What kind of learner do you want to be?
Take a class for enjoyment, audit a class (no tests or grades), study at home, or pursue a degree. Depending on your decision, the university has different requirements for participation, and different names for your student classification. If you have questions after reviewing these options, contact Adult Career and Special Student Services.
Student Classifications
Continuing education students (noncredit, nondegree)
NOTE: Noncredit continuing education programs do not require admission to the University. You register for the program or workshop that interests you. You may qualify for educational recognition such as a Certificate, Continuing Education Unit (CEU), Department of Public Instruction hours, Social Work Credit or Continuing Education Legal Unit (CLEU).
Whether you're a professional, a senior, or an adult just looking to learn, there are intriguing and enriching noncredit opportunities for you at UW-Madison—and you don't have to be admitted to the University to enjoy them.
- Browse through our online catalog of noncredit classes (links to registration options are included in course descriptions), or get to know our instructors.
- Receive the Continuing Education Programs catalog by mail three times each year. Call 608-262-1156 or email info@dcs.wisc.edu to request a copy or be added to the mailing list.
University Special/Guest Students (credit, nondegree)
NOTE: Credit/audit courses in the UW-Madison Schedule of Classes require that you be admitted to the University either as a degree or nondegree student, and then enroll.
University Special: You want academic credit classes, but are not currently part of a UW-Madison degree program. Choose this link for detailed descriptions of the Special student categories.
Capstone Certificate: You want to acquire specialized training to meet current and future job requirements. The UW-Madison offers Capstone Certificates for returning students not currently enrolled in a degree program. While admissions requirements may vary, you must have completed a baccalaureate degree or its equivalent. Capstone programs do not lead to a graduate degree. Programs offering Capstone Certificates monitor all academic and satisfactory progress requirements.
University Guest auditor: You are interested in sitting in on UW credit classes, without earning credit or grades, taking exams, or completing assignments. This option is available for lecture-only classes if the instructor approves. (Courses that require active participation are not available to audit.)
Senior Guest auditor: Same as Guest auditor except you are a Wisconsin resident age 60 or older.
Questions about the nondegree options above? Contact Adult Career and Special Student Services, 608-263-6960 or advising@dcs.wisc.edu.
Undergraduates and Graduates (credit, degree)
You want to pursue a degree at UW-Madison. This link tells you how to proceed, and connects you to the University Schedule of Classes.
Summer Session (credit, degree and nondegree)
You want to take credit classes in summer as an undergraduate or graduate, or as a University Special or Guest student. The university offers a flexible schedule of three- to eight-week sessions in summer. You may also take advantage of special summer programs that have both credit and noncredit options.
Independent Learning
This link takes you to the Independent Learning website.