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Enroll as a graduate special (non-degree-seeking) graduate student
The graduate special classification is for students who have earned a bachelor's degree and wish to take graduate courses without enrolling in a graduate program leading to an advanced degree (Master's or Ph.D.). These students are usually referred to as grad specials or non-degree-seeking students.
Applicants who do not currently meet the requirements for admission to regular graduate standing may also apply for graduate special status. However, admission to graduate special status does not constitute admission to graduate standing in the graduate school. All non-degree students are governed by University regulations, including academic warning and probation, and are encouraged to seek official admission at the earliest possible date.
Graduate special students must take a minimum of 1 credit per semester to maintain an active account with the University. If the student does not register for a minimum of 1 credit for the following semester, the account is closed, and the student must submit a new application and application fee in order to take a class.
Deadlines to apply
- Spring 2024: Friday, January 19, 2024
- Summer 2024: Monday, July 15, 2024
- Fall 2024: Friday, August 23, 2024
Apply now Already admitted? Register for courses in MyNevada.
Process to enroll as a graduate special
Use the following steps to submit an application for admission as a graduate special student.
Here, you will use our application portal to create your application account.
Next, you'll be guided through your online application specific to your student type: graduate special.
You must pay a $60 non-refundable application fee as you complete your online application. The application fee is only valid during the semester in which you apply and cannot be deferred or transferred to another semester.
After you've completed the various parts of the application and paid your application fee, you can finalize, certify and submit your application for admission.
After applying, you need to create a MyNEVADA account. This account provides access to your student application dashboard, allows you to check your application status and accept or deny admission (if offered), review your fees, make payments and more.
In addition to your completed application, please be sure to have the following items prepared so you can register for class(es) in a timely manner:
- Submit all required immunization records via either the email, fax number, or mail address on the immunization webpage.
- If you qualify for in-state residency, you must submit a residency application with accompanying documentation via either the email, fax number, or mail address on the form.
- Review all course prerequisites and obtain department consent, if necessary.
Frequently asked questions
There are several excellent reasons to apply for graduate special status.
- The most common reason is to address curricular insufficiencies that prevent students from meeting the qualifications to enter a graduate degree program. Completing courses can help you become more qualified for your desired program, although graduate special status does not guarantee your acceptance.
- Students intending to apply to medical school, dental school or other professional schools may also wish to enroll as grad specials to increase their breadth of knowledge, contacts with research-active faculty and the overall competitiveness of their applications.
- Some participants may be interested in advanced degree coursework to help support career qualifications, personal interests or to help decide whether a specific field is right for them.
Most graduate courses are open to non-degree students. Please check with the department offering the course for further information.
International students (on F-1 or J-1 status) are not eligible for graduate special status unless they have completed a program at the University of Nevada, Reno and will start another one at the next term. Please talk to an advisor at the Office of International Students & Scholars for more information.
All students are automatically considered out-of-state residents for tuition and fee purposes upon their admission to the University of Nevada, Reno. Students can declare in-state residency by providing required documentation under the appropriate category within the Nevada residency application. Resident status for the University of Nevada, Reno graduates will transfer automatically.
Although there is no limit to the number of credits that may be earned as a non-degree student, students may apply 12 graduate special credits toward a degree program. Any application of credits in excess of 12 credits requires an exception to policy to be requested by your graduate program director.
To apply to a graduate program:
Graduate Special students are not eligible for financial aid, including student loans.
If you, your parent, guardian, or spouse are an employee at the University, you may qualify for free or reduced tuition through our Grant-in-Aid program. See if you are eligible.
Graduate certificate programs are recognized programs within the Graduate School. Students participating in graduate certificates must apply to the program through the Graduate School.