Medical Neuroscience Student Handbook
Welcome
Welcome to the Medical Neuroscience programs at Michigan State University. Whether you are pursuing the graduate certificate or the master's degree, you are entering a fully online program designed to build expertise in medical neuroscience.
Our students come from a wide range of backgrounds: healthcare professionals seeking to deepen their scientific foundation, recent graduates preparing for health profession schools, and working professionals advancing their careers. Regardless of your path, this program provides the analytical skills and scientific knowledge needed to meet your goals.
Both programs are offered through the Neuroscience Program in the College of Natural Science at one of the country's leading research universities. We are glad you’re here.
Please read this handbook carefully. It contains the information you need to navigate your program, understand your responsibilities, and find support when you need it.
This handbook covers two programs offered by the MSU Neuroscience Program:
- Medical Neuroscience Graduate Certificate (12 credits)
- Master of Science in Medical Neuroscience (30 credits)
Sections or items marked [MS only] apply exclusively to students enrolled in the master's degree program. All other sections apply to both programs. Many sections on academic expectations, student support, and university policies are relevant regardless of your program.
This handbook is intended to be used alongside the official sources of information on graduate study published by Michigan State University's Graduate School and the Office of the Registrar. It is not a comprehensive document. This handbook will be reviewed and updated annually. Students are responsible for the requirements in effect at the time of their first enrollment.
Table of Contents
Medical Neuroscience Graduate Certificate
Medical Neuroscience Graduate Certificate
Master of Science in Medical Neuroscience
This handbook is subject to revision. Updates will be communicated to enrolled students via MSU email. The version in effect at the start of each academic year governs for that year unless a revision is required by changes to MSU policy or applicable law.
Program Overview
Medical Neuroscience Graduate Certificate
Credential: Graduate Certificate
Credit Hours: 12
Format: Fully online, asynchronous
The certificate provides focused graduate-level training in core medical neuroscience content. Credits earned in the certificate program can be applied toward the M.S. in Medical Neuroscience without limit if a student later pursues the degree.
Master of Science in Medical Neuroscience
Degree: Master of Science in Medical Neuroscience
Credit Hours: 30
Format: Fully online, asynchronous
Plan: Plan B (no research thesis; coursework and capstone paper required)
The master's degree provides comprehensive graduate-level training in medical neuroscience and is designed to be completed in approximately two years of part-time study. The timeline may vary depending on credit load and individual circumstances. Courses are offered on a rotating semester schedule; students should plan accordingly.
Shared Program Learning Outcomes
Both programs share the following learning outcomes. Upon completion, students will be able to:
- Apply knowledge of general neuroscience principles, nervous system disorders, pharmacology and drug interactions, and nervous system development to solve novel problems.
- Work effectively in team-based settings.
- Analyze and interpret data from published, peer-reviewed literature.
- Assess the ethical, legal, and social implications of neuroscientific research, tools, and discoveries.
- Communicate scientific findings accurately and effectively.
Key Contacts
Casey Henley, PhD
Director of Online Programs, Neuroscience Program
mcgove14@msu.edu
Students should contact the Online Programs Director with questions about about course planning, academic standing, appeals, or program policy.
Eleri Thomas
Academic Program Coordinator, Neuroscience Program
neurosci@msu.edu | (517) 884-9523
Students should contact the Academic Program Coordinator with questions about registration, enrollment, course schedule, and program requirements.
Neuroscience Program Office
Interdisciplinary Science and Technology Building (ISTB)
766 Service Rd, East Lansing, MI 48824
neurosci@msu.edu | (517) 884-9523
MSU Graduate School
grad.msu.edu | (517) 353-3220
Office of the Registrar
reg.msu.edu | (517) 355-3300
Certificate Program Overview
Requirements
To earn the Medical Neuroscience Graduate Certificate, students must:
- Complete a minimum of 12 credit hours from the approved curriculum.
- Maintain a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher in all coursework counting toward the certificate. This is the minimum MSU standard; the program may not permit continued enrollment if more than a specified number of credits fall below 3.0.
- Complete all three required core courses (9 credits).
- Complete at least 3 additional credits from the approved elective list.
