When enrolled in a non-matriculated status, you cannot earn a degree but a grade is earned and full credit is awarded and recorded on a UW transcript for any courses taken. Credits earned as a non-matriculated student usually transfer to other institutions.

If you are later accepted into a matriculated status at UW Tacoma , courses earned as a non-matriculated student may be applied to your undergraduate degree requirements, with some restrictions.

Limits on non-matriculated enrollment

  • Applications for non-matriculated enrollment are considered on a space-available basis after all on-time and complete matriculated applicants have been reviewed.
  • Non-matriculated students cannot register until the first week of the autumn, winter and spring quarters; consequently, course selection may be limited. During summer quarters, non-matriculated students may register during Registration Period 1. Refer to the quarterly Registration Dates PDF for specific dates.
  • Non-matriculated students are not allowed to enroll cross-campus except for summer quarter. This includes non-matriculated students taking courses under the University of Washington staff or Washington State tuition exemption.
  • If you are attending as non-matriculated, you may accrue no more than 45 credits in that status (some exceptions may be allowed). The number may vary by academic program. If you are considering switching to matriculated (degree-seeking) status, you are encouraged to do so as soon as possible, as 45 of the last 60 credits of a baccalaureate degree must be earned as a matriculated student in residence at the Tacoma campus.

Earning a certificate as a non-matriculated student

If you are applying to the Geographic Information Systems (GIS) or Nonprofit Studies certificate programs and you are not a current UW Tacoma student, you should apply as a non-matriculated applicant. Review the program requirements for guidance in making a successful application and additional application requirements.