Prospective Students
What is the difference between the HALE MA and SAA MA programs?
The HALE MA program is a 30-credit hour, 100% online program that promotes professional development among those working in higher, adult, and lifelong education in a variety of local, national, and international settings, including colleges and universities, public and nonprofit agencies, as well as private industry. The SAA MA program is 40-credit hour, cohort-based program providing students the knowledge and skills to work with postsecondary education students and to cultivate educational environments promoting diversity and multiculturalism.
How can I speak with faculty and current students about the HALE M.A. program?
You may email our HALE M.A. ambassador or email haleadm@msu.edu to request a meeting with a faculty member.
Can I transfer courses?
HALE Credit Transfer Policy
Policies regarding credit transfer can be found in MSU’s Academic Programs Catalog on the webpage of the Office of the Registrar. With approval of the College and the student’s academic advisor, as many as nine (9) semester credits of graduate course work may be transferred into HALE affiliated degree programs from postsecondary accredited institutions (including MSU graduate courses and Lifelong Education credits) if they are appropriate to a student’s program.
HALE affiliated degree programs do not accept transfer credits for courses that are designated as core required courses. Courses proposed for transfer into a HALE affiliated degree program will be evaluated on a case by case basis with the following criteria, as applicable.
The course must meet the following three criteria:
- the course has not been used toward the completion of another degree;
- the course must have at least a 3.0 grade or its equivalent; and
- the course was completed within the time limits approved for the earning of the degree.
The course must also meet one of the following criteria:
- the course currently does not exist at MSU and fulfills the student’s program plan as an elective course; or
- the course is equivalent to an elective course currently offered at MSU.
To request a transfer of credits, a Credit Evaluation form must be completed, signed by the student’s academic advisor, and submitted to the HALE Administrative Assistant along with an official copy of the transcript listing the course. Unofficial transcripts or those stamped “issued to student” will not be accepted.
There is no guarantee that requested transfer credits will be accepted toward HALE affiliated degrees.
How long does it take to complete the HALE M.A. program?
The time limit for the completion of the HALE M.A. degree is five (5) calendar years from the date of enrollment in the first course. Full-time students typically graduate in two (2) years. Part-time students typically graduate in three (3) years.
Is there a cohort?
Given that the HALE MA program a 100% online program, and because most of our students are working full time as professionals, the HALE MA program is self-paced, and does not consist of a cohort model.
How are classes taught?
All classes are taught 100% online. Given the diversity of interests and philosophies in teaching, HALE MA instructors independently choose the mode of online instruction to best suit their subject.
When will I be assigned an advisor?
You will receive an advisor at the time of admission.
Are there funding opportunities/graduate assistantships for HALE M.A. students?
Given that the HALE MA program a 100% online program, and because most of our students are working full time as professionals, we do not connect students to GA or internship experiences with the department. Students who wish to pursue GA and/or internship experiences must look for those opportunities through the Graduate School, or through other institutions. Students are encouraged to apply for FAFSA (if eligible), connect with the Office of Financial Aid, the Graduate School, and/or the Office for International Student and Scholars, and peruse the College of Education’s Graduate Student Scholarships webpage for funding resources.
Q. What is a “Conviction Disclosure Form” and do I need to submit one?
If on the Graduate Application you checked “Yes” to the question: “Have you ever been convicted of a criminal offense (including in juvenile court) other than a minor traffic violation, or are there criminal charges pending against you at this time?”
The College of Education, in an effort to protect your privacy, requires that you submit a College of Education “Conviction Disclosure Form” to our Assistant Dean for Student Affairs, Susan Dalebout, versus uploading the form to the Graduate Application Portal. The form can be emailed to sdd@msu.edu or mailed to:
Dr. Susan Dalebout
College of Education Student Affairs Office
620 Farm Lane
Room 134 Erickson Hall
East Lansing, MI 48824
Current Students
How do I set up a MSU Mail account?
Go to netid.msu.edu to set up your MSU NetID and email account. Additional MSU technology resources are available at tech.msu.edu.
How do I enroll for classes?
You must have your MSU NetID and password or your PID and PAN to enroll. Students cannot access the enrollment system until their assigned appointment time. All holds must be cleared before enrolling. For more information, read about Enrollment Information.
How do I drop a course?
You can drop any course on the enrollment system through the middle of the term of instruction. To drop a course after the middle of the term, you must follow the regulations in the General Procedures and Regulations section of Academic Programs. If you wish to drop a course but have a hold, call the Registrar’s Office at (517) 355-3300 for assistance.
Where can I get my grades, class schedule, billing information, and account detail?
This information is available in your Stuinfo account.
Do I need to use my MSU email account?
The university will only use your MSU email address to send official communication. You may auto-forward all incoming email to another account.
Where can I find general resource information and technical support?
Visit academic resources.
For questions about D2L
Go to the D2l Help Website.
Where can I get help with my writing?
Support is available at the MSU Writing Center.