FUNDING

All students admitted to the Ph.D. program are funded with a combination of a teaching and/or research assistantship, and/or fellowship, in addition to a tuition waiver and health benefits. In general, support at the MS level is only available to US citizens and permanent residents. There is no financial support for Plan B MS students.

Graduate Assistantships : Half-time graduate assistantships for incoming students carry an annual stipend ranging from approximately $19,020 to $21,492. In addition, nine credits of tuition are waived for all graduate assistants in the fall and spring semesters; four credits are waived for summer semester. Health insurance is provided for all graduate assistants. Except for students on a fellowship, most students are given a teaching assistantship appointment during the first semester and switched to a research assistantship appointment after they select a research advisor in the fall. The duties for research assistantships consist of working on a research project, which is used for the MS or Ph.D. thesis. Continued support is contingent on making satisfactory progress toward the degree.

Fellowships: Several university fellowships available for outstanding students are: The University Distinguished Fellowship, the University Enrichment Fellowship, the Academic Achievement Graduate Assistantships (AAGA), and the Graduate Office Fellowship. Specific detains are found on the Graduate School web page: www.grad.msu.edu/funding.htm.

STANDARDIZED TEST REQUIREMENTS:

The GRE (general examination) is required of all applicants. High GRE scores are necessary for the department to submit your application for college or university-wide competitive fellowships. However, outstanding US students who are making a late decision on graduate school will be considered without it.

In addition to taking the GRE, all international students must take the TOEFL, even if they have a degree from a US university. We strongly encourage taking the iBT (internet-based test), the CBT (computer based test) is no longer accepted. In order to be considered for admission, international students must achieve a total score of 90 or above on the iBT with the following suggested sub scores: Reading = 22, Listening = 19, Speaking = 24 and Writing = 25 or above. On the GRE, international students admitted to our program typically score 1200 or more on Q+A tests and 4 or above on the writing test. When applying for the GRE and TOEFL tests use the institution code 1465 for Michigan State University . The GRE test department code to use is 1001 for chemical engineering and 1403 for materials science. The TOEFL test department code to use is 64 for chemical engineering and 69 (engineering other) for materials science.

When applying for the GRE and TOEFL tests use the institution code 1465 for Michigan State University. The GRE test department code to use is 1001 for chemical engineering and 1403 for materials science. The TOEFL test department code to use is 64 for chemical engineering and 69 (engineering other) for materials science.

Note: We will accept photocopies of your GRE and TOEFL scores for the purpose of evaluating your application. However, before you are admitted formally, we will need official copies.

APPLICATION DEADLINES:

The application deadline is January 15. The University requires on-line applications (with the exception of international students living in countries where on-line access is limited.) Apply on-line at: http://www.chems.msu.edu/grad/web.apply.htm.) Most admission decisions are made in January and February, with offers extended immediately upon a favorable decision. Applications received after this date will be reviewed; however, only the most outstanding students will have a realistic chance of being admitted. International students are encouraged to apply by December 15 in order to facilitate screening for the TSE.

PRE-EVALUATION OF YOUR ADMISSIBILITY:

A fair appraisal of your admissibility to our department cannot be done without a complete application package. We cannot make this evaluation simply on the basis of your GRE and/or TOEFL scores, or your class standing.

FACULTY CONTACT:

We do not assign faculty to students until they arrive on campus. Therefore, it is not necessary for you to establish a relationship with a faculty member until you have been offered admission. Secondly, admission decisions are based solely on your academic credentials; contacting individual faculty members will not improve your chances of being admitted. Finally, if you are accepted into our program, the department will guarantee your funding; it is not necessary for you to contact individual faculty members with requests for funding.

FINANCIAL AID:

Each international student who is accepted into the Ph.D. program will be provided financial aid in the form of a research or teaching assistantship, or a fellowship. These awards are made upon admission to the Ph.D. program; therefore, no additional forms are required besides the application package. There is no financial support for international students who wish to pursue the MS degree and, in general, we do not admit international students at the MS level.

TRANSFER IN MIDDLE OF PROGRAM:

It is our general policy not to admit students who want to transfer to our department in the middle of a graduate program at another institution. Unless there are compelling extenuating circumstances, we will only consider such students after they have fulfilled their commitment to their current university. If you are working towards a Masters degree, we will be happy to consider you for admission to our Ph.D. program after you have completed your MS degree.

WAIVER OF APPLICATION FEES:

Please note that we cannot waive application fees under any circumstances. Applications received without the fee will not be evaluated.

HOUSING

Owen Graduate Center : This is an on-campus residence hall that offers comfortable accommodations for graduate students in an atmosphere conducive to advanced study and exchange of ideas. Rooms are generally designed for single occupancy, although there are a limited number of double rooms. Rates are $3,328 per semester for a designated single room and $2,954 per semester for a permanent single room. Each rate includes $300.00 for a prepaid meal plan.

University Apartments : Three university apartment complexes are available. The cost of a one-bedroom apartment is $587/month ($630 for a remodeled unit); and the cost of a two-bedroom apartment is $650/month ($699 for a remodeled unit).

Off-campus housing : Apartments are available at a wide range of monthly rates. An up-to-date listing may be obtained from Off-Campus Housing, 101 Student Services, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824 (517-355-8303).

To Obtain Additional information : http://www.hfs.msu.edu/uh/and http://www.hfs.msu.edu/uh/campus/rates.html. Mailing address: Housing Services Office, Michigan State University, 100 University Housing Building, East Lansing, MI 48824-1231. Telephone: 517-355-9550; FAX: 517-432-2093.

All housing costs stated are as of Fall 2007. They are subject to change without notice. Please contact the appropriate source for current rates.