Advancing Knowledge. Transforming Lives.

For nearly 150 years, Michigan State University has been transforming lives through high-impact, innovative teaching, research, and outreach initiatives. Today, as it continues to help students become responsible, knowledgeable, productive citizens, MSU is a major public university with global reach and extraordinary impact.

Academic distinctions

MSU is known foremost for the quality of its faculty, staff, students, graduates, and friends – the people of the MSU community. MSU is known for many achievements:

• MSU is ranked among the top 50 public national universities by U.S. News and World Report, which ranks nine of the university’s graduate programs in the nation’s top 25 of their field. The magazine also ranks MSU among its top 50 "Best Values: Great Schools at Great Prices."
• MSU faculty have received Dreyfus, Fulbright, Guggenheim, MacArthur, Sloan, and other major awards in recognition of their abilities and accomplishments.
• MSU has been honored with 16 Rhodes Scholars and is ranked in the top 3 percent in the enrollment of National Merit Scholars. Last year’s freshman class boasted an average GPA of 3.53.

Research with impact

MSU emphasizes the development of practical ways that new knowledge can be applied to address complex societal problems. The university’s world-renowned research spans from plant biotechnology to nuclear physics to K-12 education. One reason MSU excels at identifying practical, innovative approaches to emerging needs is its long tradition of multidisciplinary, cross-disciplinary thinking and collaboration. This approach applies not only to the sciences, but also to the arts, humanities, and other disciplines. Breakthrough discoveries include:

• Developing the process used to homogenize milk
• Discovering Cisplatin and Carboplatin, two of the world’s leading anti-cancer drugs
• Identifying a gene found in plants that helps them resist extremely cold temperatures
• Introducing and advancing the concept of community policing

Global perspective

Thinking globally always has been a priority at MSU. The university is recognized in the international community for its work in many areas, including basic human needs, education, international trade, sustainable agriculture, human and animal health and welfare, and the environment.

• In 1956, MSU was the first major university in the United States with a dean of international programs.
• More than 1,000 faculty members are currently involved in international research, teaching, and service projects and programs.
• MSU’s Study Abroad program is second largest of any single-campus university in the nation and offers more than 150 programs in more than 50 countries

A great place to be

MSU is among the most beautiful academic settings in the United States. It is adjacent to downtown East Lansing, which bills itself as the "unbeatable combination of small-town atmosphere and cosmopolitan sophistication."

• 5,200-acre campus, including 2,000 acres of existing or planned development
• Culturally rich and diverse
• On-campus performing arts center, art museum, and natural history museum
• Highly competitive intercollegiate athletics program

Deep roots, world-class stature

At its founding in 1855, MSU was an experiment in higher learning, offering an education that was both liberal and practical. That land-grant philosophy still remains central to MSU’s mission but has evolved beyond agriculture and engineering to encompass such fields as health, human relations, business, science, fine arts, communication, education, and government. MSU is known and appreciated as a place and a community that makes a difference in the world every day by advancing knowledge and transforming lives.

For international admissions information, visit http://www.admis.msu.edu/

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