BU Graduate School - Continuing Education

Continuing Education (Non-Degree) Status

Overview

The Continuing Education non-degree enrollment status provides an opportunity for anyone holding an undergraduate degree to register for graduate- or undergraduate-level courses without being admitted to a degree program. This status is useful in several situations:

• Taking classes in this status allows students to "test the waters" by taking a graduate-level course before applying for a degree program.

• Individuals may wish to take graduate courses in this status while they are awaiting admission to a graduate degree program.

• This status may be used to complete prerequisites prior to admission to a degree program (either at BU or elsewhere).

• Binghamton offers a several non-degree certificate programs that can be completed with a limited number of courses; these certificates can be completed in the Continuing Education status without the need to enroll in a specific program.

• Many Life-Long Learners use this status to take a variety of courses as a means of enhancing their knowledge without enrolling in a specific graduate degree program.

The application process for Continuing Education status is quite brief, consisting of a one-page application (that can be completed on line) and submission of a copy of a transcript that verifies conferral of the undergraduate degree. Admission is automatic.

Once admitted to the Continuing Education non-degree status, a student may enroll in subsequent semesters. However, if a student in this status does not register for two consecutive semesters (excluding summer), it will be necessary to reapply.

Courses taken as a non-degree student may be applied toward a graduate degree program at the discretion of the admitting degree program. However, undergraduate courses cannot be applied to a graduate degree. While the Graduate School encourages students to use the non-degree enrollment option, we do not recommend that more than 12 credits be taken in the non-degree status if the student intends eventually to enroll in a degree program at Binghamton. Note that a master's or doctoral student's program curriculum begins at the time of admission to the degree program. Thus, if a non-degree student is taking courses in preparation for a degree program, these courses may or may not still be applicable to the program at the time of admission.

Course Availability

Continuing Education students may register for most graduate classes. However, registration for classes by Continuing Education students is limited to specific dates and times; in addition, some programs (i.e., the School of Management) limit admission by Continuing Education students to certain specified classes. Always consult in advance with the graduate program in which you wish to enroll for registration details.

For information on Binghamton's graduate courses, see the Bulletin

For the Class Schedule, see the Registrar's website.

A Note About Transcripts

All courses--both graduate and undergraduate--taken as a graduate non-degree student will appear on a graduate transcript. All graduate courses will earn grade points that are used to calculate the graduate grade point average (GPA). Undergraduate courses taken as a graduate non-degree student will appear on the graduate transcript and will receive a grade; however, undergraduate credits do not earn grade points and, thus, do not influence the GPA calculation.

Examples:

1. A graduate non-degree student takes one graduate course and one undergraduate course. The student receives an A in the graduate course and a B in the undergraduate course. The student's transcript will show the grades for both courses; however, the graduate GPA = 4.0.
2. A graduate non-degree student takes two undergraduate courses, receiving As in both courses. The transcript will show completion of both courses and will show the A grades; however, the student's graduate GPA = 0.0, since no graduate courses have been completed.

Normally students taking undergraduate courses as a prerequisite for admission to another institution (e.g., a medical or veterinary school) normally have no problem submitting the graduate transcript demonstrating completion of the undergraduate prerequisites without a GPA. However, students who wish to receive grade points for undergraduate courses should consult the Office of Undergraduate Admissions to discuss the possibility of being admitted as an undergraduate non-degree student.

Financial Aid for Non-Degree Students

Financial aid in the form of federal loans (through the William D. Ford Federal Direct Subsidized or Unsubsidized program) may be available under certain circumstances. In order to obtain loan eligibility, the following requirements must be met:

• Prior academic approval for planned coursework is required:

  • students must verify (by sign-off of both a specific graduate program and the Graduate School) that the courses they take will be applicable towards a degree program upon enrollment at Binghamton University; or

  • students must verify that the courses they take are prerequisites for admission and enrollment to a degree program at Binghamton University.

• A minimum of six credits must be carried each semester; these credits must all be courses that will meet the requirements of a specific graduate degree or certificate.

• Financial need must be demonstrated.

• Loans are available for U.S. citizens or permanent residents only.

• Applicant must have completed the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).

• The "Non-Matriculated Status Certification Form" must be completed, approved (by a graduate program and by the Graduate School) and returned to the Office of Student Financial Aid and Employment.