Non-Degree-Seeking Student Admissions
If you want to take social work courses at the UB School of Social Work without enrolling in a degree program, you may apply as a non-degree-seeking student, also called a non-matriculating student.
This option is ideal if you are seeking academic enrichment, continuing education hours, clinical courses for licensure or graduate-level coursework without pursuing a formal credential. It can also serve as a way to explore the social work profession or demonstrate academic readiness for our MSW program.
Learn more about non-matriculating student status and the UB non-degree admissions process:
Curious what it’s like to take a graduate-level social work course? Enroll in an elective to get a feel for the experience, faculty and expectations before committing to a full program.
- Hoping to strengthen a future MSW application? Performing well in non-degree electives demonstrates your ability to succeed in graduate-level coursework.
- Are you wondering whether social work is the right fit for you? Explore the profession through elective courses to gain insight into different practice areas, essential skills and core values.
- Are you planning to enroll in our MSW program in the future? Non-degree courses count toward required elective credits, helping lighten your course load down the line.
- Do you already hold an MSW and are preparing for the LCSW exam? Our clinical electives satisfy the 12-credit clinical requirement for the New York social work license exam.
- Are you seeking social work continuing education credits? New York LMSWs and LCSWs can choose from a variety of CE-approved elective courses to maintain licensure.
Before you start the non-degree student application process, you should know:
- Non-degree students do not qualify for financial aid, including loans.
- Non-degree students do not qualify for reduced online tuition or comprehensive fee waivers. You will pay the part-time on-campus tuition rate.
- To qualify for the in-state tuition rate, admitted students must provide proof of New York State residency. Visit the accepted student information page for details.
- Non-degree students may register for a maximum of six credits per semester.
- Non-degree students may only enroll in approved graduate courses listed as electives.
- Admission as a non-degree student is granted for one semester at a time, and permission is required to take additional non-degree courses in subsequent semesters.
- Our MSW degree options require nine elective credits. Non-degree students should not take more than a total of nine elective credits without first consulting a School of Social Work admissions representative.
Browse available seated and online social work electives offered in upcoming semesters to find the courses that best align with your goals.
- Preparing for the LCSW exam? Be sure to review the clinical course list to confirm that the course you select meets New York State clinical requirements.
- Earning continuing education (CE) hours? New York State LMSWs and LCSWs must earn a grade of B– or higher to receive a CE social work certificate. Review elective course descriptions to identify courses approved for CE credit.
Those applying for non-degree-seeking graduate courses should submit an online application for “non-degree” and upload a copy of their bachelor’s degree transcript. A $35 application fee, paid electronically, is required upon submission.
If you need to order your transcript(s), many schools use Parchment to send transcripts electronically. Select "UB-Grad and Prof Programs" so that it reaches our office in a timely manner, or request that it be emailed to swinfo@buffalo.edu.
Please note that the non-degree application is only available at certain times of the year for specific semesters. Applications close two weeks before the start of the semester. Check the deadlines page to see when the next semester’s application will open.
If you are applying for a non-degree-seeking undergraduate course, you must instead complete the undergraduate non-matriculated student form through the UB Registrar’s office. International students who wish to take an undergraduate non-degree course should contact our admissions office for guidance.
Once your application, transcript and fee have been received, your request for non-matriculated status will be reviewed.
Once your non-matriculated status has been approved, follow the steps outlined for accepted non-degree students.
A non-matriculated student is someone who enrolls in individual courses without being formally admitted to a degree program. At the UB School of Social Work, non-matriculated students may take approved elective courses without pursuing a credential.
A non-degree-seeking student is an individual who enrolls in courses without the intent to earn a degree. At the UB School of Social Work, non-degree-seeking students may take elective social work courses for exploration, licensure preparation or future graduate study.
A non-degree program allows students to take college or graduate-level courses without working toward a degree. These programs are often used for academic exploration, professional development or continuing education.
If you’re interested in helping individuals, families and communities, social work may be a strong fit. Taking a non-degree social work elective can help you explore the profession before pursuing an MSW degree.
Yes. Non-degree courses allow you to explore social work, gain relevant academic experience and demonstrate readiness for graduate-level coursework before committing to an MSW degree program.
Admission to an MSW program typically requires a bachelor’s degree, transcripts and an application. Performing well in non-degree social work electives can strengthen your application and demonstrate academic readiness.
You can prepare for an MSW program by taking graduate-level social work electives, strengthening academic skills and gaining exposure to the field. Non-degree coursework offers an opportunity to build confidence before enrolling.
Most social work roles require formal education, but non-degree coursework allows you to explore the field, build knowledge and determine whether pursuing an MSW degree is the right next step.