Frequently Asked Questions
General Information
What is the major code and degree name for the online MAED Program?
The major code is 2294; and the degree title is Master of Arts in Education.
When will I hear about my admission status?
Typically, you will hear from us four to six weeks after the admission deadline.
Will I receive a regular MSU diploma upon completion of the program?
Yes. For more information, please visit the Diploma's section of the Program Description page by clicking here.
How many courses should I take in my first semester?
Please visit the Course Load's section of the New Students page by clicking here.
How long do most MAED candidates take to complete their academic program?
Completion is dependent upon how many courses a student takes each semester. Two courses per semester is a full load for working educators, but some students begin with one course. Most students complete their program in 2 1/2 years. All course work and degree requirements must be completed in five years.
When will I be assigned an academic advisor?
Once admitted to the online MAED program, students will be assigned an advisor. If you have any questions about the program, first review this FAQ page. If you cannot find an answer to your question(s), please e-mail the online MAED advisor, John Olle, at ollejohn@msu.edu.
How do I set up my MSU e-mail account?
Please visit the Set Up Your MSUNetID (E-mail) Account's section of the New Students page by clicking here.
How and when do I register for courses?
Please visit the New Students page by clicking here.
How and when do I access my class?
Please visit the Access Your Class(es)'s section of the New Students page by clicking here.
Where can I access the Program Planning Form?
Click here to download the Program Planning Form.
May I change my course selection after I submit my MAED program plan?
Yes. Changes may be made with the approval of your academic advisor, John Olle.
Where can I get my grades, class schedules, billing information, account detail, etc?
Visit STUINFO by clicking here.
Do I need to use my MSU e-mail account?
Your MSU e-mail address is the only e-mail address that the university will use to send official communication to students. However, you can auto-forward all incoming e-mails, including those tagged as spam, to another service or account. Click on "MSU Prefs" in the sidebar menu to access this setting.
Graduation Information
Do I need to apply to graduate?
Yes. The first week of the semester you expect to graduate, submit the graduation application. If you expect to graduate in the summer, submit this application in the first week of spring.
Where do I find information about commencement?
Go to the MSU Commencement website at http://commencement.msu.edu/
My employer is requesting that I obtain documentation of degree completion. How do I do this?
For complete information, please download the How to Obtain Documentation of Degree Completion memo here.
Transfer Credit
Can I transfer previously taken credits into this program?
Yes. Students may transfer a total of nine credits of M.A. level work taken prior to admission to the program; however, once you begin taking MA courses online, all remaining course work must be taken online. Also, all course work must be no older than five years at the time of graduation.
What are the criteria for transferring credit to the MAED program?
For courses to transfer:
- A grade of 3.0 or better must have been earned
- The course(s) must be graduate level
- The course(s) may not have been used towards another degree
- The course(s) must be no older than five years at the time of graduation
- The course must meet degree requirements as approved by the MAED advisor
- The course must be from another similarly accredited institution
- The course must be taken prior to admission to the MAED program
How many of my MSU internship credits can transfer into the MAED, and how do I get them transferred?
Nine of your internship credits may be used: TE, CEP, or KIN 802, 803, and 804 courses. They will be automatically transferred upon your admission to the MAED program. To be used toward program requirements, they must be no older than five years at the time of graduation.
What do I need to do to have my transfer credits evaluated?
Transfer credits are evaluated by your academic advisor, John Olle, after you have been admitted to the program. To begin this process, send a copy of the course description, syllabus, and an official transcript to:
John P. Olle, Academic Advisor
M. A. in Education Program
Michigan State University
Office of Academic Outreach Programs
253 Erickson Hall
East Lansing, MI 48824
This process may take several weeks. You will be able to see if the transfer credits are approved at STUINFO. If the credits are not approved, John Olle will be in touch with you regarding that decision.
Teacher and Administrator Certification and Endorsement
How does the MAED apply to Michigan teaching certificate requirements for renewal and professional certification?
For Michigan certified teachers and teachers certified in other states seeking Michigan certification, the MAED qualifies as a planned program of study, which is one requirement toward Michigan renewal and professional certification. However, this program is not designed to provide State of Michigan endorsement nor initial teacher certification. For more information about certification and endorsement, please visit the Certification's section of the College of Education web site by clicking here.
Teachers who are not certified in Michigan and wish to use the MAED for renewal in their home state should contact their bachelor's certification institution or state department of education for further information.
What courses do I need to take to meet the Michigan Reading course requirement?
For information on the Public Act 118 of 2006, New Reading Requirement for Teachers holding the Provisional Teaching Certificate, please visit the New Reading Requirement page on the College of Education web site by clicking here.
What courses do I need to take to meet voluntary Michigan School Administrator Certification and Endorsements?
Eligibility requirements regarding administrative certification and endorsements through MSU can be found at the Department of Educational Administration web site. For more information, please visit this page by clicking here.
Financial Aid/Tuition
Who is eligible for Financial Aid?
To be eligible to file the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and qualify for federal grants and loans, you must be a U.S. citizen or eligible non-citizen. For complete information on eligibility, please visit the Eligibility page of the Financial Aid web site by clicking here.
How many credits must I take in order to receive my financial aid?
You must enroll for a minimum of five credits. Please contact the Office of Financial Aid for additional information at http://finaid.msu.edu/.
Do out-of-state students need to pay out-of-state tuition?
No. Tuition for online MAED candidates is the same for all students regardless of residency. Beginning Fall 2009, the cost for all degree candidates is $615 per credit.
How do VA benefits apply to the MAED?
VA benefits apply to the MAED like all other graduate degree programs. Questions regarding VA benefits may be directed to the Joann Villarreal in Registrar's office at villarr4@msu.edu.
How do I know when to pay my tuition?
The MSU Business Office will send a notice to your MSU e-mail address when your tuition invoice is available on STUNIFO at http://stuinfo.msu.edu/. For an estimate on when you will receive the e-mail, check the Billing and Fee Payment Schedule webpage on website of the Controller's Office.
International Students
Do I need a diploma or a bachelor's equivalent to apply to this program?
Applicants must possess a U.S bachelor's degree or its equivalent from an accredited institution with a minimum 3.0 overall grade point average.
Do international students need to pay out-of-state tuition?
No. Tuition for online MAED degree candidates is the same for all students regardless of residency. Beginning Fall 2009, the cost for all degree candidates is $615 per credit.
Are there language proficiency requirements?
Yes. For more information, please visit the Basic Requirements to be Considered for Admission's section of the Application Process page by clicking here.
If I am an international student, do I need to obtain a student visa and submit a statement of financial proof when applying to the MAED program?
No. Inasmuch as you will not be entering the United States to study, neither is required.
As an international student, can I get Federal Financial Aid?
Students must be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident to get Federal Financial Aid.