Core Courses (9 credits)
All certificate students must complete the following:
| Course | Title | Credits | Semester Offered |
|---|---|---|---|
| NEU 848 | Cellular and Molecular Medical Neuroscience | 3 | Fall |
| NEU 849 | Medical Neuroscience Systems and Anatomy | 3 | Spring |
| NEU 846 | Neurobiology of Nervous System Disorders | 3 | Summer I |
Elective Courses (minimum 3 credits)
Students must complete at least 3 credits from the following:
| Course | Title | Credits | Semester Offered |
|---|---|---|---|
| NEU 842 | Neuroethics | 3 | Summer II |
| NEU 845 | Neuroscience of Drug Use and Human Disorders | 3 | Summer II |
| NEU 847 | Development of the Nervous System | 3 | Fall |
| PHM 431 | Pharmacology of Drug Addiction 1 | 3 | Summer |
| PHM 817 | Neurotoxicology | 2 | Spring |
| PHM 819 | Principles of Drug-Tissue Interactions | 2 | Spring, Summer |
| PHM 829 | Neuropharmacology 2 | 2 | Fall |
1 PHM 431 is not available to students who used it to complete a B.S. at MSU. It is open to certificate students only during the summer semester.
2 PHM 819 is a prerequisite for PHM 829.
Example Schedules
These schedules are illustrative, not prescriptive. Course availability varies by semester. Students should consult with the Online Programs Director and/or the Academic Program Coordinator when planning their program of study.
| Semester | Course(s) | Total Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Fall | NEU 848 | 3 |
| Spring | NEU 849 | 6 |
| Summer I | NEU 846 | 9 |
| Summer II | NEU 842 or NEU 845 | 12 |
| Semester | Course(s) | Total Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Fall Year 1 | NEU 848 | 3 |
| Spring | NEU 849 and PHM 819 | 8 |
| Summer I | NEU 846 | 11 |
| Fall Year 2 | PHM 829 | 13 |
Transfer Credits
The program follows MSU policy on transfer credits for graduate certificates. Credits transferred from external institutions must have been completed with a grade of 3.0 or higher and must be appropriate to the program. Transfer credit requires approval from the Neuroscience Program Director and the Dean of the College of Natural Science.
Applying Certificate Credits Toward the M.S.
There is no limit on the number of credits earned in the certificate program at MSU that may be applied toward the M.S. in Medical Neuroscience, should a student later pursue the degree. Students interested in transitioning from the certificate to the master's program should contact the Director of Online Programs to discuss admission requirements and course planning.
Certificate Completion
Students must apply for certificate completion through the Student Information System by the deadline listed in the MSU Academic Calendar for their intended completion semester. Meeting the application deadline does not guarantee completion; all requirements must be verified by the program.
Master's Degree Overview [MS only]
Requirements
To earn the Master of Science in Medical Neuroscience, students must:
- Complete a minimum of 30 credit hours from approved courses in the program curriculum.
- Maintain a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher in all coursework counting toward the degree.
- Complete all required core courses (20 credits).
- Complete one pharmacology elective option (3–4 credits).
- Complete one approved statistics course (3 credits).
- Complete sufficient elective credits to reach 30 total credits.
- Successfully complete NEU 891 Special Problems in Medical Neuroscience, the capstone requirement (see Capstone: NEU 891).
- Complete all required Responsible and Ethical Conduct of Research (RECR) training (see RECR).
Core Courses (20 credits)
| Course | Title | Credits | Semester Offered |
|---|---|---|---|
| NEU 848 | Cellular and Molecular Medical Neuroscience | 3 | Fall |
| NEU 849 | Medical Neuroscience Systems and Anatomy | 3 | Spring |
| NEU 842 | Neuroethics | 3 | Summer II |
| NEU 846 | Neurobiology of Nervous System Disorders | 3 | Summer I |
| NEU 847 | Development of the Nervous System | 3 | Fall |
| NEU 850 | Neuroscience Seminar Series 3 | 1 (x3) | Fall, Spring |
| NEU 891 | Special Problems in Medical Neuroscience | 2 | Spring |
3 NEU 850 must be completed in three separate semesters for a total of 3 credits.
Pharmacology Requirement (3-4 credits)
Students must complete one of the following options:
Option A
NEU 845: Neuroscience of Drug Use and Human Disorders (3 credits; Summer II)
Option B
PHM 431: Pharmacology of Drug Addiction (3 credits; Summer)
Not available to students who used PHM 431 to complete a B.S. at MSU. Available to
master's students only during the summer semester.
