Registering for graduate credit as a non-degree student

There are three options for registering for graduate credit as a non-degree student.

• Option A—Professional Development Program as a non-degree-seeking student
• Option B—Departmental Masters and Continuing Professional Development program as a non-degree-seeking student
• Option C—Registration in the Graduate School as a Professional Development student.

Step by step instructions

Step 1: Select option A, B, or C above

Step 2: Check the Class Schedule

Check for course availability. Departments are listed alphabetically.

Step 3: Get course information

Obtain the five-digit class number (call number), grade basis, units (credits), and subject and catalog number (Hist 5001, for example) for your course.

Step 4: Download the Registration Request for Graduate Credit (pdf)

Complete the form.

Step 5: Get Approval

Bring the form to the department to obtain written approval. The department can provide the names of their authorized signers. Call One Stop Student Services (612-624-1111) if you need assistance locating authorized signers.

Step 6: Forward completed forms to One Stop

One Stop Student Services, 130 West Bank Skyway, 219 19th Ave. S, Minneapolis, MN 55455. Forms may be sent by either the student or the department during the open enrollment period each term. The form can also be faxed to 612-626-9129.

Step 7: Verify your Registration

View your enrollment summary to check each class number, grade basis, credits, section, and time. Please allow three business days for your registration to be processed.

Step 8: Pay tuition and fees

Pay in full by the first billing due date of the semester to avoid cancellation of your registration.

Frequently asked questions

Learn more about earning graduate credit as a non-degree student.

 

Complete instructions for receiving graduate credit as a non-degree student is available in the Earning Graduate Credit as a Non-Degree Student Brochure (PDF download).

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Option A—Professional Development Program as a non-degree-seeking student

Eligibility is open to students who:

• Have never attended the University of Minnesota or who are no longer active in a University of Minnesota degree-seeking program.
• Wish to take courses prior to admission to a graduate level degree-seeking program (for example, M.A., Ed.D., or Ph.D. degrees).
• Need coursework to appear on a graduate level transcript.
• Want to take courses that are assessed at a graduate or professional school tuition rate.
• Are not registering in another non-degree-seeking option.

Admission process:

• Students must work with the department offering the course to gain admission to non-degree status. The Graduate School is not involved in this enrollment option.
• On the Twin Cities campus, the department’s director of graduate studies or authorized official determines the criteria for admission to non-degree graduate status.

Limitations:

• Students cannot be active or enrolled in any other program, whether graduate or undergraduate, at the University.
• Admittance to the program is for one term.
• All courses taken within the term are charged the graduate or professional school tuition rate regardless of whether they are taken for graduate credit.
• Consult the program for the number of credits allowed as transfer credits by the University of Minnesota Graduate School.

Registration:

• Follow the steps outlined on the top of this page.
  
• The effective date on the Request for Graduate Credit is the date the departmental representative approves the form.

Tuition and fees:

Tuition and fees are assessed at the graduate school (resident or nonresident) rate with the exception of the following programs: industrial relations, public affairs, agriculture, business taxation, medicine, and public health. Courses in these programs are assessed at the tuition rate for the respective program. Check out the tuition rates for all programs. Note: All registration deadlines, late fees, and refund schedules are applicable. Students should see registration for details.

Printable instructions for receiving graduate credit as a non-degree student are available in the Earning Graduate Credit as a Non-Degree Student Brochure (PDF download).

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Option B—Departmental Masters and Continuing Professional Development program as a non-degree-seeking student

Eligibility is open to students who:

• Have never attended the University of Minnesota or who are no longer active in a University of Minnesota degree-seeking program.
• Need coursework to appear on a graduate transcript.
• Plan to use courses towards a M.Ed., M.Ag., additional licensure, or for teacher lane change.

Admission process:

• Only two colleges offer this option—contact the college in which you wish to register:

  College of Education and Human Development
  110 Wulling Hall, Minneapolis campus
  612-625-6501
  www.education.umn.edu/SPS/Forms

  College of Food, Agricultural, and Natural Resource Sciences
  190 Coff ey Hall, St. Paul campus
  612-625-8778

• Complete the non-degree application form available from the college offices listed above.

Limitations:

• Tuition paid will be at the professional master’s level or at a level set by the college.
• Colleges may set a limit on the number of non-degree credits used in a departmental masters’ program.

Registration:

• Complete the application form (from the individual college).
• Secure approvals to enroll as required.
• Contact the college office to process admission and enrollment.

Tuition and fees:

Tuition is the same as the departmental masters, and college level fees may apply (e.g. technology fees). Check out detailed tuition and fees information. Note: All registration deadlines, late fees, and refund schedules are applicable. See registration for details.

Printable instructions for receiving graduate credit as a non-degree student are available in the Earning Graduate Credit as a Non-Degree Student Brochure (PDF download).

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Option C—Registration in the Graduate School as a Professional Development student

Eligibility is open to students who:

• Need coursework to appear on a graduate level transcript.
• Have completed a bachelor’s degree or equivalent.

Admission process:

• Obtain a Graduate School Application for Admission from the graduate department in which you wish to be a Professional Development student and file the completed application at the Graduate School’s Admissions Office, 309 Johnston Hall, along with any supporting material by the admission deadline.
• Submit the $55 admission fee ($75 for international students) with your application.
• Once the application has been filed with the Graduate School Admissions Office, it will take six to eight weeks for processing.

Limitations:

• The admission process is more involved than the other options and may not be approved
• Not all programs will admit students for Professional Development coursework.
  
• Admission is competitive; there is no guarantee of admission.

Advantages:

Courses appear on the Graduate Career transcript under a Graduate School term header. Also, courses are not considered transfer work if you are admitted to a University of Minnesota Graduate School degree program and use this coursework towards that degree.

Registration

• Once the letter of admission is received, secure approvals as required and register either on the Web or in person at one of the One Stop Student Services Centers (200 Fraser Hall, 130 West Bank Skyway, 130 Coffey Hall).
• You are admitted to the program for one term unless you register continuously excluding
  summer.

Tuition and fees:

Tuition and fees are assessed at the Graduate School (resident or non-resident) rate. Note: All registration deadlines, late fees, and refund schedules are applicable. See registration for details.

Printable instructions for receiving graduate credit as a non-degree student are available in the Earning Graduate Credit as a Non-Degree Student Brochure (PDF download).