Non-degree Students
You have two options:
- Many non-degree courses are offered through the College of Advancing and Professional Studies. This academic unit offers a significant number of courses through multiple channels: online learning, evening, weekend, summer and winter classes, off-campus and certificate programs. These courses are like other UMass Boston courses in terms of their substance and faculty, but the registration procedures, fees, and dates for them differ somewhat. Registration for the College of Advancing and Professional Studies opened Monday, Nov. 5.
- UMass Boston has eight other colleges and most offer non-degree courses. You must complete a free online activation form only available Dec. 3 – Jan. 21. Then, you may register for any courses for which you meet the pre-requisites if there is space available at the time of registration unless restrictions apply. Online registration begins Jan. 14. Walk-in Registration occurs Jan. 22 – Feb. 4.
Undergraduate:
Some courses are open only to matriculated degree students:
- College of Nursing and Health Sciences: Courses are not open for non-degree registration.
- College of Management: Limited courses open for non-degree registration. Please review their registration policies for non-degree students.
- “G” courses: Any 100 or 200 level course with a “G” designation is restricted to degree students only.
- English 101 and 102 courses: Spaces are opened during non-degree registration for a limited number of sections ONLY. Most sections are not open to non-degree students. The College of Advancing and Professional Studies sections ARE open to non-degree students throughout registration.
- Lab sciences: Courses are open to non-degree students who have completed appropriate pre-requisites, but many sections are filled prior to the start of non-degree registration. Please check availability before submitting a registration request.
Courses with pre-requisites:
If a course has pre-requisites and you have not completed those pre-requisites at UMass Boston, you will not be able to register through self-service without permission. To register for a course that has pre-requisites that you have met at another institution, you will need to submit a transcript, along with your registration request, to the department for approval. They will either issue you a permission number to use in Self-Service or give you written permission that you can to submit to the Registrar’s Office for assistance with registration.
Placement into Math courses:
Before registering for math courses up through #140, computer science courses up through #110, or any QR course, you must demonstrate your skills by taking a diagnostic test, unless you have completed the appropriate prerequisite course(s) at UMass Boston. Transfer equivalencies do not count. Please see information below about Testing.
Graduate:
Prior to submitting a registration request, contact the appropriate graduate program or check the program website to find out the program’s non-degree registration process. Please follow the program’s instructions to obtain permission to enroll.
Link to graduate program contacts.
Two ways to register: Online and In Person
| Deadlines | Undergraduate | Graduate |
| Complete Online Activation Form | Dec. 3 - Jan. 21 | Dec. 3 - Jan. 21 |
| Online Registration Begins | Jan. 14 | Jan. 14 by permission |
| Walk-In Registration | Jan. 22 - Feb. 4 | Jan. 22 - Feb. 4 or by permission |
| Classes Begin | Jan. 28 | Jan. 28 |
| Final Registration Deadline | Feb. 4 | Feb. 4 or by permission |
Be sure to register as early as possible. The sooner you begin, the greater your chances of finding space in the course(s) you want.
Online Registration
New non-degree students or Inactive non-degree students must fill out our online free Non-Degree Undergraduate Application Form (only available Dec. 3 - Jan. 21).
Once we create your new student record and UMS number (your student ID number), we will email you a confirmation and instructions on how to enroll. Filling out this application form will allow you to enroll online one week prior to the walk-in registration period.
Active students with a UMS number, can go directly to WISER to register when registration opens on Jan. 14.
Walk-In Registration
Visit the One Stop Student Services Center on the upper level of the Campus Center during the registration period. Receive detailed information about registration, courses, locations, appropriate forms and payment information.
Graduate Course Registration
Registration schedules vary by program. Contact the appropriate graduate program director to make sure you are eligible for the course you want to take and that space is available. The same online free Non-Degree Application Form is used for non-degree graduate students and undergraduates (only available Dec. 3 - Jan. 21).
- To register online as a non-degree student, you will be given a permission number.
- To register in person, the graduate program representative will give you a registration form carrying an approval signature that you take to the One Stop Student Services Center.
Your Financial Obligations
- Payment is required with your registration form
- See Payment Information for Non-Degree Students
- The Bursar provides current tuition and fees
Billing Deadlines for Dropping or Withdrawing
If you register for any course, and are accepted into it, you must pay for the course in full unless you:
- Drop the course by the last day of add drop, or
- Withdraw from all your courses early enough to be eligible for a refund mailed to you automatically
You will be financially responsible for any course for which you remain registered after the last day of add drop even if you:
- Withdraw from all your courses after the fifth week of classes
- Withdraw from the individual course after the last day of add drop
- Receive a grade of "NA"
NOTE: There are different add/drop and refund dates for College of Advancing and Professional Studies courses. Please refer to the CAPS Academic Calendar.
