Michigan State University
East Lansing, United States • Founded 1855 • World Rank #173
Overview
Founded in 1855, the Michigan State University is a non-profit public higher education institution located in the urban setting of the large town of East Lansing (population range of 10,000-49,999 inhabitants), Michigan.
Officially accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, Michigan State University (MSU) is a very large-sized coeducational US higher education institution. Michigan State University (MSU) offers courses and programs leading to officially recognized higher education degrees such as pre-bachelor's degrees (i.e. certificates, diplomas, associate or foundation), bachelor's degrees, master's degrees and doctorate degrees in several areas of study.
This 169-year-old US higher-education institution has a selective admission policy based on entrance examinations and students' past academic records and grades. The acceptance rate range is 80-89% making this US higher education organization a least selective institution.
International students are welcome to apply for enrollment.
MSU also provides several academic and non-academic facilities and services to students including a library, housing, sports facilities, financial aids and/or scholarships, study abroad and exchange programs, online courses and distance learning opportunities, as well as administrative services.
Location & Contact
Below are the location pin, postal details, and primary contact methods for Michigan State University. International applicants should account for postal mail processing time when sending physical documents.
Academic Details
Academic statistics for Michigan State University — including its student body and academic staff numbers. Read these alongside rankings; institution scale changes how rankings should be interpreted.
Academic Structures
Below: how Michigan State University organises its faculties and constituent units. Distance learning programmes often sit in a separate division from on-campus teaching, with different administration.
Unit 19 items
- College of Agriculture and Natural Resources
- College of Arts and Letters
- College of Communication Arts and Sciences
- College of Education
- College of Engineering
- College of Human Medicine
- College of Law
- College of Music
- College of Natural Science
- College of Nursing
- College of Osteopathic Medicine
- College of Social Science
- College of Veterinary Medicine
- Eli Broad College of Business
- Eli Broad Graduate School of Management
- Honors College
- James Madison College
- Lyman Briggs College
- Residential College in the Arts and Humanities
Programs Offered
Michigan State University's programme list, with search and degree-level grouping. Search matches programme names; if you don't see your subject, check the divisions section to locate the relevant faculty.
Bachelor's Degree
105 programmes
Michigan State University delivers 105 programmes at bachelor's level, the qualifications school-leavers most commonly apply to as their first step into higher education.
Agricultural Business and Management Agriculture
Animal Sciences Agriculture
Food Science and Technology Agriculture
Plant Sciences Agriculture
Soil Sciences Agriculture
Agriculture/Veterinary Preparatory Programs Agriculture
Veterinary/Animal Health Technologies/Technicians Agriculture
Natural Resources Conservation and Research Forestry & Natural Resources
Environmental/Natural Resources Management and Policy Forestry & Natural Resources
Forestry Forestry & Natural Resources
Wildlife and Wildlands Science and Management Forestry & Natural Resources
City/Urban, Community, and Regional Planning Landscape Architecture
Landscape Architecture Urban Planning
Ethnic, Cultural Minority, Gender, and Group Studies Social & Cultural Studies
Communication and Media Studies Communication Studies
Journalism Journalism
Radio, Television, and Digital Communication Media Studies & Mass Media
Public Relations, Advertising, and Applied Communication Public Relations
Computer and Information Sciences, General Computer Sciences
Computer/Information Technology Administration and Management Information Systems & Technology
Education, General Education & Teaching
Special Education and Teaching Special Education
Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas Education & Teaching
Engineering, General General Engineering
Agricultural Engineering General Engineering
Chemical Engineering Chemical Engineering
Civil Engineering Civil Engineering & Construction
Computer Engineering Electrical Engineering
Electrical, Electronics, and Communications Engineering Electrical Engineering
Materials Engineering General Engineering
Mechanical Engineering Mechanical Engineering
Engineering, Other General Engineering
Construction Engineering Technology/Technician General Engineering
Engineering-Related Fields General Engineering
Linguistic, Comparative, and Related Language Studies and Services Linguistics & Language Studies
East Asian Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics Linguistics & Language Studies
