Selecting your major

Students interested in majoring in Accounting, Finance, Human Resource Management, Management, Marketing, or Supply Chain Management should visit https://uas.broad.msu.edu/admissions/transfer/.

The following prerequisites for actuarial science majors:

• Cumulative GPA of 3.0
• Average GPA of MTH 132 & 133 & 234 of a 3.0
• Average GPA of MTH 360 & STT 441 of a 3.0

Students who reach 56 credits will be reviewed for admission to the major by the departmental advisors. Students not having met the prerequisites or who have yet to reach 56 credits are encouraged to select Math, Statistics or Computational Math as a major until they can be reviewed for admission.

Students interested in pursuing the ADV Major need to have the following courses completed with a 2.0 average by the time they reach 56 credits:

• Principles of Advertising (ADV 205)
• Introduction to Psychology (PSY 101)

Students with 28 or more transferable credits who have satisfied the above requirements will be admitted directly to the major.

The College of Agriculture and Natural Resources (CANR) encourages transfer students with strong academic backgrounds in science and mathematics to apply to MSU to pursue majors within CANR. Because excellent math skills are important in these majors, transfer students are encouraged to complete course work equivalent to a minimum of College Algebra (MTH 103) or College Algebra and Trigonometry (MTH 116) prior to applying to Michigan State.

To be eligible for admission to the Apparel and Textile Design BFA program, a student must have completed the following courses.

• ATD 111, STA 110, 112, 113, 114

Students must have completed or be currently enrolled in ATD 222 or 323
When eligible, the student will participate in the BFA Portfolio Review. The review is held each Fall and Spring semester and is completed by current Apparel and Textile majors at MSU (not prior to transfer to MSU). Some exceptions for the application semester may be considered for transfer students. The review consists of an application, written statement of intent, digital portfolio of art and design work, and a presentation to a committee of faculty. Students may participate in the review once more if not accepted the first application.

Students interested in majoring in applied engineering sciences, bio-systems engineering, chemical engineering, civil engineering, environmental engineering, computer engineering, computer science, electrical engineering, materials science and engineering, or mechanical engineering should visit http://www.egr.msu.edu/future-engineer/transfer-students for details.

Students interested in majoring in applied engineering sciences, bio-systems engineering, chemical engineering, civil engineering, environmental engineering, computer engineering, computer science, electrical engineering, materials science and engineering, or mechanical engineering should visit http://www.egr.msu.edu/future-engineer/transfer-students for details.

Child Development majors interested in having their concentration in Preschool Education do not have additional criteria for their admission. 
To be considered for admission into the Child Development major with a concentration in Elementary Education, students with 42 or more transferable credits must meet all of the criteria for admission to the Teacher Certification program, outlined in the College of Education section.

Students interested in majoring in applied engineering sciences, bio-systems engineering, chemical engineering, civil engineering, environmental engineering, computer engineering, computer science, electrical engineering, materials science and engineering, or mechanical engineering should visit http://www.egr.msu.edu/future-engineer/transfer-students for details.

Students interested in majoring in applied engineering sciences, bio-systems engineering, chemical engineering, civil engineering, environmental engineering, computer engineering, computer science, electrical engineering, materials science and engineering, or mechanical engineering should visit http://www.egr.msu.edu/future-engineer/transfer-students for details.

Students interested in majoring in applied engineering sciences, bio-systems engineering, chemical engineering, civil engineering, environmental engineering, computer engineering, computer science, electrical engineering, materials science and engineering, or mechanical engineering should visit http://www.egr.msu.edu/future-engineer/transfer-students for details.

To be eligible to pursue Construction Management courses efficiently, students must have an overall 3.0 GPA, with a minimum 2.0 in all prerequisite course work. Students with 56 or more transferable credits must have equivalent course work completed in these prerequisite courses:

• Survey of Calculus with Applications (MTH 124) or Calculus I (MTH 132)
• Intro to Physics (PHY 231) or Physics for Scientists and Engineers (PHY 183)
• Statistical Methods (STT 200 or 201) or Introduction to Probability and Statistics for Business (STT 315) or Statistics I (STT 421)
• Introduction to Microeconomics or Macroeconomics (EC 201 or 202)
• Principles of Construction Management (CMP 101)
• Residential Construction Materials and Methods (CMP 124)
• Commercial Construction Methods (CMP 210)
• Building Codes (CMP 211)
• Statics and Strengths of Materials (CMP 222)
• Utility Systems (CMP 230)

It is recommended that students transfer to MSU to complete the appropriate coursework after one year if the equivalent courses are not available at their host institution. Students wishing to receive guidance with curricular matters may contact the Construction Management Program in The School of Planning, Design and Construction at (517) 432-3393.

