VIPP is here to help you get the most out of your academic experience. Learn everything you need to know about academics at VIPP, including course offerings and schedules, academic activities requirements, graduation and more.
The VIPP academic year consists of a fall semester, a spring semester, and a summer semester. VIPP follows MSU's academic calendar. VIPP fall semesters generally begin in the last week of August or first week of September and end in the first week of December. VIPP spring semesters generally begin in early January and end the last week of April. VIPP spring semesters observe two 1-week breaks: MSU spring break the second week of March and area schools' spring break the second week of April.
To accommodate visiting professionals who may arrive in the middle of the semester, we only offer half-semester long courses which normally begin early January, mid-March, late August or late October.
Fall 2024
Spring 2025
Summer 2025
Fall 2025
Spring 2026
Summer 2026
In general, you are required to take 3 VIPP courses during each half semester unless you have arranged other MSU courses with your program coordinator in advance. Enrollment is on a first-come, first-serve basis. Our class size is limited to 22 students and each course will need a minimum of 10 students enrolled.
Current Course Offerings
Fall 2024 VIPP course schedule (PDF)
Past Course Offerings
Summer 2024 VIPP course schedule (PDF)
Spring 2024 VIPP course schedule (PDF)
Fall 2023 VIPP course schedule (PDF)
Summer 2023 VIPP course schedule (PDF)
Spring 2023 VIPP course schedule (PDF)
Fall 2022 VIPP course schedule (PDF)
Summer 2022 course schedule (PDF)
VIPP courses are based on four learning outcomes: Competent Professionalism, Effective Communication, Strong Leadership, Multicultural & Global Awareness, as well as a variety of disciplinary knowledge-based courses. The following are some examples of VIPP's course offerings (course offerings are subject to change each semester).
Competent Professionalism
Effective Communication
Strong Leadership
Multicultural & Global Awareness
Disciplinary Knowledge-based courses
If there is out-of-town travel related to a professional development activity that will impact class attendance, consult with the Program Coordinator in advance. The VIPP Class Attendance Waiver Application Form should be submitted and approved by the Program Coordinator and Academic Advisor.
Download VIPP Class Attendance Waiver Application Form (PDF)
You are required to conduct a minimum of 18 hours of academic activities and submit a weekly time log to record your activities each week throughout your stay at VIPP. Your visa is subject to be revoked if you do not comply with this regulation. It only takes a few minutes to complete the time log and you will receive a copy of the time log once you submit the form. This will help you to build up your portfolio which will be helpful in keeping track of all your academic endeavors and preparing a final report for your organization or sponsor.
Each semester, VIPP hosts a graduation ceremony for participants who have finished their programs. This is a proud and happy occasion for students, staff, and faculty. We gather together to celebrate all you have accomplished at VIPP and what you will go on to achieve in your career after your time at MSU. You might be leaving MSU and the US, but you’ll always be a Spartan!
If you would like to take a summer vacation, please consult with your VIPP program coordinator about your eligibility during the application process. Your program plan has to be approved in advance when you apply for our program.
To be eligible for summer vacation, you have to meet two requirements.
1) A summer semester should be the participant’s middle semester of the one-year program, not the first or final semester. For example, if your programs begins in January and ends in June, you are not eligible for summer time off because the summer semester is your end semester.
2) Also, a summer vacation is only allowed if a participant’s program start date on the DS2019 form starts within 30 days into the spring semester and ends less than 30 days prior to the end of the fall semester. For example, a summer vacation is not allowed if your starting date is on or after February 16 this year, or if your ending date is on or before November 10. When you apply for the VIPP program, our coordinators will explain whether you’re eligible for summer vacation and discuss specific academic plans with you.
VIPP 2025 Global Virtual Winter School
Bolashak Program
VIPP Strategic Plan
Bold Goals Toward 2030
VIPP Program Brochure
