Understanding GPA at Michigan State University
At Michigan State University, your GPA (Grade Point Average) is a key indicator of your academic performance. It’s calculated on a 4.0 scale, and every course you take contributes to this cumulative score. MSU uses what’s known as a “quality points” system—each letter grade corresponds to a numerical value, which is then multiplied by the number of credits for that course.
Whether you’re aiming for Dean’s List honors or trying to meet graduation requirements, understanding how your GPA is calculated can make a big difference in managing your academic journey.
MSU Grade Scale
| Letter Grade | GPA Value |
|---|---|
| A | 4.0 |
| A– | 3.5 |
| B+ | 3.3 |
| B | 3.0 |
| B– | 2.5 |
| C+ | 2.3 |
| C | 2.0 |
| C– | 1.5 |
| D+ | 1.3 |
| D | 1.0 |
| D– | 0.5 |
| F | 0.0 |
Each letter grade gets multiplied by the credit hours for that class to produce “grade points.” Then you divide the total grade points earned by the total credit hours attempted.
Example:
If you got an A (4.0) in a 3-credit class and a B (3.0) in a 4-credit class:
- A in 3 credits = 4.0 × 3 = 12.0
- B in 4 credits = 3.0 × 4 = 12.0
Total grade points = 24.0
Total credit hours = 7
GPA = 24.0 ÷ 7 = 3.43
Credit/No Credit and Pass/No Pass
MSU allows some classes to be taken with alternative grading systems:
- Credit/No Credit (CR/NC): Doesn’t affect GPA.
- Pass/No Grade (P/N): Used for certain courses (like internships or fieldwork); not factored into GPA either.
These options are popular for elective courses or when students want to explore subjects outside their major without risking their GPA.
Departmental and College Grading Policies
Most colleges at MSU follow the university-wide grading scale. However, certain departments—like Nursing, Education, and Engineering—may have stricter GPA requirements for maintaining program eligibility or applying to upper-level coursework.
Here are a few key examples:
- College of Nursing: Requires at least a 2.75 cumulative GPA and a C or better in all prerequisite courses.
- College of Education: GPA requirements for admission typically start at 2.75 but can vary by program.
- College of Engineering: Competitive majors may require a GPA closer to 3.0 for internal transfers or upper-division coursework.
Always check with your academic advisor or department site for specifics.
Academic Standing and Honors
- Good Standing: 2.0 cumulative GPA or higher
- Dean’s List: 3.5 GPA or higher in a semester with 12 or more graded credits
- Graduation Honors:
- Cum Laude: 3.5–3.74
- Magna Cum Laude: 3.75–3.89
- Summa Cum Laude: 3.9–4.0
Repeating Courses
If you repeat a course at MSU:
- Only the most recent grade counts toward your GPA.
- However, both attempts remain on your transcript.
This can be useful if you didn’t do well in a course and want to give your GPA a boost—but you should only retake classes that significantly impact your major or graduation path.