Important Regulations and Requirements for Non-Degree Students

Academic Regulations

The university's academic regulations apply to non-degree students, just as they do to other UMass Boston students. All students should consult the university's "Undergraduate Catalog" or "Graduate Bulletin" for information about academic programs and requirements. The following regulations are of critical importance to non-degree students.

• Non-degree undergraduate students must meet a minimum retention standard of a 2.0 grade point average.

• Non-degree graduate students must maintain a 3.0 average in all graduate courses.

• If a student's cumulative average at the end of any semester has fallen below the required level, that student will not be permitted to take UMass Boston courses in future semesters. The cumulative average will be based on grades for all UMass Boston courses that the student has taken as a non-degree student at any time.

• If a non-degree student is admitted to an undergraduate degree program, that student may count as many as 16 credits earned as a non-degree student toward the degree, subject to the approval of the appropriate academic dean.

• No more than 6 credits earned as a graduate non-degree student may be applied toward a graduate degree or certificate.

• Any undergraduate student may choose to take one course per semester or summer on a pass/fail basis, up to a maximum of eight. The course must be chosen before the appropriate pass/fail deadline in the academic calendar. If the student successfully completes the course, it will count toward degree requirements. For information about pass/fail registration, visit or call the Office of the Undergraduate Registrar (Campus Center, 4th floor; 617-287-6200).

• Graduate students may not take any courses on a pass/fail basis.

Testing

Appropriate preparation is especially important for students taking certain introductory courses, and the University wants to be certain that students in these courses have the skills they need for success. The University therefore uses diagnostic testing to place students in the courses that will serve them best.

For test dates please go to the University Advising Center website at www.uac.umb.edu.

The Math Diagnostic Test

Before registering for math courses up through #140, computer science courses up through #110, or any QR course, students must demonstrate their skills by taking a diagnostic test, unless they have completed the appropriate prerequisite course(s) at UMass Boston (transfer equivalences do not count).

All testing sessions take place in the UMass Boston Testing Center (M/3/612). There is no fee, and no appointments are necessary. Tests are given at the hours specified below; please arrive on time. Each test takes approximately one hour. Results can usually be obtained between one and two hours from the time one finishes testing. A photo ID is required at the test session. Calculators, books, or notes are not allowed. Practice exams are available at the Advising Center website. For further information, please call 617-287-5522.

Please note that the test can be taken no more than twice in a thirty-day period.

 

The Reading/Writing Diagnostic Test

New degree-seeking students are required to take a diagnostic placement test in reading and writing as part of the orientation process. Non-degree students who wish to take English composition courses (English 101, 101E, 102, and 102E) or ESL courses (ESL 100A through 100F) will be required to have their writing skills tested during the first class session. Non-degree ESL students are encouraged to have their writing skills evaluated before registering. Evaluations can be arranged at the Testing Center (M/3/612) at the times given above for math testing.

Please note: ESL students who are taking courses in the English Language Study Program of the Division of Continuing, Corporate, and Distance Education must meet different testing requirements. For further information, call 617-287-7876.

International Students Please Note! 

No student with F-1 visa status may register at UMass Boston as a non-degree student unless the student is also registered for a full course of study at the institution that has issued the student's I-20. If you are not studying full-time at the school that issued your I-20, you are out of status with the INS. Students on other visa statuses (such as F-2, J-2, H-4, H-1B) usually do not need to be studying full-time or in a degree program. Check the conditions for your particular status. For more information, call the University Advising Center at 617-287-5500.