantitative Literacy I (MTH 101), Quantitative Literacy II (MTH 102), Statistical Methods (STT 200)
Writing for Public Relations (PR 225)
Principles of Public Relations (PR 260)
Students with 28 or more transferable credits who have satisfied the above requirements will be admitted directly to the major.
Students with 56 or more transferable credits that do not meet these requirements will need to select an alternative major at MSU. Speaking with a public relations adviser prior to or during NSO is highly recommended.
Applicants must complete course work equivalent to a minimum of College Algebra (MTH 103) or College Algebra and Trigonometry (MTH 116) prior to applying for the quantitative risk analytics major.
The statistics major at MSU can be completed through either the College of Natural Science or Lyman Briggs College (LBC). The requirements for transferring into this major differ depending on which of these two colleges you plan to pursue this major through.
College of Natural Science admission requirements for transfer students:
Lyman Briggs College admission requirements for transfer students:
More information may be found on the Lyman Briggs College website. Also, the LBC recruitment office is available to answer questions related to the college via email at lbc.recruiting@msu.edu.
To be considered for admission into the veterinary nursing program (formerly veterinary technology), students must have an overall GPA of 2.75 or higher, a minimum of a 2.0 course grade in all prerequisite math and science courses, and a minimum 2.5 GPA of the last 12 credits completed. Students must apply to the veterinary nursing program by February 10. To apply, students must also submit a supplemental application. The applicant’s transcripts will be reviewed to determine if all necessary prerequisite courses will be completed by the end of the spring/winter semester in which they are applying.
Current MSU students and prospective transfer students must have the following prerequisite courses and/or transfer equivalents:
Writing as Inquiry WRA 101
MTH 103 (College Algebra) or MTH 116 or MTH 124 or MTH 132 or MTH 152H
One of the following:
Mathematics 101 and 103
Mathematics 103 and 114
Mathematics 116 or 124 or 132 or 152H.
Cell and Molecular Biology (BS 161)
Cell and Molecular Biology Laboratory (BS 171)
All other university/program-related courses may be completed once a student has matriculated to MSU.
Students must have a minimum of 80 hours of veterinary-related experience for their application. Veterinary-related experience is defined as any hours spent volunteering, observing or working under the supervision of a veterinarian or a licensed veterinary technician. The total number of hours and the quality of the hours will be considered when reviewing an applicant’s file.
For more information, prospective students are encouraged to visit the veterinary nursing website.
The zoology major at MSU can be completed through either the College of Natural Science or Lyman Briggs College (LBC). The requirements for transferring into this major differ depending on which of these two colleges you plan to pursue this major through.
College of Natural Science admission requirements for transfer students:
Lyman Briggs College admission requirements for transfer students:
More information may be found on the Lyman Briggs College website. Also, the LBC recruitment office is available to answer questions related to the college via email at lbc.recruiting@msu.edu.