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.
- Calculate your tuition and fees. Tuition for online classes (also called distance education, or DE) is calculated by the number of credit hours taken. All Microbiology Online courses are charged at the Undergraduate – Standard DE Rate. View current rates for tuition and fees.
- Pay tuition and fees online (ePay), or view other payment options.
- Find general information and answers to questions about tuition and fees.
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 begins. View 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.
Application Deadlines
| Entry Semester | Application Deadlines and Details |
|---|---|
| Fall | August 14 |
| Spring | January 2 |
| Summer | May 11 |