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Non-Degree Course Registration Guide

A non-degree student is an individual who wishes to take courses at Florida Atlantic University (FAU) without being currently enrolled in a degree-seeking program. Enrollment under this status is subject to the following departmental policies:

  1. No Guarantee of Admission: Taking courses as a non-degree student does not guarantee future admission into a degree program.
  2. Space Availability: Registration is conducted on a space-available basis during the designated non-degree registration period.
  3. Major Restriction Holds: All counselor education courses have a “major restriction hold” that must be officially lifted by the department before a student can register.
  4. Financial Aid: Financial aid does not cover non-degree courses.
  5. Transfer Credits: If later admitted to a degree program, a Master’s student may transfer up to 18 credits (6 from another institution), and an Ed.S. student may transfer up to 9 credits (3 from another institution). All credits must be less than 7 years old and are reviewed upon admission.

Action Plan: Steps to Enroll

  1. Submit a Non-Degree Application: Fill out the online application. Apply through the FAU Non-Degree Office .Once approved, you will receive a student ID (Z-number); you must save this for all subsequent steps.
  2. Complete the Counselor Education Interest Survey: Submit the Department Interest Survey to confirm your eligibility and course availability. You will need your Z-number and a writing sample if you are requesting clinical mental health specialty courses.
  3. Monitor Your FAU Email:The department will review your request and notify you via your FAU email, typically by the Friday before non-degree registration begins. The email will confirm if your registration hold has been lifted or if you must seek specific instructor approval.
  4. Register During the Non-Degree Window: You may only register during the official non-degree registration period noted on the Academic Calendar . Seats are first-come, first-served and cannot be reserved or held.
  5. Verify Licensure (If Applicable): If you are taking courses for licensure, you must independently verify that the course meets requirements with the Florida State Licensing Board . If you are taking a course for certification, you must verify the classes with the Florida Department of Education.

Requirements and Course Eligibility

General Requirements

  • A bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution is required.
  • Students must meet specific prerequisites (e.g., MHS 5005 is required before MHS 6401; STA 6113 is required before MHS 6710).
  • All students must agree to demonstrate appropriate professional attitude and dispositions, follow all department and university policies, and earn a grade of B or higher in all coursework.

Course Categories

  • Recommended Courses for General Non-Degree Students: MHS 6340 Career Development, MHS 5428 Multicultural Counseling, MHS 6700 Legal and Ethical Issues, MHS 6482 Lifespan Development, STA 6113 Statistics* (*offered outside of the department)
  • Clinical Mental Health Counseling (CMHC) Specialty Courses (Writing Sample Required): MHS 6070 Psychopathology, MHS 6450 Substance Abuse Counseling, MHS 6470 Counseling and Human Sexuality, MHS 6701 Issues in Mental Health Counseling
  • Program Coordinator Approval Required: Core Courses - MHS 5005 Processes in Counseling, MHS 6220 Appraisal, MHS 6401 Counseling Theories and Techniques, MHS 6430 Family Counseling, MHS 6510 Group Counseling, MHS 6710 Counseling Research and Evidence-based Practice; Rehab specialty courses - RCS 6031 Foundations of Rehab Counseling, RCS 6080 Medical and Psychosocial Aspects of Disability, RCS 6320 Occupational Information and Job Placement, RCS 6644 Case Management in Vocational Rehabilitation
  • NOT Available to Non-Degree Students: MHS 6421 Counseling Children, MHS 6423 Counseling Adolescents, MHS 6600 Consultation, SDS 5010 Fundamentals of School Guidance, Directed Independent Study, Doctoral-level courses

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