If you've completed all the coursework for your program but still have outstanding certification requirements, your next steps depend on your specific program. This article walks you through what to expect based on your program type.

Table of Contents

• If You're Pursuing Certification Only
• If You're Pursuing MAT + Certification
• If You're Pursuing an Advanced Certificate + Certification

If You're Pursuing Certification Only

(e.g., Post-Baccalaureate, Job-Embedded Licensure, Alternative Certification/Licensure, etc.)

Certification is your program's only award. Once you've finished your coursework, you can't complete your program until you've also satisfied your certification requirements. To stay enrolled while you finish them, you'll need to extend your enrollment.

To extend your enrollment:

• Sign up for extended enrollment by the start of the term right after you finish your coursework. (For example, if you complete your coursework by the end of Spring term, you'll need to sign up by the start of Summer term.)
• Stay enrolled in at least 1 credit-bearing course each term in support of your certification requirements.

You'll have up to 3 terms to finish your certification requirements. Once you complete your certification requirements and are granted your certification/license, you'll exit extended enrollment and be marked Program Complete.

Keep in mind: If you don't sign up to extend your enrollment, or you reach the end of your 3 terms without finishing your certification requirements, you'll be administratively withdrawn from Relay and marked Program Incomplete.

If You're Pursuing MAT + Certification

Completing Your MAT in Most States

In most states, you'll graduate and earn your MAT regardless of where your certification requirements stand. If you still want support completing certification after you graduate, you can apply to transfer to a non-degree-seeking offering. You can remain enrolled in a non-degree-seeking offering for up to 3 terms, although certain states’ certification requirements may extend this timeline. 

New York Students

If you're pursuing your MAT in New York, certification is required before your degree is conferred. Once you've finished your coursework, you can't complete your program until you've also satisfied your certification requirements. To stay enrolled while you finish them, you'll need to extend your enrollment. You'll be eligible for degree conferral and Relay's institutional recommendation for your Initial certificate once you've satisfied all of your certification, academic, and financial responsibilities.

To extend your enrollment:

• Sign up for extended enrollment by the start of the term right after you finish your coursework. (For example, if you complete your coursework by the end of Spring term, you'll need to sign up by the start of Summer term.)
• Stay enrolled in at least 1 credit-bearing course each term in support of your certification requirements.

You'll have up to 3 terms to finish your certification requirements. Once you complete your certification requirements, you'll exit extended enrollment, be marked Program Complete/Graduated, and your MAT will be granted. New York also requires you to stay continuously enrolled to keep your Transitional B certificate valid — if your enrollment lapses, your Transitional B certificate will expire. 

Keep in mind: If you don't sign up to extend your enrollment, or you reach the end of your 3 terms without finishing your certification requirements, you'll be administratively withdrawn from Relay and marked Program Incomplete.

If You're Pursuing an Advanced Certificate + Certification

This works the same way as MAT + Certification, just with your Advanced Certificate as your award instead of your MAT — see If You're Pursuing MAT + Certification above for the full path, including the New York exception.