Option C
PHM 819: Principles of Drug-Tissue Interactions (2 credits; Summer, Spring) AND PHM
829: Neuropharmacology (2 credits; Fall)
PHM 819 is a prerequisite for PHM 829.
Statistics Requirement (3 credits)
Students must complete one approved statistics course. Can be fulfilled by any of the following courses or course approved by program:
- NUR 804: Statistics for the Healthcare Professional (3 credits; Summer)
- PH 802: Biostatistics for Public Health (3 credits; Fall, Spring Summer)
- STT 421: Statistics I (3 credits; Fall, Summer I)
Students who wish to use a statistics course not listed above must obtain written approval from the Online Programs Director before enrolling.
Elective Courses
Remaining credits to reach the 30-credit minimum may be drawn from the following:
| Course | Title | Credits | Semester Offered |
|---|---|---|---|
| BLD 830 | Concepts in Molecular Biology | 2 | Fall |
| BMB 401 | Comprehensive Biochemistry 4 | 4 | Spring, Summer |
| LIN 463 | Introduction to Cognitive Science | 3 | Summer |
| PH 803 | Epidemiology and Public Health | 3 | Fall, Spring |
| PH 806 | Environmental Factors of Health | 3 | Fall, Spring, Summer |
| PHM 817 | Neurotoxicology | 2 | Spring |
4 BMB 401 is open to master's students only during spring or summer semester.
Example Schedules
These schedules are illustrative, not prescriptive. Course availability varies by semester. Students should consult with the Online Programs Director and/or the Academic Program Coordinator when planning their program of study.
| Semester | Course(s) | Total Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | RECR Year 1 modules | N/A |
| Year 1 Fall | NEU 848, NEU 850, BLD 830 | 6 |
| Year 1 Spring | NEU 849, NEU 850, PHM 819 | 12 |
| Year 1 Summer I | NEU 846 | 15 |
| Year 1 Summer II | NEU 842 | 18 |
| Year 2 |
RECR 6-hour discussion-based education
|
18 |
| Year 2 Fall |
NEU 847, NEU 850, PHM 829
|
24 |
| Year 2 Spring |
NEU 891, PHM 817
|
28 |
| Year 2 Summer |
NUR 804
|
31 |
| Semester | Course(s) | Total Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | RECR Year 1 modules | N/A |
| Year 1 Fall | NEU 848, NEU 850 | 4 |
| Year 1 Spring | NEU 849, NEU 850 | 8 |
| Year 1 Summer I | NEU 846 | 11 |
| Year 1 Summer II | NEU 842, NEU 845 | 17 |
| Year 2 |
RECR 6-hour discussion-based education
|
17 |
| Year 2 Fall |
NEU 847, NEU 850
|
21 |
| Year 2 Spring |
NEU 891, PH 802
|
26 |
| Year 2 Summer |
BMB 401
|
30 |
Transfer Credits
Up to 9 semester credits of graduate coursework may be transferred into the program from other MSU programs or accredited institutions, provided courses are appropriate to the student's program and were completed with a grade of 3.0 or higher. However, there is no limit to the number of credits taken at the graduate certification level at MSU that can be applied to a master’s degree program. Credits applied to a master’s degree are not eligible to be applied to any other graduate degree program. Transfer credit must be approved by the Neuroscience Program Director and the Dean of the College of Natural Science.
Time Limit
Students must complete all degree requirements within five years of first enrollment. Students who need an extension must submit a written request to the program and the Graduate School before the time limit expires. Extensions are not guaranteed.
Degree Completion
Students must apply for graduation through the Student Information System by the deadline listed in the MSU Academic Calendar for their intended graduation semester. Students should review all degree requirements with the program before applying.
Curriculum and Course Descriptions
The following descriptions cover all courses available across both programs.
NEU 848: Cellular and Molecular Medical Neuroscience
Survey of the genetic, molecular, and cellular biology of the nervous system with an emphasis on medical applications.
