The Specialized Global Professional Education Program is a highly customized, intensive professional development program designed for individuals or groups who wish to take full advantage of MSU’s academic resources to advance their career, conduct supervised research, and expand their professional networks.
Compared with GPEP, SGPEP offers a more personalized service and deeper professional development opportunities. Depending on the design of each program, SGPEP participants may
Many SGPEP components are designed in collaboration with MSU Colleges and non-MSU partners to meet the participant’s unique goals and professional needs.
A flagship SGPEP, the VIPP Bolashak Program exemplifies the program’s flexibility and deep engagement with MSU faculty. Other examples include SGPEPs in Finance, Law, Second Language Studies, Urban Planning, Policy Making and Government Management. Upon successful completion of the program, participants receive a Specialized Global Professional Education Program Certificate from MSU.
The SGPEP Second Language Studies Program offers a joint collaboration with MSU Second Language Studies Program. After spending the first semester in VIPP to improve their communication skills and understanding of second language acquisition, participants will move their academic activities to the Second Language Studies Program where they may audit courses after consulting with the advisor designated by the program. The advisor as well as faculty of the program will provide supervision to their research projects. VIPP participants will be invited to participate in multiple academic activities hosted by Second Language Studies Program and will have access to the other resources including English Language Center (ELC) and Center for Language Teaching Advancement (CeLTA). They will have the opportunity to attend a local SLS conference held in Michigan.
The SGPEP Law Program offers a joint collaboration with MSU College of Law. After spending the first semester in VIPP to improve their English language and communication skills, participants will move their academic activities to the law school and may audit two College of Law courses after consulting with the Associate Dean for Graduate and International Programs at the College of Law. VIPP participants will be invited to participate in multiple faculty development activities hosted by the College of Law and will have access to the Law library including electronic resources (e.g., Westlaw, LEXIS).
SGPEP Urban Planning is a collaborative program with MSU’s Urban Planning Department. After spending the first semester in VIPP to improve their communication skills and communication skills, participants will be paired with a faculty mentor to work on a real-world project related to their professional field. Participants may audit courses after consulting with the advisor designated by the program. Relevant field trips and professional meetings will be part of the program, too.
Coming Soon!
We strongly encourage you to submit your online application at least six months before your desired program start date.
The application must include:
An invitation letter can only be issued after we receive your completed application.
Because SGPEP is highly customized, fees vary by program. Generally, two levels of program fees are available.
Level 1 at $19,050 (12 months)
Includes VIPP courses, supervised study and/or project, one ELC course, one MSU academic course, at least one field trip in Michigan, and a Chicago visit.
Level 2 at $25,000 (12 months)
Includes VIPP courses, supervised study and/or project, up to two MSU academic courses, up to two ELC courses, at least one field trip in Michigan, a Chicago visit, and a cultural field trip to the East Coast.
Please contact your program coordinator for details about available services and visit the fees and finance page for more information.
2026 Global Summer School Brochure
Bolashak Program
VIPP Strategic Plan
Bold Goals Toward 2030
VIPP Program Brochure
