Graduate Admission Status

Degree or Nondegree Application Status

Degree or Nondegree admission? One of the most asked questions from applicants is whether they should apply for degree or nondegree admission status, and if nondegree, which nondegree status? Read on for an explanation.

Degree Admission

As the name implies, you would select this option if the intent is to pursue a graduate degree: master's, specialist, or doctorate. Students applying for degree-bound status must submit all required materials as detailed below:

1. Application for admission
2. Non-refundable application fee
3. Official transcripts from all schools previously attended
4. Any departmental materials that might be required

Note: The above must be submitted prior to the published deadline for the chosen program and semester of application.

Nondegree Admission

There are several nondegree-seeking categories at the graduate level, so you'll need to determine which category is the right one for your goals. Each category has different admission requirements, and enrollment restrictions may apply to some of the categories. Note: Students admitted to nondegree-seeking statuses are NOT eligible for federal financial aid. These categories are only available to international applicants who do not require F-1 or J-1 status.

Nondegree Category A

This category is a non-restrictive category, which means students enrolled in this category can take the same level of courses as those in degree-bound status. So, students can take any course for which they have the prerequisites, or departmental consent (if required). This category includes graduate certificates.

Admission consideration requires the same materials to be submitted as for the degree admission status, unless you have earned an master's or higher degree from a regionally accredited institution or equivalent overseas institution. If the higher degree has been earned, then you only need to submit the application, fee and official transcripts reflecting the award of the master's or higher degree.

Graduate Certificates

Students interested in pursuing only a certificate program may apply directly to the certificate using the admission application.  Graduate students currently attending WSU may use the Certificate Form link to below. 

Nondegree Category B

This category is often used for students who are seeking to renew their teaching certification.

This category is a restrictive category, meaning students in this category can only take courses numbered 799 and below for which they have the prerequisites and / or departmental consent (if required).

Admission consideration requires:

1. Application for admission
2. Non-refundable Application fee
3. Official transcripts reflecting the award of your bachelors degree OR proof of teaching licensure. If you are licensed in the state of Kansas and provide our office with your SSN or Teacher ID, we will look up that information in the certification database. If you are licensed in another state, please provide a photocopy of your license or official transcripts reflecting the award of your bachelor's degree.

Graduate Guest Admission Status

This status is for students working on a graduate degree at another U.S. institution who wish to take courses for one semester at Wichita State University to transfer back to their home institution. The status is available for one semester only and admits the student into a category that is nonrestrictive, meaning students in this category could take any graduate level course for which they have the prerequisites, or departmental approval (if required).

Admission consideration requires:

1. Application for admission
2. Nonrefundable application fee
3. A letter from your home graduate school certifying your standing in a graduate program at that institution

Badges

Students in this category are not seeking a graduate degree, but want to continue professional development through skills acquired in the badge coursework.