The College of Arts & Letters has instituted a one-year pause in admissions to most graduate programs for Academic Year 2026–2027. This proactive and community-centered decision was made in coordination with university leadership to align the college’s academic and financial planning with university-wide sustainability goals.
This temporary pause demonstrates our commitment to supporting our community while strengthening graduate programs for long-term sustainability and innovation. During this time, the college will continue to evaluate its programs to ensure they remain vibrant, equitable, and responsive to the needs of current and future students.
Programs that will still be admitting students during 2026–27 include:
- M.A. in Nonprofit Leadership, Global Cultures, and Social Enterprise
- M.A. in Foreign Language Teaching
- M.A. in Arts, Cultural Management & Museum Studies
- M.A. in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages
- M.F.A. in Theatre (pausing admission for the 2027-28 academic year)
Graduate admissions for all other programs will resume in Fall 2026 for Academic Year 2027–2028.
If you have questions or would like more information, please contact the College of Arts & Letters Graduate Program you are interested in.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How long is the pause?
We are planning to pause graduate admissions for one academic year (2026–2027). Admissions will resume in Fall 2026 for the 2027–2028 Academic Year.
2. Why is this happening?
This decision supports the long-term sustainability of graduate education in the College of Arts & Letters. It allows the college to align academic and financial planning with university-wide goals and ensures that all programs remain strong, innovative, and well-resourced.
3. Does this mean programs are being cut?
No. Programs are not being cut. This is a temporary, proactive measure that provides time to assess and strengthen graduate programs to ensure their continued excellence, equity, and sustainability.
4. How does the graduate admissions pause impact current students?
Current graduate students are not affected by the pause. All funding, mentorship, and program support will continue without interruption in accordance with their original offers of admission.
5. Which programs are continuing to admit students?
Two graduate programs will continue to admit students during the pause:
- M.A. in Nonprofit Leadership, Global Cultures, and Social Enterprise
- M.A. in Foreign Language Teaching
- M.A. in Arts, Cultural Management & Museum Studies
- M.A. in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages
- M.F.A. in Theatre (pausing admission for the 2027-28 academic year)
Other programs that are externally funded or revenue-based may continue limited admissions on a case-by-case basis.
6. Can students defer admission?
Yes. Deferrals to Fall 2027 may be offered on a case-by-case basis with approval from the program and the college. Prospective students should contact the program directly to discuss individual circumstances.
7. How will prospective students stay informed?
The College of Arts & Letters will continue to capture and respond to inquiries throughout the pause. Prospective students can stay connected by contacting the graduate program of interest for updates on when admissions reopen.
8. What is the college doing during this pause?
- Conduct a comprehensive review of all graduate programs.
- Align resources to ensure academic excellence and financial sustainability.
- Strengthen student support systems and recruitment strategies.
- Plan for a robust relaunch of graduate admissions in Fall 2026.
9. How is the College coordinating with the university?
The College of Arts & Letters is working closely with the MSU Graduate School, University Graduate Admissions, and University Leadership to ensure alignment in messaging, procedures, and student communications across campus.
10. What does this mean for future applicants?
Prospective students are encouraged to stay connected during the pause. The college will continue to respond to inquiries, share updates, and maintain engagement with those interested in applying for the 2027–2028 Academic Year.
11. Will this affect the reputation of CAL graduate programs?
No. The college’s graduate programs remain among the most respected and nationally recognized at Michigan State University and across the Big Ten. The pause reflects a strategic investment in their future strength and excellence, not a reduction in their quality or importance.
12. What are the next steps?
Graduate admissions is planned to resume in Fall 2026 for most programs. During this time, the college will communicate regularly with faculty, staff, and prospective students to share updates about the relaunch process and opportunities for engagement.