Special Non-Degree

A page within Admissions

Undergraduate and graduate

Special Non-Degree student examples:

  • A student currently enrolled at another university, interested in taking a course at UW-La Crosse during a summer or winter term & then returning to their home institution.
  • Students currently enrolled in other universities interested in participating in a UW-La Crosse education abroad program & then returning to their home institution.
  • An individual interested in taking courses (for credit or audit), but not earning a degree from UW-La Crosse
  • Individuals taking courses to fulfill prerequisite requirements for entry into a graduate program.

A Special Non-Degree student may later be admitted as an Undergraduate Degree-Seeking student. Individuals interested in pursuing this option should contact UW-La Crosse Admissions to review the next steps specific to their situation.

Special Non-degree EB

  • Successful completion of appropriate preparatory coursework and prerequisites
  • SUBMIT A UW SYSTEM APPLICATION
    The following sections of the UW System Application should be completed as indicated:
    • ARE YOU APPLYING AS A DEGREE-SEEKING STUDENT?  Select: No
    • CHOOSE YOUR PROGRAM Select: Undergraduate Special Non-Degree or Graduate Special Non-Degree
    • APPLICATION FEE: not required for Special Non-Degree
  • ENROLL IN COURSE(S)
    • View course descriptions and schedule of classes for the upcoming term. 
    • Special Non-Degree students register after degree-seeking students. Registration instructions are sent to admitted Special Non-Degree students prior to the corresponding term's enrollment date.
    • Courses that are full or require special permission from the instructor, department chair, and/or dean, require an override.
      • Override permission forms must be requested from the academic department corresponding to the course in question.
      • Submit completed override forms to UW-La Crosse Records and Registration, 117 Graff Main Hall.
  • NEXT STEPS

Registration instructions are sent to admitted Special Non-Degree students prior to the corresponding term's enrollment date. View course descriptions and schedule of classes for the upcoming term. 

  • Special Non-Degree students register after degree-seeking students. 
    • Courses that are full or require special permission from the instructor, department chair, and/or dean, require an override.
      • Override permission forms must be requested from the academic department corresponding to the course in question.
      • Submit completed override forms to UW-La Crosse Records and Registration, 117 Graff Main Hall.
  • Students will be billed according to the UWL tuition & fee schedule. Visit our Cost to Attend page to access this information and estimate your bill.
  • Minnesota residents should apply for reciprocity.
  • Special Non-Degree students are not eligible to receive financial aid except in specific situations (see below):
    • Student is completing course/s as part of a qualifying, approved license/certificate
    • Student is completing undergraduate coursework to fulfill prerequisites for a master's program