NEU 849: Medical Neuroscience Systems and Anatomy
Survey of the anatomy and physiology of neuronal mechanisms that regulate behavior, learning, and cognition with an emphasis on medical applications.
NEU 846: Neurobiology of Nervous System Disorders
Overview of abnormalities that contribute to central nervous system, peripheral nervous system, and psychological diseases and disorders, examined at genetic, cellular, and behavioral levels.
NEU 842: Neuroethics
Introduction to the field of neuroethics and the responsible application of advances in neuroscience research.
NEU 845: Neuroscience of Drug Use and Human Disorders
Introduction to the neurochemical basis of human disorders and how drugs are used to treat them.
NEU 847: Development of the Nervous System
Introduction to processes involved in the development of the nervous system and their clinical applications.
NEU 850: Neuroscience Seminar Series [MS only]
Current research topics in neuroscience presented through weekly seminars featuring faculty, visiting scholars, and advanced graduate students.
NEU 891: Special Problems in Medical Neuroscience [MS only]
Independent scholarly project for Plan B master's students integrating knowledge across medical neuroscience domains. Students demonstrate mastery of program learning outcomes through a written capstone paper.
PHM 431: Pharmacology of Drug Addiction
Introduction to pharmacology and neuropharmacology, with a focus on the biological basis of drug abuse and addiction.
PHM 817: Neurotoxicology
Biochemical, molecular, and physiological mechanisms and assessment of neurotoxicity. Factors predisposing the nervous system to selective toxicants and pathophysiology of toxicant-induced neurodegenerative diseases.
PHM 819: Principles of Drug-Tissue Interactions
General principles of the interaction of chemicals with biological systems.
PHM 829: Neuropharmacology
Mechanisms of action of drugs on the central nervous system, including targets, clinical use, and side effects.
BLD 830: Concepts in Molecular Biology [MS only]
Techniques and theories of molecular biology, including nucleic acid synthesis and isolation, enzymatic digestion, electrophoresis, hybridization, amplification, and cloning.
BMB 401: Comprehensive Biochemistry [MS only]
Structure and function of major biomolecules, organization and regulation of metabolic pathways, with emphasis on eukaryotic systems and the biochemical basis of human disease.
NUR 804: Statistics for the Healthcare Professional [MS only]
Statistical methods for healthcare research, including descriptive and inferential statistics, with applications to clinical and public health data.
PH 802: Biostatistics for Public Health [MS only]
Introduction to biostatistical methods used in public health research and practice.
PH 803: Epidemiology and Public Health [MS only]
Distributions and determinants of disease in populations. Epidemiologic research, quantitative methods, and study designs.
PH 806: Environmental Factors of Health [MS only]
Biological, physical, and chemical factors affecting population health. Regulatory approaches to environmental hazards and preventive management.
LIN 463: Introduction to Cognitive Science [MS only]
Cognitive processing of information by animals, humans, and computers, with relevant issues in philosophy, linguistics, psychology, neurophysiology, and artificial intelligence.
STT 421: Statistics I [MS only]
Introduction to statistical reasoning and methods, including descriptive statistics, probability, and inferential procedures.
Enrollment
Students register for courses through the Student Information System (SIS) at student.msu.edu. The steps below walk through the process from planning to registration.
Plan Your Courses
Before each semester, review the program curriculum and the example schedule in this handbook to identify which courses you plan to take. Keep the following in mind:
- Most program courses are offered in a specific semester only (e.g., NEU 848 is only available in fall, NEU 846 only in Summer I). Check the course tables in the sections above for semester availability before planning.
- Some courses have prerequisites. PHM 819 must be completed before PHM 829. [MS only] PHM 431 is available to graduate students only during the summer semester; fall sections are restricted to undergraduates. BMB 401 is open to graduate students only in spring or summer.
- [MS only] NEU 891 requires substantial foundational coursework. Consult the program before registering for the capstone.
- If you wish to enroll in a course not on the approved elective list, you must obtain written approval from the Online Programs Director before registering.
Check Registration Dates
Registration opens and closes according to the MSU Academic Calendar. Registration dates vary by semester and by student status. Check the calendar at the start of each term and note your specific registration window. Missing your registration window may delay your enrollment by a full semester given the rotating course schedule.
