Non-Degree Students at the School of Continuing Studies of Northwestern University

Non-Degree Special Students (NDSS)

Taking Northwestern University day-school courses

Properly qualified persons who demonstrate a need for certain Northwestern day-school courses may apply as Non-degree Special Students (NDSS). While enrollment as a NDSS does not constitute admission to a Northwestern degree program, and credit earned as a NDSS may not necessarily be counted toward a Northwestern degree, Non-degree Special Students are granted academic credit which may be transferable to other institutions. Non-degree Special Students are held to the same admissions standards as regular degree candidates. Therefore, a well-conceived statement of purpose and official transcripts of prior study are required as part of the application.

Admission to Northwestern as a Non-degree Special Student does not guarantee enrollment in all courses, as Northwestern undergraduates have priority in registration. Non-degree Special Students may only register during the Change of Registration period 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 or 499 independent study courses and registration may be restricted in certain schools or departments. All tuition and fees for special students are charged at the undergraduate rate, and matriculation is allowed for no more than three consecutive quarters.

Non-degree Special Students are matriculated as undergraduates even if they take graduate level 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.

Additionally, Non-degree Special Students are not to be confused with Students-at-large in the School of Continuing Studies, who register for SCS evening courses. A student cannot be an SCS student-at-large and a Non-degree Special Student during the same quarter. SCS students who are working to complete degrees must petition the Student Affairs Committee for permission to take courses in the day-school.

All prospective and admitted Non-degree Special Students are responsible for knowledge of the information on this web site. 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.

There are three categories of Non-degree Special Student:

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

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

Northwestern graduates

Students who did not complete a degree at NU