Non-Degree Programs

Looking to enroll in classes for personal enrichment, or to satisfy prerequisite graduate course requirements for future admission? The non-degree programs at the Jack, Joseph and Morton Mandel School of Applied Social Sciences are a great option. 

Classroom Without Walls

Through the Classroom Without Walls program, community learners not affiliated with Case Western Reserve University can take one select course per spring or fall semester (up to 9 credit hours in total) free of charge. These courses, taken for credit, are also open to Mandel School alumni and CWRU employees.

Learn About Classroom Without Walls 

Non-Degree Student Application Procedure

To register as a non-degree student in Mandel School courses, you need to hold an undergraduate degree. Submit the non-degree application, then, when you create an account in the application system, please select that you are applying to the “Mandel School of Applied Social Sciences.” 

It is also important to note that: 

• Students may enroll in graduate-level courses and continuation in non-degree status is at the discretion of the associate dean of academic affairs, who is the advisor for all non-degree students and approves all registrations, drop/adds and withdrawals.
• Applicants who are interested in transferring course work into graduate degree programs are encouraged to seek early advice from the departments to which they intend to apply to ensure that courses taken as non-degree students will satisfy university requirements.
• Non-degree students cannot assume they will be admitted to any graduate degree program or that all coursework taken will transfer into the program.
• Courses transferred from non-degree status must have been taken within five years of the first term of matriculation as a degree-seeking student and passed with a grade of B or better.
• Non-degree students are not permitted to enroll in more than 12 credit hours of coursework in the program. In order to continue taking courses in that program, the student must apply and be accepted into the graduate degree program.

Steps for Registration

First-Time Non-Degree Registrants

1. Complete the online application.
   • When creating an account, please select the School > Mandel School of Applied Social Sciences.
2. Upload the following information into the application system: 
   • A brief statement of purpose—a maximum of one page—that shares your interest in enrolling in graduate courses at the Mandel School. You may include what skills you hope to learn and gain through the coursework;
   • A resume; and
   • Transcripts from your undergraduate and graduate institutions (if applicable). Unofficial transcripts will be accepted for the application. Original, degree-conferring transcripts, will be required once admitted. CWRU graduates do not need to submit transcripts. 
3. The Mandel School will process your application. You will receive an email with further instructions on how to activate your CWRU network ID (if applicable) and register using the Student Information System (SIS).

Non-First-Time Registrants

1. Email a request to Sharon Milligan, Associate Dean of Academic Affairs and Student Services at the Mandel School, at sharon.milligan@case.edu to release the advising hold on your registration. This will allow you to register.
2. Once the hold has been released, log into the Student Information System (SIS) to register.

All Non-Degree Students

For detailed instructions on how to register for your selected courses in SIS, go to the “Enrolling in Classes” section. 

1. Learn about overrides and permissions.
2. Complete required prerequisites. It is the student’s responsibility to meet any prerequisites for courses.
3. From the Student Center, you can view your academic information and the searchable Schedule of Classes to access semester schedules. 

Case Western Reserve Employees

1. Complete the Certification for Tuition Waiver and Affidavit of Qualification for Tuition Waiver Tax Exemption and submit them to CWRU Human Resources. 
2. Tuition waivers can be emailed to tuition-waiver@case.edu. Please pay particular attention to the drop/add deadline to avoid potential financial penalties and note that as a CWRU employee, it is your responsibility to inquire about your eligibility status for the tuition waiver. If financial penalties are incurred due to ineligibility of the waiver, it is the responsibility of the employee to pay such penalties. For more details, email askhr@case.edu. 

For questions about the non-degree application, contact the Mandel School admissions office at mandelschool@case.edu. Or, visit the university’s academic calendar to find more registration and enrollment information.