Applicants who wish to take courses without enrolling in a degree or certificate program may apply for special student status. An applicant will be considered for admission as a special student when the following materials are received:

1. Completed application form.
2. Nonrefundable application fee.
3. Official transcript showing earned bachelor degree for master programs or an earned master degree for doctoral programs. (For certificate programs – must meet admission requirements as a regular student in that program and submit an official transcript according to requirements of the program.) An official transcript is one that is sent or carried to the university in an envelope sealed by the granting university. An applicant will not be admitted as a special student prior to the receipt of an official transcript. All transcripts must be from regionally accredited institutions.

The program director will review the requested course(s) and approve or deny the request.

All special student registrations must be completed according to the application deadline . See your program page for application deadline information. Special students are admitted to courses on a space-available basis. Unless a special student notifies the University of his or her intention to continue, he or she will be withdrawn after three semesters of inactivity.

If a special status student wishes to apply to a Saint Mary’s University program, he or she must submit the additional materials necessary. Credits earned and grades received as a special student may apply toward the degree with approval of the program director.