Undergraduate Non-Degree Program
What is Non-Degree?
A Non-Degree student at West Chester University is someone who enrolls in courses without being formally accepted into a degree-seeking program. This option is available to high school students looking for early college experience, college students from other institutions wanting additional learning opportunities, and community members seeking personal or professional development.
Certain specialized programs, such as the WCU International/National Student Exchange, Pre-Graduate Certificate Programs, and PA State System Visiting Scholars, also classify participants as non-degree students. Non-Degree students are not eligible for financial aid. Applicants must meet specific admission requirements based on their highest education level and have the required course prerequisites.
You should apply as an Undergraduate Non-Degree Student if you:
- Are registering for courses defined by a 499 number or below
- Currently attend high school or are a current/former college student taking undergraduate level courses
- Have an Associate’s or Bachelor’s Degree and intend on taking undergraduate level courses
- Participate in the International/National Student Exchange Program or have been accepted into a Pre-Graduate Certificate Program.
Application is Open
for Winter and Spring 2025
Getting Started with Your Application
Tip: Our application works best using Google Chrome or Firefox Internet browsers. We advise NOT using Live, Outlook, or Hotmail email accounts for your application login.
- You will be prompted to create a username and password. Your username will be the email address that we use to communicate important information to you. This email address should also be the same one you used if you've registered for an admissions event or requested information from the Admissions Office.
- Once your account is created, you will receive an email to verify your account and a link to begin your application.
- Select the term/year to begin an application.
- Winter Term Dates from Monday, December 16, 2024 – Sunday, January 19, 2025
- Spring Term Dates from Tuesday, January 21 – Monday, May 5, 2025
- Follow the prompts on each page. Submit all required paperwork.
More Information on our
Non-Degree Program
International Student Exchange Program
Our International Student Exchange Program is facilitated through our Global Engagement Office. Once you have been accepted to study at West Chester University as part of this program, we ask that you complete the Non-Degree application. Further directions will be sent once the application has been submitted.
If you have any questions, please contact the Global Engagement Office by calling (610) 436-3515 or international@wcupa.edu. Please identify yourself as a participant in the International Student Exchange Program.
National Student Exchange Program
Our National Student Exchange (NSE) Program is facilitated through our Global Engagement Office. Once you have been accepted to study at West Chester University as part of this program, we ask that you complete the Non-Degree application. Further directions will be sent once the application has been submitted.
If you have any questions, please contact the Global Engagement Office by calling (610) 436-3515 or nse@wcupa.edu. Please identify yourself as a participant in the NSE Program.
Senior Citizen Program
The Senior Citizen Policy allows retired Pennsylvania residents to attend West Chester University tuition free on a space-available-basis. To qualify, the student must be retired, at least 60 years old, and have been a Pennsylvania resident for at least a year. Students may enroll as either degree or non-degree students and may audit or take courses for credit.
The program does not include internships, independent study, individualized instruction, student teaching, thesis, seminar, or any similar course requiring extra faculty compensation for the additional enrollment.
Pre-Graduate Certificate Program
The Pre-Graduate Certificate Programs were designed for students who have completed a Bachelor’s Degree in an area of concentration, but would like to obtain a Master’s Degree in a different field. Pre-Graduate Certificate Programs provide individuals the opportunity to take core classes that are considered prerequisites for application to the specific graduate program. The classes typically represent a cross-section of the undergraduate curriculum and are specifically selected by the department.
If you have been accepted to study at West Chester University as part of a Pre-Graduate Certificate Program, we ask that you complete the Non-Degree application. Further directions will be sent once the application has been submitted.
If you have any questions, please contact your specific department.