Register in SIS
Log in to SIS at student.msu.edu and add your courses for the upcoming semester. If you encounter a registration error, such as a prerequisite hold, a closed section, or a permission requirement, contact the Academic Program Coordinator before the registration deadline.
Confirm Your Enrollment
After registering, verify that your courses appear correctly in SIS and that your schedule in D2L Brightspace (d2l.msu.edu) updates at or before the start of the semester. If a course does not appear in D2L within a day or two of the semester start, contact the program office.
Dropping and Adding Courses
Drop/add deadlines are listed in the MSU Academic Calendar. Dropping a course after the deadline may result in a "W" (withdrawal) on your transcript and may affect your tuition charges. Dropping below half-time enrollment may affect financial aid eligibility. Contact the Office of Financial Aid (finaid.msu.edu) if you have questions before making enrollment changes.
Enrollment and Financial Aid
[MS only] Financial aid eligibility is tied to enrollment status. Most federal aid requires at least half-time enrollment (typically 5 credits for graduate students). Students should contact the Office of Financial Aid directly to confirm eligibility requirements for their enrollment level.
Academic Standards and Policies
Grade Requirements
A cumulative GPA of 3.0 is the minimum MSU standard for all coursework counting toward the certificate or degree. Students whose GPA falls below this threshold will be reviewed for continued enrollment. Individual course grades below 3.0 may trigger a formal review even if the cumulative GPA remains at or above 3.0.
Academic Standing and Progress Reviews
Master's students will receive written notification of their academic standing at least once per year. If a student's progress or performance is determined to be unsatisfactory, the student will be notified in writing, and a copy will be placed in the student's academic file. If a student's status in the program is in jeopardy, written notice will be provided in a timely manner.
Certificate students with academic standing concerns will be contacted by the Online Programs Director.
Grading
Course grades represent the instructor's professional evaluation of academic performance. Students have the right to know all course requirements, including grading criteria, at the beginning of each course. Grade disputes should first be addressed with the course instructor, then with the Program Director if unresolved (see Grievance Policy).
Incomplete Grades
An incomplete ("I") grade may be assigned when a student has not completed all coursework due to documented circumstances beyond their control. At least 6/7 of the course assignments must have been completed to be eligible for an incomplete. The required work must be completed, and a grade must be reported to the Office of the Registrar, no later than the middle of the student's next semester in attendance (summer session excluded). Failure to complete the required work by the due date will result in a grade of 0.0.
More details can be found on the Academic Programs Catalog.
Deferred Grades
Given only to graduate students who are doing satisfactory work but cannot complete the course work because of reasons acceptable to the instructor.
The required work must be completed and a grade reported within six months (190 calendar days from the last class day of the term of instruction), with the option of a single six-month extension (190 calendar days). If the required work is not completed within the time limit, the DF-Deferred will become U-Unfinished and will be changed to U.
Withdrawal
Students who need to withdraw from a course or from the program should follow MSU's official withdrawal process through the Office of the Registrar. Time away from the program counts toward the five-year time limit for degree completion.
Academic Dishonesty
Both programs follow MSU's policies on academic integrity, including the Integrity of Scholarship and Grades Policy. Academic misconduct includes but is not limited to plagiarism, falsification of data, misrepresentation of sources, and unauthorized use of AI-generated content where prohibited by a course instructor. All students are responsible for knowing and complying with these policies regardless of program level.
Suspected violations will be reported to the Neuroscience Program Director. Consequences range from a course-level penalty grade to removal from the program.
Use of Artificial Intelligence
The use of AI writing tools (including large language models) in coursework is governed by individual course policies set by the instructor. Some courses may prohibit AI use; others may permit it for specific tasks. Students must follow the AI policy stated in each course syllabus. Submitting AI-generated content as your own work without disclosure, where disclosure is required, constitutes academic misconduct.
Capstone: NEU 891 Special Problems in Medical Neuroscience [MS only]
NEU 891 is the capstone requirement for the Plan B master's degree. It is a 2-credit course offered in the spring semester.
