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Non-Degree Option or Graduate Certificate

The Non-Degree Option (NDO) program at Stanford makes it possible for qualified working professionals to enroll in graduate-level courses. Note, NDO applicants do not need to be employed by a SCPD member company to participate in the NDO program. However, employees of member companies and/or United States Armed Forces members may be eligible for reduced tuition rates.

Students in the NDO program may also pursue a graduate certificate in a number of different areas. Most of the EE graduate certificates are comprised of four (4) courses (e.g. three (3) required courses and one (1) elective course). Certificates are awarded upon successful completion of the certificate courses with a minimum GPA average of a 3.0.
 
For questions about how NDO courses can be used toward the Part-Time MS Degree, visit the Part-Time MS & NDO FAQ page.

Eligibility and How to Apply

In order to participate in the NDO Program, applicants must meet the following eligibility requirements:

  • Hold a U.S. bachelor’s degree or its equivalent, or be anticipating conferral of the degree prior to the proposed start quarter;
    • International applicants should carefully review the International Academic Credentials requirements determined by Stanford’s central Office of Graduate Admissions before starting an application.
  • Possess a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 (on a 4.0 scale) in all technical courses* taken towards the undergraduate degree.
    • Previously admitted NDO students must maintain a GPA of 3.0 (on a 4.0 scale) in courses taken at Stanford with no more than one C, D, or NC to continue in the program.

*Technical courses are defined as all engineering courses (except technical writing), mathematics, computer science and hard sciences (e.g. physics and chemistry).

Information on application procedures and enrollment deadlines for NDO courses and graduate certificates can found on the SCPD website. Applicants interested in the Non-Degree Option program should also review the SCPD’s Non-Degree Option Student Handbook, which includes further details specific to the NDO program (e.g., how to apply, enroll, make tuition payments, etc.).