Nonmatriculated Study

While the College’s first obligation is to students enrolled in its degree programs, it does provide opportunities for non-degree (non-matriculating) students as well. The College provides studies for: teachers on sabbatical, students from other colleges who require additional credits for graduation, adults long out of college who want to “ease” their way back in, students who have applied to Empire State College who want to get a head start on their studies, and adults who simply want to enrich their intellectual lives.

Non-Degree Studies at Empire State College
Empire State College does not have a course catalog. Instead, students primarily work one on one with a mentor. With the mentor the student prepares a Learning Contract that outlines the specific area of study, learning activities, the time frame for completion of work, and the criteria for evaluation. When the study is complete, a Contract Evaluation is completed. The narrative Contract Evaluation describes what the student has done and what the student has learned. Empire State College does not usually give grades, but will provide grades for students whose employers or home campuses require them.

The mode of study at Empire State College puts the responsibility on the student to work independently, and holds non-degree students to the same high standards as our matriculating students.

As a non-degree student you are expected to provide a study proposal including:

· the specific topic for and title of the study
· the number of credits you are seeking
· the level of the course (introductory, advanced)
· whether you are requesting a grade in addition to the narrative evaluation

With your completed study proposal information in hand, the staff will try to identify a regular member of our faculty to work with you, and you will be contacted by the College.

The College may not be able to provide a mentor to undertake the study you are seeking. If that is the case, we will let you know as soon as possible so that you can find another institution that will meet your educational needs.

Another ESC option for students is the Center for Distance Learning (CDL) that offers both on-line and print courses. CDL may be contacted at www.esc.edu/cdl or by phone 800-847-3000 x2300.

Subjects You Can Study
Empire State College offers studies in the following academic fields, providing excellent preparation for people who want to go on to graduate school in these fields.

Business, Management & Economics, Cultural Studies,
Community & Human Services, Human Development, Historical Studies,
Social Theory, Social Structure and Change, Interdisciplinary Studies,
Science, Math & Technology, The Arts


Within these broad areas, students may work in specific areas on specific topics. Not all topics may be available at all locations at all times. Because Empire State College has no laboratories, studios or elaborate computer facilities, we cannot offer studies that require these facilities unless you have access to them through work or another means.

Empire State College does not prepare students directly for many professions licensed by New York State (e.g., certified teacher, registered nurse, certified public accountant, medical technician, certified social worker).

Calendar
Empire State College has five terms with begin dates in September, November, January, March and two in May.

Tuition
See Undergraduate Tuition and Fees. There is no financial aid for non-degree [non-matriculating] students. The College accepts checks, money orders, credit cards, and has a time payment plan.

Transcripts and Transfer of Credit
When a study is completed, the Contract Evaluation is sent to the College headquarters in Saratoga Springs and becomes your transcript. To order a transcript for yourself or another college, a Transcript Request Form is available.

Students who want to earn credit at Empire State College and then transfer that credit to another college should receive written permission from the home college before undertaking any study at Empire State College. If you are a teacher who plans to use studies at Empire State College to fulfill sabbatical requirements, check with your board of education before signing up at Empire State College.

How to Enroll
Contact the Hudson Valley Center at 914-948-6206, extension 3590, with specific information about what you would like to study. After a mentor assignment is made, the student will complete online registration and pay tuition and fees.