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.
Non-Degree Application
Non-Degree Application is Open for Summer and Fall 2025
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
