Non-Degree Seeking Graduate Status


The Department of American Studies accepts applications for graduate non-degree-seeking status. Typically, non-degree-seeking applicants do not intend to work toward an advanced degree. Applicants interested in applying for graduate non-degree-seeking status must identify the courses in which they wish to enroll prior to completing the online application. Permission to enroll in a graduate-level American Studies course must be granted by the instructor of the course. 

Non-degree-seeking applications are accepted on a rolling basis. The suggested application deadlines are July 15 for fall admission and December 15 for spring admission.

  1. A completed application, along with a non-refundable application fee, submitted online through the Office of Graduate Admissions.
  2. A statement of academic objectives. The statement should cover: (a) the courses you hope to enroll in and your reasoning behind selecting those particular courses, (b) your relevant experience and background, (c) your preparedness for completing graduate-level coursework, and (d) anything else you think is important for us to know. If you believe your academic record does not reflect your potential to perform well as a non-degree-seeking graduate student, please provide an explanation.
  3. A copy or scan of official transcripts from each college and post-secondary institution you have attended. Copies of official transcripts should be uploaded directly to the online application. If admitted, applicants will be required to submit official, sealed transcripts directly to the Office of Graduate Admissions within the first semester of enrollment.
  4. The Office of Graduate Studies requires all applicants, international or domestic, whose native language is not English to demonstrate English proficiency. Please review Graduate Studies' English Proficiency Requirements webpage for additional information.

Ready to Apply?

Click the button below to start your application. For more information about our graduate program, please contact the Director of Graduate Studies or our Graduate Academic Advisor.