Non-Degree Programs

Those who desire to take courses at YDS not leading to a degree may apply to be nondegree students and must apply through the regular admissions process. Normally, such students are people pursuing graduate work at another institution who need to take a specific YDS course, or are persons with graduate theological degrees who wish to take a course for professional development. Upon application, students will be given the opportunity to explain how their course of study relates to the nature, purpose, and educational resources of the school (see Nondegree Programs, in chapter on Admission). Nondegree students can be admitted to YDS for one academic year, during which they may take up to four courses. Upon request to the associate dean of admissions, and with the approval of the dean of academic affairs, an individual’s nondegree status may be extended for an additional year. Nondegree students may not request reading courses or directed studies programs. University courses outside YDS are not available to them. A few specified courses at YDS may not be open to nondegree students when the nature or size of the course requires that it be restricted to degree candidates. Nondegree students must adhere to the same policies and regulations of the School as degree students.

Successful completion of a course is noted on the student’s transcript, and transcripts will be mailed to other institutions upon request. If the student desires to enroll for a degree, the regular admission procedure must be followed. After admission as a degree candidate, students may petition the Professional Studies Committee for an evaluation of the work they did as nondegree students. The maximum number of courses that can be accepted from work done as a nondegree student at YDS is eight courses toward the M.Div. or the M.A.R. (concentrated or comprehensive) degree requirements and four courses toward the S.T.M. ­degree.