Certificate Programs/non-Degree Status
Non-Degree Status Information
Admission in non-degree seeking status is reserved for those who are interested in course enrollment for professional development, intellectual enrichment, or exploring the possibility of applying for a graduate degree program or certificate program.
Application Requirements
Applicants who meet the following standard entrance criteria may apply for a certificate program or as a non-degree seeking student and upon admission, enroll in graduate level courses:
- Hold an appropriate bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited U.S. college or university, or the equivalent degree from another country
- Meet or exceed grade point average of 3.0 based on a 4.0 scale
- Obtained adequate undergraduate preparation in their proposed field of study
- Some certificate programs may have additional admissions requirements
Exceptions and Waivers
- Individuals whose academic credentials fall below any of the standard entrance criteria are highly encouraged to apply since waivers of some criteria may be granted on an individual basis.
Transfer Credits
A maximum of 12 quarter hours of graduate credit earned in a non-degree-seeking status and/or transferred from another institution may be permitted for application toward a degree program, once a student obtains acceptance into a degree program. See the transfer credit page for more information.
Application and Transcripts Information
- AFIT applications are processed year-round, however, applications should be submitted at least three months prior to the desired enrollment date.
- You may apply for up to three programs, however, you must submit a separate application for each specific program.
- After submitting an application, official transcripts must be requested from every college or university attended (undergraduate and graduate) and delivered from the institution(s) to the AFIT Graduate School Admissions Office. Copies are not acceptable for admissions evaluation. In the event you hold two equivalent level degrees, the most recently awarded degree transcript is required.
- For certificate programs that are major-specific or require a prerequisite course(s) for admission and the prerequisite major or course(s) do not appear on your highest degree-granting transcript, you must also provide an official transcript from the school(s) at which you took the prerequisite major or course(s)
- If you are an active duty Air Force officer or a prior AFIT Graduate School student, AFIT may have some of your transcripts already on file. If so, your admissions counselor will advise you of what is on file and what official transcripts need to be ordered.
- Normally, your application will be reviewed within 10 business days after receipt of all documents (official transcripts, test scores and application). Following the review, you will receive an academic eligibility letter stating one of the following:
- You have been accepted for the program requested. Nominal program length for those who meet the entrance standards is 18 months for master's programs and 36 months for doctoral programs. However, extended length programs are possible when academic needs require it.
- You are conditionally accepted for the program requested. Upon completion of recommended actions, your status will be reconsidered following submission of appropriate documentation.
- You are not accepted for admission into the program requested.
- Students admitted into a certificate program or as a non-degree seeking student and who later seek a change of enrollment into a degree-seeking program must first provide official transcripts from each school attended and either GRE or GMAT scores, as appropriate. See the master's or doctoral degree eligibility pages for more details.
Defense Industry Contractor Information
Defense industry contractors who are accepted to AFIT must comply with 10 U.S.C. § 9314a in that continued enrollment at AFIT is contingent upon providing proof of employment with a qualifying defense industry company for each subsequent period of enrollment. Change of service, position, or employment status may affect a student's ability for continued enrollment. Refer to the contractor employment verification form for more information.
