The College of Arts & Letters at Michigan State University will pause admissions to most of its graduate programs for the 2026–2027 Academic Year, with a plan to resume admissions in Fall 2026 for the 2027–2028 Academic Year. 

This decision, made in coordination with university leadership, is part of a proactive and community-centered effort to ensure the long-term strength and sustainability of graduate education within the college. 

“We’re using this moment to invest in the future of graduate education at the College of Arts & Letters,” said Dean Thomas Stubblefield. “By focusing our resources and planning strategically, we are ensuring that our programs remain vibrant, innovative, and sustainable for years to come.” 

While most programs will temporarily pause admissions, two graduate programs will continue to admit students during this period: M.A. in Nonprofit Leadership, Global Cultures, and Social Enterprise and M.A. in Foreign Language Teaching (MAFLT). 

The College of Arts & Letters emphasizes that the pause is not a reflection of program quality or viability, but rather a strategic step to align academic and financial planning with university-wide goals. The decision allows the college to focus resources on supporting current students, faculty, and staff while strengthening the foundation for future growth. 

Current graduate students are not affected by the pause and will continue to receive full funding, mentorship, and academic support as outlined in their original offers of admission. 

“We’re using this moment to invest in the future of graduate education at the College of Arts & Letters. By focusing our resources and planning strategically, we are ensuring that our programs remain vibrant, innovative, and sustainable for years to come.” 

Thomas Stubblefield, Dean of the College of Arts & Letters

During the 2026–2027 Academic Year, the College of Arts & Letters will use the time to evaluate its graduate programs holistically, ensuring that they remain innovative, equitable, and sustainable. The college will also continue to engage with prospective students through regular updates, inquiry forms, and communication from individual programs. 

“This pause demonstrates our deep commitment to the people and programs that make graduate education in the arts and humanities so vital,” Stubblefield said. “It reflects a careful and forward-looking approach to sustaining the excellence and creativity that define our college.” 

For more information, including a list of programs affected by the pause and answers to frequently asked questions, visit the Graduate Admissions Pause Information Page.