Admission Requirements
We have specific requirements you must fulfill before being admitted into one of our distance education programs, typically depending on your status or the type of student you will be (i.e. international, nondegree seeking, etc.).
High school seniors who want college credit
As a high school senior, you can earn college credit while finishing up your high school diploma through the Independent Learning Program or the College Transition Program. If you are this type of student, you can apply now online.
Degree-seeking students
If you plan to take courses that lead to a degree, you are a degree-seeking student.
- Undergraduate students: If you plan to pursue an undergraduate degree program, you must be a high school graduate or GED (General Education Development) holder. If you are this type of student, you can apply now online.
- Graduate students: If you plan to enroll in graduate courses with the intention of earning a master’s or doctoral graduate degree, you will need to apply to both the Graduate School and the graduate program of study that interests you.
Nondegree-seeking students
If you want to earn credit for the courses you take but are not pursuing a degree, you are a nondegree-seeking student.
- Undergraduate students: If you are seeking to enroll in classes for personal and professional development rather than in pursuit of a degree, you may apply for the nondegree status, provided you are not currently enrolled in another institution or planning to take graduate level courses. Financial aid is not available to nondegree students.
- Graduate students: In many instances, courses taken as a nondegree-seeking graduate student can be applied toward a graduate degree, if certain criteria are met. If you are this type of student, you can apply now online.
International students
The Rinker Center for International Education assists all international students in gaining admission to Ball State University, including distance education and independent learning.