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How to Apply

Admissions Requirements

Students apply by submitting their academic record and a letter of interest. Admission to the program is not required to take certificate courses. The requirements for admission are:

  • A high school diploma (or equivalent)
  • Completion of high-school level chemistry and biology
  • Completion of college-level organic chemistry and either genetics or biochemistry courses (required as prerequisites for upper-level certificate courses) OR current enrollment in a program offering these courses OR other access to these courses

Degree-seeking students at NC State University are not eligible. These students should enroll in the microbiology minor.

Students who have completed or are currently enrolled in a microbiology degree program (including a minor) are not eligible.

Apply to Microbiology Online

Complete the following steps to get started taking courses.

Step 1: Apply for Admission to NC State University as a Non-Degree Studies (NDS) Student

Only students admitted to NC State can take classes at the university. If you are not already matriculated in a degree program at NC State you will need to apply as a non-degree studies (NDS) student. Note, if you receive a message that new NDS applications are not currently being accepted you will have to wait to apply until after the start-of-term lockout is over. You will not be able to take a class until next term.

To have the $30 application fee waived, when prompted for your Enrollment Objectives check “to earn an undergraduate certificate or participate in one of the following programs:” and select “University Undergraduate Certificate in Microbiology” from the drop-down list.

Apply as an NDS student (opens in new tab).

View general information or check your eligibility for Non-Degree Studies (NDS) status.

Step 2: Pay Tuition

NDS students are required to prepay their tuition before they can register for classes.

Step 3: Register for Your Class

To register for classes you will need an NC State student ID number and/or NC State Unity (computer system) ID and password. These will be e-mailed to you once your NDS application has been processed and accepted.

  • NDS students can register for classes only after the open enrollment period beginsView current information about open enrollment.
  • Using your NCSU Unity ID and password, log-in to the MyPack portal, and select the class(es) for which you wish to register.
  • To request a waiver of prerequisite classes not taken at NC State, or for other assistance with registration, e-mail BioSciHelp@ncsu.edu. Please include in the message the number and name of the course for which you wish to register, and your NC State student ID number.

Step 4: (Optional) Enroll in the Microbiology Undergraduate Certificate Program

Students in NDS status at NC State are eligible to enroll in the Microbiology Undergraduate Certificate if they have completed high-school level chemistry and biology, and earned a High School diploma (or equivalent). A commitment to complete the program is not required in order to enroll.

  • To enroll, please submit the following by e-mail to the Microbiology Certificate Coordinator, Michaela Stofer:
      1. A statement of your interest in the Microbiology Undergraduate Certificate.
      2. An electronic copy of one or more unofficial transcripts to document previous college classes you have taken.
  • If you wish to apply transfer credit to the Microbiology Undergraduate Certificate for a course taken at another institution, an official transcript that documents the course in question must also be submitted.

Coursework

Click "Apply & Enroll (opens in new tab)" to register to take courses without being admitted to a degree program. Students pursuing university certificate programs are considered non-degree studies (NDS) students for the purpose of university registration. Students may begin taking courses for the certificate program in Fall, Spring or Summer terms.

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