Getting Started

		College of Engineering Continuing and Distance Education

ME 461 Applied Finite Element Analysis: Getting Started

For a successful start make sure you have completed the following list before the scheduled start of the course.

	Contact the Continuing and Distance Education Office for approval to enroll in the course.
	Register and pay tuition to College of Engineering Office of Continuing and Distance Education. Make checks payable to Penn State University. Apply to the Grad School if you wish to receive graduate credits (see process below).
	Purchase text books and software from retailer of your choice.
	Log on to the Penn State Course Management System - ANGEL.
	After the scheduled start of the course post an introduction of yourself to the class and instructor.

How to Apply as a Non-Degree Grad Student

Non-Degree Student – you can take up to 12 credits as a non-degree student. Follow the steps to APPLY as a non-degree candidate. (Note: Additional credits will not be counted toward a graduate degree at Penn State.)

1. Create a “Friends of Penn State” (FPS) computer account. There is no charge for this but you will need this account to apply to the graduate school and to register for a course.

When you go to the link below, click on “Create an Account.” After you have completed the information (make sure you write down your password!) and hit submit, you will instantly receive an ID.

You will need this ID to complete Step 2.

>> Friends of Penn State

2. Next, complete an Application for Admissions to the Graduate School.

You must do this before you register for a course or you will NOT receive graduate credit. There are fees and specific instructions you must follow when completing your application. It is a lengthy process and will take at least 15 minutes to complete. After you go to the site below, carefully read all the directions.

>> The Graduate School Application Instructions

You will be permitted to take up to 12 credits as a part time non-degree graduate student. When you reach 15 credits, you will be asked to reapply as a degree seeking graduate student if you meet the program requirements.

Go to the Graduate School Application Web page linked below.

>> The Graduate School Admissions Portal

Use your FPS ID and Password to enter this site. You can also get to this online application from a link within the instructions.

Choose which level you wish to apply to at this time.

Non-Degree Admission
Select: A Post baccalaureate or Graduate Certificate

It is important that you correctly fill out the Campus / Major / Degree / Semester Information page. (see sample below)

Note regarding PSU ID and Password:

To retrieve a lost password please call Deb Zimmerman at 1-814-865-7643

or by e-mail at dlz1@psu.edu

© Penn State University
Office of Continuing and Distance Education in Engineering
301-A Engineering Unit C
University Park, PA 16802
Phone: (814) 865-7643 Fax: (814) 865-3969
E-mail: masdo@engr.psu.edu

This site was last updated 11/02/11