Non-degree Seeking Graduate Student Policy
Non-Degree Seeking (NDS) graduate students are non-matriculating students who enroll in graduate courses at Tulane School of Professional Advancement (SoPA) for which they are qualified or have the prerequisites to take. NDS graduate students must apply to SoPA and will be required to obtain approval to take the graduate courses by the director of the program involved. This status is best-suited for students who would like to explore different fields of academic study to determine which program might be a good fit for continued graduate study.
Students must maintain a 3.0 GPA in the approved graduate courses to continue as NDS graduate students, and must obtain program director approval to register for graduate courses each semester. NDS graduate students cannot change the grade type of a course. Approval to register for courses in any one semester does not guarantee the NDS graduate student will be approved for courses in other graduate programs or in subsequent semesters. NDS graduate students who are interested in continuing in a SoPA graduate program must apply and meet the requirements of that program. They are not guaranteed admission and should not expect preference in admission simply because of having taken courses as a NDS graduate student. Courses taken as a NDS graduate student will be reviewed by the program director for consideration to be counted towards the graduate degree. Up to 9 semester hours of course work completed as a NDS graduate student may be applied towards degree and residence requirements with the program director’s and the Dean's approval. NDS graduate students may not register for more than six credits in one semester.
Courses taken as a NDS graduate student will not be eligible for the tuition waiver, though NDS graduate students may be eligible for the early registration and/or alumni discounts.
Admissions as a NDS Graduate Student:
- Visit the Start Your Application Page to create your application.
- When your application is created, select "Non-Degree Seeking Graduate."
- Submit official transcripts from all undergraduate and graduate institutions attended, to include official documentation of undergraduate degree, are required.
- Submit statement of purpose.
- Submit application fee.