Frequently Asked Questions: Non-degree Admission

What is a non-degree student?
A non-degree student is one who has not been admitted to and is currently not enrolled in a degree program. Applicants with incomplete degree-seeking applications or who do not meet the minimum requirements for degree-seeking status may take classes at IIT as non-degree students. Non-degree students can enroll for part-time studies only. International students who require an I-20 or DS-2019 from IIT are not eligible for admission as non-degree students.
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Who is eligible for non-degree studies?
If you are living in the United States and have completed a bachelor's degree with at least a 2.5/4.0 cumulative GPA, you are eligible to be a non-degree student. International applicants requiring an I-20 or DS-2019 from IIT are not eligible to apply or enroll as non-degree students.
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How do I apply for non-degree studies?

Submit a graduate application indicating that you are applying as a non-degree student. You may complete the application online (recommended), pick one up from the Office of Graduate Admission, or request that one be mailed to you.
Submit official transcripts from all university-level studies, having received no less than a 2.5/4.0 cumulative undergraduate GPA.
Pay a $40 application fee.

Visit our Application Checklist page for details. To view upcoming application deadlines, click here.
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Can I apply for degree-seeking status at a later time?
Yes. However, non-degree students who wish to change to degree-seeking status must apply for degree-seeking admission prior to the completion of six credit hours of study. Please note that admission as a non-degree student does not guarantee future admission to a degree program.

Visit our Application Checklist page for a list of items required to complete your degree-seeking application.
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Will my non-degree credits transfer toward a degree?
Only nine credit hours of approved coursework taken as a non-degree student and passed with a grade of B or better can be applied toward a degree at IIT. Your non-degree GPA must be at least 3.0/4.0 for admission consideration to a degree program. We strongly recommend that you speak with an academic advisor before selecting your courses, if you wish to take courses that will be applicable to a degree program later.
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I have been admitted as a non-degree student. What should I do next?
Your official admission letter will include the name of your academic advisor, with whom you are encouraged to speak prior to enrolling in classes. Registration can be completed online or by visiting the Office of the Registrar, located in the Main Building at 3300 S. Federal Street, First Floor. For more information, visit this page or contact the Registrar's office at registrar@iit.edu or 312.567.3100.
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Why was I admitted as a non-degree student when I applied to a degree program?
Students whose applications indicate potential for success but who do not meet university or department admission standards may be offered the opportunity to enroll as a special non-degree student. The special non-degree status allows students to take two courses to meet the requisite grade point average in graduate level courses; however, it does not guarantee degree-seeking admission later. Eligible pre-approved coursework passed with a grade of "B" or better may be applicable toward a graduate degree.
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