Online and Special Courses FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions for the School of Packaging's Online and Special Courses.

MS DEGREE ONLINE PROGRAM FAQ

How do I become enrolled as a MS Degree Online Program Student?

For advising and information regarding our MS Degree Online Program:
Aaron Tucker
Asst. Graduate Director of Advising
The School of Packaging
Telephone: 517-355-9580
E-mail: tucker68@msu.edu

For information regarding the application process:
Cathie Allison
Graduate Program Coordinator
The School of Packaging
Telephone: 517-884-9566
E-Mail: allisonc@msu.edu

Visit our MS Degree Online Program website to learn more.

How many credits are need to complete the MS Degree Online Program?
The MS Degree Online Program is 30 credits plus an additional required collateral courses to bring you up to speed with the packaging curriculum basics. More information can be found in the Graduate Student Handbook.

Are English skills required?
Yes, since all teaching materials are in English, good command of English is essential. Students in the degree programs must have acceptable scores on the TOEFL or an equivalent examination.

Is the degree program mostly technical content?
Yes, our program is technical in nature; while there are discussions of design it is not focused on the artistic side of packaging design.

If I take Lifelong Education (LLE) credits in packaging can they be used towards a Masters Degree later?
You may transfer up to 9 LLE credits assuming they fit the masters program you are interested in.

LIFELONG EDUCATION and CERTIFICATE FAQ

How do I become enrolled as a Lifelong Education Student (LLE) for the Technical or Professional Certificate programs ?
You will be enrolled as a University Student through the MSU Lifelong Education (LLE) Program. You need to fill out the application to be a LLE student (which is free) and then notify Cimberly Weir when you have received your PID number from admissions to receive an override into your certificate course(s).

You will also receive a PAN#, that is for you to use to set up your MSU NetID. You will use you MSU NetID to access www.stuinfo.msu.edu to see your bill, grades, overall account detail etc. and you will also use it to access www.d2l.msu.edu to see your classes.

What courses are offered online?
You will find courses that are offered online by reviewing the schedule of courses for each semester. Any PKG course that has a section 730 is an online course. You will always need an override to enroll in section 730.

How do I register for an online LLE course?
You will be enrolled as a University Student through the MSU Lifelong Education (LLE) Program. You need to fill out the application to be a LLE student (which is free) and then notify Cimberly Weir when you have received your PID number from admissions to receive an override into your course(s).

Do I have to have good grades?
In order to keep your Lifelong Education Status at MSU you must maintain a 3.0 GPA overall while enrolled. A passing grade to receive credit for a class is a 2.0. All Certificate Program Participants MUST receive a 2.0 in a course to have it count and maintain a 3.0 overall GPA.

Do I have to complete all the courses in one of the certificate programs?
In order to receive a certificate from the School of Packaging for completion of either the Technical or Professional Certificate, yes, you must complete the requirements and earn a 2.0 or higher in each course. If you don't want the official certificate, you do not have to take all the courses listed.

How do I communicate with my professors?
Communication is KEY to learning. All of our instructors are committed to providing you with an excellent learning experience so do not hesitate to contact us with questions or if you need assistance with administrative items for each class (i.e. how to get started with the ANGEL system, where to check your email, etc.)

If I take LLE credits in packaging can they be used towards a Master's Degree later?
You may transfer up to 9 LLE credits assuming they fit the Master's Program you are interested in.