Policy 2.5: Graduate Non-Matriculated (GNM) Enrollment  

I. Policy Statement

Graduate Non-Matriculated (GNM) enrollment allows students to register for graduate-level coursework at the University of Washington (UW) without formal admission to a graduate degree program. The School of Nursing (SoN) follows UW Graduate School Policy 3.3: Enrollment of Graduate Non-Matriculated Students and supplements it with program-specific procedures.

GNM enrollment does not guarantee admission to a graduate degree program. A student later admitted to the Graduate School may apply a limited number of GNM credits toward the credential. The maximum depends on the credential.

• Graduate degree: A maximum of 12 credits. Where a student also transfers graduate-level credits from another institution, 12 credits is the combined maximum for GNM and transfer credits together, not 12 of each (UW Graduate School Policy 3.3.3).
• Graduate certificate: The School of Nursing does not permit GNM credits to be applied toward a graduate certificate. UW Graduate School Policy 1.2: Graduate Certificates 1.2.2.2 permits up to 6 credits with the approval of the program offering the certificate; the School of Nursing does not grant that approval.

Time limits for degree completion commence at the point of enrollment in the first GNM course later applied for credit toward degree requirements. GNM coursework taken well in advance of matriculation therefore reduces the time remaining to complete the degree. Students should review UW School of Nursing Policy 1.5: Program Duration & Graduation Eligibility before enrolling in GNM coursework they intend to apply toward a future degree.

• Visa status: Graduate Non-Matriculated status is not available to international students on F-1 or B-1/B-2 visas.
• Students must maintain the Graduate School minimum cumulative grade point average of 3.0 to continue in Graduate Non-Matriculated status.

II. Process

A. Application Review

Admission requirements, adviser contacts, tracks open to GNM enrollment, and application materials are published on the School of Nursing Graduate Non-Matriculated status page. Applicants must consult the track or program to confirm course availability before applying.

• GNM applications are accepted on a cycle established annually by the School of Nursing.
• Applications are reviewed by the appropriate Coordinating Committee:
• DNPCC – applicants pursuing advanced practice coursework or courses within the DNP program.
• M/PhDCC – applicants for the CIPCT program, current PhD students seeking GNM coursework.
• Late applications are not accepted.
• Applications for GNM status are processed by the Graduate School’s Graduate Enrollment Management Services (GEMS). School of Nursing Coordinating Committee review determines whether the applicant may enroll in School of Nursing graduate courses.

B. Enrollment Restrictions

GNM enrollment is limited to graduate-level, non-clinical coursework. GNM students may not enroll in NCLIN-prefix courses. Enrollment in any specific course is further governed by that course’s prerequisites and by UW Graduate School Policy 2.1: Graduate Course Numbers, Titles, and Audience, which restricts thesis, dissertation, independent study, and internship numbers to students admitted to a degree program; courses restricted to a specialty track or to matriculated students in a named program are closed on the same basis. Enrollment limits reflect compliance requirements, affiliation agreements, and clinical site capacity, and matriculated students are prioritized.

• Instructor approval: GNM students must obtain approval from the course instructor before enrolling in a graduate-level course. Committee approval of a GNM application does not by itself confer enrollment in any specific course.
• Effect on On-Leave Status: A matriculated graduate student who enrolls in GNM or any other non-matriculated status terminates Graduate On-Leave Status for that quarter, even if the courses are later dropped (see UW School of Nursing Policy 2.3: Leave of Absence).

III. Roles and Responsibilities Summary

Last updated: September 2026