Graduate Education Non-Matriculated Option

Are you a teacher looking to fulfill continuing education requirements, including Pennsylvania Act 48 credits, or are you just looking for professional development in the field of education and only want to take a couple of classes? No problem.

You can still take online classes at Drexel Online, an accredited university, even if you aren’t enrolled in a degree or certificate program. We simply refer to you as a "non-matriculated student." If you wish to apply as a non-matriculated student, please choose "Non-Matriculated – School of Education (Online)" on the application, and then select your intended area of study.

This option may be for you if:

• You need Pennsylvania Act 48 credit - If you're working towards completing your Pennsylvania Department of Education mandated professional development hours in accordance with Pennsylvania Act 48 a Drexel course may help you fulfill your hours.
• You're only interested in taking a specific class - Applying as a non-matriculated student is a good option if there is a particular online course that sparks your interest. It is best to contact your academic advisor before applying to determine what courses may be available to you.
• You're not sure online learning is for you - Non-matriculated status allows you to experience what online learning is like at Drexel and find out if you enjoy this type of learning. Many of our students tell us they prefer online learning over on-campus learning because of the constant networking and interaction through group projects, discussion boards, class chat groups and the flexibility it provides. But it's an individual preference. You want to do what works best for you.
• You're enrolled in another college or university, but wish to take a course at Drexel - If you're considering taking a Drexel course with the intent of transferring the credits back to your home institution, be sure you have checked with your home institution to ensure they will accept the Drexel transfer credit.

Is there a downside to being a non-matriculated student?

Yes, in some cases. There are limits on the number of classes you can take per term and the total number of classes you can take at Drexel before you must declare a major. In addition, some classes may not be available. For more information, please contact the School of Education’s graduate non-matriculated advisor, Jemina Williams, at 215.895.1965 or jtb84@drexel.edu.

Additionally, some tuition financing options may require you to be enrolled in a degree program, so you may not qualify as a non-matriculated student. In general, although non-matriculated status offers flexibility, once you qualify for a degree program in which you are interested, you should matriculate into that program as soon as possible.

Archived Webinar

• School of Education Online Open House

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