Before applying, applicants should contact the department/program of interest to discover program requirements, deadline dates, admissions procedures, and other essential information.
The graduate admissions process at Michigan State University is decentralized, and applications are reviewed by the department or program. The Graduate School does not have a role in application review.
You may submit up to two (2) applications to different graduate majors per semester. Each must be accompanied by a full set of documents as required by MSU and the individual graduate programs. Each application requires payment of the application fee.
Michigan State University reserves the right to make changes in its programs, policies, rules, regulations, procedures, fees, tuition, housing rates, organizational structure, and faculty and staff through the appropriate university processes. Every effort will be made to give as much advance notice as is possible in the event of such changes.
Admission decisions are made by the graduate department/program, but admission to the university is not official until it has been approved by the Office of Admissions. The Office of Admissions will send out official offer letters.
Admission decisions are made after a departmental review of academic records, test scores (where required), recommendations, qualifications and experience, and proposed program of study. Consideration is also given to the availability of space in the chosen academic program.
Michigan State University is committed to the principles of equal opportunity, non-discrimination, and affirmative action. The University complies with all federal and state laws and regulations relating to these principles.
The Graduate School offers several application fee waiver options, including the Big Ten Academic Alliance FreeApp Program, the McNair Fee Waiver, and waivers available through participation in targeted recruitment events.
The Big Ten Academic Alliance member universities are committed to expanding access to graduate education. The FreeApp Program allows prospective students to request a graduate application fee waiver for Ph.D. or Master of Fine Arts programs at participating Big Ten Academic Alliance institutions.
The Graduate School offers a limited number of these fee waivers for eligible applicants. Only one waiver may be granted per person. Because requests are reviewed on a first come, first served basis, eligible applicants are encouraged to apply as early as possible.
Applicants should review the BTAA eligibility requirements before submitting a FreeApp request.
For additional information, please contact the Graduate School at gradschool@grd.msu.edu.
The McNair Scholars Program is designed to prepare undergraduate students for doctoral studies through involvement in research and other scholarly activities. McNair participants are either first-generation college students with financial need, or members of a group that is traditionally underrepresented in graduate education and have demonstrated strong academic potential.
McNair Scholars should fill out the McNair Application Fee Waiver Form with their application ID number and department of interest.
Students that participated in targeted conferences and events (SACNAS, ABRCMS, AISES, ERN, SROP, etc.) can submit for application fee waiver by filling out the Conference Recruitment Fee Waiver Form.
Questions about McNair and events waivers or to schedule a McNair Visit to campus, please contact Steven Thomas.
Check the status of your application through the Application Account Portal or by contacting your department.
The following resources can help you better understand your financial circumstances and the costs associated with graduate school.