Admissions

GRADUATE ADMISSIONS

Graduate Studies - Entry Requirements:

An applicant must have the following:

A Bachelor’s Degree from a college or university accredited by the appropriate regional association with a minimum grade point average of 2.5 on a 4.0 scale or equivalent work experience in professional academic and/or government or private industry positions and achievements. Each applicant’s specific experience will be evaluated by the KSI Admissions Committee.
A Graduate Record Examination (GRE) revised General Test score or a Miller’s Analogy Test(MAT) score at or above the 50th percentile. The GRE or MAT requirement will be waived if an applicant has completed a Master’s degree or twelve or more credits of post- baccalaureate upper division or graduate coursework with a minimum grade point average of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale.
Official transcripts from all previous universities or colleges attended or proof of work equivalent
Additionally, all international applicants whose native language is not English are required to take the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) and submit a combined score of 550 or better (new scoring of 213 or better) or the Internet based test scoring of 80 or better. International transcripts are required to be translated if the grading and evaluation system used differs from those used by the United States education system. Official translation and a course- by-course evaluation from all prior institutions and grade-point average computation must be provided to the Office of Admissions.
Three completed recommendation letters, Completion of application and Application fee

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MASTERS DEGREES

Master of Science Degree Programs

The Master of Science (M.S.) Degree is an interdisciplinary program providing opportunities for those interested in advancing the development of Human Space Exploration and Space Settlements. The M.S. Program features coursework, research training, and collaborations with faculty in a research-led culture emphasizing rigor, creativity, and innovation. Students will join industry leaders to help guide the sustainable development of Space, and with the support of commercial and international partners will conduct impactful research in space-related fields to enable human expansion from Earth to Space.

PROGRAM OPTIONS

Master of Science Degree (M.S. THESIS-BASED)

Master of Science Degree (M.S. PROJECT-BASED)

Master of Science Degree (M.S. COURSE-BASED)

Master of Science Degree (M.S. CO-OP BASED)

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M.S. in Space Studies

The objective of the M.S. program is to provide graduate students, who have that developed a high level of knowledge in the field of human space exploration, with expertise in specific aspects of space studies, space settlements, space systems. R&D in space science, and excellence in writing and oral communication. M.S. graduate will possess a strong foundation on which they can be highly successful in science-related positions in government, industry, and other institutions, or carry out high quality research at the PhD level. Graduates of the program go on to become the future stewards of their discipline. They will generate knowledge and contribute to the future of space exploration.

The M.S. in Space Studies program guides students through the challenges of space exploration. The program provides opportunities for those interested in space engineering, science, policy and ethics related to human space settlement. Students examine key methods and strategies for human spaceflight, planetary exploration, commercial and scientific aspects of space exploration, mission planning and design, remote sensing satellites, astronomical instrumentation, robotics, human factors, risk management and other technologies to enable the development of space settlements.

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M.S. in Space Agriculture

The objective of the M.S. program is to provide graduate students, who have that developed a high level of knowledge in the field of human space exploration, with expertise in specific aspects of space studies, space settlements, space systems,R&D in space science, and excellence in writing and oral communication. M.S. graduate will possess a strong foundation on which they can be highly successful in science-related positions in government, industry, and other institutions, or carry out high quality research at the PhD level. Graduates of the program go on to become the future stewards of their discipline. They will generate knowledge and contribute to the future of space exploration.

The M.S.in Space Agriculture program guides students through key areas related to agriculture in space. The program investigates thechallenges ofcrop production incontrolled environments, effective management of ecosystems, and the evolution of agri-food systems in space-based mission architectures.Students learn to be active problem solvers focused on long-term solutions for human space settlement and drive the development of alternative agricultural systems for sustainable production for communities in space.

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M.S. in Space Architecture

The objective of the M.S. program is to provide graduate students, who have that developed a high level of knowledge in the field of human space exploration, with expertise in specific aspects of space studies, space settlements, space systems, R&D in space science, and excellence in writing and oral communication. M.S. graduate will possess a strong foundation on which they can be highly successful in science-related positions in government, industry, and other institutions, or carry out high quality research at the PhD level. Graduates of the program go on to become the future stewards of their discipline. They will generate knowledge and contribute to the future of space exploration.

