Graduate Non-Degree Students

If you are seeking a graduate degree or certificate, review BGSU Graduate College application instructions.  

A graduate non-degree student is defined as a student who has earned a 4-year degree and who wishes to enroll in graduate courses without pursuing another degree. 

There is no application fee. 

There is no limit to how many credit hours a graduate non-degree student may take at BGSU. However, only 9 graduate credit hours will transfer to a BGSU graduate degree program. 

Questions about applying?

Office of Registration and Records (Main Campus)
Registrar@bgsu.edu
419-372-8441

Include your name, BGSU I.D. number and contact information on all correspondence.

Allow at least 3 business days for processing your application. Confirmation will be sent to your email address once the application has been processed. Applicants who have indicated a felony conviction will be required to provide additional information. 

Apply as graduate non-degree student

Eligibility for financial aid

In most instances, graduate non-degree students are NOT eligible for federal financial aid. For example:

  • Students taking classes in order to raise their GPA in order to be admitted into a graduate program are not eligible for federal student loans. 
  • Students who are taking courses while waiting to be admitted into a graduate program or if the school is waiting for your GRE test scores are not eligible for federal student loans.

Questions? Call Financial Aid and Scholarships at 419-372-2651.

Educator licensure/coursework

Those pursuing educator (teacher, administrative, pupil services) preparation/development coursework as a non-degree student submit the graduate non-degree application.

Review educator licensure information before applying. Contact the College of Education and Human Development if you have questions about licensure.

Financial aid

A student cannot receive federal financial aid for optional courses the student elects to take for professional recognition or advancement. This includes taking:

  • Courses for advanced educator licensure or endorsements
  • Initial courses recommended by the school but not required for certification/licensure or renewal/re-licensure

A student may receive Federal Direct Loans if enrolled (at least six credit hours) in a required teacher certification/licensure program. To qualify, the program must be required for initial PK-12 teacher certification/licensure or renewal/re-licensure in Ohio.

Updated: 05/15/2026 11:03AM