Take a course – or two – before you apply

---

Going to graduate school is a big commitment. If you're not yet sure it's for you, you can try out a course without committing to the full degree. 

We will welcome non-matriculated students into any course on a space-available basis as long as it it doesn't have a prerequisite. (Review the HEA course descriptions.)

Non-matriculated status is a solid option if you're on the fence or if you've missed the deadline to apply to the program.

You'll still earn graduate credit, get to know the students and faculty, and discover if the master's or certificate program is right for you. And, if it is, you can apply to the program when you're ready.  The courses you take as a non-matriculated student will seamlessly transfer.*

 

How to Apply and Enroll

1. Apply through the Graduate School as a non-matriculated student. Information on the process is on The Graduate School website.
2. Once your application is reviewed and approved, you will receive an email that includes your Stony Brook/SOLAR ID number. 
3. When you have your Stony Brook ID number, email us at hea@stonybrook.edu and let us know which course you would like to take. If it's available, we will assign permission for you to enroll yourself using SOLAR, our online registration system.

 

*Keep in Mind

• If you plan to pursue the master's degree or advanced graduate certificate (AGC), you will need to submit a separate application.
• You can only take 12 credits as a non-matriculated student and transfer them into the master's degree (or 6 credits for the AGC).
• Non-matriculated students pay the same tuition and fees as matriculated students but are not usually eligible for financial aid.
• You can apply for Fall, Spring, or Summer I terms. 
• We cannot guarantee that a specific course will be available at the time of enrollment.