Degree (Matriculated) Student — a student who has been accepted for matriculation in a master’s degree, graduate certificate or certificate of advanced study. An adviser appointed by the department chair develops the student’s program of study in consultation with the student. All matriculated students in good standing move automatically to Candidacy after 12 credits. Those students moved to Candidacy are considered officially eligible for a degree because they have been cleared of all provisions and have demonstrated academic achievement suitable for a master’s degree.

Premajor (Nonmatriculated) Student — a student who has been accepted to premajor status instead of the matriculated major due to a deficiency in admission credentials as determined by the academic department. A maximum of 6 credit hours may be applied toward degree requirements upon approval of the major department. Admission in this status does not imply or guarantee admission to a master’s degree or certificate of advanced study program. Students accepted in this status may register for coursework with open seating only. Premajor students who wish to matriculate into a major must apply online to the appropriate master's program (unless otherwise directed by the academic department) once all admission deficiencies have been removed. Admission to programs is not automatic.

Postbaccalaureate Teacher Certification Program (Nonmatriculated) Student (Undergraduate Status) — a student who has earned a baccalaureate degree in a teaching-related content area (or equivalent coursework) from an accredited college or university and intends to complete required coursework for New York State teaching certification eligibility.

Some teacher certification programs may include only undergraduate courses, while others may require coursework at both the undergraduate and graduate levels. If graduate coursework is completed during the certification program and with the approval of the department, these credit hours may be applied toward a master’s degree program.

After successfully completing the teacher certification program, students are eligible to apply online for New York State certification. Contact the Teacher Certification Office in Chase Hall 222, with questions. No degree or certification is awarded by Buffalo State.

Admission in this status does not imply or guarantee admission to a master’s degree program. Students must apply for admission to the appropriate master’s program; admission is not automatic upon completion of the teacher certification program.

Nondegree (Nonmatriculated) Student — a student who has obtained a bachelor’s degree and who wishes to enroll in graduate coursework for reasons other than completing a master’s degree, graduate certificate, or certificate of advanced study. A student who has missed the application deadline for matriculation in a master’s or certificate program may also apply for nondegree status. Students denied admission to a degree program may apply for nondegree status.

All students are advised that a maximum of 6 credit hours taken as a nondegree student may be applied toward degree requirements upon approval of the major department.

Not all programs/departments permit nondegree students to take coursework intended for their graduate degree students. Preference will be given to students matriculated in degree programs. Therefore, registration for all nondegree students is on a space-available basis only.

Acceptance in this status does not imply or guarantee admission to a graduate degree program. Coursework may not be applicable to a degree program; department approval is required.