Frequently Asked Questions

Is finanical aid offered for the program?

MSU does not offer financial aid to students enrolled in a Graduate Certificate program or to Lifelong Education students. However, if you are enrolled in a Master's or Doctoral degree-granting program in addition to the certificate program, you can continue to receive financial aid through the MS/MA/PhD program. 

Do I have to move to Michigan to be enrolled in the program?

No. The certificate program is fully online and can be completed from anywhere. 

Does this program guarantee acceptance into medical school?

No. Although our program is designed to as an academic enhancer for students that want to enter professional school, we cannot guarantee that success in our program will lead to medical school acceptance. There are many variables that go into the medical school application process. 

I do not have a 2.5 minimum GPA. Can I still apply?

Not meeting the minimum GPA requirement will decrease your chances for acceptance for the program. However, the admissions committee understands that circumstances change, and students that struggled in undergrad may now be ready for an academic challenge. The committee highly suggests that if you do not meet the minimum GPA, you should apply to MSU as a Lifelong Education student and take one or both of the required courses (NEU 841 and/or NEU 846), and then apply to the program. Any credits taken as a Lifelong Education student (up to 9 credits) will be applied to the certificate program. This experience will allow both you and the admissions committee to assess if this program fits your needs. 

I do not have a BS in a science major. Can I still apply?

We understand that some non-science majors still require students to enroll in science courses that would be relevant to our program. One example is a Psychology degree. The admissions committee would need to evaluate the courses you have taken to determine if you meet the necessary criteria for the program. To succeed in our program, students need to have a solid science background covering, at minimum, courses like biology, cells and molecules, and anatomy/physiology. 

If you are concerned about your science background, the admissions committee highly suggests that you should apply to MSU as a Lifelong Education student and take one or both of the required courses (NEU 841 and/or NEU 846), and then apply to the program. Any credits taken as a Lifelong Education student (up to 9 credits) will be applied to the certificate program. This experience will allow both you and the admissions committee to assess if this program fits your needs.

I took PHM 431 as part of my undergraduate curriculum at MSU. Can I use those credits toward my graduate certificate?

No. If PHM 431 was used to complete a B.S. degree at MSU, the University does not allow it to be used as part of the certificate program.