Non-degree Study

Not ready to commit to a full degree program? NIU's non-degree graduate options let you take graduate-level courses as a student-at-large, whether you're exploring a new field, pursuing professional development or working toward one of our 75+ graduate certificates.

Non-degree study may be a good fit if you:

• Want to take a course for personal or professional development
• Are enrolled at another university and want to transfer credits earned at NIU
• Are a working professional seeking certification or continuing education
• Are undecided on a degree program and want to explore your options
• Missed a degree program deadline but want to get started now

Admission is straightforward — you need a bachelor's degree and a minimal application fee, with no additional admission requirements. Credits earned as a non-degree student may be applied toward a future NIU degree program or transferred to another accredited institution.

To get started, apply to the Graduate School as a student-at-large.