In NEU 891, students complete an independent scholarly paper that integrates knowledge across the domains covered in the program. The paper does not require original data collection. Students demonstrate mastery of program learning outcomes through synthesis of the peer-reviewed literature on a topic in medical neuroscience.
Eligibility
Students should enroll in NEU 891 after completing most required core coursework. Enrolling prematurely risks lacking the foundational knowledge needed to succeed.
Requirements and Evaluation
Specific requirements (including paper format, length, expected content, and evaluation criteria) are provided in the course syllabus at the start of the semester. Students will be evaluated on the quality of scientific reasoning, integration of course content, accuracy of neuroscientific information, and clarity of written communication.
Academic Integrity in the Capstone
The capstone paper must represent the student's own work. MSU's academic integrity policies apply in full. Students are responsible for proper citation of all sources and must follow the course syllabus's policy on AI writing tools.
Responsible and Ethical Conduct of Research (RECR) Training [MS only]
All master's students are required to complete RECR training in two phases. Completion of both phases is required for degree conferral.
Phase 1: Year 1 Online Modules
Students complete the RECR Year 1 online modules.
- Introduction to the Responsible Conduct of Research
- Authorship
- Plagiarism
- Research Misconduct
Phase 2 — Discussion-Based Education
Students must complete 6 hours of discussion-based RECR education. Possible options may include:
- Completing workshops offered by The Graduate School (most count for 1.5 hours each)
- Completing workshops offered by your academic unit
- Completing approved coursework covering RECR relevant content (see topical content list)
- Participating in group discussions with an advisor or facilitator
For more information, visit the research integrity website.
Technology and Online Learning
Technical Requirements
Both programs are fully online and asynchronous. Students must have reliable access to:
- A computer capable of running current operating systems and web browsers
- High-speed internet
- MSU's learning management system (D2L Brightspace)
- Microsoft Office or equivalent (available to MSU students at no cost)
- A web camera and microphone for any synchronous sessions that may be required within individual courses
It is the student's responsibility to maintain working access to required technology. Technical difficulties do not automatically extend deadlines; students should contact their instructor promptly if a technical issue affects their ability to submit work.
MSU Email
All official program and university communication is sent to your MSU email address (@msu.edu). Students are expected to check their MSU email regularly, at minimum every two days during active semesters. Failure to read official communications does not excuse non-compliance with deadlines or requirements.
D2L
Course materials, assignments, grades, and announcements are managed through D2L (d2l.msu.edu). Students should confirm course access at the start of each semester. Contact the MSU IT Service Desk for technical support.
Forward D2L Email to MSU Email
Faculty may send emails through the D2L system. These emails do not automatically forward to your MSU account. We suggest you either check your D2L email regularly or forward your D2L email.
Online Conduct
Students are expected to engage in online course spaces with the same professionalism expected in any academic setting. Discussions should be substantive, evidence-based, and civil. Harassment, discriminatory language, or disruptive behavior in online spaces will be addressed through the same processes that govern in-person conduct.
State Authorization Compliance
Online programs are subject to state authorization regulations that govern where students may legally be enrolled. If you reside outside of Michigan, your state's authorization status may affect your eligibility. Contact the program office if your state of residence changes during enrollment.
Student Support Resources
Academic Advising
Students should contact the Academic Program Coordinator with questions about registration, enrollment, course schedule, and program requirements. Questions about course planning, academic standing, appeals, or program policy should be directed to the Online Programs Director.
MSU Services
MSU Libraries
The MSU Libraries provide full online access to journals, databases, and research tools. Students in online programs have the same library access as on-campus students.
The Writing Center
The MSU Writing Center offers free writing consultations for graduate students, with online appointments available. [MS only] Students working on NEU 891 are encouraged to use this resource.
Resource Center for Persons with Disabilities (RCPD)
Students who require academic accommodations due to a documented disability should register with RCPD as early as possible. Accommodations are not retroactive. Visit the RCPD website or call (517) 884-7273.
MSU Counseling and Psychiatric Services (CAPS)
CAPS provides mental health services to MSU students, including remote options. Visit the CAPS website or call (517) 355-8270.
Office of Financial Aid
Financial aid eligibility varies for part-time students. Grad certificates may be eligible for private student loans and institutional aid, but most are not eligible for federal or state student financial aid. Contact the office for your specific situation by visiting the Financial Aid website or calling (517) 432-8000.