The M.S. in Space Architecture program guides students through the challenges of designing and building inhabited environments in outer space. The program considers the complexities of sustainable design at multiple scales for continuous human habitation in extreme conditions, ranging from energy-efficient systems to development of space infrastructure. Students explore advanced space architecture to assess the key issues of establishing human space settlements.

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M.S. in Space Health

The objective of the M.S. program is to provide graduate students, who have that developed a high level of knowledge in the field of human space exploration, with expertise in specific aspects of space studies, space settlements, space systems, R&D in space science, and excellence in writing and oral communication. M.S. graduate will possess a strong foundation on which they can be highly successful in science-related positions in government, industry, and other institutions, or carry out high quality research at the PhD level. Graduates of the program go on to become the future stewards of their discipline. They will generate knowledge and contribute to the future of space exploration.

The M.S. in Space Health program guides students through the challenges to human health while living and working in space. The program provides opportunities for those interested in the health and well-being of space communities to support the achievement of long-duration space missions. Students examine key methods and strategies on identifying, monitoring, and prevention strategies to minimize the impact of the space environment on human health that will enable humanity to thrive beyond Low Earth Orbit.

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M.S. in Space Operations

The objective of the M.S. program is to provide graduate students, who have that developed a high level of knowledge in the field of human space exploration, with expertise in specific aspects of space studies, space settlements, space systems, R&D in space science, and excellence in writing and oral communication. M.S. graduate will possess a strong foundation on which they can be highly successful in science-related positions in government, industry, and other institutions, or carry out high quality research at the PhD level. Graduates of the program go on to become the future stewards of their discipline. They will generate knowledge and contribute to the future of space exploration.

The M.S. in Space Operations program guides students through the issues associated with the planning, operation launch, and management of space systems. This program guides students through sustainable space operations, space systems requirements and design specifications, payload and mission support, and space systems analysis in the global environment of the space industry. Students will gain an understanding of the technical, strategic and economic drivers required to conceive, design, and operate systems within the rapidly changing space sector.

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M.S. in Planetary Science

The objective of the M.S. program is to provide graduate students, who have that developed a high level of knowledge in the field of human space exploration, with expertise in specific aspects of space studies, space settlements, space systems,R&D in space science, and excellence in writing and oral communication. M.S. graduate will possess a strong foundation on which they can be highly successful in science-related positions in government, industry, and other institutions, or carry out high quality research at the PhD level. Graduates of the program go on to become the future stewards of their discipline. They will generate knowledge and contribute to the future of space exploration.

The M.S. in Planetary Science program guides students through the physics of planetary and space environments, including planetary surfaces and sub-surfaces, atmospheres and magnetospheres for planets within our solar system and extrasolar planets. The program offers students the opportunity to investigate the formation of the solar system and other planetary systems by examining the physical and chemical processes that shape planets and celestial bodies. Students will gain an understanding of planetary systems, solar-system bodies, and their individual and collective evolutionary histories.

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M.S. in Space Resources

The objective of the M.S. program is to provide graduate students, who have that developed a high level of knowledge in the field of human space exploration, with expertise in specific aspects of space studies, space settlements, space systems, R&D in space science, and excellence in writing and oral communication. M.S. graduate will possess a strong foundation on which they can be highly successful in science-related positions in government, industry, and other institutions, or carry out high quality research at the PhD level. Graduates of the program go on to become the future stewards of their discipline. They will generate knowledge and contribute to the future of space exploration.

The M.S. in Space Resources program guides students through the evolving challenges of the responsible use of available resources in the Solar System. The program focuses on the identification and management of space resources, including the advancing the development of science and technologies related to extraction, processing, and manufacturing in space. Students explore novel mission architectures that may be enabled by utilizing resources in space.

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M.S. in Space Science

The objective of the M.S. program is to provide graduate students, who have that developed a high level of knowledge in the field of human space exploration, with expertise in specific aspects of space studies, space settlements, space systems,R&D in space science, and excellence in writing and oral communication. M.S. graduate will possess a strong foundation on which they can be highly successful in science-related positions in government, industry, and other institutions, or carry out high quality research at the PhD level. Graduates of the program go on to become the future stewards of their discipline. They will generate knowledge and contribute to the future of space exploration.

