Non-Candidate for Degree

Non-Candidate for Degree (NCFD) admission may be granted to qualified students who wish to elect courses for graduate credit but who are not candidates for a degree. Taking graduate-level courses (those numbered 500 or above) as an NCFD at the University of Michigan-Dearborn might be appealing to:

  • Professionals seeking to continue studies without completing a full degree course of study;

  • Students currently enrolled in a graduate program at another graduate school (also known as Guest students); or

  • Individuals wishing to "test out" our institution before a future decision to pursue a graduate degree here.  

Important Policies

NCFD status enables qualified individuals not in a degree-seeking program elsewhere to take a maximum of 6 credit hours for graduate credit. NCFD students register on a space-available basis.

Courses elected by students under this status cannot be counted toward a degree program until the student receives regular degree-seeking admission and the graduate program advisor determines that the courses are acceptable.

Non-Candidate for degree applicants should be aware of the following:

  • Admission as a graduate non-candidate for degree student does not guarantee or imply admission or eligibility for a graduate degree-seeking program at the University of Michigan-Dearborn. To be considered for transition to a degree-seeking program, a completed graduate degree-seeking application and required supplemental materials must be submitted.

  • In order for courses taken as a graduate non-candidate for degree student to be considered as credit towards a graduate degree program, relevant applicable credit evaluation or transfer credit policies should be followed. Advance communication with your program of interest is encouraged.

NOTE: The College of Business on the University of Michigan-Dearborn campus only offers an NCFD option for students who have already earned a regionally accredited master's degree.  

All NCFD Students are:

  • Subject to all UM-Dearborn admission and registration regulations.

  • Admitted for one term only. Additional registration under this status requires a new application each term.

  • Assessed regular UM-Dearborn graduate tuition and related fees for all courses elected.

  • Not eligible for financial aid from UM-Dearborn.

  • Responsible for determining if credit earned as a NCFD student will be accepted by their degree-seeking program of interest if applicable.

  • Registered on a space-available basis.

  • Prerequisites, grading standards, class assignments, and attendance requirements of a course apply to all students in that course. Colleges, departments, schools, and programs determine rules of access to their courses and may limit enrollment of NCFD students in certain courses. Prospective NCFD students should contact the relevant academic unit for further information on departmental policies and course availability.

Applicants who are interested in NCFD status should complete the appropriate online application (accessed via the non-degree online application).  Additional information can be found on the Graduate Non-Candidate for Degree webpage.