Transfer students at the junior+ level with a cumulative GPA of 3.1+, may be admitted to Dietetics. Students with 42 or more transferable credits must have equivalent course work completed in these prerequisite courses:

• General Chemistry (CEM 141)
• Chemistry Laboratory I (CEM 161)
• Survey of Organic Chemistry (CEM 143 or 252)
• College Algebra (MTH 103) or College Algebra and Trigonometry (MTH 116)
• Statistical Methods (STT 200) or Statistical Methods (STT 201) or STT GCU

Admission to the Early Care and Education program requires 30 (or more) transferrable credits with a 2.75 cumulative GPA with no grade lower than a 2.0 in their prerequisite coursework. 

You must have credit in an equivalent course to:
Writing as Inquiry WRA 101 or WRA 110 – 150 or WRA 195H
Completion of MTH 101, 102, 103, 116, 124 or 132

• You must submit to and pass a background check upon admission to the university
• Have access to a preschool or early childhood classroom for 3 practicum experiences
• Be physically able to perform first aid and CPR

Students wishing to receive guidance with curricular matters may contact Meagan Mitin.

The following information is applicable to students interested in majoring in education or special education-learning disabilities, or admission to the Teacher Preparation Program. Students interested in majoring in Kinesiology should refer to their specific requirements.

Students interested in obtaining teacher certification must first submit an undergraduate application to the Office of Admissions. Students interested in elementary education should select one of the following majors: Education (for standard elementary education), Special Ed - Learning Disabilities (for special education), or Child Development (for early childhood combined with elementary teacher certification).  Students interested in secondary education should select the major corresponding to the subject they want to teach and check the box on the application indicating their interest in earning a teaching certificate.

The Office of Admissions will review the applicant’s eligibility for direct admission based on the following factors:

• Completion of 42 transferable credits.
• Minimum overall GPA of a 3.10 (including all courses, all attempts, and all schools attended).
• Writing as Inquiry WRA 101 or WRA 110 – 150 or WRA 195H
• Completion of MTH 101, 102, 103, 116, 124 or 132

Students who meet the direct admission criteria above will be asked to complete a College of Education supplemental application. In addition, applicants must:

• Take the entire SAT and have the results sent to MSU. Taking only portions of the SAT or failing to have results sent to MSU will make it impossible for us to use the results for admission to the teacher preparation program.
• Submit final transcripts confirming final GPA and total credits to the Office of Admissions.
• Submit documentation of hours of experience with special needs students, if applying for the special education major.

Please note that direct admission to the College of Education is competitive. It is advantageous for students to adhere to the following timeline. For further information or to request an appointment with an advisor contact the College of Education at (517) 353-9680. Send email inquiries to Mike Haslett at haslett3@msu.edu.

Students interested in majoring in applied engineering sciences, bio-systems engineering, chemical engineering, civil engineering, environmental engineering, computer engineering, computer science, electrical engineering, materials science and engineering, or mechanical engineering should visit http://www.egr.msu.edu/future-engineer/transfer-students for details.

Students interested in majoring in applied engineering sciences, bio-systems engineering, chemical engineering, civil engineering, environmental engineering, computer engineering, computer science, electrical engineering, materials science and engineering, or mechanical engineering should visit http://www.egr.msu.edu/future-engineer/transfer-students for details.

Students interested in pursuing the Games and Interactive Media major need to have the following courses completed with a 2.5 combined grade-point average by the time they reach 56 credits and cumulative GPA of a 2.0 or higher.

• CAS 116 Media Sketching & Graphics

• CAS 117 Games and Interactivity

• MI 101 Understanding Media and Information

• MTH 103 College Algebra or MTH 116 College Algebra & Trigonometry*

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.

