Are you looking to take a class or two but not ready to enroll full-time in a degree program? Non-degree courses are a great way for you to earn credit and experience in the classroom. Non-degree study is possible within our four departments and many of the courses are available online.
The University at Buffalo’s Graduate School of Education is pleased to partner with the New York State Department of Education in providing professional development opportunities to teachers in religious and independent schools.
To be eligible, you must currently be teaching in a religious or independent school. Proof of eligibility will be requested at the point of application.
Approved students will have in-state tuition and fees paid for successfully completed courses from the list below.
Courses are presently open to non-UB students who are practicing teachers in religious/independent schools. You can take up to two courses per semester. Course lists are subject to change.
Deadline to apply for summer courses: May 20, 2024 (classes begin May 28)
Course delivery: All courses are offered online only
↓ Counseling, School and Educational Psychology
↓ Educational Leadership and Policy
↓ Information Science
↓ Learning and Instruction
Deadline to apply for fall courses: Aug. 20, 2024 (classes begin Aug. 26)
Course delivery: All courses are offered online
↓ Counseling, School and Educational Psychology
↓ Educational Leadership and Policy
↓ Information Science
↓ Learning and Instruction
1. Complete the online application form. Once you have activated your application account: select the term you are applying for; choose “Non-Degree Study” in the “Area of Interest” dropdown field; then choose “Religious and Independent School Professional Development – Non-Degree Student” in the “Degree Program” dropdown field.
Please note that this program covers in-state tuition only. If your permanent or mailing address is outside of New York State, you would be responsible for paying the difference in tuition.
You will need to upload a copy of your transcripts that shows completion of your bachelor's degree (not master’s) and the conferral date, as well as proof of your employment at an eligible religious or independent school.
Application deadlines:
Deadlines are based on availability of funding and are subject to change.
2. Wait for approval: Once your online application has been received, your application requesting non-degree status will be reviewed. We will notify you once it has been processed and approved. You will receive an email confirmation of your approval and instructions on the registration and enrollment process.
Teachers and staff who have been approved for any term in 2020 and beyond to take non-degree courses as part of this initiative can register in a subsequent semester if there was no break in enrollment.
Complete the course preference registration form (login required using your application account credentials) and submit it with an updated proof of your employment at an eligible school by the relevant deadline:
Deadlines are based on availability of funding and are subject to change.
How many credits can I take, as a student in the religious and independent school teachers professional development (RIPD) program?
Students can take up to 12 credits as part of the RIPD program.
What is the cost?
NYSED covers the cost of tuition and fees, for up to 12 credit hours, for successfully completed courses.
Do I pay an application fee?
The initial $35 application fee is covered by NYSED. If you don’t maintain continuous enrollment you are responsible for any subsequent application fees, however, NYSED will continue to pay the tuition and fees for up to 12 credit hours for successfully completed classes.
Who is eligible?
Educational personnel at non-public or independent schools within New York State.
What are the program requirements?
The RIPD program is a non-degree program through UB and does not have any program requirements. Registration is limited to only RIPD-eligible courses.
What if I don’t have a completed bachelor's degree?
Students must have an awarded bachelor’s degree in order to be eligible for this program.
What do I need to show proof of employment?
Eligible documents include school ID card, current pay stub, letter from supervisor, and current contract.
I previously participated in RIPD but had a gap in enrollment do I need to reapply?
Yes, you will need to submit a new application and pay the $35 non-refundable application fee. Only the initial application fee is paid for by NYSED.
Can these credits be used toward a GSE program in the future?
Completed credits can be used toward our matriculated program requirements upon review and approval of a program director. If you have questions or interest in one of our matriculated programs, please reach out to our staff directly for further information.
Can I take a break in between semesters?
Continuous registration is considered fall and spring semesters; summer and winter semesters do not count toward continuous registration. If you do not enroll for a fall or spring semester and maintain continuous enrollment, you will need to reapply to the program and pay the $35 application fee. Only the initial application fee is covered by NYSED.
Can I take classes that aren’t on the RIPD list and pay for them myself?
No. While you are participating in the RIPD program, you are only able to take RIPD-eligible courses. Upon completion of the 12 allowable RIPD credits, you can apply as a graduate non-degree student to take other eligible non-degree courses. Our system is unable to separate courses on your record into different billing categories and NYSED has placed a limit of two classes per semester, one for our winter session.
Will I be awarded a degree or certificate?
No, this is a non-degree program. All courses will be listed on an official transcript.
Can I take more than 12 credits hours?
No. While you are participating in the RIPD program, you are only able to take RIPD-eligible courses. Upon completion of the 12 allowable RIPD credits, you can apply as a graduate non-degree student to take other eligible non-degree courses. If you are interested in any of our matriculated programs, please contact our admission office for further information.
I have a hold on my account for my graduate advisor. How do I get rid of that?
An advising hold is placed on all religious and independent school teachers professional development (RIPD) participant records to prevent registration. This is to ensure students are only enrolled in courses covered by NYSED. The advising hold will remain on your record throughout your participation in the RIPD program.
Do I have to complete the financial agreement if my courses are being paid for?
Yes. All students are required to complete their financial agreement each semester to be eligible to enroll for classes. NYSED will pay the tuition and fees for up to 12 credits for successfully completed courses.
How do I register for classes?
RIPD students will need to complete a Course Preference/Registration Request form each semester. This form is located in your application portal and requires your application email and password to access. You will be registered administratively by the department offering the course and you will receive a registration confirmation email at your UB email address.
Why did I receive a bill in the mail for my RIPD course?
Our billing system is automated, and you will continue to receive a billing statement for each cycle. The final invoice is sent to NYSED for payment after the end of each semester with the list of final grades. It can take several months for the NYSED payment to be received and processed to your student account. As an RIPD participant, you will have an indicator placed on your student record to prevent any late fees from being incurred.