Slavic, Baltic and Albanian Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics Linguistics & Language Studies
Germanic Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics Linguistics & Language Studies
Romance Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics Linguistics & Language Studies
Middle/Near Eastern and Semitic Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics Linguistics & Language Studies
Human Development, Family Studies, and Related Services Family & Consumer Science
Non-Professional Legal Studies Law
English Language and Literature, General English Language Studies
Rhetoric and Composition/Writing Studies English Language Studies
Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities Liberal Arts
Biology, General Biological Sciences
Biochemistry, Biophysics and Molecular Biology Biochemistry
Botany/Plant Biology Biological Sciences
Microbiological Sciences and Immunology Biological Sciences
Zoology/Animal Biology Biological Sciences
Genetics Biological Sciences
Physiology, Pathology and Related Sciences Biological Sciences
Ecology, Evolution, Systematics, and Population Biology Ecology & Conservation
Neurobiology and Neurosciences Neuroscience
Mathematics Mathematics
Applied Mathematics Mathematics
Statistics Mathematics
Biological and Physical Sciences Liberal Arts
Science, Technology and Society Liberal Arts
Nutrition Sciences Liberal Arts
International/Globalization Studies Liberal Arts
Computational Science Liberal Arts
Sustainability Studies Liberal Arts
Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies, Other Liberal Arts
Parks, Recreation, and Leisure Facilities Management Sport and Exercise Science
Sports, Kinesiology, and Physical Education/Fitness Sport and Exercise Science
Philosophy Philosophy & Ethics
Religion/Religious Studies Philosophy & Ethics
Physical Sciences, General Natural Sciences
Astronomy and Astrophysics Physics & Astronomy
Chemistry Chemistry
Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences Earth Sciences & Geology
Physics Physics & Astronomy
Psychology, General Psychology
Criminal Justice and Corrections Criminal Law & Justice
Public Administration Public Administration
Public Policy Analysis Public Administration
Social Work Social Work
Social Sciences, General Social & Cultural Studies
Anthropology Social & Cultural Studies
Economics Economics
Geography and Cartography Geography
International Relations and National Security Studies Politics & International Relations
Political Science and Government Politics & International Relations
Sociology Social & Cultural Studies
Visual and Performing Arts, General Visual Arts
Design and Applied Arts Applied Design
Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft Performing Arts
Film/Video and Photographic Arts Film & Animation
Fine and Studio Arts Visual Arts
Music Music
Communication Disorders Sciences and Services Speech & Language Therapy
Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions Biomedical & Laboratory Sciences
Clinical/Medical Laboratory Science/Research and Allied Professions Biomedical & Laboratory Sciences
Dietetics and Clinical Nutrition Services Nutrition & Dietetics
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing Nursing
Health Professions and Related Clinical Sciences, Other Health Sciences
Business Administration, Management and Operations Business Administration
Accounting and Related Services Accounting
Finance and Financial Management Services Finance, Banking & Insurance
Hospitality Administration/Management Hospitality Management
Human Resources Management and Services Human Resource Management
Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods Operations Management
Marketing Advertising & Digital Marketing
History History
No programmes match your filter in this level.
Master's Degree
109 programmes
Michigan State University provides 109 programmes at master's level for graduates who want to specialise further or strengthen their standing for doctoral applications.
Agricultural Business and Management Agriculture
Animal Sciences Agriculture
Food Science and Technology Agriculture
Plant Sciences Agriculture
Soil Sciences Agriculture
Veterinary Biomedical and Clinical Sciences Agriculture
Environmental/Natural Resources Management and Policy Forestry & Natural Resources
Forestry Forestry & Natural Resources
Wildlife and Wildlands Science and Management Forestry & Natural Resources
City/Urban, Community, and Regional Planning Landscape Architecture
Environmental Design Architecture
Area Studies Social & Cultural Studies
Ethnic, Cultural Minority, Gender, and Group Studies Social & Cultural Studies
Communication and Media Studies Communication Studies
Journalism Journalism
Radio, Television, and Digital Communication Media Studies & Mass Media
Public Relations, Advertising, and Applied Communication Public Relations
Computer and Information Sciences, General Computer Sciences
Education, General Education & Teaching
Curriculum and Instruction Education & Teaching
Educational Administration and Supervision Educational Leadership
