MSU Student Veteran & Military-Affiliated Resources – Your Hub for Support & Success
Welcome to the MSU Student Veteran & Military-Affiliated Resources page! This comprehensive hub is designed to support veterans, active duty service members, reservists, National Guard members, military spouses, and dependents by providing essential tools for academic success, career advancement, financial stability, and personal well-being.
Here, you’ll find up-to-date information on education benefits, career development, financial aid, mental health resources, and opportunities to connect with the MSU military-connected community. Whether you’re transitioning from military service to student life, navigating VA benefits, or preparing for your next career step, this page is here to guide you.
This is a living resource, meaning it is never truly complete. As the needs of MSU’s student veterans and military-affiliated students evolve, so too will this page. We welcome suggestions for additional resources and support services to ensure this page remains as helpful and relevant as possible. If you have ideas or recommendations, please reach out to us at veterans@msu.edu, this page is built for you, and we’re always looking for ways to improve it.
Explore the links and programs available, and take advantage of the many opportunities MSU offers to help you thrive both in and beyond the classroom.
Career & Professional Development for Military-Affiliated Students
MSU’s Career Services Network helps student veterans, service members, and military-connected students translate military experience into civilian career success, through one-on-one advising, resume and interview prep, internships and job search support, employer connections, and veteran-specific tools. Make an appointment through Handshake to build a plan and connect with employers who value your service.
Job & Internship Search
Use Handshake for jobs, internships, and events. Explore MSU Connect to expand your Spartan network and find mentors with military experience.
Meet with a Career Advisor
- Assess skills & interests
- Translate military roles on your resume/cover letter
- Plan internships, part-time roles & experience
- Identify veteran-friendly employers & build your network
- Prepare for interviews & discuss grad/professional school
Veteran-Specific Tools & Resources
- Veterans Job Matcher (translate MOS to career paths)
- Explore organizations, job boards, and programs focused on veteran hiring
Tip: Not sure where to start?
Book a general or discipline-specific advisor via Handshake, then bring your resume (even if rough), your MOS/AFSC/SOC, and a target field if you have one.
Additional MSU Career ResourcesStudent Parents & Military Families
Parenting while pursuing higher education brings unique challenges, and even more so for those balancing the transition from military to student life. MSU’s Student Parent Resource Center offers on-campus support such as child-care scholarships, family housing, emergency funding, and peer support groups.
In addition to these campus services, veterans and military-connected families can access federal and state resources to help with childcare, education benefits, and family well-being:
MSU Resources
- Child care scholarships & referrals
- Family housing & lactation spaces
- Emergency funds & community events
- Peer support for student parents
National / Federal Resources
- VA Family Member Benefits (spouse/child education, caregiver, child care info)
- Military OneSource – Parenting (24/7 support, webinars, referrals)
- Child Care Aware of America (DoD fee assistance & off-base child care)
State / Local Resources
- Michigan Veterans Affairs Agency – Family Resources
- Michigan 2-1-1 (local child care, housing, utilities, food)
- Ingham Great Start Collaborative (early childhood supports)
VA VITAL (Veterans Integration to Academic Leadership)
VA VITAL (Veterans Integration to Academic Leadership) Initiative is a collaborative program between the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs and Michigan State University. Its mission is to ensure that every student veteran and military-connected student has the resources, support, and guidance needed to thrive in higher education.
Through VA VITAL, a licensed VA mental health professional is embedded directly on campus, serving as a bridge between MSU students and the VA healthcare system. Whether you’re seeking help managing stress, navigating VA healthcare, or connecting with mental health and wellness resources, VITAL provides confidential, veteran-centered support right here at MSU.
This partnership allows students to access VA care, referrals, and advocacy without leaving campus — making it easier than ever to stay focused, healthy, and supported throughout your academic journey.
PsychArmor Training for MSU Faculty, Staff, and Students
PsychArmor is a nationally recognized organization that provides free online education and training to help individuals and institutions better understand and support the military-connected community. Michigan State University is proud to partner with PsychArmor to make this training accessible through D2L for all faculty, staff, and students.
These self-paced modules are designed to increase awareness, empathy, and confidence when engaging with veterans, service members, and their families. By completing the training, Spartans can become stronger allies and advocates for the success of military-connected students across campus.
Whether you’re a professor looking to support a student veteran in class, a staff member assisting with benefits, or a peer wanting to build understanding, PsychArmor equips you with the insight and language to make a meaningful difference.