UNO Graduate Studies offers specialty options in addition to traditional master's and doctoral degrees. Explore graduate certificates, non-degree enrollment, inter-campus enrollment, and more.
Non-Degree Graduate Enrollment
Those looking to take a few courses for a semester or two may do so as a non-degree graduate students. Consider applying as a non-degree graduate student if you hold a baccalaureate degree and align with one of the following situations:
- I am looking to take a course for leisure or professional development purposes.
- I missed an application deadline but want to get a start on courses if I get admitted for a future term.
- I am not sure if a program or discipline is right for me, so I want to take a course or two to get a better feel.
- I need just a semester or two of graduate courses to maintain a professional license or certification.
- My undergraduate grade point average (GPA) does not meet the requirements for admission, so I hope to establish a better GPA as a graduate student to show promise on a future application to a graduate program;
- I am enrolled in a graduate degree program at another institution and wish to transfer credits earned at UNO.
If you’re looking to apply as a non-degree graduate student, browse available courses through the Class Search. Select the appropriate term, subject of interest, and career (graduate) to find courses. Some courses may not be open to non-degree students or may require special permission from an advisor or faculty member. This will be noted near the description and prerequisite section of each course listing.
Inter-campus Enrollment
Some graduate programs allow students to enroll in courses at other institutions and count toward program requirements. Students who have been admitted to graduate studies at another campus within the University of Nebraska system and wish to take a course(s) offered at another NU campus, are required to obtain approval from a program advisor and must complete the necessary intercampus registration form to register for a graduate course(s). To learn about available options for your program and applicable courses offered at another NU campus, contact your advisor.
Unclassified Graduate Programs
Unclassified admission at the graduate level is available in limited departments/schools for students who are 1) taking courses for professional growth or personal interest, but do not intend to pursue an advanced degree; or 2) working toward certification, additional endorsement, or renewal of certification in professional education.
Graduate Certificates
A graduate certificate typically consists of 12-18 graduate credit hours, and it enhances a student’s knowledge in a given content area. A graduate certificate offers professional development opportunities to gain mastery in targeted career learning and to develop a career competency in a single subject. With careful planning, certificate credits can be counted toward the completion of a master's degree.
Benefits include:
- Develop new professional skills
- Achieve graduate education in 12-18 credit hours or 4-6 courses
- Earn a credential in a specialized area
Looking to advance your career? Explore the various graduate certificate programs to develop new skills or consider a new discipline for a competitive advantage. Graduate certificate- programs typically consist of 12-18 credits or 4 to 6 courses. Students may finish a graduate certificate in just a few semesters or complete a graduate certificate simultaneously with a master's program. The application process and admission requirements are typically less rigorous than those of a master's or doctoral program.
Search for graduate certificates
Graduate Microcredentials
Microcredentials are mini-qualifications that demonstrate skills, knowledge, and/or experience in a subject area or capability. They tend to be narrower in range than traditional qualifications like diplomas or degrees.