Educational/Instructional Media Design Education & Teaching
Special Education and Teaching Special Education
Student Counseling and Personnel Services Education & Teaching
Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas Education & Teaching
Teaching English or French as a Second or Foreign Language Education & Teaching
Education, Other Education & Teaching
Agricultural Engineering General Engineering
Biomedical/Medical Engineering Bio & Biomedical Engineering
Chemical Engineering Chemical Engineering
Civil Engineering Civil Engineering & Construction
Electrical, Electronics, and Communications Engineering Electrical Engineering
Engineering Mechanics General Engineering
Environmental/Environmental Health Engineering Environmental Engineering
Mechanical Engineering Mechanical Engineering
Construction Engineering Technology/Technician General Engineering
Engineering-Related Fields General Engineering
Linguistic, Comparative, and Related Language Studies and Services Linguistics & Language Studies
Germanic Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics Linguistics & Language Studies
Romance Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics Linguistics & Language Studies
Foods, Nutrition, and Related Services Family & Consumer Science
Human Development, Family Studies, and Related Services Family & Consumer Science
Non-Professional Legal Studies Law
Legal Research and Advanced Professional Studies Law
Legal Professions and Studies, Other Law
English Language and Literature, General English Language Studies
Rhetoric and Composition/Writing Studies English Language Studies
Biology, General Biological Sciences
Biochemistry, Biophysics and Molecular Biology Biochemistry
Botany/Plant Biology Biological Sciences
Cell/Cellular Biology and Anatomical Sciences Molecular Biology
Microbiological Sciences and Immunology Biological Sciences
Zoology/Animal Biology Biological Sciences
Genetics Biological Sciences
Physiology, Pathology and Related Sciences Biological Sciences
Pharmacology and Toxicology Biological Sciences
Biomathematics, Bioinformatics, and Computational Biology Biological Sciences
Ecology, Evolution, Systematics, and Population Biology Ecology & Conservation
Neurobiology and Neurosciences Neuroscience
Mathematics Mathematics
Applied Mathematics Mathematics
Statistics Mathematics
Nutrition Sciences Liberal Arts
Computational Science Liberal Arts
Sustainability Studies Liberal Arts
Geography and Environmental Studies Liberal Arts
Sports, Kinesiology, and Physical Education/Fitness Sport and Exercise Science
Philosophy Philosophy & Ethics
Astronomy and Astrophysics Physics & Astronomy
Chemistry Chemistry
Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences Earth Sciences & Geology
Physics Physics & Astronomy
Materials Sciences Materials Science
Psychology, General Psychology
Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology Clinical Psychology
Psychology, Other Psychology
Criminal Justice and Corrections Criminal Law & Justice
Security Science and Technology Criminal Law & Justice
Homeland Security, Law Enforcement, Firefighting and Related Protective Services, Other Criminal Law & Justice
Public Policy Analysis Public Administration
Social Work Social Work
Social Sciences, General Social & Cultural Studies
Anthropology Social & Cultural Studies
Economics Economics
Geography and Cartography Geography
Political Science and Government Politics & International Relations
Sociology Social & Cultural Studies
Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft Performing Arts
Fine and Studio Arts Visual Arts
Music Music
Arts, Entertainment, and Media Management Media Management
Communication Disorders Sciences and Services Speech & Language Therapy
Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions Biomedical & Laboratory Sciences
Clinical/Medical Laboratory Science/Research and Allied Professions Biomedical & Laboratory Sciences
Medical Clinical Sciences/Graduate Medical Studies Health Sciences
Mental and Social Health Services and Allied Professions Counselling & Psychotherapy
Public Health Public Health
Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions Rehabilitation Sciences
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing Nursing
Business/Commerce, General Business Administration
Business Administration, Management and Operations Business Administration
Accounting and Related Services Accounting
Finance and Financial Management Services Finance, Banking & Insurance
Hospitality Administration/Management Hospitality Management
Human Resources Management and Services Human Resource Management
Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods Operations Management
Marketing Advertising & Digital Marketing
Business, Management, Marketing, and Related Support Services, Other Business Administration
History History
No programmes match your filter in this level.
Doctorate
81 programmes
Browse 81 programmes of research-degree study at Michigan State University. Each culminates in a thesis defended before examiners as an original scholarly contribution.
