Academic Matters

Credit load while abroad

All students participating in year-long and semester-long programs must enroll for a minimum of 12 credits per semester or the minimum number specified. 

Students participating in short-term programs are required to enroll in the minimum number specified in the program information sheet or the program’s Web page. 

The only exceptions to this policy are for graduating seniors (those studying abroad during their FINAL semester) and graduate students who are participating in short-term programs that require a minimum enrollment of more than three (3) credits.  These students must take at least one of the regularly-offered program courses. If this course offers variable credits, students must take the course for at least three (3) credits.  However, students participating in programs requiring enrollment in 3 or fewer credits are NOT eligible for a reduced course load, and must enroll in at least the minimum number of credits for that program.  Students participating in co-sponsored programs (see description below) are also NOT eligible for a reduced course load.  Graduating seniors must provide verification from their academic adviser that they have applied for and should meet the necessary requirements to graduate the semester they are studying abroad. 

MSU’s standard policy states that a senior who has earned sufficient credits from MSU and met the minimum requirements through prior arrangement with the associate dean of the college and the registrar, cannot transfer more than 10 of the last 30 credits from an accredited four-year college or university.  Exceptions to this rule may be made up to a total of 15 credits, but arrangements MUST be made with the associate dean of your major college before departure.  The associate dean of your college must submit a written request to the Assistant Provost for Undergraduate Education, 208 Administration building, before an exception can be granted.

If you are doing directed study abroad (such as MSU independent study credits with the guidance of on-campus faculty member) or conduct dissertation research, you are welcome to do so for extra credits above the minimum number of credits for your program.   University policy does not allow off campus sections of dissertation research, so these credits cannot be considered part of your program credits.

Your enrollment status will be checked by the Office of Study Abroad and if you are not enrolled in the minimum number of study abroad course credits, you may be dismissed from the program and/or billed and responsible for paying an additional program fee.  Once this additional fee is posted to your account, you cannot be retroactively enrolled in any courses.

If you are doing directed study abroad (such as MSU independent study credits), contact OSA for clarification of policies and proper enrollment procedures.