We welcome your interest in non-degree graduate courses in American University's School of International Service. 

Non-degree graduate course registration is open to students with at least a completed bachelor's degree (equivalent to at least 4 years of study at a U.S. institution) from an accredited institution. Both proof of degree and a completed Non-Degree Registration Request Form are required before students can register for non-degree graduate coursework. Prospective non-degree students will need to complete the non-degree Course Registration Form available below and return it with proof of a completed bachelor's or higher degree (either an official or unofficial transcript or a copy of the diploma) to the SIS Graduate Advising Office. (See below for contact information and to download the Course Registration Form.). Continuing non-degree students need only contact the Advising Office to alert us of their intent to pursue course work. We can then authorize and process registrations starting the date non-degree registration opens.

SIS Non-degree students can register for courses usually starting two weeks prior to the start of the semester. Spring 2010 registration period runs January 4, 2010-January 15, 2010. This is the same for new and continuing non-degree students

Admission to courses is subject to space availability and confirmation of eligibility. Your enrollment in courses will be confirmed by the non-degree advisor, but validation of registration is subject to settlement of your student account within the stipulated period for payment of tuition and fees. Failure to comply with payment schedules may result in cancellation of your registration and will necessitate reregistering for courses.

Courses with stated prerequisites that have not been met or those requiring special permission require authorization of the instructor in order to enroll. Be sure that you have met all the prerequisites and obtained all required approvals and authorizations for the courses for which you intend to register. You will only be permitted to register for courses for which you have met the prerequisite or received a waiver.  

American University uses a waitlist system for courses that have reached capacity. Should you wish to register for a course and it is full, you will be placed on the waitlist.  The Schedule of Classes indicates courses status (open-space is available, closed-course is at capacity with no wait list, wait-X course has a waitlist with the number indicating the number of students currently on the waitlist-for example, wait-5 would mean that the course is full with 5 students on the waitlist).  Students are not added to waitlisted courses automatically-they are notified via e-mail if a space becomes avialable and have 24 hours in which to claim that spot.  A student who does not claim his/her waitlist spot is removed from the waitlist and the space is offered to the next person on the list. 

Non-degree students may bring up to 12 credits of graduate coursework into an American University graduate degree program (provided that they are admitted). Successful completion of non-degree coursework in no way constitutes a guarantee of admission into a degree program.

Prospective or current non-degree students wishing to discuss options regarding degree programs and/or guidance in selecting courses that would fit into a specific course of study should contact the SIS Graduate Admissions Office at 202-885-1646 or e-mail sisgrad@american.edu. The SIS advising office only works with non-degree students to assist with registration and matriculation requests, and will not be able to discuss course applicability or application matters.

NOTE: American University cannot furnish immigration documents for non-degree study. Prospective international non-degree students should contact the University's International Student & Scholar Services Office to establish eligibility. Also, American University cannot furnish federal financial aid for non-degree study. Our financial aid office may be able to facilitate securing private loans. Please contact the financial aid office at (202)-885-6100 if you have questions about private loans.

Questions about registration? Parking? Billing? Be sure to visit IMPORTANT INFORMATION FOR NON-DEGREE STUDENTS

Contact Information and Form Download

To submit your registration request form, or for further information about being a non-degree student, contact the Graduate Advising Office at:

E-mail:
sisgradadvising@american.edu

Fax:
202-885-1441 (please mark attention "SIS Non-Degree Registration")

Mail:
SIS Graduate Non-Degree Registration
SIS 12
American University
4400 Massachusetts Ave NW
Washington, DC 20016-8071

Download the Non-Degree Registration Request form [PDF].