Opportunities exist for individuals who are not seeking a degree from Case Western Reserve University to enroll in undergraduate courses for credit or to audit courses and not receive degree credit.
Enrolling in Courses for Credit
Cross-Registration Program
Full-time undergraduates in good academic standing at the Cleveland Institute of Art, Cleveland State University, Cuyahoga Community College, John Carroll University, or Kent State University may cross-register for one course per semester at Case Western Reserve University during the fall or spring semester at no tuition cost. Cross-registration from other local colleges and universities will be considered on a case-by-case basis. Students wishing to participate in the cross-registration program should review the procedures at their home institutions. Registration at Case Western Reserve University is handled by the Undergraduate Advising Support Office, and is normally limited to courses that are not offered at the student’s home institution. Cross-registered students must meet all prerequisite requirements before being admitted to specific courses. The Cross-Registration Form must be submitted prior to the start of the semester.
Transient Students
A transient student is one who has begun their education at another college or university and intends to return there. Case Western Reserve University permits full- or part-time study as a transient student during the fall and spring semesters or during the summer session. Enrollment must be for credit-bearing courses.
Applications for enrollment as a transient student may be obtained from the Undergraduate Advising Support Office. (International exchange students apply through the Office of International Affairs.) As part of the application, the student must present a statement of good standing from the registrar of their home college or university. A degree candidate from another institution may not enroll as a transient student at Case Western Reserve University if the student would not be eligible to enroll for that semester at their home institution. Exceptions may be granted by appeal to the Academic Standing Board, c/o the Undergraduate Advising Support Office.
Enrollment is limited to a total of 30 credit-hours and is subject to the regulations of the student’s college. Transient students must meet all prerequisite requirements before being admitted to specific courses. Transient students are expected to perform at the same academic standards as degree candidates. In particular, transient students whose records would make them eligible for separation as a degree candidate at Case Western Reserve University may not continue as transient students unless they successfully petition the Academic Standing Board.
Transient students are not eligible to receive financial aid from Case Western Reserve University. If the student’s home institution has entered into a consortium agreement with Case Western Reserve University, the student should inquire of the home institution regarding eligibility to receive aid through the home institution.
Others Who Have Completed High School But Not an Undergraduate or Advanced Degree
Adults who do not already hold an undergraduate or advanced degree may apply through the Undergraduate Advising Support Office to enroll for credit in courses for which their education or experience has qualified them, even though they are not pursuing a baccalaureate degree. Case Western Reserve University permits full- or part-time study as a non-degree student during the fall and spring semesters or during the summer session. Enrollment must be for credit-bearing courses. (Persons who already hold undergraduate or advanced degrees and wish to continue their studies without actively pursuing an additional degree should apply to the School of Graduate Studies.)
Applicants are expected to provide a transcript from the most recent college or high school attended. They must meet all prerequisite requirements before being admitted to specific courses. Those who have been degree-seeking students at Case Western Reserve University or have been denied admission to Case Western Reserve as an undergraduate transfer student are not eligible to attend as non-degree undergraduates.
Non-degree students are required to perform up to the same academic standards as degree candidates. In particular, non-degree students whose records would make them eligible for separation as a degree candidate at Case Western Reserve University may not continue as transient students unless they successfully petition the Academic Standing Board.
A non-degree student who wishes to become a degree candidate must apply through the Office of Undergraduate Admission. Courses taken for credit as a non-degree student may be applied toward the degree upon acceptance as a degree candidate.
Students Currently Attending Colleges or Universities in the United States or U.S. Territories
Summer Term Enrollment
Students from other colleges or universities or high school graduates who are not degree candidates at Case Western Reserve University may complete a Visiting Undergraduate Student Application. Applications will be reviewed on a date received basis, but must be submitted at least two weeks prior to the start of summer classes. For more information about summer enrollment see the Summer Enrollment FAQs.
Academic Year Enrollment (Fall/Spring)
Students attending other colleges or universities, who are in good academic standing and eligible to return to their previous institution, may apply for full or part-time status. A visiting student during the academic year need not apply for formal admission to CWRU, but must submit the Visiting Undergraduate Student Application.
Students from the University of Hawaii
A partnership program in nursing between the University of Hawaii and Case Western Reserve University's Frances Payne Bolton School of Nursing welcomes applications from the University of Hawaii students, who have been approved by their home university, to spend a semester at Case Western Reserve. University of Hawaii students interested in applying for the exchange program must submit the University of Hawaii exchange student application.
Students from the University of the Virgin Islands
A partnership program in nursing between the University of the Virgin Islands and Case Western Reserve University's Frances Payne Bolton School of Nursing welcomes applications from the University of the Virgin Islands' students, who have been approved by their home university, to spend a semester at Case Western Reserve. UVI students interested in applying for the exchange program must submit the University of the Virgin Islands exchange student application.
International Students Currently Attending Colleges or Universities Abroad
International students are invited to submit an application for consideration to enroll in the summer, fall, or spring terms. We require the completion of the Visiting International Student Application (non-exchange). International students must submit an essay and provide official transcripts, TOEFL scores, and financial documents as outlined in the application.
College Credit Plus
The College Credit Plus program at Case Western Reserve University is designed to give secondary school students who reside in Ohio the opportunity to enroll in CWRU courses and earn college credit, and be a part of our world-renowned community before high school graduation.
Admission to the College Credit Plus program is selective and competitive, and Case Western Reserve has limited seats available for this program. The College Credit Plus program at CWRU is open to Ohio residents only. Questions about the program should be directed to the Office of Undergraduate Admission at 216.368.4450.
Auditing Courses
Special Audit Program
The Special Audit Program provides the adult student with the opportunity to attend a regular university course as a serious but informal observer at half the regular tuition. This program is available only to those not enrolled in a degree program at Case Western Reserve University. Special audit students receive no grades and no academic credit for the courses attended. No transcripts will be issued, but a certificate of attendance will be provided if requested. Registration for this program is handled by the Undergraduate Advising Support Office. No transcripts are necessary to register.
Course Audit Program for Senior Citizens
Case Western Reserve University's Course Audit Program for Senior Citizens (CAPSC) allows senior citizens (age 65 and older) to take on-campus courses at a reduced tuition rate. For more information call 216.368.2090 or email lifelonglearning@case.edu.
College of Arts and Sciences Alumni Audit
Case Western Reserve University alumni under the age of 65 may audit courses offered by the College of Arts and Sciences for 10 percent of regular tuition. Most, but not all, courses are available for audit. Additional information is available on the College of Arts and Sciences website.