Outreach Programs, formerly Professional and Continuing Education Programs, are part of the College of Graduate and Outreach Programs. Outreach Programs offers credit and noncredit programs as well as targeted one-time courses, certificate programs and complete degree programs at a distance. The mission of Outreach Programs is to extend the resources of JMU beyond our campus by providing access to quality education experiences through innovative approaches to those seeking to further their personal and professional development. Outreach Programs works with faculty, academic units, students, and community organizations to design, market, and deliver a wide array of courses. Outreach Programs also oversee the enrollment of non-degree seeking students. Non-degree seeking students are individuals who enroll in offered credit courses but do not seek a degree.
Certificate Program Admission
Individuals who wish to pursue a certificate must apply to the program and be approved before registering for classes. Individuals must complete the Non-degree Seeking Student Application, select “Certificate” and select the program to which they are applying. Virginia residents must also complete the “ Application for Virginia In-State Tuition Rates.” A non-refundable $45 processing fee must accompany the application. Although certificate program students are considered non-degree seeking students, applicants for certificate programs need only complete the Non-degree Seeking Student Application once for the semester in which they wish to begin the program. Applications for certificate programs are forwarded to the appropriate academic unit for review, and applicants should check with the academic unit for additional application materials that may be required. A list of available certificate programs can be found at http://www.jmu.edu/outreach under “Certificate Programs.”
Non-degree Seeking Student Admission
The non-degree seeking student classification includes adult non-degree students, high school non-degree students and teacher licensure students. Individuals seeking enrollment as a non-degree seeking student must complete the “Non-degree Seeking Student Application.” Virginia residents must also complete the “Application for Virginia In-state Tuition Rates.” A non-refundable $15 processing fee must accompany the application. Non-degree seeking students must submit the application and processing fee each semester they enroll in a course. At the 600 level and above, courses require approval by the appropriate department head. Non-degree seeking students can complete the non-degree student application and the in-state form by going to http://www.jmu.edu/outreach and clicking “Apply Online Now” or “Outreach Forms.” Students should register online during the dates identified for non-degree seeking students following the instructions at http://www.jmu.edu/registrar and clicking “For Students” then “Registration Information Dates and Deadlines.” Walk-in registration and course adjustments are also permitted for non-degree seeking students.
The courses taken in the non-degree seeking student category carry university credit, and they may be transferred into a graduate program, once admitted, at the discretion of the program. Taking courses as a non-degree seeking student does not constitute admission to a program or imply later applicability of these courses toward a degree. An individual who has been academically dismissed from another institution or denied regular admission to JMU shall be required to wait for at least one calendar year for admission as a non-degree seeking student.
Non-degree Seeking Student Classification
High School Non-degree Students
High school students who have completed their junior year may enroll at JMU as non-degree students. They may register for classes in the summer term preceding their senior year and/or during their senior year. While recent high school graduates may register for summer classes as non-degree students, this does not constitute admission to subsequent semesters. Students in this program may enroll for no more than two courses during the summer term and for one course each term while taking high school classes. High school students seeking to register at JMU under this program must submit the “Non-degree Seeking Student Application,” a recommendation from the high school principal or guidance counselor, and a transcript of high school grades. Registration must be approved by the head of the academic unit(s) in which the student desires to take a course(s). Should the student enroll as a full-time student at JMU following high school graduation, credits earned, where appropriate, will apply toward degree requirements following the completion of one term. Transfer of these credits to other colleges will be at the discretion of the institution concerned.
Non-credit Courses
JMU coordinates all non-credit instructional programs through the College of Graduate and Outreach Programs. These programs are available for supplementing and updating knowledge, skills and abilities. Some non-credit courses and workshops award continuing education units as a uniform measure of professional development and to signify the student has completed the course or workshop. Information on CEUs is available online at http://www.jmu.edu/cgop/faculty by clicking “CEU Information.” Information on non-credit course offerings and registration is available at http://www.jmu.edu/outreach by clicking “Noncredit Courses” or “Online Noncredit Courses.” Additional information about Outreach Programs as well as other registration information can be accessed on the College of Graduate and Outreach Programs Web site at http://www.jmu.edu/outreach.