*Students are highly encouraged to transfer in the equivalent of MTH 103 or MTH 116.

Students enrolled at Michigan State University are eligible to apply for the Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in Graphic Design if they:

1. have completed STA 360 and STA 365 and
2. are in their second semester or later at Michigan State University or equivalent standing at another university, and have not yet earned their 30th credit in studio art.

To apply, students must submit an application consistent with the process outlined by the department. Applications will include a portfolio of graphic design produced in studio art course work taken to date at Michigan State University. Exceptions will be considered for transfer students. Applications are due by the end of the eighth week of the spring semester and decisions will be made in time for annual enrollment. Fall semester applications will be reviewed as warranted. Oral interviews may be requested. Students denied admission may reapply one additional time.

For further information, visit art.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 3.0 across all institutions. Students must have completed the following courses with no individual grade below a 2.5 in these courses:

• Mathematics (MTH 101, MTH 102, MTH 103, or MTH 110 or MTH 116 or MTH 124 or MTH 132)
• Writing as Inquiry (WRA 101)

Students with 56 or more transferable credits can transfer with a major in hospitality business. Students must have a minimum GPA of 3.0 across all institutions. Students must have completed the following courses with no individual grade below a 2.5 in these courses:

• Statistics (STT 200 or STT 201 or STT 315)
• Writing as Inquiry (WRA 101)

Students interested in majoring in Accounting, Finance, Human Resource Management, Management, Marketing, or Supply Chain Management should visit https://uas.broad.msu.edu/admissions/transfer/.

To be eligible for admission as a junior to the Interior Design program, a student must complete the following courses and may submit a portfolio for review:

• Design for Living (IDES 140)
• Design Theory Studio (IDES 142)
• Interior Design Drafting (IDES 150)
• Interior Environments (IDES 152)
• Computer-Aided Design for Designers (IDES 240)
• CAD and Structural Systems (IDES 250)
• Interior Design Synthesis I (IDES 252)
• Textile Materials (ATD 231)

The MSU College of Music requires an admissions audition prior to enrollment.  These auditions generally take place in January or February.  To request an audition, music applicants are to file the Supplemental Music Application found online at www.music.msu.edu/admissions, where students will find the application and other important information such as application instructions, decision timelines, audition expectations and much more.

James Madison College admission is based on space availability and the competitiveness of the applicant pool.
More information can be found on the James Madison College website.

Kinesiology majors must have an overall 2.0 GPA and complete a six-course core with a minimum GPA of 2.0 in each class by the time they reach junior status (56 credits). Transfer students with more than 42 credits will be considered for direct admission if they have completed equivalent course work for the four core courses listed below. The two remaining core courses will be completed once they are at MSU.

• College Algebra (MTH 103), College Algebra and Trigonometry (MTH 116), Survey of Calculus I (MTH 124) OR Calculus I (MTH 132)
• General Chemistry (CEM 141)
• Applied Human Anatomy (KIN 216) or Human Gross Anatomy (ANTR 350)
• Introductory Physiology (PSL 250)

All prospective students are encouraged to visit the kinesiology undergraduate website. Questions can be emailed to Amy Tratt at tratt@msu.edu.

Landscape Architecture is a limited enrollment, five year program. To be considered for admission at the junior level a student must have completed the following courses:

• General Chemistry (CEM 141)
• Chemistry Laboratory I (CEM 161)
• Plant Biology (PLB 105)
• Plant Biology Laboratory (PLB 106)
• Computer-Aided Design for Designers (IDES 240)
• College Algebra and Trigonometry (MTH 116)
• Graphics and Two-Dimensional Design Studio (LA 140)
• Introduction to Landscape Architecture (LA 200)
• Graphics and Three-Dimensional Design Studio (LA 141)
• Planning and Design Digital Graphics (PDC 120)
• Landscape Plants II (HRT 212)
• Site Construction Materials and Methods (LA 230)
• Creating Space Studio (LA 242)
• Landscape Plants I (HRT 211)
• Landscape Site Engineering (LA 231)
• Place Making Studio (LA 243)
• Landscape Design and Management Specifications (HRT 311)
• People and Environment I (ISS 310)

Students interested in majoring in Accounting, Finance, Human Resource Management, Management, Marketing, or Supply Chain Management should visit https://uas.broad.msu.edu/admissions/transfer/.

