Non-Degree and Non-Credit Programs

In addition to degree programs, Radford University has a distinguished history of providing academic opportunities that meet the ever changing educational needs of professionals and the extended community. The College of Graduate and Professional Studies collaborates with our colleagues in the academic disciplines to coordinate and deliver a wide range of credit and non-credit programs.

Non-Degree Credit-based Programs
Individuals who do not plan to pursue a graduate degree or licensure but wish to take one or more courses may be admitted to the Graduate College as a “non-degree seeking student.” Non-degree students submit a Graduate Application, and official transcript(s) showing a bachelor’s degree (minimum GPA 2.75) or master’s degree conferred from a regionally accredited institution. See also Guidelines for Non-degree Seeking Students.

Certificates
A Post-baccalaureate Certificate is a linked series of graduate courses focused on addressing skills and competency to respond to an emerging need or specific area of interest within the professional community. Students apply as a "non-degree seeking” student, with the understanding that their enrollment period is for the duration of the Certificate. Specific Certificates may have additional admissions requirements. (Please see specific Certificate requirements)

· Appalachian Studies Certificate
· Autism Studies Certificate
· Informatics Certificate (not currently accepting applicants)
· Information Technology Certificate
· Professional Development in Educational Leadership
· Professional Development in Library Media
· Certificate in Gerontological Nursing
· Family Nurse Practitioner Certificate
· Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) Certificate

(Course descriptions for Certificate Courses are listed in the Graduate Catalog, available as a PDF file, online)

Credit Courses
The university offers courses for professionals in a variety of academic areas—some offered as open enrollment; others for professionals served by a specific grant or contractual arrangement. In addition, with the prior permission of specific program directors, non-degree students may register for many regularly-scheduled graduate courses at Radford University. In most cases, the student is limited to enrolling in no more than 6 hours of graduate credit as a non-degree seeking student; however students with specific needs that require more than the 6 hour limit should confer with the academic program director prior to enrolling at the university. A full list of course offerings is available on the Registrar’s website.

Professional Licensure and Certification
An individual who wishes to take graduate courses to meet initial professional licensure requirements may be admitted as a professional licensure student. In addition to the non-degree requirements, specific individual licensure and endorsement programs may have additional admissions requirements. (Please see the respective course of study sections under “degree programs” in the Graduate Catalog available as a PDF file, on-line.)

A Note about changing from Non-Degree or Professional Licensure & Certification to a Degree Program: Normally, courses taken under these admissions categories may not be counted toward a degree; however a student who subsequently decides to pursue a degree may petition the Graduate College through the appropriate department to have credits considered for acceptance toward a graduate degree. It is the student’s advantage to enroll formally in a degree program as soon as possible after registration in order to protect the potential future value of courses toward a graduate degree.

Non-Credit Programs
Individuals seeking professional development and life-long learning opportunities, but who do not require academic credit, may take advantage of a variety of workshops and conferences offered by the University.

CEU (Continuing Education Unit) Programs:
The College of Graduate and Professional Studies credentials CEUs (Continuing Education Units) for conferences and workshops sponsored by academic departments and affiliates of the university.

The Business Assistance Center:
Programs at RU’s Business Assistance Center support businesses through Western Virginia by providing a range of services including professional development training through the Center for Leadership and Professional Development, Governmental and Nonprofit Assistance Center, NRV Small Business Development Center, International Trade Program of Western Virginia, and the Minority Business Program.

CE&HD Center for Professional Development:
The College of Education and Human Development Center for Professional Development operates in partnership with the Western Virginia Public Education Consortium (SVPEC) to provide leadership and instruction. A major role of the Center is to respond to the “No Child Left Behind Act of 2001” and to help advance current teaching professionals in accordance with ESEA standards and stipulations.

College for Older Adults (Southwest Virginia Higher Education Center, Abingdon):
The College for Older Adults, (COA) is a program or persons 50 or older who share a love of learning. The program is operated by the Southwest Virginia Higher Education Center in Abingdon, in which RU is an affiliate. COA offers courses across a wide spectrum of subjects, ranging from historical and cultural topics to the practical and contemporary. Learners are given the opportunity to suggest classes, teach, network with other students, and exchange ideas as well as continue their quest for knowledge and broaden their lives.

Individuals and agencies seeking information related to professional development opportunities, please contact:
Ellen Taylor, Director of Extended and Continuing Education at (540) 831-5845 or eltaylor@radford.edu.

Individuals seeking information related to non-degree credit based programs please contact:
Rebecca Conner, Non-Degree Advising Coordinator at (540) 831-6296 or rconner2@radford.edu.