Non-Matriculated Graduate Student Status

If you have a bachelor's degree and are interested in taking undergraduate or graduate courses at Stony Brook, without working toward a degree or certificate, you may apply for admission as a Non-matriculated Graduate (GSP) Student. The School of Professional Development admits all GSP students to the University's West Campus.

General Non-Matriculated Student Guidelines

• As a non-matriculated graduate student (GSP), you may register for any graduate or undergraduate course available to you, provided that prerequisites, if any, are met. (If you anticipate being accepted into a graduate program at Stony Brook, check in advance with the respective academic department to ensure the course(s) are applicable to the graduate degree or certificate you seek.)
  
  
• Departmental permission for graduate non-SPD courses may be required prior to registration. If you plan to take a non-SPD course, students are advised to contact the academic department offering the class to confirm eligibility to enroll.

• The maximum number of graduate credits that one may earn as a non-matriculated graduate student (GSP) that may later be considered for any Stony Brook graduate degree is 12; for certificate programs, the maximum is 6.
  
  
• GSP students may not enroll in educational leadership courses.
  
  
• Enrollment in a department's graduate courses does not entitle a GSP student to candidacy for a department's degree. You must formally apply and be admitted to a degree and/or certificate program.
  
  
• GSP students are eligible to register during Graduate Open Enrollment (and after matriculated students); students are advised to register as soon as Graduate Open Enrollment begins for each term for best course selection. Complete course offerings (and descriptions) may be found on Stony Brook's SOLAR System.
  
  
• Graduate cumulative grade point averages (GPA) will be based on all graduate courses taken at Stony Brook, including those taken as a GSP student or as any other Stony Brook graduate major.
  
  
• Students are advised to keep all Stony Brook records, including departmental correspondence, payment and registration receipts, etc., for reference and verification.
  
  
• GSP students are usually not eligible for financial aid or University housing.
  
  
• Tuition rates for non-matriculated graduate students (GSP) are based on the course level. The Bursar's Office has detailed information on tuition and fees.

• International student applicants requesting F1 or J1 visas are normally required to be matriculated in a degree or advanced graduate certificate program. Non-matriculating graduate student (GSP) status does not fulfill this requirement.

How To Apply

Applications are accepted online via Apply Yourself. All applicants must provide a valid email address and must be using a web browser (e.g., Internet Explorer or Netscape Navigator) that is Javascript-enabled (as most browsers are). If you have any questions about the technical requirements, see the Apply Yourself website.

To complete the application process, you will need to do the following:

1. Go to the Apply Yourself website and click on the "Create Account" button. By creating an account, you will receive a unique ID so you can check your application status online.
2. Submit the nonrefundable $60 application fee, either via credit card, check, or money order. (Instructions are on the Apply Yourself website.)
3. Print, fill out, and return the Immunization Form (PDF).

The preferred method of application is online, however, you may contact SPD to request a paper application. Be advised that paper applications take longer to process.

Applicants are notified via email once their application and fee have been processed and they are eligible to enroll in classes.

Mandatory Insurance Information
For all students on non-immigrant visas, whether full or part-time, health insurance is mandatory and is automatically billed to the student's account and must be paid. An explanation of this policy may be found at Mandatory International Student Health Insurance. For further information regarding health insurance and eligibility for a waiver application, contact the Student Health Insurance Office in the West Campus Health Service (Infirmary). They may be reached at 631.632.6054.

How to Enroll

After your application is processed, you will receive an email containing admission confirmation (including your Stony Brook ID number) and registration instructions. If no email address is provided, this information will be sent via US mail.

Once you have your Stony Brook ID number, you will be able to enroll in courses via the SOLAR System.

Contact Information

School of Professional Development
SBS Building, N-201
Stony Brook University
Stony Brook, NY 11794-4310
Email: SPD@stonybrook.edu
Telephone: 631.632.7050, option 3
Fax: 631.632.4992

Statement of Student Responsibility

Students themselves—whether new, returning, or continuing—are responsible for reviewing, understanding, and adhering to their degree and/or certificate program requirements. SPD’s non-matriculating (non-degree) Graduate Students (GSP) are responsible for adhering to the guidelines related to non-matriculated status. All SPD students are responsible for reviewing, understanding, and complying with University and SPD regulations, policies, and procedures, as described in all official publications, the University website, and the SPD website, including, but not limited to, SPD’s online references, the SPD Student Handbook and SPD Academic Calendar.