Graduate Admissions

William Paterson University offers several options for admission to the University: matriculated, endorsement, post-master's, non-degree, and visiting. Applications for admission should be made to the Office of Graduate Admissions and Enrollment Services and must include the $50 application fee and specified program requirements.

Applying for Matriculation Status

You are considered a matriculated student if you are formally accepted to a program that culminates in a degree, certification, or endorsement. As a matriculated student, you may pursue your studies on a full or part-time basis.

Full-time status: Enrolled in 9-15 graduate credits per semester.

Part-time status: Enrolled in up to 8 graduate credits per semester.

Applying for Non-Degree Status

You may apply for non degree status for most programs. As a non-degree student, you may enroll for up to nine graduate credits or three graduate courses. After nine credits, in order to continue, you must file an application for matriculation to be accepted into a degree, certificate, or endorsement program.

If at any time a non-degree student wishes to apply for admission to the University, formal application must be made and complete credentials must be submitted. The nine credit limitation does not apply to senior citizens or to students taking undergraduate courses needed for eligibility for matriculation into a graduate program.

Some programs may not accept non-degree students or may require special permission, based on availability of seats. Additionally, some programs that allow non-degree study, may only allow students to take three to six non-degree credits before requiring matriculation. Please check with the program director to determine the non-degree policy that is applicable to your program of interest.

Please note that students who pursue non-degree study are not eligible for financial aid or application of unemployment waivers. Additionally, individuals who have completed a certificate or endorsement program at William Paterson University must obtain special permission before applying for non-degree status. Please contact us for further information.

Applying for Post-Master's Status

A post-master's student (one who has previously earned a master's degree) may earn up to 30 credits in courses designated as open to non matriculated students. Admission on a non degree, or post master's basis does not imply eligibility for matriculation in any degree program or acceptance into a certification or endorsement program.