Non-Degree-Seeking


Typically, non-degree-seeking applicants do not intend to work toward an advanced degree.

Applicants interested in applying for graduate non-degree-seeking status must identify the Museum Studies course in which they wish take prior to completing the online application. The course instructor must grant permission to enroll.

We accept non-degree-seeking applications on a rolling basis. The application deadlines are:

How to Apply

Please submit the following materials:

  • a completed application, along with a nonrefundable application fee, submitted online through the Office of Graduate Admissions
  • a personal statement, 1 to 2 pages total, double-spaced. The statement should cover:
    • the courses you hope to enroll in and your reasoning behind selecting those courses
    • your relevant experience and background,
    • your preparedness for completing graduate-level coursework, and
    • anything else you think is important for us to know. If you believe your academic record does not reflect your potential to perform well as a non-degree-seeking graduate student, please provide an explanation.
  • A copy of your transcript, issued by the registrar’s office of the institution from which you have (or will have) earned your bachelor’s degree (and master’s degree, if applicable). You can obtain an official transcript from your registrar’s office (typically marked “Issued to Student”), copy it and upload it with your application. 
    • IMPORTANT: Records accessed through a student portal are NOT official transcripts, and we can’t accept them.
  • The Office of Graduate Studies requires all applicants, international or domestic, whose native language is not English to demonstrate English proficiency. Please review Graduate Studies' English Proficiency Requirements for additional information.