Michigan State University, one of the oldest land-grant colleges, was founded in 1855 for the purpose of furthering the interests of agriculture and the mechanic arts. From this modest begining it has grown to become one of America's largest universities, with many educational innovations to its credit. Through its 14 colleges and more than 100 departments, it offers 200 different programs leading to undergraduate and graduate degrees.
The university campus is well known for its natural beauty and spaciousness, its park-like walks, and its trees and flowering gardens. Extensive indoor and outdoor athletic facilities are available for general use by the university community.
The University sponsors numerous artistic and cultural events which feature internationally known performers and lecturers. In addition, the School of Music and the Department of Theatre sponsor frequent concerts, recitals and plays. Many of the performances take place in the Wharton Center which opened in 1982. This facility houses two theaters: the 2,500-seat Great Hall and the 600-seat Festival Stage.
The campus adjoins East Lansing, a pleasant residential city with a population of about 50,000 and a well-regarded public school system. Lansing, the capital of Michigan, is contiguous with East Lansing. The Detroit metropolitan area is located about 85 miles east of the campus. Michigan State University subscribes to the principles of equal opportunity and affirmitave action. University programs, activities and facilities are available without regard to race, color, sex, religion, creed, national origin, political persuation, sexual preference, marital status, handicap, or age.
The on-campus enrollment at Michigan State University for the 1996 fall semester was approximately 40000, including 8000 graduate and professional students. There were 120 physics graduate students, including 95 Ph.D. candidates, and 25 M.S. candidates; and in addition, there were 18 postdoctoral research associates.