The M.S. in Space Science program guides students through the challenges of addressing evolutionary systems for multigenerational success in space settlements. This program takes an interdisciplinary approach to examine the balance of dynamic processes to enable life to flourish in space, focusing on expansion of life support systems, influence of climates and weather conditions, and preservation of resources for generations to follow. Students will gain an understanding about the effects of gravity, interrelationships between celestial bodies, climate cycles, and the impact of human activities on a universal scale.

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M.S. in Space Systems

The objective of the M.S. program is to provide graduate students, who have that developed a high level of knowledge in the field of human space exploration, with expertise in specific aspects of space studies, space settlements, space systems,R&D in space science, and excellence in writing and oral communication. M.S. graduate will possess a strong foundation on which they can be highly successful in science-related positions in government, industry, and other institutions, or carry out high quality research at the PhD level. Graduates of the program go on to become the future stewards of their discipline. They will generate knowledge and contribute to the future of space exploration.

The M.S. in Space Systems program guides students through the processes and methods of vehicles and infrastructure working together to perform tasks in the space environment. This program guides students through the fundamentals of systems engineering as applied to space systems. Students will gain an understanding of development of space systems and subsystems, techniques and methodologies for scientific analysis and management across operations on Earth and in space, electronics, mechatronics, software, and controls, along with risk assessment and mitigation planning.

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GRADUATE CERTIFICATES

Graduate Studies

Our online programs encompass focused Interdisciplinary Space Studies, graduates will join industry leaders to help guide the sustainable development of Space, and with the support of commercial and international partners will create employment opportunities and enhance the expertise of global citizens to benefit society.

To be awarded a Graduate Certificate, students must take four courses. Three courses must be taken within the desired Graduate Certificate program. The fourth course may be taken as an elective from any of the Graduate Studies Programs.

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Human Factors for Space Settlement

Students enrolled in this Graduate Certificate program will examine human factors for space settlement, taking into consideration the unique challenges posed by long-term space travel and human habitability in the hazardous space environment. This program is designed to familiarize students with space settlement concepts, functions, and experiences focusing on application and development of related systems to improve safety and advance the performance of equipment, spacecraft design, procedures, health and nutrition. An emphasis will be placed on human centered design systems, related to but not limited to: psychology, perception performance limitations and errors, the human experience and simulations in mixed reality environments, and the evolving impacts of anthropometrics, biomechanics and ergonomics of human effectiveness.

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Space Commercialization and Entrepreneurship

Students enrolled in this Graduate Certificate program will study the economic drivers of sustainable space settlement and commercialization of space exploration addressing industry opportunities. This program examines exploration enterprises in development, launch, operations and disposal to develop mechanisms to drive innovation through technological advances, facilitating social benefits, scientific progress, and breakthroughs in satellite applications.

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Leadership, Policy, and Governance

Students enrolled in this Graduate Certificate program will study and analyze evolving challenges in the private/public space programs regarding policy perspectives, social structures, and governance models. Students will survey existing international legal and regulatory frameworks for space activities and establish new models and frameworks for the effective performance of stakeholders for long-term sustainable use of space.

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Space Infrastructure and Sustainable Exploration

Students enrolled in this Graduate Certificate program will investigate technologies to develop space infrastructure and sustainable exploration of the solar system and beyond. This program is designed to guide students through methodologies of building space infrastructure, remote sensing, space science, space management and operations. In addition to exploring the development of a broad set of space systems, students will delve into surveying supporting systems for space settlement and roadmaps for technological growth and expansion.

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Space Philosophy and Theory

Students enrolled in this Graduate Certificate program will study and explore such questions as: What should be the philosophical foundation for the future of humans in space? What beliefs and values will drive humans in space settlements? What are the possible futures for humankind if it remains on Cradle Earth and the implications of human settlement beyond? Students will be exposed to historical perspectives of philosophy, ethics, metaphysics, and epistemology, as well as other topics central to understanding humankind’s journey to living and working in space.

