Occupational Endorsements
How to Earn an Occupational Endorsement
Occupational Endorsements Overview
Occupational endorsement programs are designed to give students occupational training in a specific field. These programs are 9-29 credit hours. Credits completed for the occupational endorsement may be applied to other undergraduate degree programs.
Students should submit the Occupational Endorsement Completion Form by these respective dates:
- Spring completion: May 1
- Summer completion: Aug. 1
- Fall completion: Dec. 1
If all general university, occupational and program requirements are met, the endorsement is posted to the official transcript. The student's occupational endorsement department will issue the certificate of completion.
How to Earn an Occupational Endorsement
To earn an occupational endorsement, submit a free application for admission. More details about the application process are available on the Applying for Admission to Occupational Endorsements page. Requirements for each program major are found in the Occupational Endorsement Programs section.
General University Requirements for Occupational Endorsements
At least 9 credits for an occupational endorsement, including transfer credits, must be earned at the F100 level or above. At least 30% of credits applicable to any occupational endorsement must be earned at UAF.
Unless otherwise specified by the appropriate academic unit, a course may be used more than once toward fulfilling degree, certificate or major requirements. However, credit hours for such courses count only once toward the total credits required for the degree or certificate.
| Requirement | Occupational Endorsement |
|---|---|
| Minimum number of credits required | 9 credits |
| Credits that must be earned at UAF (residence credit) | At least 30% of the program must be completed in residence at UAF. |
| Grade point average required | 2.0 cumulative and in major. Students must have a cumulative GPA of at least 2.0 in all coursework. Some occupational endorsement programs require higher GPAs. |
| Minimum grades required for major | No grade lower than C- in courses required for major; some departments have higher requirements |
| Catalog year that can be used to meet requirements | May use any catalog in effect when enrolled as a degree student, regardless of major; five-year limit on catalog year |
| Second occupational endorsement requirements | Students may earn more than one occupational endorsement by completing all requirements for each additional program. Additional occupational endorsements must differ by 3 or more credits. |
Occupational Endorsement Policies
Catalog Year and Time Limits
Students may elect to complete their program under the requirements of the catalog in effect at the time of formal acceptance to an occupational endorsement program or the catalog in effect at the time of completion. Courses for occupational endorsement must be completed within five years of formal acceptance into the program. Admission will expire if requirements are not completed in five years. The student must reapply for admission and meet the admission and program requirements in effect at the time of formal acceptance. Program requirements may require completion in less than five years.
Residence Credit
Residence credit is course credit earned through any unit of UAF. Formal classroom instruction, distance-delivered courses, individual study or research at UAF are all considered residence credit.
Transfer credit, advanced placement credit, credit for prior learning, military service credit and credit granted through nationally prepared examinations are not considered residence credit. None of these types of credit can be applied to UAF residency requirements.
Residency Requirement
Most universities have residency requirements that call for a certain number of credits toward a degree to be earned at the degree-granting school. At least 30% of the program must be completed in residence at UAF. Additional residency credit requirements may be established to meet discipline or accreditation standards.
Transfer Credit
If a student wants to use credits from a school other than UAF to satisfy degree requirements, those courses must be approved by the dean of the school or college from which they will graduate; otherwise, they take the risk that the courses will not be accepted.
