I'm a prospective/incoming first-year student

Apply to MSU

Ready to get started? Your first step is applying to Michigan State University.

You will declare psychology as your major during the application process. 

Choose Your Degree: BA or BS in Psychology

All psychology students choose between a Bachelor of Arts (BA) or Bachelor of Science (BS). 

Both degrees prepare you for careers and graduate school. There’s no “better” option—just the one that fits you best.

BA in Psychology may be a good fit if you:

• Enjoy writing, discussion, and big-picture thinking.
• Are interested in people, culture, and social systems.
• Want more flexibility to explore minors, study abroad, or multiple interests.

BS in Psychology may be a good fit if you:

• Enjoy biology, math, or science courses.
• Are interested in research or lab work.
• Are considering pre-health paths (pre-med, pre-PA, etc.).
• Want to explore areas like neuroscience or cognition.

What matters most: choose the path where you’ll stay engaged and do your best academically. 

You’ll also have the opportunity to talk through this decision with an advisor before enrolling during New Student Orientation (NSO).

After You’re Accepted

Congratulations! We’re excited for you to join us!

Once you’ve been admitted (and especially after you’ve committed), here are your next steps:

• Attend Admitted Student Day (spring) to explore campus and connect with the department.
• Send your final high school transcripts along with any dual enrollment credits and/or test scores (e.g., AP/IB scores) to MSU. Learn more here
• Check your MSU email regularly.
• Complete your New Student Orientation (NSO) online modules. These are typically available in May. These modules are required before you can:
  • Meet with an academic advisor.
  • Enroll in your first-semester courses.
  • Once completed, you’ll receive instructions to schedule your advising appointment.
  • Tip: Schedule early to have the best selection of courses.

You can meet with any PSY advisor. Feel free to review advisor bios and choose someone who feels like a good fit. 

Prepare for Your Advising Appointment

Your first advising appointment is all about getting you set up for a strong start.

Before your meeting:

• Jot down questions.
• Think about what interests you (inside and outside of psychology).
• Check on your incoming credits. Have your test scores and dual enrollment credit info handy for your appointment.
• Reflect on possible career ideas (even if they’re vague). Be sure to tell us if you’re considering pre-health (like pre-med) so we can guide you toward the right courses from the start.

Your First Year at MSU

Your first year is about trying things, learning, and building confidence. You’ll:

• Take foundational courses.
• Start exploring areas of psychology.
• Begin thinking about experiences like research, internships, or student orgs.

Use our Timeline to help you set some goals for your first year. 

Tools & Resources

We’ve put together resources to help you navigate your first year and beyond.

• Parking/Maps
• Transfer website
• Transfer Student Center
• First-Gen Links
• College Board
• Test Equivalencies (IB, AP, etc.)
• MSU Admissions (tours)
• Financial Aid (new students)
• Math Placement
• Language Placement
• Pre-Health
• PSY Handbook [pdf]