Non-degree Special Student, Northwestern University School of Professional Studies - Northwestern School of Professional Studies

Enrollment Policies

Courses available to Non-degree Special Students may be offered by the Weinberg College of Arts and Sciences, the McCormick School of Engineering, the Bienen School of Music, the School of Communication, the School of Education and Social Policy, and the Medill School of Journalism.

• Admission as a NDSS does not guarantee enrollment in all courses, as Northwestern undergraduates have priority in registration.
• NDSS may only register during the Change of Registration period (the first week of classes of each term) and it is recommended that they have alternate courses in mind should their first choice of classes be closed by this time.
• NDSS may not enroll in any 399 independent study or graduate level courses.
• NDSS registration may be restricted in certain schools or departments.

Matriculation Policies

• Matriculation is allowed for no more than three consecutive quarters.
• NDSS are matriculated as undergraduates. As such, NDSS earn undergraduate credit for successfully completed courses.
• Prospective students who intend to eventually apply to or transfer credits earned as a NDSS to a Northwestern graduate program should consult the Graduate School about applying as a Non-degree Special Student within the purview of the Graduate School, rather than through the Office of Special Students.

Coursework not available to Non-degree Special Students

• NDSS admitted through the Office of Special Students are not able to enroll in courses offered through the Feinberg School of Medicine, Kellogg School of Management, School of Law, or graduate programs in the School of Professional Studies.
• Students who wish to enroll in courses offered by these schools or programs should consult the appropriate admissions office regarding any available non-degree study options.
• NDSS are not to be confused with Students-at-large in the School of Professional Studies, who register for undergraduate SPS evening courses. A student cannot enroll as an SPS student-at-large and a Non-degree Special Student during the same quarter.
• SPS students who are working to complete degrees must petition the Student Affairs Committee for permission to take courses in the day-school.

Categories of Non-degree Special Students

All prospective and admitted Non-degree Special Students are responsible for knowledge of the information on this website. Lack of such knowledge will not provide a basis for exceptions to the policies and procedures of the Office of Special Students. Non-degree Special Students are subject to the policies and procedures required for all Northwestern University students, including but not limited to academic integrity, registration policies, and applicable student fees.

U.S. Non-degree Students

• Students who have previously earned a bachelor's or master's degree.
• Students enrolled at another school who wish to attend NU before returning to their home university.
• Students who have some college credit but have not completed a degree or attended college recently.

For more information visit the U.S. non-degree special students page.

International Non-degree Students

Self-sponsored international students (not part of any official exchange program) who wish to attend Northwestern University as Non-Degree Special Students may enter the US in F-1 status provided they have been admitted to a full-time program or course of study.

International students who are not part of a formal Northwestern University International Exchange Program.

For more information visit the International Non-degree Students page.

Former Northwestern Students

• Northwestern graduates
• Students who did not complete a degree at NU

Former NU students must go through the same application as U.S. Non-degree students. Please visit the U.S. non-degree special students page.