Taking Individual Courses as a Non-Degree Seeking Student

How can I take courses as a non-degree seeking student?

To take courses as a non-degree seeking student you must register as either a Non-Matriculated (NM) student or a Graduate Non-Matriculated (GNM) student.

What is Non-Matriculated status?

Non-Matriculated status allows you to enroll in courses at the University of Washington without being formally admitted as a regular student. If you want to take classes at the University of Washington, but you are not seeking a degree, then you want Non-Matriculated status.

Regular Non-Matriculated status vs. Graduate Non-Matriculated:

There are two types of Non-Matriculated status: regular Non-Matriculated (NM) and Graduate Non-Matriculated (GNM). The type you want depends on your goals.
  • NM
    If you do not plan to use your Non-Matriculated coursework toward an advanced degree at the University of Washington, then you should register for regular Non-Matriculated status. See instructions below.

    Click here for instructions on how to register for courses as a NM student.

  • GNM
    If you eventually want to enroll in a UW graduate program, and you want the courses you take here to count toward that degree (if applicable), then you need GNM status. GNM status DOES NOT guarantee admission to a graduate program and should not be viewed as a way of entering “through a back door.” Admission to the Information School is competitive and coursework is only one element considered when applications for our various programs are reviewed.

    Not all graduate programs allow for GNM enrollment; please check with the department. At the Information School GNM status is an option for IMT courses. GNM status is only an option for LIS courses if enrolled in the School Library Professional Certificate Program.

    Instructions are available on how to register for courses as a GNM student. Note that individuals who have received a bachelor’s degree but who are not current UW graduate students may apply. Admission to GNM status requires a bachelor’s degree; 3.0 GPA in the last 90 quarter (or 60 semester) credits; and approval by the Information School. Individuals with F-1 student visas are not eligible for GNM status.

LIS and IMT Course Options:

We offer GNM and NM options for both our LIS (Library and Information Science) and IMT (Information Management and Technology) courses. Options available vary by the type of course you are interested in taking. Please select one of the following for more information before continuing to the application procedure below: