Students wanting to take a few classes are categorized by the U as a non-matriculated student. There are numerous reasons to enroll as a nonmatriculated student. Some of the most prevelant are:
- The student decided to start taking classes after the master's degree application deadline.
- The student wants knowledge from a couple of courses or to earn a certificate.
- The students wants to waive the need to take the INCOSE Knowledge Exam through courses.
- The student is trying to decide if the U is where they plan to pursue their education.
- The student does not qualify for admittance to a degree program (lack of a STEM degree or an undergraduate career GPA < 3.0). Through demonstrated success in graduate courses, the student may prove their capability and eventually become admitted to their desired program.
The U wants every student to have a graduate advisor and a program director. So the U forces students that want to take a few SIME classes to apply for either the GCEM or GCSE. Just because a student applies, that does not imply that the student needs to finish. This a forced mechanism by the U to apply to take a few classes. As such, students just wanting to take classes are directed to follow the application directions for a stand alone graduate certificate. The SIME faculty looks forward to teaching you in a class or two. Hopefully the faculty can convince you to take enough classes to earn a graduate certificate or a masters degree.