Post-baccalaureate classifications
Prerequisites for graduate or professional school (UNRS)
Take courses at UW–Madison to satisfy prerequisites that are required for graduate school, a professional program, or to maintain professional certification. While the advisors in our office are not equipped to advise you on these prerequisites, it is recommended that you do adequate research on your program/school of interest to ensure that the courses you take at UW–Madison prepare you well for application to your desired program.
A bachelor’s degree is required for admission. Enrollment is on a space available basis.
Capstone Certificates (UNCS)
Choose from over 15 different graduate-level Capstone certificates to complete at UW–Madison. These certificates allow you to obtain additional professional skills and certification in an easily accessible format designed for nontraditional students and working professionals. Learn more about the different certificates offered as well as their supplemental applications and admissions requirements on the Professional Degrees and Certificates website.
Apply directly to the Capstone certificate program to begin the process of admission. Ultimately you will be admitted as a University Special student in our Capstone certificate classification (UNCS).
Professional development (UNDS)
Take courses for personal or professional development and have those courses count for credit.
A bachelor’s degree is required for admission. Enrollment is on a space available basis.
Financial assistance
Because University Special students are nondegree seeking, generally speaking, they are not eligible for financial aid. Our Capstone and prerequisite students are the exceptions to this standard.
Professional development students do not qualify for financial aid, but may qualify for our Continuing Education Grant.