American Semester:Apply Now

The American Semester application website is for undergraduate students planning to come to MSU to study for one or two semesters while earning credit towards their degree in their home country. Current MSU students wanting to go abroad should visit the Study Abroad web site to return to the information on outbound study abroad programs.

Michigan State University accepts students as exchange or study abroad students as part of the American Semester program. If your university has an exchange agreement with MSU, you may be able to come as a bilateral exchange student. This means you pay fees to your home university. If your university does not have an exchange agreement, or you are unable to apply as an exchange student, you can come as a fee-paying study abroad student. This means you pay tuition fees to MSU. The application process is the same for exchange and fee-paying study abroad students. If you are unsure if you are an exchange or fee-paying study abroad student, please contact us.

Our bilateral exchange partners are:

Michigan State University also has a number of study abroad (one-way exchange) agreements. These include:

American Semester: The basics

All exchange applicants must be nominated by their institution (usually through the exchange or study abroad office). Fee-paying study abroad students should enquire at their exchange or study abroad office about application and credit transfer arrangements. Some institutions require students to apply through their study abroad program and assist with the application process.

The American Semester program is managed by the Office of Study Abroad at MSU. We will liaise with MSU academic departments regarding your application and subject selections. You should not contact the academic department directly unless instructed by your American Semester program advisor.

What is the entry requirement?

To be accepted into the American Semester program, you need to have completed at least two semesters of university study and be in good academic standing at your home institution. This means that you have achieved mostly B grades and above or the equivalent GPA of 3.0 in the American system. All applications will be evaluated on a case by case basis, as your grades in your major are also important.

For admission into advanced-level coursework, you need to provide information about courses that you have taken to fulfill the MSU course prerequisites. Information on course prerequisites is available on the Schedule of Courses.

Applicants to the American Semester program need an academic level of proficiency in English. This means that you study in English at home or that you have achieved a TOEFL score of 213 CBT, 79 IBT or 580 PBT.

What can I study?

American Semester participants can select courses from almost any area offered by MSU, provided you have met the pre-requisite requirements for that course. Under some exchange agreements, you may be expected to take the majority of courses from the college that hosts the agreement. Your American Semester advisor will assist you with your course selections.

How many courses can I take?

At MSU, the full-time load for undergraduate students is 12 credits. This generally means that you will take 4 regular courses, but it may vary according to your major.

When do classes start?

MSU has two semesters each year commencing in late August (Fall) and January (Spring). A limited number of courses are offered in two summer sessions. You'll find the exact dates on the Registrar's web site . American Semester participants should plan to arrive at least one week prior to the commencement of classes in order to attend the compulsory orientation program.

Where will I live?

All American Semester students will live in student residential accommodation on campus. There are many options (25 residence halls in 6 neighborhoods), and your American Semester advisor will assist you in your selection. Applying early will ensure you are placed in your preferred location.

When do applications close?

Spring semester: October 1
Fall semester: April 1

Helpful links:

Application process
Choosing your courses
Program Fees
Arrival and orientation
Academic calendar
Office of International Student Services

For more information please contact:

American Semester Program asp@isp.msu.edu
Office of Study Abroad
109 International Center
East Lansing, Michigan 48824-1035
Telephone: (517) 432-4341
Fax: (517) 432-2082

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