Non-Degree Seeking Student

What’s a Non-Degree Seeking Student?

A non-degree seeking student is a person who is qualified to enroll for classes at Western Oregon University (WOU), but is not seeking to earn a degree or other university credential for which formal admission to the university is required. The non-degree seeking status is specifically designed for the person who desires to take a very limited number of courses for purposes other than obtaining a degree or certificate at WOU.

A non-degree seeking student is required to abide by all the policies, regulations, codes of conduct, and rules of the university. Limitations placed upon a non-degree seeking student are:

  1. Non-degree seeking students are limited to eight (8) undergraduate or graduate credits each term for fall, winter, and spring. The summer term limit is sixteen (16) or fewer undergraduate credits or twelve (12) or fewer graduate credits.
  2. Non-degree seeking status is valid for four (4) terms for undergraduate classes, or two (2) terms for graduate classes. Students must apply for readmission once the allowed time is exhausted.
  3. Only individuals that have earned a baccalaureate degree are potentially eligible to enroll as a non-degree seeking student for purposes of taking graduate classes.
  4. Individuals with or without a baccalaureate degree may be eligible to enroll in undergraduate classes.
  5. WOU will not evaluate or hold records in preparation for earning a university credential. These academic services are limited to fully-admitted, degree-seeking students only.

Enroll as a Non-Degree Seeking Student

  • Online application form to enroll as a non-degree seeking student.
  • Application Fee Waived

    Note: WOU faculty and staff, active members and veterans of the United Students armed forces, and seniors over the age of 65 are not required to pay the application fee.

Deadlines:

Applications are due 2 weeks prior to the start of the term. Deadlines are as followed:

December 23, 2024 for Winter 2025

March 17, 2025 for Spring 2025

 June 13, 2025 for Summer 2025

 September 15, 2025 for Fall 2025