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Explore all the opportunities awaiting you at Wake Tech during the college's Fall Open House, from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. October 11 on Southern Wake Campus.

Non-Degree Programs

Workforce Development

Comparing Degree and Non-degree Programs

Workforce Development courses are considered non-credit. When you take such a course, you usually won't earn college credit toward a degree, although there are exceptions. But you can earn industry-recognized certifications and continuing education units (CEUs).

Degree Programs
Non-degree Programs
Require high school transcript
Don't require high school transcript
Longer term
Shorter term
Lead to associate degree
Industry-issued or -recognized credential or earned CEUs
Option to transfer to four-year college or university
Some courses may be eligible for college credit
Programs run on semester calendar
Programs start at different times throughout the year

Wake Tech offers multiple ways for students in Workforce Development programs to receive college credit or place out of college-level courses:

  • Prior learning
    Students who have industry-recognized certifications may be able to skip certain prerequisite courses in non-degree programs by receiving an equivalency for their prior learning work.
  • Challenge exams
    Students seeking credit for non-transferable learning experiences may request a challenge examination. The subject matter for which credit is sought must be equivalent to the course(s) being challenged.
  • Some non-degree courses articulate to degree programs. Check with your instructor to see if your course is eligible for college credit.

Just like students in degree programs, Workforce Development students can take advantage of a variety of Wake Tech resources:

Check with Workforce Development Financial Resources and Student Support for details.