Information for Prospective Undergraduate Students
Welcome! We're glad you're considering a major in the College of Arts and Letters.
College of Arts and Letters Undergraduate Programs [PDF]
This booklet includes descriptions of our undergraduate degree programs, interdisciplinary programs, specializations, and teacher certification programs; it also provides a complete contact list for programs and departments. If you would prefer to receive a printed copy, we would be happy to mail one to you; please contact the college's Student Affairs Office at (517) 355-0366.
Humanities
More than any other type of undergraduate education, the humanities disciplines encourage students to indulge their intellectual curiosity with a wide array of academic experiences. Students who select traditional humanities within the College of Arts and Letters personalize their programs of study through their selection of foreign language and cognate areas of study. Thus, no two students emerge with exactly the same collection of coursework. For example, one student who majors in English might select German to meet the language requirement and complete cognates in computer science and philosophy. Another English major might select Portuguese for the language requirement and develop cognates in economics and resource development. Although they both graduate with a Bachelor of Arts degree in English--with the fundamental skills that appeal to many employers--they have very different academic frames of reference. Using this flexibility wisely allows students to position themselves well for the opportunities of their choice.
Performing and Visual Arts
Pograms in art, music, and theatre are designed to give students a broad foundation in their primary field and focused development in their particular area of interest. MSU prides itself on excellent facilities for the arts and regularly attracts outstanding performers and guest faculty to campus. Students in the creative arts enjoy small classes and individual guidance from expert instructors.
Our Degree Programs
(* = majors approved for secondary teacher certification)
American History and Culture
American Studies (BA)
Art, Art History, Visual Culture
Art Education (BFA)*
Art History and Visual Culture (BA)
Studio Art (BA)
Studio Art (BFA)
English, Professional Writing
English (BA)* (options available in Film Studies and Creative Writing)
Professional Writing (BA)
Humanities
Interdisciplinary Humanities (BA)
Humanities–Pre-law (BA)
Languages
Classical Studies (BA)
East Asian Languages and Literature (BA)*
French (BA)*
German (BA)*
Russian (BA)*
Spanish (BA)*
Linguistics
Linguistics (BA)
Philosophy
Philosophy (BA)
Religious Studies
Religious Studies (BA)
Theatre
Theatre (BA)
Specializations are available in American Indian Studies, Cognitive Science,
Dance, Film Studies, Jewish Studies, Museum Studies, Russian and East European Studies, and Women, Gender, and Social Justice.
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SCHOLARSHIP OPPORTUNITIES
Did you know that more than $4 million is awarded in scholarship assistance to MSU students each year? Michigan State University is proud of its extensive program of merit-based scholarships. Admitted students are automatically considered for scholarships, and in most instances no additional applications are required. For maximum scholarship consideration, apply for admission early in the fall. Check out the scholarships available to incoming students.
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