Coursework Only

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If you’re interested in taking a course or two to get a head start at UMSON, to fulfill credits, or for personal or professional enrichment, you can register as a Coursework Only (non-degree) student.

How Coursework Only (CWO) Status Works:

  • You may take a maximum of two courses under this status. 
  • You can count up to two courses toward a future degree (must earn a minimum of "B" to apply toward degree).
  • You can also use this option as a way to get a jump start on your coursework (for example, an admitted student could take CWO prior to starting classes in the fall).
  • Space is limited in many courses and degree-seeking students get priority registration.
  • CWO status does not qualify students for federal, state, or institutional financial aid.

Students are eligible for a maximum of two non-clinical graduate courses (500- level nursing courses excluded), that are regularly open to degree-seeking graduate students and may take two additional courses after acceptance of an admission offer to a UMSON program. No more than two courses of graduate coursework, taken as a non-degree student at UMSON without an admission offer, may apply to a degree. A CWO student who wishes to earn full-degree status later must submit a second application to UMSON and follow all admission policies for full-degree status applicants. Once a student has accepted an offer of admission to a degree program the student may take two additional courses (a total of four courses) prior to the date of program matriculation. The four courses taken as CWO may be used toward degree if part of degree course requirements.

Many students take advantage of CWO status to get a feel for what pursuing a graduate degree at UMSON will be like and to demonstrate their ability to be successful here. However, CWO status and performance in CWO courses does not guarantee admission to a degree program. If you plan to enroll in an UMSON degree program in the future, you must submit a new application and follow all admission policies.

We recommend reviewing our academic programs to explore the many ways we can help you achieve your educational goals.

Available Courses

To find out when courses are available by term, view the class schedule.

Petitions to enroll for courses not listed here require approval. Accepted CWO students wishing to take courses not on this list should contact Course Work Only advisor Jaslynn Hutley-Pierre at jhutley-pierre@umaryland.edu. 

Courses recommended for students interested in later pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) to Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) plan of study:

  • NPHY 612: Advanced Physiology and Pathophysiology Across the Lifespan (Only offered in the summer or fall term.)
  • NURS 723: Advanced Clinical Pharmacology and Therapeutics Across the Lifespan* (Only offered in the fall term. Please also note that NPHY 612 is a pre-req to NURS 723. These courses can be taken concurrently.)
  • NRSG 785: Professional Writing
  • NRSG 780: Health Promotion and Population Health
  • NRSG 782: Health Systems & Health Policy: Leadership & Quality Improvement

Courses recommended for students interested in later pursuing a BSN to Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) plan of study:

  • NRSG 795: Biostatistics for Evidence-based Practice
  • NRSG 780: Health Promotion and Population Health
  • NRSG 782: Health Systems & Health Policy: Leadership & Quality Improvement

Courses recommended for students interested in later pursuing a Master of Science in Nursing degree plan of study:

  • NRSG 790: Methods for Research and Evidence Based Practice
  • NRSG 795: Biostatistics for Evidence-based Practice
  • NRSG 780: Health Promotion and Population Health
  • NRSG 782: Health Systems & Health Policy: Leadership & Quality Improvement
  • NURS 691: Organizational Theories: Applications to Health Service Management*

*This course is only for Nursing Informatics and Health Services Leadership and Management applicants.

Courses recommended for students interested in later pursuing a Post-Master’s DNP degree plan of study:

  • NPHY 612: Advanced Physiology and Pathophysiology Across the Lifespan
  • NURS 723: Advanced Clinical Pharmacology and Therapeutics Across the Lifespan*
  • NRSG 785: Professional Writing

If already completed NPHY 612, NURS 723, or NRSG 785:

  • NDNP 804: Theory for Evidence-based Practice
  • NURS 810: Evidence-based Health Policy
  • NURS 834: Translating Evidence Practice
Course recommendation for nurses interested in addictions:
  • NRSG 773 Addictions Nursing I: Foundations

*Students seeking to take NURS 723 must take NPHY 612 concurrently, as NPHY 612 is a pre-requisite for NURS 723.

Coursework Only Admission Information

In this section:

Deadlines:

Spring 2025 Timeline
Applications Due Dec. 15, 2024
Supplemental Materials Deadline Jan. 13, 2025
Final Decisions Announced Jan. 20, 2025

The Admission Committee will review completed applications on a rolling basis and release decisions throughout the admission cycle. Space may be limited so applicants are highly encouraged to apply early and well in advance of the deadline. If you are accepted, you will receive notification and more details on course registration, tuition status, compliance requirements, etc.

Qualifications:

  • an earned bachelor’s degree from a four year institution or equivalent
  • an overall GPA of 2.75

Application Materials and Instructions:

Materials

Submission Guidelines

Online Application and non-refundable $75 application fee.

Start your application now via the Admissions Dashboard.

You can save your progress and return to your application at a later date.

Official transcripts. An official transcript from every institution previously attended or currently attending must be submitted in a sealed envelope, as prepared by the sending institution. Electronic transcripts from University System of Maryland institutions will be accepted in lieu of official, sealed transcripts. Returning students are required to submit UMSON transcripts via the Office of the Registrar.

Please note that UMSON is listed two ways in the Academics area. Please make sure you choose one of the following:

  • Maryland Baltimore, Univ of
  • UMB- School of Nursing

Have each institution submit electronically to admissions.nursing@umaryland.edu.

Residency classification. Applicants who are claiming in-state (Maryland) residency MUST apply for in-state status. 

Complete a residency application and submit it either by mail, e-mail, or fax to the Office of the Registrar using the instructions supplied at the bottom of the residency application. The completed application, signed and dated, should be submitted prior to the first day of enrollment for the term and program for which you are seeking admission.

Essay. Please submit a concise essay answering the following questions:

  • Describe the primary reason you are interested in the non-degree, Coursework Only (CWO) option 
  • Briefly describe your educational and/or career plans.
Submit/request these materials via the Admissions Dashboard.   

If you have questions regarding the admissions requirements or process, contact the Office of Admissions and Student Scholarships to avoid errors that could delay the processing of your application.

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