International Student Resources

Increasingly, international students find a home in K-12 Educational Administration for their masters and doctoral studies. Currently enrolled Educational Administration (K-12 and HALE) students come from around the globe including Pakistan, Cambodia, Kenya, Indonesia, China, Viet Nam, and Mexico. Study in our programs introduces international students to educational policy formulation and enactment; organization and management of public, private, and charter schools; and ways in which administrative leaders and teacher leaders encourage instructional improvement.

For specific information on each program, visit their application information for international students:

• Masters Degree
• Ph.D Degree
• ED.D Degree

K-12 Opportunities

International students join cohorts that include diverse students, many of whom remain full time educational practitioners. Internships and research field placements, as well as relationships with cohort members, afford students opportunities to spend time in local schools. The K-12 department can put prospective students in touch with a student ambassador, who will be happy to provide information. A student organization, ComUNITY, provides social and academic support and opportunity to international students.

Reciprocity regulations for Michigan State University

Hybrid, on-line, and off campus programs are considered “distance-learning” programs. Michigan State University arranges reciprocity agreements with other states. There are some restrictions, however, of which prospective students should be aware.

State Authorization

The U.S. Department of Education requires an institution offering distance education programs to acquire authorization from the states in which it operates. Specific regulations vary from state to state.

Michigan State University is not seeking authorization in Arkansas or Maryland. Students whose resident address is in Arkansas or Maryland at the time of application for admission to Michigan State University are not eligible to apply to MSU online programs.

Students whose resident address at the time of application for admission to Michigan State University is in one of the following states are eligible to apply to MSU online programs, but they should note the following disclaimers.

Alabama ‐ State authorization to provide a program related to the preparation of teachers or other P‐12 school/system personnel does not indicate eligibility for an Alabama certificate. Applicants for an Alabama certificate based on reciprocity must meet Alabama’s test requirements and submit a valid, renewable professional educator certificate/license issued by another state at the degree level, grade level, and in the teaching field or area of instructional support for which an Alabama certificate is sought and for which Alabama issues a certificate. Applicants for Alabama certification in an area of administration must also document at least three years of full‐time employment as an administrator in a P‐12 school system(s). ‐ alsde.edu.

Louisiana ‐ Michigan State University is currently licensed by the Board of Regents of the State of Louisiana. Licenses are renewed by the State Board of Regents every two years. Licensed institutions have met minimal operational standards set forth by the state, but licensure does not constitute accreditation, guarantee the transferability of credit, nor signify that programs are certifiable by any professional agency or organization.

Minnesota ‐ Michigan State University is registered as a private institution with the Minnesota Office of Higher Education pursuant to sections 136A.61 to 136A.71. Registration is not an endorsement of the institution. Credits earned at the institution may not transfer to all other institutions.

For additional information, please visit the Academics Program catalog and the State Authorization page.

Up-to-date authorization by state map.

Can I transfer unused masters credits from another University?

Increasingly, international students find a home in K-12 Educational Administration for their masters and doctoral studies. Currently enrolled Educational Administration (K-12 and HALE) students come from around the globe including Pakistan, Cambodia, Kenya, Indonesia, China, Viet Nam, and Mexico. Study in our programs introduces international students to educational policy formulation and enactment; organization and management of public, private, and charter schools; and ways in which administrative leaders and teacher leaders encourage instructional improvement.

I have “Life Long Learner” or “Graduate Certificate” credits. Can I apply them to the MA in K-12 Administration degree program?

“Life long learner” and “Graduate certificate” are registration categories used when students who are not admitted into any degree program take a class at MSU. Student may transfer no more than 10 credits total from life long learner and/or graduate certificate and/or other university course work. In other words, students must earn a minimum of 20 credits as admitted degree program students. Credits transferred into a degree program cannot be more than 5 years old at the time a student completes (not enters) his or her MA degree program. ** Students are warned that MSU’s registration system allows individuals to register for classes without being an admitted degree program student. Do not make the mistake of thinking that because you succeed in registering for classes and taking classes that you are therefore admitted. You must apply to the program and be accepted. You will not be able to transfer more than 10 credits taken before being admitted (i.e. under Life Long or Graduate Certificate status) into your MA in K-12 Administration degree.

I graduated from MSU’s 5th year Teacher Intern program. How many credits may I transfer?

The K-12 Administration program accepts 6 credits from MSU student’s 5th year teacher intern program.

What are PID and PAN numbers and are they important?

A PID is your student identification number at Michigan State University. Use of the PID eliminates using your social security number. A PAN is your 4 digit code for registering for classes. Do not share these numbers with others. Visit their website to get information on how to activate your account:

Is there a time limit for earning this degree?

The time limit policy for masters degree set by the Graduate School of Michigan State University is 5 years. The 5-year window begins with the date of the earliest credits in the degree program; this includes any transfer, Life Long or Graduate Certificate credits transferred into the degree program. Students who encounter events that make it difficult to complete the degree within 5 years can speak to their advisor about applying for a time extension. In general, extensions are considered for students who graduated from MSU’s 5th year Teacher Internship program and for students who take medical, maternity or paternity leave during the program.

I have a non-EAD Masters degree and want to earn the Central Office Endorsement. What do I do?

Meet with a program advisor to consider how you might jointly earn the School Administrator Certificate and the Central Office Endorsement through an expanded Ed.S or Ph.D degree program.

I earned an Ed.S. or Ph.D in K-12 Administration in 1996 or later. Can I apply for the Central Office Endorsement?

You must first hold School Administrator Certification. Also, we are awaiting standards for awarding Central Office Administrators from the Michigan Department of Education.

I earned administrator certification in another state. Can I apply for the School Administrator Certificate in Michigan?

You must contact the Michigan Department of Education directly to learn how to apply for administrator certifications or endorsements as an out-of-state applicant. Michigan State University can only make certification recommendations for its own graduates. For more information, please visit michigan.gov/som