Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute welcomes applications from non-degree seeking students. Admission as a non-matriculated student is based on the applicant’s related academic and professional qualifications.

Students interested in distance, non-degree study — for example, courses which will not be taken on the Troy campus — should apply for distance non-matriculated study. More information is available on the Distance Learning Web site.

Applicants must submit the following:

• Graduate Application for Non-Matriculated Study [PDF 90K]
• Official copy of your bachelor’s (or highest degree) transcript
• $75 nonrefundable application fee
• International applicants must submit photocopies of official immigration/visa documents, in addition to indicating the type of visa on the application

Additional notes:

Non-matriculated students are admitted on a course-by-course basis as space allows.

A new application must be submitted no later than two weeks prior to the start of each semester for specific course approval. Non-matriculated students wishing to apply for degree status must submit a complete graduate application. The nonrefundable application fee is waived for non-matriculated students.

All applicants to programs in the Language, Literature and Communication department are also required to submit a Statement of Background and Goals.

The number of credit hours an individual may take toward a degree as a non-matriculated student varies from department to department; the university-wide maximum is 12 credit hours. Each department will determine which courses taken as a non-matriculated student, if any, will count toward an eventual Rensselaer degree.