Students who have completed a bachelor’s degree or the equivalent may wish to take courses for graduate credit without enrolling in a specific degree program. This might, for instance, be to meet employer or certification requirements, to facilitate a research exchange, or to transfer graduate credits to another university. This option might also be used by students who are in the process of applying for a degree program but who wish to begin taking courses immediately.
Conditions of Non-Degree Graduate (NDG) Admission:
- Graduate-level courses will appear on the transcript as, and be transferable as, graduate level credits.
- Students who are not concerned about graduate standing may apply through the undergraduate admissions office and will be charged at the undergraduate rate.
- NDG students are not eligible for financial assistance for coursework taken as a non-degree student.
- While no TOEFL or GRE scores are required for admission as a NDG, students whose academic or language proficiency is not sufficient for acceptable participation in the chosen class will be advised to register for a lower-level class and/or will be expected to take language courses concurrent with the NDG enrollment.
- Admission to a regular graduate program will require submission of a standard application for admission.
- Some programs limit the number of NDG credits that may be applied toward a graduate degree and thus, not all credits taken as a NDG student will necessarily be applicable to, or counted toward, a graduate degree(s).
- The program will evaluate for inclusion on the degree schedule any NDG credits the student wishes to have count toward a degree.
Admission Process for Non-Degree Seeking Students (Graduate Status)
Applications for admission as a non-degree student with graduate standing are reviewed by the Graduate School. Departmental approval is not required as it is for applications to a graduate program, though the Graduate School may request review by the academic department. A completed application for non-degree graduate status includes:
- Application Form
- Proof of Bachelor’s Degree
- If you are participating in an exchange program or other formal program such as an employment training series, a statement explaining your situation will assist us in making certain your coursework at Michigan Tech meets your requirements and expectations. Distance Learning students should submit application materials to Sponsored Educational Programs.
Academic History
A transcript documenting receipt of a bachelor’s degree or equivalent must be attached to this application. Alternatively, a letter certifying receipt of the degree or a diploma will be considered proof of a bachelor’s degree. Photocopies are acceptable. Michigan Tech grads need not supply a transcript.
Transcript
Courses taken prior to approval of the application may in some cases be used toward a graduate degree at Michigan Tech if applicable. However, these courses will be recorded as undergraduate credits and will not transfer as graduate courses without authorization and associated tuition adjustments.
Cost of Study
Prior to formal approval of the application for non-degree graduate status, course registration will be billed at the undergraduate rate. Once NDG status has been approved, all credits taken will be billed at the graduate tuition rate.
Tuition for 2006-2007 is $500 per graduate credit hour. All graduate students, regardless of residency, will pay the same tuition, except that Distance Learning students will be billed at a different rate.