Michigan State University Reviews

"An excellent program if you come in knowing what you want to do, and if what you want to do has an engaged component. Not a great fit for those who just generally like philosophy but don't have more particular interests, or who aren't interested in engaged implications of their work."

"I have a special case and am in an accelerated BS/MS program that I do my combined bachelor's and master's in 5 years total. Due to that, it is much quicker and is quite stressful. There isn't very much free time, but I expected it to be the case. My program isn't very well known, even to the people who created it, so sometimes that can be frustrating. Otherwise, I am glad I can choose this program to help me feel out what I'd like to do in the future."

"The faculty in the philosophy department are great. The faculty are generally engaging, understanding and true experts. The depth of their 'areas of specialization' corresponds well to the breadth of their 'areas of competence.' There is a general collegiality among my peers. The course offerings were great but it would have been nice if there was more than one course that every student had to take."

"As a graduate student I feel very supported. If I have questions about the program it is easy to find answers and help. If I need resources for research, meetings, academics they are available. My program has helped develop me professionally and personally. I appreciate all of the opportunities that I have as a graduate student at MSU."

"The program is intense student centered and offers diverse application of classwork to real life examples. The faculty is very is very committed."

"Great place to get an education. Faculty are very available and funding has not been an issue for me. I have learned a lot here, the program is competitive and the classes are enjoyable. The surrounding area is lacking fun things to do and it is hard to meet graduate students in other programs. In terms of career support, I have found the department to be a little lacking in that area but instructors are willing to help if you ask."

"Overall, the program is resting on its laurels and has stagnated over time. It has lost two prominent faculty members to infighting and is disorganized in its faculty and student support. Despite fresh leadership of the Department, there are serious issues with some faculty confusing their personal pursuits with what is best for the department. The past leadership of the department was solely driven by cronyism and was not interested in academic rigor in its appointment of faculty and the selection of some of its students. I wish the best for the department but I fear it may be on its last legs unless serious reforms are put into place.Read Less"

"Pros: * Good social atmosphere, easy to make friends * Professors are friendly and approachable to students * Full tuition waiver for teaching assistants Cons: * Analysis qualifying exam has been notoriously hard to pass * Sometimes some petty drama/politics between professors"

"Department was not honest with me about the likely hood of getting any other financial aid besides than student loans before accepting offer. The campus is difficult to navigate and the bureaucracy stifling. Campus is not as attractive as everyone seems to think. Other departments seem much better organized and funded."

"Lansing/East Lansing isn't a particularly lively, cultured, exciting place. Its generally pretty safe, though there are some parts to avoid and I don't like walking around at night alone on the more remote parts of campus (but that's where the cheap parking is). The faculty, physical resources, networking opportunities, and administrative support are outstanding. Food, drink, and housing are generally pretty cheap, especially coming from California."

"The Entomology department is a cohesive, collaborative unit, despite having faculty members in six buildings on campus (a con). In addition to within department collaborations there are many opportunities to work with other grad students and faculty in other units such as Integrative Biology, Molecular Biology, Plant Pathology and Horticulture. The Graduate School has excellent opportunities for grad students for professional development workshops, health and wellness, dissertation completion, etc.Read Less"

"I think one of the cons was lack of conference funding, though one of the pros is the responsiveness of faculty to student needs. In fact, they have already begun to address a number of the cons through an extensive project working with graduate students in the program to improve it."

"Leaving for college was one of the best things I did in regards to relationships with my family. The after affects off a five-year program at a public university has been a nightmare financially. My number one suggestion for high school students thinking about college is to advocate for one's self. A counselor is a useful tool to find out as much information as you can about loans, scholarships, and grants. It is in ones advantage not to be afraid to apply for various financial resources. Also, find out if your parents or relatives are able to help you out in any way financially, and talk with a parent or both about the expectation of loans. Having a plan can help you identify classes to initiate your scholarly career without hesitation. An undecided major is suitable in your freshman and sophomore year as one is already enrolled in a beneficial post-secondary education. Identifying if you can take classes at a community college near your university is an affordable resource with credits that can transfer. Summer classes also assisted my curriculum schedule to lighten my load when I was deciding between two majors. Balance is key when working with numerous classes and different workloads. Making financial mistakes of will occur while attending college and I regret not being more involved in the process of my financial situation that would precede graduation.Read Less"

"I had a wonderful experience, with caring but intellectually tough professors and a supportive grad student culture."

"Great classes, insightful teachers, clean and safe campus, nice town"

"Michigan State was a wonderful school and community. Those were some of the best years of my life and I wouldn't trade my time there or the education I received for anything."

"Highly recommend getting involved, joining clubs, attending sporting events,etc. It can be a bit overwhelming based on the size of campus and not knowing many people. Lots of opportunities to get out an meet people."

"Pros: The program is flexible. It accepts credits from a past degree. Academic advisors are timely and invested in your success. The workload is tough but seems reasonable. The degree in Educational Technology, has good networking abilities through the university. Cons: This program is not cheap, but it seems to be on par with others."

"Being a large university, and a Big 10 school there are so many different opportunities available from student clubs to majors/minors, and research projects that everyone can find their own niche here. Everywhere I go across the country and even abroad I always run into fellow Spartans, so there are extensive networking possibilities everywhere."

"MSU Law is a good value if you 1) have a generous scholarship and 2) intend to practice in Michigan or in an area where MSU has a good reputation. I was fortunate enough to make connections with people in places where I plan to practice thanks to my law clerk position (which MSU Law helped me land). The school's location near the state's capital is ideal, and the legal opportunities are endless if you are open minded and willing. To be frank, East Lansing and Lansing don't have much to offer in terms of a nightlife/social life, but it's not a metropolitan area, so I've learned to accept it for what it is. Besides, the environment is more conducive to studying. Attending MSU Law is truly what you make of it; take interesting courses but make sure you're well-equipped for the bar, gain legal experience by taking advantage of the school's location, and build strong and genuine connections with your peers, professors, and employers.Read Less"