Applying as a Non-Degree Graduate Student
Individuals who hold a baccalaureate degree from an institution of recognized standing may enroll as non-degree students. This category is for individuals who desire to pursue study beyond the baccalaureate degree for personal growth and improvement of skills but not in order to work toward an advanced degree objective.
General Requirements
To become a non-degree student, individuals must complete an application form and submit the appropriate fees. Students must have the prerequisite courses or background/experience necessary for the course or courses in which they desire to enroll. This may require consultation and approval from course instructors. In courses with limited enrollment, preference will be given to degree-seeking students.
Language Requirements
A TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language), IELTS (International English Language Testing System), or Duolingo score is required of ALL applicants whose native language is not English
Exclusions
Students enrolled with non-degree status are not eligible for graduate assistantships, graduate tuition waivers, or federal title IV student financial assistance. Students in this category are affiliated with the Graduate School and not an academic program.
No more than 10 credits taken under the non-degree status with a grade of B or higher can be transferred to any official program of study should there be, at any future date, a decision to seek degree classification. Professional development graduate courses (numbered 600) are not eligible for graduate degree programs and may be taken without formal admission to NDSU.
How to Apply
Non-degree graduate applicants must submit the following:
- Online Application – Create an application account or log in to submit your application
- Application Fee – You must submit a nonrefundable $35 application fee before your application will be reviewed
- TOEFL, IELTS or Duolingo score (if English is not your first language)
Frequently Asked Questions
Non-Degree Applicant Questions
Where is NDSU?
NDSU is located in northwest Fargo, which is on the eastern edge of North Dakota, bordering northwest Minnesota.
What courses are being offered at NDSU?
Click here to search for courses. You can filter by course schedule, delivery method, and semester.
Where is the Graduate School?
The Graduate School office is located in 106 Putnam on the NDSU campus.
When should I apply?
Non-degree applicants should apply at least one month prior to the start of classes, if possible.
When do classes start?
The schedule of semester dates is available through the Office of Registration and Records.
How do I get an application for admission?
The NDSU Graduate School application is an online system. Start your application by logging in.
What materials do I need to submit?
Non-degree applicants must submit the application form and application fee.
ALL applicants whose native language is not English must submit a TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language), or IELTS (International English Language Testing System), or Duolingo score. Score minimums are as follows: 71 on TOEFL; 6 on IELTS; 105 on Duolingo. You must submit your score before your application will be considered. The test date must be within two years of the date of your application to the Graduate School.
The requirement of language score may be waived for applicants from countries where English is the official language or for students who have earned a degree from a U.S. university or college.
How many courses may I take as a non-degree student?
There is no cap to the number of courses a non-degree student may take. However, only 10 credits taken as a non-degree student may be applied toward a degree program.