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Space Education

Students enrolled in this Graduate Certificate program will study the evolving contemporary issues in education that impacts research, policy, and practice. This program takes an interdisciplinary approach and emphasizes collaboration, investigation of novel educational systems and capacity building in space settlements. In addition to gaining a core foundational knowledge in theory, methods and research in education, students will address a range of domains including: human development, equity, learning and teaching, equality and justice, communities, institutions and societies on Earth and settlements in Space.

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Space Technology and Engineering

Students enrolled in this Graduate Certificate program will establish a foundation in space systems, integrated design methodologies, and interdisciplinary engineering sciences. This program guides students through identifying trends, requirements, develop strategies, and implement innovative solutions driven by technological advancements to enable future space settlements. Students will learn to think critically and gain valuable experiences in applying research and problem-solving skills to evaluate, analyze, and improve processes.

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Space Architectural Technology

Students enrolled in this Certificate Program will study the theory and practice of designing and building inhabited environments in outer space. This program is designed to guide students through architectural design of humans living and working environments in space. Students will gain an understanding about designing these forms of architecture and the challenges to ensure and support safety, sustainability, habitability, reliability and crew efficiency, productivity and comfort in the context of extreme environments.

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APPLY FOR FINANCIAL AID

Scholarships

Applicants to Kepler have access to a variety of funding options, including merit-based (i.e. based on your academic performance) and need-based (i.e. based on your financial situation) opportunities.

SCHOLARSHIPS & AWARDS (MERIT-BASED FUNDING)

All applicants are encouraged to review the awards listing to identify potential opportunities to fund their graduate education. The database lists merit-based scholarships and awards and allows for filtering by various criteria, such as domestic vs. international or degree level.

WORKING WHILE STUDYING

The possibility to pursue work to supplement income may depend on the demands the program has on students. It should be carefully weighed if work leads to prolonged program durations or whether work placements can be meaningfully embedded into a program.

A good starting point to explore student jobs is the Kepler Space Industries program or a Co-op placement.

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Financial Support

TEACHING ASSISTANTSHIPS (GTA)

Graduate programs may have Teaching Assistantships available for registered full-time graduate students. Full teaching assistantships involve 12 hours work per week in preparation, lecturing, or laboratory instruction although many graduate programs offer partial TA appointments at less than 12 hours per week.

RESEARCH ASSISTANTSHIPS (GRA)

Professors may be able to provide Research Assistantships (GRA) from their research grants to support full-time graduate students studying under their direction. The duties usually constitute part of the student’s graduate degree requirements. The stipend amounts vary widely, and are dependent on the field of study and the type of research grant from which the assistantship is being funded. Some research projects also require targeted research assistance and thus hire graduate students on an hourly basis.

FINANCIAL AID (NEED-BASED FUNDING)

US and Canada applicants may qualify for governmental loans to finance their studies. Please review eligibility and types of loans.

All students may be able to access private sector or bank loans.

FOREIGN GOVERNMENT SCHOLARSHIPS

Many foreign governments provide support to their citizens in pursuing education abroad. International applicants should check the various governmental resources in their home country, such as the Department of Education, for available scholarships.

Graduate Studies

Entry Requirements:

An applicant must have the following:

A Bachelor’s Degree from a college or university accredited by the appropriate regional association with a minimum grade point average of 2.5 on a 4.0 scale or equivalent work experience in professional academic and/or government or private industry positions and achievements. Each applicant’s specific experience will be evaluated by the KSU Admissions Committee.
A Graduate Record Examination (GRE) revised General Test score or a Miller’s Analogy Test(MAT) score at or above the 50th percentile. The GRE or MAT requirement will be waived if an applicant has completed a Master’s degree or twelve or more credits of post- baccalaureate upper division or graduate coursework with a minimum grade point average of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale.
Completion of application
Application fee
Official transcripts from all previous universities or colleges attended or proof of work equivalent
Three completed recommendation letters
Additionally, all international applicants whose native language is not English are required to take the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) and submit a combined score of 550 or better (new scoring of 213 or better) or the Internet based test scoring of 80 or better. International transcripts are required to be translated if the grading and evaluation system used differs from those used by the United States education system. Official translation and a course- by-course evaluation from all prior institutions and grade-point average computation must be provided to the Office of Admissions. Please use one of the following services for evaluation.

