Continuing Education, Summer Session, and January Term

https://www.unh.edu/continuingeducation/

Continuing education provides public access to higher education for individuals not formally admitted to a UNH degree program. Taking courses as a non-degree student is an excellent way to prepare for matriculation into a degree program, help advance or change careers, or study a topic of interest.

Non-Degree Student Status & Credit Load Policies

Undergraduate Non-Degree Students

Undergraduate courses (numbered 300-799) are open to individuals with a high school diploma, GED, or home-schooled secondary education equivalency.

Credit Load Policy:

  • Fall/Spring Semester
    • CPS Online non-degree students may register for a maximum of 18 credits.
    • Durham and Manchester non-degree students may register for a maximum of 11 credits.
  • Summer Session
    • Non-degree students do not have a credit maximum.

A non-degree student not actively enrolled in courses for one year will be inactivated. Inactivated students may visit the UNH Continuing Education website for more information about returning.

Graduate non-degree students

Graduate courses (numbered 800-999) are open to individuals with a baccalaureate degree from an accredited college or university. Individuals may register for a maximum of 8 credits per semester.

Credit Load Policy:

  • Fall/Spring Semester
    • Non-degree students may register for a maximum of 8 credits.
  • Summer Session
    • Non-degree students do not have a credit maximum.

A non-degree student not actively enrolled in courses for one year will be inactivated. Inactivated students may visit the UNH Continuing Education website for more information about returning.

Full-Time Special Student Status

Undergraduate

Durham and Manchester Non-degree students who wish to register for 12 or more credits in a single semester must receive formal permission from UNH Undergraduate Admissions. Special tuition and fee rules apply. Please contact UNH Undergraduate Admissions at 603-862-1360 for more information on how to apply.

Graduate

Non-degree students who wish to register for 9 or more credits in a single semester must receive permission from The Graduate School. Students approved for this special status must pay full-time graduate tuition and fees at the time of registration. Please contact The Graduate School at 603-862-3000 for more information on how to apply.

NH Senior Citizen Tuition Waiver

New Hampshire residents who are age 65 or older and are not enrolled in a degree program are eligible to take a maximum of two credit-bearing courses (some exceptions apply) per fiscal year (Summer Session/Fall/January Term/Spring) tuition-free. Please visit https://www.unh.edu/continuingeducation/nondegree/undergraduate-coursework for more information, under Registration.

All scholarships and waivers used to cover tuition, fees, books, supplies, and equipment may have tax implications. If you have any questions about potential tax implications, please consult a tax advisor.

Pre-Admission Program

The Pre-Admission Program allows students an opportunity to strengthen their academic credentials in preparation for admission to a baccalaureate program by completing coursework that satisfies both general education and introductory-level major requirements. Students complete two semesters in the program, register for up to 12 credits per semester, and then transfer to a baccalaureate program upon successful completion of the outlined criteria. For more information please visit https://admissions.unh.edu/apply/veterans-non-traditional-students#preadmission.

CATS Program

The CATS (Challenging Academically Talented Students) Program is open to highly motivated and academically strong high school juniors and seniors who want to enrich their academic experience with a college-level course. Students may choose from freshman-level courses (400-500 numbered courses). For an application and more information, please visit https://www.unh.edu/continuingeducation/cats

Prerequisites

Individuals are responsible for meeting all course prerequisites before registering for classes. Prerequisite information is included in undergraduate and graduate course descriptions.

Graduate coursework is advanced study and presumes completion of adequate preparation at the undergraduate level in the same or allied field in which the student wishes to pursue graduate coursework. 

Academic Standards and Expectations

A cumulative grade-point average of 2.00 (C grade) is the minimum acceptable level for undergraduate work and 2.67 (B- grade) is the minimum acceptable level for graduate work at the University. The records of non-degree students are examined periodically and academically deficient students may be warned or excluded from registering. All non-degree students are expected to become familiar with and adhere to the current UNH Student Rights, Rules, and Responsibilities.

Professional Development and Training

Professional Development & Training is a unit of UNH’s Office of Outreach and Engagement and serves individuals, businesses, and organizations by offering a wide range of non-credit professional development opportunities throughout the year. Programs are designed to assist professionals in developing new or advanced knowledge and skills in a variety of fields. For more information, visit https://training.unh.edu/.

Summer Session

Summer Session provides a wide range of credit courses, institutes, and programs in a variety of term lengths from May to August. From youth-enrichment programs to advanced-level institutes, Summer Session provides educational opportunities for learners of all ages. On-campus housing is available for students enrolled in summer credit courses. Summer credit courses are held to the same academic standards as regular term courses but are typically offered at an accelerated pace. For more information, please visit https://unh.edu/registrar/summersession.

January Term

January Term is a three-week learning opportunity held during winter break. Online, on-campus, and study-away credit courses are available in a variety of academic disciplines at both the undergraduate and graduate levels. Because of the intensive course of study, students may register for only one course during January Term. For more information, visit https://unh.edu/registrar/januaryterm.