As a non-matriculated student, you cannot earn a degree, but you receive grades and full credit for courses, which are recorded on a UW transcript. These credits typically transfer to other institutions.

Non-matriculated courses at UW Tacoma may count toward your undergraduate degree if you later gain matriculated status, subject to some restrictions.

Limits to non-matriculated enrollment

  • Applications for non-matriculated enrollment are considered on a space-available basis and 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, which may limit course selections. 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 tuition exemption.
  • Non-matriculated students can earn a maximum of 45 credits in that status, though some exceptions apply. This limit may vary by academic program. If you're thinking of switching to matriculated status, it's advisable to do so quickly, as 45 of the last 60 credits for a baccalaureate degree must be completed as a matriculated student 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.