Whether you need to complete prerequisites for graduate school, fast-track degree completion at another institution, or gain targeted skills for professional development, CSU Global allows you to take individual online courses without enrolling in a full degree program. As a Non-Degree Seeking (NDS) student, you get full access to CSU Global's 100% online, 8-week courses with maximum flexibility and straightforward pricing.
Non-Degree Umbrella:
- GEM, or General Education Mobile program. This is for Air Force students taking general education courses
- Dual Enrollment H.S. Students
- Certificate Graduate Mathematics or English Students
- Partnership Consortium students (Ex. Acadeum partnership)
Key Benefits
No Application Fees or Admission Review: You do not need to submit past transcripts, SAT/ACT scores, or GPA records to take standard individual courses.
Quick Enrollment: Complete the registration process online in under 10 minutes.
Monthly Start Dates: Classes run on 8-week terms with frequent entry points throughout the year, so you can start when it suits your schedule. Non- Degree Students can take a course in either the Burgundy or Gold track.
Fully Transferable Credits: All credits earned are official, regionally accredited college credits from Colorado State University Global that can be transferred to other universities.
Tuition & Costs
| Course Level | Rate Per Credit | Total for a 3-Credit Class |
| Undergraduate | $385 / credit | $1,155 |
| Graduate | $675 / credit | $2,025 |
Note on Financial Aid: Non-degree seeking students are not eligible for federal financial aid (FAFSA), as federal loans and grants require enrollment in a degree-seeking program. Payment is due pay-as-you-go per term.
Who Should Apply?
Healthcare & Professional Prerequisites: Students preparing for nursing, medical, pharmacy, or other graduate programs who need specific science, math, or humanities credits.
Visiting/Guest Students: Students enrolled at another university who want to catch up, take impacted classes, or accelerate their graduation timeline.
Career Advancement: Professionals seeking to update specific skill sets (e.g., project management, data analysis, leadership) without committing to a full degree program.
Program "Test-Drive": Prospective students who want to experience CSU Global's online format before applying to a full bachelor’s or master’s program.
How to Enroll (4-Step Process)
Browse Courses: Check the CSU Global online Course Catalog to find the specific course and term date you need.
Verify Transferability (If applicable): If taking classes to transfer back to another home institution, confirm with your home university advisor before registering to ensure course equivalency. Usually, you can contact your school's admissions team or an academic advisor for assistance.
Submit the Non-Degree Form: Fill out the quick Non-Degree Seeking Student Application online; CLICK HERE. No transcripts required. (NOTE: to take graduate-level courses, note that an official transcript confirming a completed Bachelor's degree is required.)
Pay & Gain Access: Set up your payment plan/pay tuition and access your online portal (Canvas) before your start date.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Are non-degree courses self-paced?
A: CSU Global courses are 100% online and asynchronous, meaning there are no fixed weekly lecture times. However, they are not fully self-paced—you will have regular weekly assignments, reading deadlines, and discussion posts across the 8-week course. It is also advised to participate and submit gradable assignments weekly to avoid any attendance issues (CLICK HERE to review the attendance policy).
Q: Is there a limit on how many courses I can take as a non-degree student?
A: Students are strongly advised to take a maximum of two courses per term, particularly during their first term. If you wish to enroll in more than two courses, you must meet with your Success Counselor to discuss your study schedule and time-management strategy for handling a credit overload.
Q: Can I transfer these credits into a CSU Global degree program later?
A: Yes! If you later decide to apply for a full degree program at CSU Global, the credits you earned with passing grades as a non-degree student can apply directly toward your degree requirements.
Need Further Assistance?
Enrollment Services Email: enroll@csuglobal.edu
Phone Support: (800) 920-6723