Most students who register for graduate credit do so through admission to a graduate program. However, there are some cases in which it might benefit you to enroll in a small number of classes as a non-degree-seeking graduate student:
— If you are preparing to apply to a graduate program, taking a few classes as a non-degree-seeking graduate student can help you experience what a graduate course is like before you commit to the time and expense of the entire program. Taking non-degree-seeking courses can also help you build writing samples or meet professors who can recommend your admission.
— Sometimes you may be working on a degree at another university, but you want to take a class or two at UA Little Rock and then transfer that credit to your home institution.
— Sometimes you may need to take just a course or two to update your professional certification, but you aren’t required to complete a new degree or graduate certificate.
You may also be classified as a non-degree-seeking graduate student if you are an undergraduate at UA Little Rock who is taking graduate courses and saving them to be applied to a graduate degree. If you are in an early-entry program, or if you want to take a few graduate courses while you are still an undergrad, talk to your academic advisor, and then contact Mrs. Paula Baker-Rouse (pebaker@ualr.edu), the director of Graduate Admissions, for more information.
However, not all students who want to take an extra course need to be non-degree-seeking graduate students. If you want to take courses that are taught at the 4000/5000 level (which have a mix of undergrad and grad students) — and if you don’t need to have graduate-level credit for professional reasons — it might be better for you to take the 4000-level version of the class and register as a post-baccalaureate student (also called post-bac).
Be advised that non-degree-seeking students:
- Are not eligible for financial aid or veteran’s benefits
- Do not require academic advising
We encourage non-degree-seeking students to contact the program coordinator or instructor for the classes you plan to take. Some graduate classes are restricted and require an override to register. Some programs may not allow non-degree-seeking students to take courses without being admitted to the program.
If you need more help choosing courses as a non-degree-seeking grad student, please contact Dr. Karen Kuralt, Associate Dean of the Graduate School at kmkuralt@ualr.edu.
To apply as a non-degree-seeking graduate student:
— Apply to the UA Little Rock Graduate School using the UA Little Rock Non-Degree-Seeking Graduate Student instructions.
— Pay the $40 non-refundable application fee.
— Submit proof of 2 MMR immunizations or Titer Test results showing test date and immunity (for applicants born after January 1, 1957). You may request an exception to the immunization policy if you will take all your non-degree-seeking courses online and will never visit campus in person. Contact Mrs. Paula Baker-Rouse (pebaker@ualr.edu), Director of Graduate Admissions, to request this exemption if needed.