Graduate and Professional Degree Career Services
Career advising and professional development resources for graduate students are available through MSU's Career Services Network.
University Ombudsperson
The University Ombudsperson assists members of the MSU community in resolving complaints and concerns confidentially, informally, and impartially. The Ombudsperson does not advocate for any party but helps identify options and resources. Contact the office by visiting the Office of the Ombudsperson website, calling (517) 353-8830, or ombud@msu.edu.
Student Rights and Responsibilities
All students enrolled in MSU programs are members of the academic community and are subject to MSU conduct and academic integrity policies. Students are governed by the Graduate Student Rights and Responsibilities (GSRR).
The following principles apply to all students in both programs:
Right to Information
Students have the right to accurate, timely, and clearly stated information about program requirements, grading criteria, and academic standing. This handbook, combined with individual course syllabi, fulfills that obligation. Students are responsible for consulting their advisor when planning their program.
Right to Academic Evaluation
Students have the right to academic evaluations that represent the instructor's good-faith, professional judgment of their performance.
Right to Privacy
Student educational records are protected under MSU policy and the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA). Records will not be shared with parties outside those with a legitimate educational need without written consent.
Student Responsibilities
Students are responsible for learning course content according to faculty-established standards, maintaining professional conduct in all program spaces, upholding the integrity of scholarship, and treating all members of the academic community with respect.
More details can be found by reading the complete Graduate Student Rights and Responsibilities.
Anti-Discrimination, Relationship Violence and Sexual Misconduct and Title IX
As required by state and federal antidiscrimination laws, and underscored by MSU's Anti-Discrimination Policy, MSU may not restrict or grant preferential treatment to any individual or group based on certain legally protected identities: race, sex (including sexual orientation and gender), color, ethnicity, religion, and national origin. Reports involving the Anti-Discrimination Policy and Relationship Violence and Sexual Misconduct and Title IX Policy may be filed online via the Public Incident Reporting Form or by calling ISR at 517-353-3922
Grievance Procedures
Students who believe their academic rights have been violated should first attempt to resolve the matter informally through direct discussion with the individual involved. If that does not resolve the issue, the following steps apply.
Step 1: Online Programs Director
The student contacts the Online Programs Director in writing, describing the concern and the resolution sought. The Online Programs Director will respond within a reasonable timeframe.
Step 2: Neuroscience Program Director
If not resolved at Step 1, the student may submit a formal written grievance to the Neuroscience Program Director. The grievance must specify the basis of the complaint, the parties involved, and the remedy sought.
Steps 3 and 4: College and University Level.
Students whose grievances are not resolved at the program level may appeal to the College of Natural Science hearing board, and then to the University Graduate Judiciary, which is the final hearing body within the MSU graduate academic rights structure. Formal grievances must normally be initiated no later than midterm of the semester following the one in which the alleged violation occurred, not counting summer semester (GSRR 5.3.6.1).
The University Ombudsperson is available at any stage to help students understand their options. Students may consult with an advisor of their choosing throughout the process.
Important University Policies
The following policies apply to all students and are referenced here for convenience. Students are responsible for reading and complying with the full text of each policy.
Integrity of Scholarship and Grades
Governs academic honesty, the meaning of grades, and procedures for integrity violations.
MSU Anti-Discrimination Policy
Prohibits discrimination in all university programs and activities.
FERPA / Access to Student Information
Governs the privacy of and access to student educational records.
Technology Acceptable Use Policy and Resources
Governs acceptable use of MSU computing resources, including D2L and MSU email.
Graduate Student Rights and Responsibilities (GSRR)
Establishes the rights and responsibilities of graduate degree-seeking students at MSU.
Code of Teaching Responsibility
Outlines faculty obligations in course design, grading, and student communication.
[MS only] Responsible and Ethical Conduct of Research
MSU's institutional requirements for RECR training.
Key Dates and University Links
Dates
Students are responsible for consulting the MSU Academic Calendar for registration dates, drop/add deadlines, and completion or graduation application deadlines. Missing these dates can affect financial aid, tuition charges, and credential conferral.