As an online master’s student at the College of Education, you’re part of a worldwide network of educators, administrators, coaches, and community leaders who are dedicated to the pursuit of professional excellence. While you may not be joining us on campus, we are glad you’re here.
Online students are a vital part of the college, and our faculty and staff take the responsibility of assisting your intellectual and professional aspirations seriously. Below you will find a series of resources to support you on your academic journey at MSU.
Thank you for being a part of the College of Education.
D2L
How to Access D2L
After you have activated your MSU NetID, you can begin using student.msu.edu to enroll in classes, view your course schedule, pay your bill, track your financial aid, change your address, and view your account details.
One you’re enrolled, your courses can be found in Desire2Learn (or D2L). This is the University’s online course management system for communications, assignments, and course content:
- Navigate to D2L, click Login and enter your NetID (your username before @msu.edu) and password.
- Courses will show up under My Courses on the homepage if they have been made active by the course instructor.
- To access course content, click on the course tile.
Be sure that you can log in to D2L prior to the start of your course, but please note that your courses may not be available until the start date.
Getting Started with D2L Course
Need some help navigating D2L? While it’s important to note that each course will have a different format and requirements, this D2L training course, Students – Getting Started with D2L, can help you familiarize yourself with the system. It contains documentation and video tutorials covering the most commonly used aspects of the D2L Brightspace Learning Environment as well as success tips and practice activities to complete.
This free, online course takes between one to three hours to complete. Register for Getting Started with D2L via D2L
MSU Tools and Technologies Course
The MSU Tools and Technologies Course (via D2L) will guide you through the basics of many of the core technologies available to MSU students and includes information specific to using D2L.
Register for MSU Tools and Technologies via D2L
Upcoming & Previously Recorded Webinars
MSU IT offers an ongoing series of live webinars for students.
Check out previously recorded events through the Mediaspace links below:
- D2L Basics for Students (via Mediaspace)
- Student Tools & Technologies (via Mediaspace)
I Need Help With D2L
If you have trouble logging in or cannot access your course on or after the start date, MSU IT is available 24/7 to offer support via online chat or phone: at (517) 432-6200 or toll-free (844) 678-6200.
Academic Resources
MSU Libraries
Check out MSU Libraries’ catalog of online and distance learning resources. Have questions? Send an email (responses within two business days) or use a 24/7 online chat service.
The Graduate School
The Graduate School supports graduate students in every program at MSU. Find news and upcoming events (some of which can be access virtually) on their website, along with information on graduate student life.
The Writing Center
The Writing Center at Michigan State University provides one-on-one and group writing consultations, various writing-specific workshops, as well as writing groups for graduate students and faculty. Schedule a one-on-one online consultation via The Writing Center website.
Resources Center for Persons with Disabilities
All MSU students can access resources, including assistive technologies. If you have an identified learning disability, you can also register with the RCPD office and officially document your need for accommodations.
Online Academic Training for International Students
This online course from the Michigan State University English Language Center is designed to help international students transition to studying at a U.S. university.
Mental Health Support for Online Students
Accessing Mental Health Services
This PDF from Counseling & Psychiatric Services (CAPS) highlights a few ways students can get connected to on- and off-campus services that are right for them.
CAPS offers over-the-phone and in-person appointments to help connect students to counseling and psychiatric resources within their local community. To schedule an appointment, please call (517) 355-8270 and ask to be connected with a referral specialist.
CAPS Connect provides a place to talk about concerns like stress, difficulty adjusting to school, academic concerns, family and relationship issues, financial concerns, sadness and more. You can have someone listen to you and offer support, or you may prefer to receive expert suggestions about solutions and resources. Students should sign up in advance at caps.msu.edu/services.
24/7 Virtual Crisis Counseling
Students can call Counseling & Psychiatric Services (CAPS) at (517) 355-8270 and press “1” at the prompt to speak with a crisis counselor anytime.
Stress & Anxiety
Need to relieve anxiety and stress for the short-term? Try these suggestions from Counseling & Psychiatric Services . You may also find their virtual self care kit (PDF) helpful.
Online Assessments
Online assessments can help you understand the issues/concerns that you are experiencing. Online mental health screening tools can be found on the Mental Health America website.
Podcasts & Prerecorded Videos
CAPS experts have recorded podcasts and videos that you can access any time! Topics include gratitude, coping with COVID-19, coping with adjustments, couples dynamics, mindfulness, self-care and more. Popular recordings include:
- Self Care for Graduate Students by Caitlin Riley, LMSW (pre-recorded PowerPoint presentation)
- Coping with Adjustment by Martez Burks, PH.D. and Sarah Fay-Simons, LMSW (pre-recorded PowerPoint presentation w/presenters present)
- Coping with COVID-19 – Part 1 – Part 2 – Part 3 – by Zhenshan Zhong, Dr. Jimmy Bruce and Dr. Yvonne Connelly (pre-recorded PowerPoint presentation w/ presenters present)
- Exploring Gratitude by Jeff Baker, LLPC and Silvia G. Leija, M.S., LMFT (podcast)
- Gratitude Meditation by Silvia G. Leija, M.S., LMFT (podcast)
- Mindfulness Skills (Breathing) by Jeffery Boyce, LLBSW (podcast)
- Exploring Couple Dynamics (Pt.1) by Ginny Blakely, LMSW and Jessica Mitchell-Corsino, PhD, LP
Graduate Student Life
Graduate Student Life & Wellness
Visit the Graduate Student Life & Wellness website for tools, resources, and programs to not only help you succeed but even make gains in your health and wellness while you are here at Michigan State.
Council of Graduate Students
The Council of Graduate Students (COGS) is dedicated to advancing the well-being and professional interests of graduate and professional students at Michigan State University.
Institutional Diversity & Inclusion
MSU offers a variety of resources to help the community increase awareness and identify ways to support an inclusive campus. This collection of online resources (via the Institutional Diversity and Inclusion website) has been created by various programs and departments across the university.
Find the Council of Graduate Students Diversity and Inclusion resources on their website.
Student Organizations
Looking to connect with other students? Want to join a student organization? Want to start a new registered student organization? Graduate and Professional students have many opportunities to engage. Visit Involve@State to explore the university’s student organizations.
The Gender and Sexuality Campus Center
The Gender and Sexuality Campus Center is a student-centered campus resource that works to celebrate, affirm, and empower LGBTQIA2S+ members of the Michigan State University community.