Frequently Asked Questions
General Questions
Do I need to apply to be a nondegree (guest) student?
No, guest students do not need to apply to the University in order to take classes. For more information on registering as a guest student, go to OneStop.
What is a credit course? Will it show on my transcript?
A credit course is a course in which a student earns academic credit that is recorded on an official University of Minnesota transcript. Credits are important because they are figured into your University grade point average (GPA) and are used to determine progress within degree programs.
Who is my advisor?
Unlike students in degree programs, guest students do not have an assigned academic advisor to work with for course selection. Guest students work with OneStop to register for courses.
I’m an international student. Can I take a class as a guest?
International students should connect with the International Student and Scholar Services office to inquire about academic and visa requirements.
Course Information
When and how can I register?
Nondegree/guest students can register during open enrollment, which is after admitted and degree-seeking students register. Registration instructions can be found on OneStop.
How do I find a course?
View a complete list of our graduate-level courses available for nondegree enrollment.
Do I need to maintain a certain GPA in credit courses?
All courses taken for credit are calculated into your GPA on your University or Minnesota transcript. If you are admitted into a degree program, your grades earned as a guest student will be calculated into your cumulative GPA. A GPA of 3.0 or grades of B- or better is the expectation for graduate level coursework.
What are the different grading options?
Grade basis options vary by course, although most allow you to choose either A–F or S/N ("pass/fail") grading.
What if I need to drop a class?
Students can withdraw from a class on their own for most of the term, but be aware of deadlines and refund schedules.
Does the University offer noncredit classes?
The University also offers a variety of noncredit courses for professional development and lifelong learning. Registration for these courses is handled through a separate registration process detailed on the programs websites.
Costs and Financial Aid
How much does it cost to take a class?
Nondegree graduate students taking CCAPS courses will pay the CCAPS Departmental Master's rate per credit. For more information about costs, visit OneStop.
When and how do I pay?
After you register for a course, you can view your tuition and fee charges in the My Finances section of your MyU portal. There are billing and due dates available for each term. You can find more information about how to pay on OneStop.
Can I get financial aid or scholarships?
Financial aid is typically not available to nondegree students.
Earning a Degree
What if I want to earn a degree from the U of M?
If your goal is to earn a degree, explore the program (see list below) you are interested in before enrolling in classes as a guest student. We encourage you to review the application deadlines and reach out to Graduate Enrollment Advisor Steve Wicks if you have any questions.
Will the credits taken as a guest student transfer into a degree program?
Acceptance of transfer coursework is up to the program to which you are applying, however, in many cases, a CCAPS graduate-level course taken as a guest student will count. Steve Wicks can advise you on specific courses.