World Educational Services 22 Prince St.
PMB 101
New York, NY 10012

Josef Silny & Associates
7101 SW 102 Ave.
Miami, FL 33173

KSU reserves the right to deny admissions to any prospective student for any reason/cause as determined by KSU. In the event of a denial of a request for admission a student may appeal to the admissions committee.

Information Applicable to Graduate Studies Programs

Program Completion

To be awarded a certificate, students must successfully complete four courses for a total of twelve hours of course credit. To be awarded a master’s degree, students must successfully complete twelve courses for a total of thirty-six hours of course credit.

Program completion dates are determined by the student’s course enrolment schedule and pace.

Class schedules, times, and dates are included in the course registration materials found at www.KeplerU.space. Specific information about course registration dates can be found in the Academic Calendar.

Academic Calendar

Summer Semester 2024

Dec 11 2023	Mon	Applications accepted
Apr 01 2024	Mon	Course registration begins
May 01 2024	Wed	Application for admissions deadline
May 06 2024	Mon	Course registration deadline/online orientation available
May 06 2024	Mon	All tuition and fees due
May 06 2024	Mon	First day of class
May 15 2024	Wed	Last day of Add/Drop
May 16 2024	Thu	Application for Co-op Program Deadline
June 12 2024	Wed	First day of mid-term exams
June 28 2024	Fri	Last day to withdraw with a W on the transcript
June 28 2024	Fri	Last day to withdraw with no refund
Aug 23 2024	Fri	Last day of regular classes
Aug 26 2024	Mon	First day of final exams
Aug 30 2024	Fri	Last day of semester
Sep 04 2024	Wed	Grades posted

Fall Semester 2024

Jan 15 2024	Mon	Applications accepted
Aug 01 2024	Thu	Course registration begins
Aug 30 2024	Fri	Application for admissions deadline
Sep 03 2024	Tue	Course registration deadline/online orientation available
Sep 03 2024	Tue	All tuition and fees due
Sep 03 2024	Tue	First day of class
Sep 09 2024	Mon	Last day of Add/Drop
Sep 10 2024	Tue	Application for Co-op Program Deadline
Oct 07 2024	Mon	First day of mid-term exams
Oct 31 2024	Thu	Last day to withdraw with a W on the transcript
Oct 31 2024	Thu	Last day to withdraw with no refund
Dec 13 2024	Fri	Last day of regular classes
Dec 16 2024	Mon	First day of final exams
Dec 20 2024	Fri	Last day of semester
Dec 31 2024	Tue	Grades posted

Spring Semester 2025

May 02 2024	Thu	Applications accepted
Dec 02 2024	Mon	Course registration begins
Jan 03 2025	Fri	Application for admissions deadline
Jan 06 2025	Mon	Course registration deadline/online orientation available
Jan 06 2025	Mon	All tuition and fees due
Jan 06 2025	Mon	First day of class
Jan 13 2025	Mon	Last day of Add/Drop
Jan 14 2025	Tue	Application for Co-op Program Deadline
Feb 10 2025	Mon	First day of mid-term exams
Feb 28 2025	Fri	Last day to withdraw with a W on the transcript
Feb 28 2025	Fri	Last day to withdraw with no refund
Apr 18 2025	Fri	Last day of regular classes
Apr 21 2025	Mon	First day of final exams
Apr 25 2025	Fri	Last day of semester
Apr 30 2025	Wed	Grades posted

Financial Obligation

Application Fee (one -time, nonrefundable): $150 Subscription to The Space Library (required each semester): $150 All Certificate Programs (four courses at $2,000 per course): $8,000 Graduation Fee Digital Graduate Certificate (one-time, non-refundable): $100 or Graduation Fee Digital and Hardbound Graduate Certificate (one-time, non-refundable): $250.

