Registrar

Undergraduate Non-Degree Program

What is Non-Degree?

Non-Degree is an academic term used to describe students who are “not formally accepted into a degree-seeking program” at West Chester University. Registering as a Non-Degree student permits high school students to gain experience, gives current college students an opportunity to learn at another institution and allows community members a chance to grow on a personal or professional level.

Students in specialized programs, such as WCU International/National Student Exchange, any Pre-Graduate Certificate Programs, and PA State System (formerly PASSHE) Visiting Scholars are considered non-degree students. Any person applying as a non-degree student for these purposes must be accepted into the departmental program prior to completing the non-degree application.

Non-degree students take the same courses as everyone else and earn the same college credit. Non-degree students are not eligible to receive financial aid, however, they may take advantage of other services offered by the University, including access to myWCU student self-service account and email address, payment plans with the Bursar's Office, and use of student amenities (campus libraries, computer labs, health services, career development center, student recreation center).  Students in our High School Dual Enrollment Partnership Program do not have access to the campus amenities listed above.   

Candidates will be permitted to take classes at West Chester University as a non-degree student if they meet the minimum admission requirements based upon their highest level of education or have been accepted in one of the programs listed below. Students must possess the necessary prerequisite coursework and/or demonstrate, prior to enrollment, minimum performance competencies required for the course. There may be certain circumstances when a former, denied, or recently accepted degree-seeking student is not permitted to register in the non-degree program.