Students interested in majoring in applied engineering sciences, bio-systems engineering, chemical engineering, civil engineering, environmental engineering, computer engineering, computer science, electrical engineering, materials science and engineering, or mechanical engineering should visit http://www.egr.msu.edu/future-engineer/transfer-students for details.

Students interested in majoring in applied engineering sciences, bio-systems engineering, chemical engineering, civil engineering, environmental engineering, computer engineering, computer science, electrical engineering, materials science and engineering, or mechanical engineering should visit http://www.egr.msu.edu/future-engineer/transfer-students for details.

The MSU College of Music requires an admissions audition prior to enrollment.  These auditions generally take place in January or February.  To request an audition, music applicants are to file the Supplemental Music Application found online at www.music.msu.edu/admissions, where students will find the application and other important information such as application instructions, decision timelines, audition expectations and much more.

The MSU College of Music requires an admissions audition prior to enrollment.  These auditions generally take place in January or February.  To request an audition, music applicants are to file the Supplemental Music Application found online at www.music.msu.edu/admissions, where students will find the application and other important information such as application instructions, decision timelines, audition expectations and much more.

The MSU College of Music requires an admissions audition prior to enrollment.  These auditions generally take place in January or February.  To request an audition, music applicants are to file the Supplemental Music Application found online at www.music.msu.edu/admissions, where students will find the application and other important information such as application instructions, decision timelines, audition expectations and much more.

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. Because excellent math skills are important in these majors, transfer students are highly encouraged to complete course work equivalent to a minimum of College Algebra (MTH 103) or College Algebra and Trigonometry (MTH 116) prior to applying to Michigan State.

To be considered for direct admission into the College of Nursing for the Traditional Nursing Program, applicants must have completed at least 28 transferable credit hours and a minimum overall GPA of 2.75 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 at the College of Nursing website. The College of Nursing supplemental application deadlines are:

• May 1 for fall (late August) admission consideration

• December 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.  These are not prerequisite courses for admission, however.

Applicants with fewer than 42 transferable credits may apply for admission to MSU as a prenursing student. This will allow access to the remaining coursework that must be met to be eligible to apply to the nursing program. For more information on admission to the Traditional 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 BSN for Registered Nurses Program, applicants must have a diploma or Associates Degree in Nursing, be licensed as a Registered Nurse to practice in the United States, and a minimum overall GPA of 2.75 is required. Students should also have completed the prerequisite courses for the nursing program listed below by the start date of the program.

• Writing as Inquiry (WRA 101 or WRA 110 – 150 or WRA 195H)
• Integrative Studies in Social Science (ISS 2XX)
• Human Gross Anatomy and Structural Biology (ANTR 350)
• Introductory Physiology (PSL 250 or PSL 310)
• Microbiology and Molecular Genetics & lab (MMG 201 & MMG 302) 
• General Chemistry & lab (CEM 141 & CEM 161)
• Intro to Psychology (PSY 101)
• Ecology of Lifespan Human Development in the Family (FCE 225 or HDFS 225)
• Statistical Methods (STT 200 or 201)

Students applying for direct admission into the Nursing program are encouraged to complete the Integrative Studies requirements in the Arts and Humanities (IAH). These are not prerequisite courses for admission, however.

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 BSN for registered nurses program, 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 2.75 from the bachelor’s degree is required. 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.  

• Intro to Psychology (PSY 101)
• General Chemistry (CEM 141)
• Statistical Methods (STT 200 or 201)
• Microbiology and Molecular Genetics (MMG 201) 
• Introductory Physiology (PSL 250 or PSL 310)
• Ecology of Lifespan Human Development in the Family (FCE 225 or HDFS 225)
• Pathophysiology (NUR 300) within the last five years
• Introduction to Human Nutrition (HNF 150 or HNF 260 or HNF 311)
• Human Gross Anatomy and Structural Biology (ANTR 350)
• Introduction to Human Pharmacology (PHM 350)

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 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:

• General Chemistry (CEM 141)
• Calculus 2 (MTH 133)
• Intro to Physics (PHY 231) or Physics for Scientists and Engineers (PHY 183)

Additional questions about the Packaging major can be directed to Aaron Tucker at tucker68@msu.edu.