Total cost for Graduate Certificate Program is $8,150, $150 per semester for library fees, and graduation fee.

Total cost for Master of Science Degree Program is $24,150 plus $150 per semester for library fees and graduation fee.

All books and resources are covered under subscription to The Space Library. The Institute accepts only secure online payments via credit or debit cards or PayPal. Financial arrangements for the satisfaction of student account balances must be completed prior to the first day of classes.

All financial obligations must be satisfied.

Refund Obligations

Students officially withdrawing from a course or courses on or before the withdrawal deadline for the corresponding semester will receive a prorated tuition credit as described below. Refer to the appropriate term in the current academic calendar for exact dates.

On or before the add/drop deadline (7 calendar days after first day of class) – 100% credit
On or before ten calendar days after the end of the add/drop period – 75% credit
After the deadline of the 75% credit until the withdrawal deadline – 50% credit
After the withdrawal deadline – no credit
Students withdrawing after deadline due to emergency, death in family, Illness, etc. please contact the office of the Provost for review to obtain tuition refund

Any amount credited under this section will be applied first to any unpaid charges on the student’s account. Any remaining tuition will be refunded and made to students within 30 days of withdrawal date or last attendants.

No adjustments are made for any fees. Any appeal regarding withdrawals or drop refunds should be directed to the Vice President for Finances.

Dates and Deadlines

Start dates for classes each semester are listed in the academic calendar which can be found in the Kepler Space University catalog and online at www.KeplerU.space.

Withdrawals

If an enrolled student wishes to withdraw from the Institute, dropping all courses, he or she must comply with the withdrawal process described below. Withdrawal covers all course enrollments for a given registration period regardless of their meeting schedule. The policy for dropping an individual course is described in the Student Withdrawal and Dropped Courses section on page 41 of the catalog. Students who leave the Institute without proper permission automatically suspend themselves and can be re-admitted only by special approval of the dean of the appropriate department. A grade of F is recorded for all courses when a student leaves without prior approved withdrawal.

Medical Withdrawal

Students seeking a medical withdrawal should contact the office of the Provost and Vice President for Student Affairs, which serves as administrator of medical withdrawals for all students. Students who are granted medical withdrawal will receive a grade of “W” assigned for each course. No credit is earned, and the grade point average is not affected. Medical withdrawals have no effect on the student account balance other than the normal withdrawal policies stated under the Student Withdrawal and Dropped Courses section on page 41 of the catalog. The medical withdrawal form is available on www.KeplerSpaceInstitute.com.

Official Student Withdrawal Procedures

The student must complete the withdrawal process at least two weeks prior to the last day of classes in a semester. Students may not withdraw during the last two weeks of a semester.
The withdrawal process is initiated with and must be approved by the dean of the program in which the student is enrolled. The withdrawal form can be found on www.KeplerSpaceInstitute.com.
To complete the withdrawal process, the withdrawal form must be submitted to the dean of the program in which the student is enrolled. Once initiated, the withdrawal process must be completed within seven calendar days. No withdrawal forms will be accepted after 4:30 p.m. on the last day to officially withdraw during that semester.
When a student completes the withdrawal process, it will be recorded on the permanent academic record as follows.
- If completed before the mid-term withdrawal date (see the Academic Calendar for specific date), a grade of W will be assigned for each course. No credit is earned, and the grade point average is not affected.
- If completed after the mid-term withdrawal date, a grade of WP or WF will be assigned for each course according to the instructor’s evaluation of the student’s performance to that point. WF’s are treated as credits attempted, and the grade point average is affected. WP’s do not affect the grade point average and no credit is earned.
- Students who stop attending class/completing assignments and do not use the official withdrawal process will have their refund held and will be placed on administrative probation until such time as their circumstances are reviewed by the provost or provost designee.
- In the event that there is no resolution of the refund, contact the organization listed below.

The Commission of Independent Education
Florida Department of Education
325 West Gaines Street, Suite 1414 Tallahassee, FL 32399-0400
Phone: 888-224-6688

Termination of Admission Agreement

This contract is terminated if and when officially or unofficially withdrawals from all programs. Once terminated student must reapply to the Institute for re-admission.

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