Non-degree Study - Courses & Programs

Plan now for Summer Session 2025

Earn credits, catch up, or get ahead. Choose from hundreds of Cornell courses offered on campus, off campus, or online. Summer Session runs June 2–August 5. Enrollment opens March 17.

What is non-degree study at Cornell?

Non-degree Study is a way for you to earn college credit at Cornell without enrolling in a degree program.

Whether you want to explore a new interest, enhance your resume, or strengthen your professional skills, you can choose from thousands of regular university courses year-round. You'll study alongside Cornell undergraduate and graduate students and have access to university libraries and other campus facilities.

Your grades and credits will be recorded on an official Cornell transcript. You can generally transfer these credits to a degree at Cornell or elsewhere—but always check with your school or institution.

Eligibility: Anyone high school age and older who is not currently a Cornell degree candidate is eligible for Non-degree Study, including Cornell employees and retirees (tuition waivers may apply), Cornell alumni, executives and professionals, area residents, high school students, and international students.

How to get started

Select your course(s) from the Summer Session, Winter Session, or Fall or Spring roster.
To enroll, visit our registration page.

Top 5 reasons to do non-degree study at Cornell

Study with Cornell faculty
Explore a new interest
Enhance your resume with credits and a Cornell transcript
Strengthen your professional skills
Benefit from an Ivy League education

Faculty

As a non-degree student, you'll interact closely with distinguished Cornell faculty members and instructors and study alongside Cornell undergraduate and graduate students. This diverse population is here to help you push yourself and your ideas further than you could ever push them on your own.

Student experiences

"The instruction was top-notch. I learned a lot and was inspired to pursue a graduate education."

"I was able to juggle the class, my family life, and my work... I learned a great deal, and since the class I took is directly related to my job, my job skills have been enhanced."