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GCAC-302 - Classification of Students

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Academic Goal

To ensure that the J. Jeffrey and Ann Marie Fox Graduate School offers a variety of educational opportunities that enables students to meet their varying academic goals as they pursue their graduate studies.

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Purpose

To define the different classifications for admission to the Graduate School.

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Scope

All prospective and current graduate students.

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Background

Policy Statement

  1. A degree student is pursuing a graduate degree at Penn State and has been formally admitted for graduate studies in a particular graduate program.
  2. A certificate student is engaged in a program of study leading to a postbaccalaureate or graduate credit certificate.
  3. A nondegree student may take graduate courses, but is not enrolled in a graduate degree program. (See GCAC-304 Nondegree Admission).
    1. Certification students (e.g., students pursuing post-baccalaureate teacher certification by the Pennsylvania Department of Education) are classified as nondegree students. Certification students have the same University privileges and responsibilities as graduate degree students.

Process

Students who wish to change their classification should consult the Office of Graduate Enrollment Services.

Revision History

Last Graduate Bulletin update: August 2016

Editorial revisions to reflect the new name of the Fox Graduate School, July 19, 2024