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 Studies and Research 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". Prior to applying, prospective non-degree seeking students should reach out to the program coordinator of their intended area of study to verify that that department is currently accepting non-degree seeking students. Non-degree students submit a Graduate Application, and one of the following documents:
  • Official transcript showing most recent conferred degree (bachelor’s or higher)     OR
  • Certification of eligibility as a transient graduate student in good standing, with transfer permission at home institution for coursework to be completed at Radford University    OR
  • Educator’s Degree/Employment Verification Request Form for Non-Degree Enrollment      OR
  • Degree verification form, showing completion of a conferred baccalaureate degree

See also Guidelines for Non-degree Seeking Students.

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)

A note about changing from non-degree or professional licensure and 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. Non-degree to degree seeking students are allowed to transfer up to 9 graduate level credit hours earned at Radford University with a grade of "B" or better. It is the student’s advantage to formally enroll 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.

Individuals seeking information related to non-degree credit based programs please contact:
Emily Close, Graduate Student Support and Non-Degree Coordinator at (540) 831-6344 or eclose@radford.edu.