Quick References for Answers to Your Questions
| One Stop | Walk-in | The best place to start |
|---|---|---|
| Registrar | 617.287.6200 | Add Drop; Registration; Residency |
| Bursar | 617.287.5350 | Payments; Tuition and Fees |
| University Advising Center | 617.287.5500 | Prerequisites, Course Selection, Planning |
| Testing Center | 617.287.5522 | Walk-in Math and Reading/Writing Tests |
| Financial Aid | 617.287.6300 | Add Drop Affects your Award; Meet Deadlines |
Financial Aid
Students in their first year of enrollment who are receiving federal financial aid and withdraw from the university are subject to a different policy. For information, contact the Financial Aid Services Office.
Residency Reclassification
If you have been classified as a non-resident of Massachusetts and you wish to appeal for reclassification as a Massachusetts resident, you must file your appeal no later than the last day of add drop. Forms and information are available in the Registrar's Office.
Academic Policies
- You are expected to attend all scheduled classes. The instructor has the right to exclude you from a course if you are absent from the first two or more classes, regardless of the registration deadline.
- If you do not attend a course or are asked to leave, you must officially drop or withdraw from the course to avoid a failing grade.
Academic Advising
Come to the University Advising Center to meet with an advisor. We will make sure:
- you have the prerequisites you need before enrolling
- you have the skills to be successful here
- your course selection meets your academic plans
- you know about any testing required for math and reading/writing
- you bring unofficial transcripts from any colleges you have attended to meet prerequisite requirements
For schedule information about courses being offered use our Course Wizard
Academic Regulations for Non-Degree Students
Consult the university's Undergraduate Catalog or Graduate Bulletin for information about academic programs and requirements. The following regulations are of critical importance to non-degree students.
| Regulations | Undergraduate | Graduate |
| Academic Programs and Policies | Undergraduate Catalog | Graduate Bulletin |
| Minimum GPA required to maintain enrollment | 2.0 GPA | 3.0 GPA |
| Pass/Fail Option | Up to 8 courses allowed | Not Permitted |
| Maximum # of Non-degree Credits Applied Toward Degree subject to approval | up to 16 credits | up to 6 credits |
- Non-degree undergraduate students must meet a minimum retention standard of a 2.0 grade point average.
- Non-degree graduate students must maintain a 3.0 average in all graduate courses.
- If your cumulative average at the end of any semester has fallen below the required level, you will not be permitted to take UMass Boston courses in future semesters. The cumulative average will be based on grades for all UMass Boston courses that you have taken as a non-degree student at any time.
- If you are admitted to an undergraduate degree program, you may count as many as 16 credits earned as a non-degree student toward the degree, subject to the approval of the appropriate academic dean.
- No more than 6 credits earned as a graduate non-degree student may be applied toward a graduate degree or certificate.
- Any undergraduate student may choose to take one course per semester or summer on a pass/fail basis, up to a maximum of eight. The course must be chosen before the appropriate pass/fail deadline in the academic calendar. If you successfully complete the course, it will count toward degree requirements.
- Graduate students may not take any courses on a pass/fail basis.
Testing
We want to be certain that you have the skills you need for success before you take certain introductory courses. We use diagnostic testing to place you in the courses that will serve you best.
The Math Diagnostic Test
Before registering for math courses up through #140, computer science courses up through #110, or any QR course, you must demonstrate your skills by taking a diagnostic test, unless you have completed the appropriate prerequisite course(s) at UMass Boston. Transfer equivalencies do not count.
- All testing sessions take place in the UMass Boston Testing Center located in the Campus Center, Upper Level, Room 130.
- There is no fee and no appointments are necessary.
- Math tests are given on a walk-in basis based on our online testing calendar.
- Each test takes approximately one hour.
- Results can usually be obtained between one and two hours from the time you finish testing.
- A photo ID is required at the test session.
- Calculators, books, or notes are not allowed.
- Practice exams are available at the Advising Center website. For further information, please call 617.287.5522.
Please note that the test can be taken no more than twice in a thirty-day period.
The Reading/Writing Diagnostic Test
New degree-seeking students are required to take a diagnostic placement test in reading and writing as part of the orientation process. Non-degree students who wish to take English composition courses (English 101, 101E, 102, and 102E) or English as a Second Language (ESL) courses (ESL 100A through 100F) will be required to have their writing skills tested during your first class session.
- Non-degree ESL students are encouraged to have their writing skills evaluated before registering.
- Use the Testing Center's online calendar to make arrangements for your evaluation.
- ESL students who are taking courses in the English Language Study Program at the College of Advancing and Professional Studies must meet different testing requirements. Call the College of Advancing and Professional Studies at 617.287.7876.
International Students
If you have F-1 visa status, you may not register at UMass Boston as a non-degree student unless you are also registered for a full course of study at the institution that issued your I-20.
If you are not studying full-time at the school that issued your I-20, you are out of status with The United States Immigration and Naturalization Service (INS). Students on other visa statuses (such as F-2, J-2, H-4, H-1B) usually do not need to be studying full-time or in a degree program. Check the conditions for your particular status. For more information, call the University Advising Center at 617.287.5500.
The information above applies to most courses offered at the UMass Boston campus.
College of Advancing and Professional Studies
For more information, see the College of Advancing and Professional Studies or call 617.287.7900.
