Non-Degree Programs

Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science (RFU) may admit non-degree seeking students who wish to take coursework for any of the following reasons:

• For professional development
• For personal enrichment
• As a student at large for graduate school
• To transfer a specific course(s) for credit to an institution at which they are currently enrolled

Non-degree applicants will be asked to identify their non-degree status on the application. The following information should be used by applicants to accurately identify their non-degree status:

• General Non-Degree Seeking Student:
  • You are a college student or college graduate interested in taking graduate courses for credit that will transfer back to another institution or for personal interest without any intent of completing a degree program.
  • You are a professional seeking an online course(s) for professional development or personal enrichment.
• Student at Large Non-Degree Seeking Student:
  • You are a college graduate interested in taking courses for credit (i.e., for graduate school preparation, career development or personal interest) with the intent of completing a degree. This is referred to as a "student-at-large" at some universities.

Non-degree applicants must complete the following requirements in order to be considered for admission as a non-degree student:

• Complete and submit the RFU Graduate Non-Degree Application
• Identify specific academic term and course(s) as directed on the non-degree application
• Complete “Statement of Purpose” by explaining the reason(s) for seeking to take non-degree coursework.
• Send final, official transcripts showing evidence of having earned a bachelor’s degree (or highest degree earned, if applicable) from an accredited college or university.
  • Send official transcripts electronically to grad.admissions@rosalindfranklin.edu or by mail to:
    Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science
    Office of Admissions and Enrollment
    Attn: Non-degree application
    3333 Green Bay Road
    North Chicago, IL 60064
• Complete TOEFL requirement (if applicable)
  • Any applicant who does not hold US citizenship or US permanent residency is required to send an official TOEFL score report through ETS to Rosalind Franklin University at Institution Code 1117.
  • The admissions committee will consider waiving the TOEFL requirement if:
    • an applicant has been a full-time student in a United States college or university for at least two consecutive years.
    • an applicant is from a country in which English is the primary language.

Please note that coursework completed in a non-degree status may or may not be applicable to a degree program at RFU and is subject to approval by the program chair.

Non-degree students are responsible for tuition and all mandatory fees.

Non-degree seeking students are eligible:

• to take two courses in this status, if approved by program chair(s).
• to apply to a degree program* at any time but will need to adhere to all the program requirements and deadlines in place at the time of application.
• to access libraries and other campus facilities.

*At large students will need to submit all materials needed for the degree program at the time of the non-degree status being granted.