Michigan State University
Michigan State University
- About
- Overview
- Academic Details
- Area(s) of study
- Useful information
- How to apply
- Student Testimonial
Michigan State University (MSU) is considered as one of America's Public Ivy universities, a counterpart of the Ivy League, which recognizes top public research universities in the US. Founded in 1855 the 2000-plus hectare campus is home to more than 50 000 students, all of whom become known as “Spartans” (after MSU’s famed basketball team) once they enrol. Past students include Nobel prize-winner Alfred D. Hershey, basketball superstar “Magic” Johnson and eight Pulitzer Prize winners, including novelist Richard Ford.
Academic Highlights
Many of MSU’s graduate programs are considered among the best in the world including African history, industrial and organisational psychology, criminology, human and veterinary medicine, nuclear physics and supply chain logistics. The campus houses the National Superconducting Cyclatron Laboratory, a botanical garden and a planetarium.
Location
MSU is located in East Lansing, Michigan, east of Lansing, the capital. The main campus sits on the banks of the Red Cedar River, and is within easy public transport of both Chicago and Detroit.
Did you know?
The Eli and Edythe Broad Art Museum is a contemporary art museum at MSU designed by the world-renowned architect Zaha Hadid. The building has a striking angular facade composed of pleated stainless steel and glass.
Language of Instruction | English | |||||
Program Duration | 1 semester, 2 semesters | |||||
Academic Level | Undergraduate | |||||
| Minimum Result Required | 60% WAM | |||||
| Previous Round Cut-off (WAM (%) or GPA) | 74% WAM | |||||
Anticipated Places in Semester 1, 2027 | 1-2 places | |||||
Red | ||||||
Eligible Monash Campus | Monash Australia, Monash Malaysia | |||||
Agreement Scope | All Faculties | |||||
Handbook/Catalogue
Course information can be found in multiple ways:
- The Schedule of Courses
- Course Descriptions search
- Syllabi (unit guides) are most likely to be found on faculty websites (such as the syllabi for Psychology, Mechanical Engineering, Nursing, Spanish and Philosophy). Access the faculty websites by selecting the tab of the faculty you are interested in, and then following the URL provided. Another method is to Google search your area of study and 'Michigan State University syllabus'.
Academic Restrictions
- Only the following colleges are included in this exchange agreement:
- College of Engineering
- College of Natural Science: Biology (BIO), Chemistry (CEM), Math (MTH), Microbiology (MMG), Physics (PHY), Physiology (PSL), Statistics (STT)
- College of Social Science: Anthropology (ANP), Criminal Justice (CJ), Economics (EC), Geography (GEO), History (HST), Political Science (PLS), Psychology (PSY), Sociology (SOC)
- The College of Business is NOT included in the exchange agreement.
- For more information on restrictions on what you can study at MSU, please see here.
Full-time Credit Load Equivalents
Semester | |
|---|---|
Min. 18 Monash points | Max. 24 Monash points |
12 credits | 15 credits |
Amended October 2019.
Year | |
|---|---|
Min. 36 Monash points | Max. 48 Monash points |
24 credits | 30 credits |
Academic Calendar
MSU Fall Semester (Monash semester 2): late August – mid-December
MSU Spring Semester (Monash semester 1): early January – early May
MSU's Academic Calendar
Anthropology | Biological sciences | Chemistry | Chinese languages & culture studies |
Earth, atmosphere and environmental sciences | Econometrics and business statistics | Economics | Engineering |
Engineering - chemical | Engineering - civil | Engineering - electrical/ computer systems | Engineering - materials science |
Engineering - mechanical / aerospace | Film and screen studies | Fine art | French languages & culture studies |
German languages & culture studies | History | Human geography | Italian languages & culture studies |
Japanese languages & culture studies | Korean languages & culture studies | Linguistics | Literary studies |
Mathematical sciences | Philosophy, physics and astronomy | Politics and international relations | Psychological sciences |
Religious studies | Science | Spanish and Latin American languages & culture studies | Social work |
Sociology | Theatre and performance |
Note
- The listed disciplines are not necessarily exhaustive and other fields of study might also be available at the institution.
- Approval to study particular subjects at any institution is always at the discretion of the departmental/discipline and faculty advisers in your managing faculty(ies) and subject to available places at the host.
Accommodation
MSU guarantees on-campus housing for all exchange students and because the campus is very large and contained, most students choose to live on campus.
MSU provides further information on accommodation here and here.
Visas
International exchange students studying in the U.S. must obtain the J-1 Exchange Visitor’s visa before leaving their home country. The application process requires a personal interview at the Consulate.
For more information on visas, please refer to the the U.S. Embassy & Consulates in Australia here, and the U.S. Visa Information Service for Australia here.
MSU also offers advise on how to apply for your student visa, as well as contacts for general advice on student visas.
Health and insurance
All incoming American Semester Program or Exchange students (semester, year long and exchange) are automatically enrolled in the mandatory Student Health Insurance Plan through MSU when they register for classes. The health insurance coverage offered through MSU meets the necessary federal requirements and important standards to support the student in the event of medical need.
MSU provies further information on mandatory health insurance.
When travelling on a Monash Abroad approved program, you are automatically covered under the Monash University Student Travel Insurance policy. This will provide cover to and from your exchange.
Orientation and extra-curricular
Orientation is mandatory for all exchange students at the start of their program. It is also required for your visa status in the U.S. (J-1 or F-1). MSU also organises pick-ups from the Lansing airport, bus station, and train station on arrival days for students who register for this service.
MSU has a vibrant student life, with student clubs and organisations, university athletics games to attend, a university activities board organising social events, as well as sports and fitness facilities which includes a intramural (social) sports league.
Cost of living
MSU offers some guidance on estimated costs for exchange students.
Funding
For information about funding available to support study on exchange overseas, see the Financial Information page on the Monash Abroad website.
To begin your application and study plan, click the button below.
Have you been to Michigan State University and want to share your experience?
Let us know about your exchange via this survey form and your testimonial could be shown here!
Kathryn Jukes
Bachelor of Laws and Bachelor of Arts
Semester 2, 2019
Studied: Political Science and International Relations units
Study Experience
The teaching method was very different. My classes were very small, with 15-30 students in each of my units. It was much more classroom/'lectorial' style and reminded me of high school as there was homework due most classes and attendance was marked fairly strictly. I found that the assessment was mostly quantity over quality and it was not uncommon to get 100% on exams or assignments.
Culture
There was always something to do at MSU. Ice skating, bowling, tailgating, football games, bar hopping. The campus was basically a city in itself and walking distance to anything you needed. I joined the outdoors club and went on camping trips to Canada to see the Fall colours and also to Lake Michigan. The MSU exchange program organised a trip to Chicago which was so much fun! I was able to go to Niagara Falls and Toronto as well, and travel to Arizona, New York, and throughout Mexico before, during and after my exchange.
Everyone loved the Australian accent and would never fail to mention it when ordering some new form of delicious food. The dining plan at MSU was life-changing and I cannot express how much I miss the unlimited buffet access.
Benefits of going on exchange
Living with a roommate was a challenge that I think inspired some personal development. I had lived in halls before but not sharing a room with someone.
Career Benefits
I think having a deeper understanding of American politics will help with my studies and the confidence gained will definitely help me in the future.
Money and Budgeting
- Budget!!!!
- When budgeting, consider exchange rates
Top Tips
- Take every opportunity
- Savour it, it will go so fast
- Join a club
- Make friends with non-exchange students