There are two registration paths for non-degree students: 1) non-matriculated (NM) or 2) graduate non-matriculated (GNM). A NM or GNM student is one who isn’t formally admitted to the University. This status allows students to enroll in UW ECE undergraduate and graduate classes without pursuing a degree. Students complete the same coursework as degree-seeking students and still earn a grade and credit.
Read below to determine which option is best for you to enroll in courses as a non-degree student. Choosing whether NM or GNM status is best for you is largely determined by the level of the class you want to take and your plans for graduate school.
Course Level
- Course levels 100-300: You will register as NM.
- Course levels 400 or 500: You may take these classes as either NM or GNM.
Future Study
- NM status is for students who only wish to take a class or two and do not plan to apply the credits to graduate school.
- GNM status is for students who have a bachelor’s degree in Electrical & Computer Engineering or the equivalent and who wish to apply credits toward graduate school. You may apply a maximum of 12 credits taken in GNM status toward a UW graduate program.
Non-Matriculated (NM) Option
NM students may take courses from level 100-500 if prerequisites are met, space is available and both instructor and departmental permission are provided. Courses taken while in NM status cannot be applied toward a graduate program, should students decide to apply at a later date. It may be possible to apply a limited number of credits taken while in NM status to an undergraduate degree program.
Graduate Non-Matriculated (GNM) Option
Students who plan to apply a maximum of 12 credits toward a master’s or Ph.D. program in the future should register as a GNM student. Please note that admission to GNM status does not confer priority for later admission into the Graduate School to pursue a degree. GNM students may take both 500-level (graduate level) and 400-level (advanced undergraduate level) courses if space is available. Students applying for GNM status with UW ECE must have a bachelor’s degree in Electrical & Computer Engineering or the equivalent.
International Applicants
If you are an international student, you may only take courses through non-degree enrollment if you already have a current, valid I-20 from Continuum College/UW Professional & Continuing Education or another school and plan to take classes at the UW while maintaining your F-1 status at that other school. The UW is unable to issue I-20s for non-degree enrollment.