Jump to Main Content

 Graduate Student Handbook

This material contains information you will need as you pursue your degree at Michigan State University. Please read it and keep it. If you have a question not answered here, feel free to come to the Graduate Office, A-213 Wells Hall, for help.

The degree requirements listed apply to you. It is your responsibility to make sure that they are met. If you have any questions about the requirements, see your advisor or the Director of Graduate Studies.

Click HERE to download the entire handbook in PDF (Adobe Acrobat) format.

Table of Contents

Part I: Program Overview

  1. Graduate Program
  2. How to apply
  3. Important websites

Part II: General Information for All Graduate Students

  1. Advisors
  2. Academic Standards
  3. The Graduate Studies Committee
  4. Integrity in Research and Creative Activities
  5. Judicial Structure
  6. Student Rights and Responsibilities
  7. Annual Evaluation
  8. Enrollment
  9. Seminars and Colloquia

Part III: The Master's Degree in Mathematics

  1. Master of Science Degree
  2. Master of Science Degree with Concentration in Applied Mathematics
  3. Master of Science Degree in Industrial Mathematics
  4. Master of Arts for Teachers Degree
  5. Residency Requirements and Time Limits for all Master's Degrees
  6. Master’s Certifying Examination

Part IV: Doctoral Degrees in Mathematics

  1. Ph.D. Degree in Mathematics
  2. Ph.D. Degree in Applied Mathematics
  3. Dual Ph.D. Degree
  4. Qualifying Examination Requirements
  5. The Comprehensive Exam
  6. The Foreign Language Requirements
  7. Ph.D. Seminar Requirement
  8. Guidance Committee and Dissertation Committee
  9. Annual Evaluation
  10. The Dissertation
  11. The Dissertation Defense
  12. Teaching
  13. Residency Requirements and Time Limits for all Ph.D. Degrees
  14. CR-NC System

Part V: Graduate Courses

  1. 800 Level Courses
  2. 900 Level Courses
  3. Others

Part VI: Faculty and Areas of Interest

  1. Faculty and Areas of Interest
  2. Specialists

Part VII: Graduate Teaching Assistantships

  1. General Information
  2. Levels
  3. Vehicle Registration
  4. Health Insurance
  5. Language Skills
  6. Reappointments
  7. Summer Support
  8. Course Loads for Graduate Teaching Assistants
  9. Minimum Registration for Graduate Teaching Assistants
  10. Course Loads for Non-Assistants

Part VIII: Department Facilities

  1. Mathematics Library
  2. Computing Facilities
  3. Electronic Mail
  4. Graduate Mailboxes
  5. Supplies
  6. Copy Machines
  7. Office Space

Part IX: University Resources

  1. Directory of Frequently Contacted Offices
  2. Resources and Services for Graduate Students
  3. Council of Graduate Students (COGS)
  4. Graduate Assistant Illness/Injury/Pregnancy Leave Policy
  5. Transportation
  6. Organizations
  7. Publications

Appendix

Graduate Student Rights and Responsibilities Document