Agricultural Business and Management Agriculture
Animal Sciences Agriculture
Food Science and Technology Agriculture
Plant Sciences Agriculture
Soil Sciences Agriculture
Veterinary Biomedical and Clinical Sciences Agriculture
Natural Resources Conservation and Research Forestry & Natural Resources
Environmental/Natural Resources Management and Policy Forestry & Natural Resources
Forestry Forestry & Natural Resources
Wildlife and Wildlands Science and Management Forestry & Natural Resources
Ethnic, Cultural Minority, Gender, and Group Studies Social & Cultural Studies
Communication and Media Studies Communication Studies
Radio, Television, and Digital Communication Media Studies & Mass Media
Computer and Information Sciences, General Computer Sciences
Curriculum and Instruction Education & Teaching
Educational Administration and Supervision Educational Leadership
Educational/Instructional Media Design Education & Teaching
Educational Assessment, Evaluation, and Research Education & Teaching
Social and Philosophical Foundations of Education Education & Teaching
Special Education and Teaching Special Education
Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas Education & Teaching
Agricultural Engineering General Engineering
Biomedical/Medical Engineering Bio & Biomedical Engineering
Chemical Engineering Chemical Engineering
Civil Engineering Civil Engineering & Construction
Electrical, Electronics, and Communications Engineering Electrical Engineering
Engineering Mechanics General Engineering
Environmental/Environmental Health Engineering Environmental Engineering
Mechanical Engineering Mechanical Engineering
Construction Engineering Technology/Technician General Engineering
Engineering-Related Fields General Engineering
Linguistic, Comparative, and Related Language Studies and Services Linguistics & Language Studies
Germanic Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics Linguistics & Language Studies
Foods, Nutrition, and Related Services Family & Consumer Science
Human Development, Family Studies, and Related Services Family & Consumer Science
English Language and Literature, General English Language Studies
Rhetoric and Composition/Writing Studies English Language Studies
Biology, General Biological Sciences
Biochemistry, Biophysics and Molecular Biology Biochemistry
Botany/Plant Biology Biological Sciences
Cell/Cellular Biology and Anatomical Sciences Molecular Biology
Microbiological Sciences and Immunology Biological Sciences
Zoology/Animal Biology Biological Sciences
Genetics Biological Sciences
Physiology, Pathology and Related Sciences Biological Sciences
Pharmacology and Toxicology Biological Sciences
Biomathematics, Bioinformatics, and Computational Biology Biological Sciences
Ecology, Evolution, Systematics, and Population Biology Ecology & Conservation
Neurobiology and Neurosciences Neuroscience
Mathematics Mathematics
Applied Mathematics Mathematics
Statistics Mathematics
Computational Science Liberal Arts
Geography and Environmental Studies Liberal Arts
Sports, Kinesiology, and Physical Education/Fitness Sport and Exercise Science
Philosophy Philosophy & Ethics
Astronomy and Astrophysics Physics & Astronomy
Chemistry Chemistry
Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences Earth Sciences & Geology
Physics Physics & Astronomy
Materials Sciences Materials Science
Psychology, General Psychology
Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology Clinical Psychology
Criminal Justice and Corrections Criminal Law & Justice
Social Work Social Work
Anthropology Social & Cultural Studies
Economics Economics
Geography and Cartography Geography
Political Science and Government Politics & International Relations
Sociology Social & Cultural Studies
Music Music
Communication Disorders Sciences and Services Speech & Language Therapy
Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions Rehabilitation Sciences
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing Nursing
Business Administration, Management and Operations Business Administration
Accounting and Related Services Accounting
Finance and Financial Management Services Finance, Banking & Insurance
Human Resources Management and Services Human Resource Management
Management Information Systems and Services IT Management
Marketing Advertising & Digital Marketing
History History
No programmes match your filter in this level.
Professional Doctorate
7 programmes
Browse 7 programmes of research-degree study at Michigan State University. Each culminates in a thesis defended before examiners as an original scholarly contribution.
Veterinary Medicine Agriculture
Educational Administration and Supervision Educational Leadership
Law Law
Legal Research and Advanced Professional Studies Law
Legal Professions and Studies, Other Law
Medicine Medicine
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing Nursing
No programmes match your filter in this level.
Associate, Certificate & Other Qualifications
48 programmes
These 48 programmes group Michigan State University's shorter and preparatory qualifications together: associate degrees, diplomas, certificates, and foundation courses that suit focused or transitional study.
