University Advising
Office of Undergraduate Education
If you’re an Exploratory Preference (EXP) or Exploring Business Preference (EBP) student, University Advising is your advising office until you reach 56 credits (usually through your first two years). During this time, you’ll work with an advisor who helps you explore majors, choose classes, and stay on track for graduation.
Tip: Meet with your advisor at least once each semester—it’s the best way to make sure you’re on track and talk through any changes or questions.
Advising after you declare a major
Once you choose a major, you’ll get advising through the college that houses your major. All incoming students are introduced to their college advisor during New Student Orientation (NSO)—they’re your go-to for planning courses and connecting your major to career opportunities.
What is a major?
Your major is your main area of study. It’s what your degree will say when you graduate.
Check out all of MSU’s majors, degrees and programs.
What is a college?
Your college is a big academic division within MSU that houses related majors. Colleges provide:
- Faculty and resources for your major
- Degree requirements (courses, activities, experiences)
- Advisors who help you track progress and graduate on time
- Connection, community and pre- and post-graduation resources
Advising by college next steps
- Find your major: Can’t remember your major? Log into SIS at student.msu.edu. On your student homepage, your major is listed on the ‘Academic Progress’ tile.
- Connect with the college advisor of your major: Explore information on this page about MSU’s colleges and their degree offerings, with quick access to their advising resources.
- Make an appointment with your advisor: Log into SIS at student.msu.edu to schedule an appointment with your advisor. Watch this video tutorial to find out how.
Connect to college advising
College of Agriculture and Natural Resources
Focuses on food, health, and the environment.
Majors include: Animal Science, Crop & Soil Sciences, Environmental Studies, Forestry, Fisheries & Wildlife. Explore all majors.
College of Arts and Letters
Centers on creativity, culture, and communication.
Majors include: English, Professional Writing, Apparel & Textile Design, Art History, Linguistics, Philosophy, Women’s & Gender Studies. Explore all majors.
Eli Broad College of Business
Prepares students for leadership in business.
Majors include: Accounting, Finance, Marketing, Management, Supply Chain Management, Human Resource Management, Hospitality Business. Explore all majors.
College of Communication Arts and Sciences
Explores media, communication, and technology.
Majors include: Advertising Management, Public Relations, Journalism, Digital Storytelling, Games & Interactive Media, Information Science, Communication. Explore all majors.
College of Education
Focuses on teaching and human movement.
Majors include: Elementary Education, Special Education, Kinesiology. Explore all majors.
College of Engineering
Solves global challenges through technology.
Majors include: Mechanical, Civil, Electrical, Computer, Chemical, Biosystems Engineering, Applied Engineering Sciences, Computational Data Science. Explore all majors.
Honors College
Not a major-granting college but offers academic flexibility, research opportunities, and enriched coursework for honors students.
James Madison College
Specializes in public affairs and policy.
Majors include: International Relations, Political Theory & Constitutional Democracy, Social Relations & Policy, Comparative Cultures & Politics. Explore all majors.
Lyman Briggs College
Blends science with society.
Majors include: Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Neuroscience, Environmental Sciences, Mathematics. Explore all majors.
College of Music
Dedicated to performance and music education.
Majors include: Music Performance, Music Education, Composition. Explore all majors.
College of Natural Science
Covers core sciences.
Majors include: Biological Sciences, Chemistry, Physics, Mathematics, Data Science. Explore all majors.
College of Nursing
Offers the Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) and prepares students for clinical practice and healthcare leadership.
College of Social Science
Explores people and society.
Majors include: Psychology, Sociology, Criminal Justice, Economics, Political Science, Anthropology. Explore all majors.
Undergrad Ed: Exploratory and Exploring Business Preference
For our exploring students in Exploratory Preference (EXP) and Exploring Business Preference (EBP).
College of Veterinary Medicine
Animal health and research.
Majors include Veterinary Nursing and pre-vet course work and development. Explore all majors.