Non-Degree Admissions
I have been admitted as a Non-Degree Seeking Student. Now what?
Review the Non-Degree Seeking Student Checklist to help you get acclimated to campus and begin your studies. Please note: Admission to Non-Degree Seeking Student status will continue for five years. If there is no registration in two consecutive academic terms (i.e. two Fall/Spring semesters), the admitted status will lapse and a new application will be required.
What is the deadline to apply and to register for courses?
The deadline for application as a Non-Degree Seeking Student is the first day of classes for the Fall or Spring semester in which you plan to attend. View the university’s academic calendar to see when each term begins. Please note that Non-Degree Seeking Students may only take courses on the normal Semester Academic Calendar and its associated Winter and Summer terms. Non-Degree registration in courses on the 12-week term calendar (and the 12-week term Winter and Summer terms) is not permitted.
The deadline to submit a Summer I application as a Non-Degree Seeking Student is May 15 for domestic applicants and April 15 for international applicants. The deadline to submit a Summer II application as a Non-Degree Seeking Student is July 1 for domestic applicants and June 1 for international applicants.
Can Non-Degree Seeking Students hold assistantships on campus?
No. Students in this status are not eligible to hold appointments as Graduate Teaching or Research Assistants or Fellows, or to receive other forms of financial aid. All other services available to them (e.g., parking, library privileges) are the same as those accorded to other graduate students. (Non-Degree Seeking Students must pay all standard graduate fees.)
What fees are associated with being a Non-Degree Seeking Student?
Non-Degree Seeking Students must pay all standard tuition and fees for all courses, including undergraduate classes. For further information regarding tuition and fees, please visit the Student Financial Services and Cashiering website.
Am I able to use campus services as a Non-Degree Seeking Student?
Yes. Non-Degree Seeking Students are entitled to use the same services accorded to other graduate students, such as parking, library privileges, and use of the campus athletic facilities. Be sure you have obtained a Student ID card: http://registrar.umd.edu/current/Policies/id-cards.html.
Can my Non-Degree Seeking Student status be revoked?
Yes. Non-Degree Seeking Students must maintain a 3.0 grade point average. Non-Degree Seeking Students whose grade point average falls below 3.0 will not be permitted to register.
Admission to Non-Degree Seeking Student status will continue for five years. If there is no registration in two consecutive academic terms (semesters -Fall and Spring or 12-week term), the admitted status will lapse and a new application will be required.
I’ve completed a semester as a Non-Degree Seeking Student and want to apply to a degree program. What steps must I take and how can I have my Non-Degree Seeking Student credits transferred to my degree program if accepted?
Please contact your prospective graduate degree program for information on applying Non-Degree Seeking Student credits to graduate degrees. Each program may accept such courses in satisfaction of program requirements to a maximum of nine (9) credits, contingent on admission to the degree or certificate program, on the approval of the faculty in the program, as well as on the inclusion of credit petition process in the Graduate School. (For those admitted as an Advanced Special Student (now NDSS) prior to the Fall 2017 term, each program may accept such courses in satisfaction of program requirements to a maximum of twelve (12) credits, contingent on admission to the degree or certificate program, on the approval of the faculty in the program, as well as upon the inclusion of credit petition process in the Graduate School).
More information about Inclusion of Credit can be found in the Graduate Catalog in the Transfer of Credit section: https://academiccatalog.umd.edu/graduate/policies/academic-record/
The petition for Transfer/Inclusion of Credit can be found here: https://gradschool.umd.edu/sites/gradschool.umd.edu/files/uploads/Forms/...
Will being a Non-Degree Seeking Student affect future admissions decisions?
Successful completion of courses taken as a Non-Degree Seeking Student does not guarantee admission to a graduate degree or certificate program. For consideration of admission to a degree program at a later time, the student must submit a new application, and each separate application is considered individually.
Please note: Admission to Non-Degree Seeking Student status will continue for five years. If there is no registration in two consecutive academic terms (semesters -Fall and Spring or 12-week term), the admitted status will lapse and a new application will be required.
How long can I remain a Non-Degree Seeking Student?
Admission to Non-Degree Seeking Student status will continue for five years. If there is no registration in two consecutive academic terms (semesters -Fall and Spring or 12-week term), the admitted status will lapse and a new application will be required.
My baccalaureate degree is from a nationally-recognized institution outside of the United States. Am I required to submit a TOEFL or IELTS score to apply for Non-Degree Seeking Student status?
The same requirements for submission of the TOEFL/IELTS/PTE that apply to degree-seeking students apply to applicants for Non-Degree Seeking Student status.
I’m an international student; can I apply for Non-Degree Seeking Student status?
If you are NOT a US citizen or permanent resident, please contact International Student and Scholar Services to determine if you can apply for Non-Degree Seeking Student status. If you are a US citizen or permanent resident with international credentials, you may apply for Non-Degree Seeking Student status.