Students interested in pursuing the Public Relations major need to have the following courses completed with a minimum of a 3.0 combined grade-point average by the time they reach 56 credits and a 3.0 overall grade-point average:

• MTH 101 Quantitative Literacy I, MTH 102 Quantitative Literacy II, MTH 103 College Algebra or STT 200 Statistical Methods

• ADV 260 Principles of Public Relations

• ADV 225 Writing for Public Relations

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.

Residential College in the Arts and Humanities admission is based on space availability and the competitiveness of the applicant pool.

To be considered for admission into the School of Social Work, students must have an overall 2.75 GPA. Students with 56 or more transferable credits must have equivalent course work completed in these prerequisite courses:

• Writing as Inquiry (WRA 101)
• Intro to Psychology (PSY 101)
• Intro to Sociology (SOC 100)
• Intro to Social Work (SW 200)
• Intro to Microeconomics (EC 201) or Intro to Macroeconomics (EC 202)
• Intro to American National Government (PLS 100) or Comparative Politics (PLS 140)
• Applications of Biomedical Sciences (ISB 204), Introductory Physiology (PSL 250), Brain and Behavior (PSY 209), Human Nutrition (HNF 150), Introduction to Human Genetics (MMG 141)
• A 200-level psychology (PSY) course

Students with 42 transferable credit hours meeting the direct admission criteria above will receive a link to the supplemental application with their decision. Application review begins in the spring for fall admission until full.

Applicable to students interested in majoring in education or special education-learning disabilities or admission to the Teacher Preparation Program.  Students interested in majoring in Kinesiology or Athletic Training should refer to their specific requirements.
Students interested in obtaining teacher certification must first submit an undergraduate application to the Office of Admissions. Students interested in elementary education should select one of the following majors: Education (for standard elementary education), Special Ed - Learning Disabilities (for special education), or Child Development (for early childhood combined with elementary teacher certification).  Students interested in secondary education should select the major corresponding to the subject they want to teach and check the box on the application indicating their interest in earning a teaching certificate.
The Office of Admissions will review the applicant’s eligibility for direct admission based on the following factors:

• Completion of 42 transferable credits.
• Minimum overall GPA of a 3.10 (including all courses, all attempts, and all schools attended).
• Writing as Inquiry WRA 101 or WRA 110 – 150 or WRA 195H
• Completion of MTH 101, 102, 103, 116, 124 or 132

Students who meet the direct admission criteria above will be asked to complete a College of Education supplemental application. In addition, applicants must:

• Take the entire SAT and have the results sent to MSU. Taking only portions of the SAT or failing to have results sent to MSU will make it impossible for us to use the results for admission to the teacher preparation program.
• Submit final transcripts confirming final GPA and total credits to the Office of Admissions.
• Submit documentation of hours of experience with special needs students, if applying for the special education major.

Please note that direct admission to the College of Education is competitive. It is advantageous for students to adhere to the following timeline. For further information or to request an appointment with an advisor contact the College of Education at (517) 353-9680. Send email inquiries to Mike Haslett at haslett3@msu.edu.

To be eligible for admission to the Studio Art BFA program, a student must have completed or be currently enrolled in the following courses.

• STA 110, 112, 113, 114
• One 300-level painting or printmaking course
• One 300-level ceramics or sculpture course
• One 300-level graphic design, photography or electronic art course

and

• One 300-level STA course in a media discipline not yet taken

When eligible, the student will participate in the BFA Portfolio Review. The review is held each Fall and Spring semester and is completed by current Apparel and Textile majors at MSU (not prior to transfer to MSU). Some exceptions for the application semester may be considered for transfer students. The review consists of an application, written statement of intent, digital portfolio of art and design work, and a presentation to a committee of faculty. Students may participate in the review once more if not accepted the first application.

To be considered for admission into the Department of Theatre BFA program, students must have a minimum 2.0 in all Theatre course work. Admission to the program is by audition and portfolio review. Please contact the Department of Theatre in order to schedule the audition/interview at theatre@msu.edu.

To be considered for admission into the Veterinary Nursing program (formerly Veterinary Technology), students must have an overall GPA of a 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 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.