Agricultural Business and Management Agriculture
Agricultural Production Operations Agriculture
Agricultural and Food Products Processing Agriculture
Applied Horticulture and Horticultural Business Services Agriculture
Animal Sciences Agriculture
Food Science and Technology Agriculture
Food Science and Technology Agriculture
Veterinary/Animal Health Technologies/Technicians Agriculture
Agricultural/Animal/Plant/Veterinary Science and Related Fields, Other Agriculture
Forestry Forestry & Natural Resources
Area Studies Social & Cultural Studies
Ethnic, Cultural Minority, Gender, and Group Studies Social & Cultural Studies
Communication and Media Studies Communication Studies
Journalism Journalism
Radio, Television, and Digital Communication Media Studies & Mass Media
Educational Administration and Supervision Educational Leadership
Educational/Instructional Media Design Education & Teaching
Educational Assessment, Evaluation, and Research Education & Teaching
Special Education and Teaching Special Education
Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods Education & Teaching
Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas Education & Teaching
Teaching English or French as a Second or Foreign Language Education & Teaching
Human Development, Family Studies, and Related Services Family & Consumer Science
Literature English Language Studies
Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities Liberal Arts
Microbiological Sciences and Immunology Biological Sciences
Pharmacology and Toxicology Biological Sciences
Ecology, Evolution, Systematics, and Population Biology Ecology & Conservation
Neurobiology and Neurosciences Neuroscience
Museology/Museum Studies Liberal Arts
International/Globalization Studies Liberal Arts
Computational Science Liberal Arts
Sports, Kinesiology, and Physical Education/Fitness Sport and Exercise Science
Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology Clinical Psychology
Psychology, Other Psychology
Security Science and Technology Criminal Law & Justice
Social Sciences, Other Social & Cultural Studies
Electrical and Power Transmission Installers Civil Engineering & Construction
Design and Applied Arts Applied Design
Film/Video and Photographic Arts Film & Animation
Music Music
Arts, Entertainment, and Media Management Media Management
Public Health Public Health
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing Nursing
Health Professions and Related Clinical Sciences, Other Health Sciences
Business Administration, Management and Operations Business Administration
Accounting and Related Services Accounting
Human Resources Management and Services Human Resource Management
No programmes match your filter in this level.
How to apply to Michigan State University
Five steps that capture how most applications to Michigan State University flow, from research through submission to follow-up correspondence.
- 1 Browse the programme catalogue
Begin by reviewing the programmes section above. Michigan State University offers 350 programmes grouped by qualification level. Decide on a target tier (bachelor's, master's, or doctoral) before narrowing by subject.
- 2 Check eligibility for your chosen programme
Each programme at Michigan State University has its own entry requirements — academic minimums, language proficiency, supporting documents, and sometimes interviews or portfolios. Check the programme-specific page or contact admissions to confirm eligibility.
- 3 Get your documents ready
Most applications require certified academic records, identification documents, language test certificates (IELTS, TOEFL, or equivalent for English-medium programmes), CV/résumé, and a statement of purpose. Allow extra time for document authentication.
- 4 Apply through the official channel
Apply directly via Michigan State University's online portal at msu.edu. Complete the application form, upload supporting documents, and pay any application fee. Confirmation emails typically arrive within a few business days.
- 5 Reach out and track your application
After submitting, confirm receipt with the admissions office and track your application status through the portal. Reach the institution by phone at +1 (517) 355 1855. Set reminders for any interview requests, additional document submissions, or admission decision deadlines.
Frequently Asked Questions about Michigan State University
Concise answers to the most-searched questions about Michigan State University, useful as a quick orientation before exploring the rest of the profile.
In what year was Michigan State University established?
Michigan State University was founded in 1855 (approximately 171 years ago).
Where is Michigan State University located?
Michigan State University is located in East Lansing, United States.
Is Michigan State University public or private?
Michigan State University is a public institution.
What is the student enrolment at Michigan State University?
Student enrolment at Michigan State University is around 45,000-49,999.
What is Michigan State University's ranking?
It ranks #173 globally and #43 in United States.
How many faculties does Michigan State University have?
The institution comprises 19 academic units.
Who recognises Michigan State University?
The institution holds recognition from Higher Learning Commission.
How do I find Michigan State University online?
Michigan State University's official website is msu.edu.
Top-Ranked Universities in the United States
When shortlisting in the United States, students often start with the top-ranked institutions. Below are the national leaders worth comparing against Michigan State University, helpful for calibrating where Michigan State University sits in the broader landscape.
Members of Association of Universities for Research in Astronomy (AURA)
Joint research grants among Association of Universities for Research in Astronomy (AURA) members create funded collaborations that often extend to graduate-student opportunities. The network listed below collaborates regularly with Michigan State University.
Faculties at Nearby Universities
Looking at higher education options close to Michigan State University? These nearby campuses share similar academic structures and may suit students prioritising proximity to home or family. Regional ties also affect access to internships and local employer networks.
Where Else to Study Agriculture
Industry advisory boards on Agriculture programmes signal employer engagement and curriculum currency. Check whether each the United States alternative to Michigan State University publishes its industry partners.
Universities Often Compared with Michigan State University
Students considering Michigan State University frequently compare it against the universities listed below. The comparison set reflects revealed-preference data from how applicants actually build shortlists.
