Michigan State University - Academics

Quick Stats

College Prowler Take

Michigan State University has an excellent academic reputation. Many people consider MSU’s business, education, communication, veterinary, mathematics, journalism, and engineering majors to be the most successful at transforming students into future scholars and leaders. Most students find the professors at MSU helpful and approachable. However, many students find that it can be difficult to vie for a professor’s attention in some of the University’s crowded required classes. Just like any school, there are two types of professors at MSU: there are some that really want students to learn as much as they can from the course; and then there are a few that don’t mind lecturing for two hours in a monotonous tone, to a classroom filled with students either half awake or working on a crossword puzzle in the newspaper.

One thing students from all colleges can agree on is that, when they come to MSU, they better be prepared to work hard and make their studies a priority. If they want to survive four years of attending MSU, the best advice is to grab a pen and notebook and pay attention in class. Usually the professors are more than willing to answer any questions before or after class—but be warned, very few professors, if any, will spoon-feed students course material. The initial plunge into college courses can be quite intimidating at first, but there are plenty of resources available on MSU’s campus to help new students adjust to college academics. Take advantage of office hours and help sessions, and create study groups to survive university requirements. Also, try to do as much research on professors and courses as possible before enrolling in classes. The advantage of attending such a large school is that there are plenty of other students who can offer advice about the class. With over 5,000 faculty and academic staff members, students are bound to find at least a few inspiring professors.

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Students Speak Out

Polenbre says: Michigan State University 2011 Psychology

Do Your Homework... on Your Professors B+ I've rarely had a bad professor because I research them prior to signing up for class. A website, www.allmsu.com, allows students to rate a professor (only once to detour multiple ratings by single user) which will tell you what you can expect from the professor in a particular class. If I get to class and I realize the professor and I will just not click, MSU gives you about three weeks to decide to drop the course for a full refund. 12345 Academics: February 14, 2010 Report

pietrusi says: Michigan State University 2012 Social Sciences

solid academics A- I am in a residential college at MSU. I love it-the professors are more than willing to help students in and out of class, the class material is interesting and the professors really make an effort to know their students (one professor even invited us to eat dinner and watch a class-related movie at her house). MSU academics overall are pretty good, especially once you get past the large lecture hall-sized classes with TAs (primarily for general ed classes) and get into classes for your major. 12345 Academics: January 01, 2010 Report

Anonymous says:

It’s like high school. There are... It’s like high school. There are good instructors and there are also bad ones. Most of my classes are pretty interesting, but they are only as good as the instructor. Ask your friends which ones were great and which ones to avoid. 12345 Academics Report

Anonymous says:

All of my teachers had office... All of my teachers had office hours that made them easily accessible for me. They’re required to have three office hours a week, I believe, and were willing to set up appointments to provide additional help if necessary. I think they’re pretty good. 12345 Academics Report

Anonymous says:

Overall, the teachers at this... Overall, the teachers at this university are pretty good. However, they can vary in their English-speaking skills and teaching methods such that two different sections of the exact same class could be completely different. I find my classes very interesting because they’re becoming more specialized. 12345 Academics Report

Facts

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