The Academic Scholars Program is specifically designed for incoming first-year students with strong academic records who are seeking enriched academic opportunities in the first year of college. While all Academic Scholars share a strong history of academic success, they have diverse majors and interests. Academics Scholars use the program to individually enrich their course of studies.
"ASP made transitioning into the rigorous college curriculum not only smooth, but also enjoyable. The resources and connections I had through this program opened so many doors and made me feel secure navigating my first year at MSU."
- Mikayla L., Academic Scholar & Honors College member
Enhanced Opportunities
The overall goal for the Academic Scholars Program is to provide enhanced academic opportunities for you during the first year of college. If you are interested in this type of challenge, the Academic Scholarship Program provides:
Eligibility
Participation in the Academic Scholars Program is limited to approximately 200 students per year. High-achieving first-generation and/or Pell-eligible high school students will be invited to ASP following admission to Michigan State University. After being notified of eligibility, students who respond will be admitted on a first-come basis.
Limited housing for Scholars in Holden Hall will also be coordinated on a first-come basis. Academic Scholars housing is optional, so membership in the program does not create a conflict with other Living-Learning programs at MSU, such as Lyman Briggs College, James Madison College, the Residential College in the Arts and Humanities, and similar residential programs.
Program Requirements
Academic Scholars must complete the following requirements during their first year at MSU:
Two Honors experiences (course, section, option)
Any Honors course or section of 3 or more credits may be used to fulfill this requirement. Common choices include an Honors course/section in Integrative Studies, WRA or other Tier I writing course, math or statistics, a course required for your major, or an elective. Only one of these experiences may be fulfilled with an Honors Option.
First-year experience
UGS 101 (on campus), 102 or 102H (abroad), 103 (away), 110 (on-campus), or college-based first-year seminar, or similar Honors experience may be used to fulfill this requirement.
Success programming
Academic Scholars must attend a set number of academic, social, and/or professional development events hosted by ASP and other MSU departments each semester. A calendar of eligible events and additional details will be distributed to members by August 15.
Prospective Honors College Invitation
Some Academic Scholars may be admitted as Campus Admits to the Honors College in January of their initial year at MSU. Other ASP students will receive consideration for the Honors College after the first academic year and be invited to join the Honors College if they earn a 3.5+ cumulative GPA (Dean’s list threshold) and have completed two Honors experiences & at least one first-year experience during their initial year at MSU.
Program Recognition
Academic Scholars who complete all three required experiences (2 Hs & 1 first-year experience) by the end of their first year at MSU and have a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher at the end of their first year will be recognized as participants in the Academic Scholars Program in the Commencement Program and on their transcripts.
Contact Us
Academic Scholars Program
Eustace-Cole Hall
468 E. Circle Drive, Room 105
East Lansing, MI 48824
Phone: (517) 355-2326
Email: honors@msu.edu
Academic Scholars Advising
ASP advising appointments can be scheduled with any advisor below at student.msu.edu. Visit the Student Guide for Scheduling Advising/Tutoring Appointments for information on scheduling 30-minute appointments and viewing drop-in availability.
Chris Raisanen
Email: chrisr@msu.edu
Erika Crews
Email: ecrews@msu.edu
Sadiq Mohammed
Email: mohamm61@msu.edu
Amanda Ritter
Email: rittera1@msu.edu
Megan Stevenson
Email: megan@msu.edu