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 in Northeast Ohio

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.

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 to Case Western Reserve University online after nomination by and in collaboration with their home school, which must have an undergraduate exchange agreement with CWRU). As part of the application, the student must present a statement of good standing from the registrar or dean of their home college or university that also indicates that the student is eligible to enroll for that semester at the home institution. Exceptions may be granted by appeal to the Academic Standing Board, care of 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

Individuals who do not already hold an undergraduate or advanced degree may apply through the Undergraduate Advising Support Office to enroll in credit-bearing courses 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 at 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, care of the Undergraduate Advising Support Office.

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.

College Credit Plus

College Credit Plus at Case Western Reserve University is part of the Ohio statewide College Credit Plus program. It is designed to give highly motivated secondary school students from Ohio the opportunity to enroll in challenging college courses prior to graduation from high school, either in the summer or during the academic year. College Credit Plus students attend regularly scheduled classes with undergraduate students at Case Western Reserve and must be able to work well independently at the college level. Admission to College Credit Plus at Case Western Reserve University is selective and competitive. Students must have pursued a rigorous curriculum and achieved academic excellence in all coursework. 

Auditing Courses

Special Audit

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.  CWRU faculty-led study abroad courses are ineligible for audit. No transcripts will be issued, but a certificate of attendance will be provided if requested. The Undergraduate Advising Support Office, handles registration for this program. 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.

College of Arts and Sciences Alumni Audit

Under the College of Arts and Sciences Alumni Audit Program, Case Western Reserve University alumni under the age of 65 may audit courses offered by the College of Arts and Sciences for 10% of regular tuition. Most, but not all courses are eligible for the alumni audit program. All CWRU faculty-led study abroad courses and others may be excluded.