Graduate Non-Degree Program
What is Non-Degree?
Non-degree is an academic term for "not formally accepted into a degree program." It is a great way to start your graduate career or to gain personal and professional growth. As a non-degree student, you take the same courses as other graduate students while earning the same college credit.
You should apply as a Graduate Non-Degree Student if you:
- Are registering for courses defined by a 500 number or above
- Have a Bachelor’s Degree and intend on taking graduate level courses
- Plan to enroll in both graduate and undergraduate courses during the same semester
Application questions? Contact the Graduate School at 610-436-2458
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.
General Non-Degree
Candidates will be permitted to take classes at West Chester University as a non-degree student if they meet the minimum enrollment requirements based upon their highest level of education. Students must also possess the prerequisite coursework and/or demonstrate, prior to enrollment, minimum performance competencies required for a particular course. There may be certain circumstances when a former, denied, or recently accepted degree-seeking student may not be permitted to register in the non-degree 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.
Wells Summer Music Institute (WSMI)
The Wells Summer Music Institute (WSMI) empowers music educators by enhancing their skills and advancing their professional development through immersive summer course and workshops. There are several options to enroll in WSMI:
- The Masters Plus non-degree option allows students with a conferred master’s degree who are seeking additional graduate credits to enroll in summer courses to earn continuing education credits. Masters plus students that enroll in graduate non-degree courses will receive a $200 discount per credit and are not limited in the number of credits that can be taken.
- Students who do not hold a master's degree but who wish to receive graduate credit may also enroll as a graduate non-degree in SMI. Classes will be offered at the standard WCU graduate tuition and fees rate. Credits are transferrable if the student applies and enrolls in a music degree-seeking program later.
- If you are interested in enrolling in a traditional master’s degree, please apply by submitting a graduate application.
Immaculata University
West Chester University (WCU) and Immaculata University (IU) have partnered to provide a seamless transition for IU students who have earned or will soon earn their baccalaureate degrees. This agreement is exclusively available to current undergraduate IU students.
Two Application Options
IU students can apply to WCU graduate programs in one of two ways:
- Graduate Non-Degree (select this option if you are a current IU student)
- Degree-Seeking (select this option if you are near complete, or have completed your IU undergraduate degree)
Graduate Non-Degree Application
IU students interested in beginning graduate coursework in Public Administration or Public Health at WCU while still enrolled at IU should apply as a general graduate non-degree student. To qualify:
- Applicants must have completed, or be in the process of completing, an undergraduate degree.
- Submit an unofficial transcript showing the completion of at least 60 credits.
If you're ready to apply as a general graduate non-degree student, please submit a non-degree application.
Degree-Seeking Application
IU graduates who began their WCU graduate coursework in Public Administration or Public Health while completing their undergraduate degrees at IU may apply for admission to WCU's Master of Public Administration (MPA) or Master of Public Health (MPH) programs.
Eligibility Requirements
Applicants must:
- Submit a degree-seeking application.
- Meet WCU's general requirements for graduate program admission.
- Fulfill specific program prerequisites and GPA standards.
Program-Specific Requirements
Master of Public Administration (MPA):
- Guaranteed Admission: Undergraduate cumulative and major GPA of 3.0.
- Provisional Admission: Minimum GPA of 2.8, subject to program capacity.
- Provisional students must earn a grade of B- or higher in their first two courses and enroll in PPA 512: Communications for Public Administrators during their first semester.
Master of Public Health (MPH):
- Guaranteed Admission: Undergraduate cumulative and major GPA of 3.0.
- Consideration for Admission: Minimum GPA of 2.8, subject to program capacity.
- Prerequisite: Undergraduate coursework in Statistics completed with a minimum grade of C or higher.
If you are ready to apply for the MPA or MPH program, submit the degree-seeking application. IU students will receive a graduate application fee waiver.
Non-Degree Key Resources