What Are Non-degree Programs?

Non-degree programs are offered by colleges and universities to help learners develop skills, meet professional development requirements, or study a topic. While non-degree programs do not end in a college degree, you can still use them to earn a credential or explore a passion.

What are non-degree programs used for?

People enroll in non-degree programs for various reasons, including personal enjoyment and to advance their careers. What they have in common is a desire to explore a field or learn new skills to improve their lives. Some uses for non-degree programs include:

• Developing skills to make you more marketable in your current or future job

• Staying up to date on new research happening within your degree field

• Utilizing a school’s auditing options to learn about topics that personally interest you

• Increasing your skill set for professional development or a career change

• Learning business skills to start or grow your business

Types of non-degree credentials 

Non-degree programs can take many forms, from badges and certifications to licenses or apprentice experience. Below is a list of the types of non-degree credentials you can earn by completing a non-degree program.

License 

A professional license is a type of non-degree credential that certifies you have the experience and understanding to perform the requirements of certain professional jobs. This type of license can apply to a range of careers, from a commercial driver’s license (CDL) to a nursing license and teaching certification. 

Certificate

Non-degree certificates signify that you have completed a set of courses pertaining to a particular subject or vocation. Much shorter than a degree, certificates are a part of some career, education, or technical trade programs to prove you gained the skills in that discipline. For example, you could earn a certificate in product management, artificial intelligence, or digital transformation. 

Read more: What Are Certificate Programs? A 2024 Guide

Certification 

Certifications are similar to licenses in that they prove your ability to perform a certain job or that you have acquired a set of skills pertaining to a job. However, unlike professional licenses, certifications are voluntary credentials not mandated by the state in which you practice (exceptions do exist, so do your research before you choose a program). 

Bootcamp 

Bootcamps are popular options for learning about and developing skills in many IT-related subjects. In these fast-paced, skill-building courses, you can explore the fundamentals of subjects like coding, networking, cybersecurity, computing, and IT support. 

Read more: How to Choose a Data Science Bootcamp (+ 5 to Consider)

Apprenticeship

An apprenticeship is a program that is directly involved in the workplace, often in a skilled trade. Earning the credential proves your knowledge of that trade, along with the safety and industry standards involved in it.  

Badge

A badge is a type of microcredential that proves your abilities in a specific set of skills, such as supply chain and project management, marketing, grant writing, and more. To earn a microcredential, you typically take a short course, workshops, or a combination. 

Who participates in non-degree programs?

Since non-degree programs vary in structure, subject, price, and time commitment, they cater to a range of learners. Let’s take a look at the kinds of learners who participate in non-degree programs or certifications:

• Business professionals looking to advance in their career 

• Retirees who want to learn a new skill or to satisfy a lifelong quest for knowledge

• College graduates looking to build professional skills through certificates 

• Graduates and professionals seeking a career change

• Entrepreneurs looking to start a business

• High school graduates or GRE holders looking for certification in a field to start working instead of taking the traditional university path

Pros and cons of non-degree programs

Non-degree programs allow you to take courses to advance your career and work toward personal goals without the time commitment and cost of a traditional four-year degree. This is especially useful if you already have an associate or bachelor’s degree and only need to take a class or certificate course to gain a promotion. Certificates you earn in these programs also can increase your marketability and prove you have the skill set an employer needs. 

Another important advantage of completing a non-degree program is the length of time it takes to complete. Usually, you can finish one of these programs in less time than it would take to earn a college degree. If you're interested in earning a credential to pursue a specific career, this may be an important factor in your decision. 

However, keep in mind that non-degree programs may not be the right choice for everyone. If you choose to enroll in a degree program later, the university may not transfer the non-degree courses or certificates you’ve earned as college credit. Additionally, universities often prioritize enrollment for degree-track learners, making getting into the classes you want more challenging for your traditional non-degree program. 

In many cases, you will probably need to find creative ways to finance your education since non-degree students typically do not qualify for financial aid. Some schools offer financial assistance through scholarships or endowments designated for specific purposes, and you may qualify for a student loan designed for non-degree students.

How to enroll in a non-degree program 

The first step to enrolling in a non-degree program is finding one that interests you and aligns with your lifestyle. Consider the type of program you want to attend, the content you want to study, and how you plan to use what you learn. Many universities have a section on their website for non-degree learners to research the university, the types of classes available, and the post-graduate certificates they offer.  

Each school has a different admissions process and qualifications for non-degree learners. You must fill out a non-degree application through the institution's non-degree program page, which may ask you for contact information, the program you want to enroll in, and your reasons for studying as a non-degree-seeking learner. The school may require additional resources like an essay, letters of recommendation, previous transcripts, and a passing score on an English proficiency test if English is not your first language. 

Getting started on Coursera

A non-degree program may be a great option if you want to study a topic for personal, career, or academic reasons. It also may be a path to gain in-demand skills you can use to pursue a new career.

On Coursera, you can find several non-degree programs and courses to explore. For example, if you're interested in digital photography, consider the Cameras, Exposure, and Photography course (part of the Photography Basics and Beyond: From Smartphone to DSLR Specialization) from the University of Michigan. This course covers topics like understanding the features of digital cameras and how to use them. Or look at the Google IT Support Professional Certificate to develop cloud computing, debugging, and network protocol skills that can be helpful if you want to pursue a career in IT. You can work on these programs independently and earn a career credential to show your expertise.