Michigan State University

From Ice Cream to Isotopes…My visit to Michigan State University

By: Dori Middlebrook

I arrived in a blizzard with flight delays to Detroit airport; this was my welcome to the state of Michigan and my first visit to Michigan State University. I viewed this as my chance to imagine life as a student from California at MSU. The hour plus drive from the airport was challenging with lots of snow, fortunately I wasn't driving. That night East Lansing received 8-10 inches of snow and I awoke to a winter wonderland and a campus blanketed in snow, including the bikes that had just been ridden days earlier in 55 degree weather. Bundled up, our small group of counselors set off with the guidance of our regional college admissions representative.


We spent two full days covering the extremely large campus (I believe it was quoted to be the largest land grant university in terms of acreage). Our days included a sampling at multiple dining halls to give us exposure to the food being eaten by students on campus (this is where the ice cream comes in, made on campus and sold at the Dairy Store). Our hosts introduced us to a range of programs, some unique to MSU and many focused on opportunities that would allow students to make this very large, 50,000 undergraduates campus, feel a little smaller and more personal.


Criminal Justice- a program that prepares students for a range of careers in law enforcement. Students in this major can participate in the "Inside Out Program" where they visit a prison and take university courses alongside inmates. Through a restorative justice course they are able to counsel inmates to prepare them for life outside. Every class taken exposes students to the legal ramifications of a poor decision. This program is not recommended for students with an interest in a masters' degree in forensics but it is a great option if you are considering a law degree.

MSU has three unique Residential Colleges where students live and take classes with the students they live alongside while connecting with professors and advisors right in their dorm. James Madison College is for students interested in Government, Politics, Pre-Law and critical and analytical thinking. Arts & Humanities College only has one major "Arts and Humanities," these students typically have multiple interests and are trying to figure out how all the interests come together. Lyman Briggs College is science specific and includes a Philosophy and Sociology of Sciences class that helps students think about science in a non-science way. These residential colleges provide the benefits of the large university but connect students in a smaller living and learning environment.


The Broad College of Business has recently added a residential community that includes first year seminars, a learning commons, mentoring from upper classmen, research opportunities and encouragement to begin thinking about diversity and global learning early on. New programs include advising and opportunities in the Financial Markets Institute and Management Consulting Institute to help prepare students with interests in these areas for summer internship opportunities.
The College of Arts & Letters includes programs in Film Studies (critique and history of film or a minor in documentaries), Apparel & Textile Design, Experience Architecture (an interdisciplinary program) and many others. Recently developed is a new selective program called Citizen Scholars that works with students to create leaders, encourage activities outside of the classroom, provide small group interaction with professors and opportunities to study abroad or study away. Students are eligible for a $5,000 scholarship as a part of this program.

Social Science Scholars selects 20 students each year for a prestigious program with resources for a wide range of opportunities. Students are taught to express themselves clearly and precisely and how to research. Scholars are connected with faculty and identify a research topic to complete during their second year. All students are also given a community mentor to provide advice, networking opportunities and internships. A full time counselor is available to the scholars, as is a common room for studying. The application and selection process is highly competitive.

Incoming freshmen have the opportunity to participate in a two-week Study Abroad experience and earn 3-MSU credits with an MSU professor, along with 30 other incoming students. What a great way to develop an immediate group of friends when you arrive on campus in the fall. All out of state students are eligible for a $3,500-$5,000 scholarship to study abroad, this can be used towards this program. 23% of students at MSU have a study abroad experience by the time they graduate.

MSU is home to one of the top and highly selective Veterinary Medicine schools. The 4-year Vet Tech (nurses for animals) program has recently been enhanced. The name will change soon to Veterinary Nursing across the nation. This is not a recommended pathway to Vet school but designed for students that want to be "animal nurses." Students can indicate their interest in the program coming from high school but will be required to take specific classes freshman year and then can begin applying to the program sophomore year. Applicants are required to have completed 80 hours of animal related experience, ideally in a clinic or hospital.

Now for the Isotopes… We were treated to a tour of the National Superconducting Cyclotron Laboratory and educated on the two Cyclotrons located at MSU and the nuclear physicists that are studying isotopes. While most of this was beyond my understanding it was incredible to hear that undergraduates have opportunities to be involved in this ground breaking research. Our tour guide had completed his undergraduate studies at MSU and has been working on his PhD studying nuclear structures and reactions.

Engineering Options are extensive with 10 majors and multiple concentrations. Prospective students will complete six math and science classes and earn a 2.0 or higher prior to applying to the Engineering program; students are not admitted directly into the program. All courses are taught by professors with TAs and graduate students in the labs and recitations. Engineering also has a living learning program which is strongly recommended to freshmen. 20% of the population in the College of Engineering is female, while the national average is only 16%. Students must have a career based experience prior to graduation. Engineering graduates have a 96-98% placement rate at graduation.

The Kinesiology department has recently been revamped with all programs falling under the Kinesiology major. Kinesiology is a science based program with four cognates. Students are required to take courses in Chemistry, Anatomy, Physiology, Physics, Research, Biomechanics, Sport Psychology, Growth & Motor Development, Sensory Motor Control, Adapted Physical Activity and First Aid. Athletic Training will now require a masters' degree to practice in this field; this is the case nationwide.

We wrapped up our visit at the basketball arena where we cheered alongside a sell-out crowd and enthusiastic Spartan supporters in the "Izzone". MSU won the game against Penn State and we were able to celebrate the victory alongside the players and their families outside of the locker room. Two days was not enough to deeply explore the extensive programs at MSU. I encourage out of state students to consider MSU for a personalized experience at a large state university.
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