Non-traditional Students

Education for Every Path

Taking classes at Mount Mary University offers students a chance to experience personalized, high-quality education in a supportive and inclusive environment. With small class sizes, engaging faculty, and a focus on real-world learning, students gain valuable skills and fresh perspectives—whether they’re exploring a new subject, advancing their career, or preparing for a degree program. It’s a meaningful step toward academic and personal growth.

students at commencement

If you previously attended undergraduate classes at Mount Mary and have not taken classes for a semester or longer, you are considered a re-entry student. Follow these steps to return to Mount Mary:

If you previously attended undergraduate classes at Mount Mary and have not taken classes for a semester or longer, you are considered a re-entry student. Follow these steps to return to Mount Mary:

Whether you are enrolling in one class or easing your way into a degree, taking courses at Mount Mary as a Special Student could be the next step in your education journey. Special students (or non-degree seeking students) are those who wish to take a course for personal enrichment, professional development, or in preparation for a graduate degree.

How to Enroll

  1. Submit the Special Student application. Once your application is received, you will be contacted by a Mount Mary admission counselor.
  2. Make sure your course has been approved by your admission counselor. Note that if your course has prerequisites, you may be asked to provide unofficial transcripts or proof of proficiency.

Your admissions counselor will reach out with next steps and instructions following that process to get you registered for your coursework.

Special students are subject to the same prerequisites for courses as any other student at the University. The status of a special student must be reviewed by the Dean of the School the courses are in after 12 credits have been taken. The special student may take up to 15 credits, but must be formally admitted to the University before exceeding that number. In no case may a student graduate from the University without having been formally admitted. Taking courses at the University as a special student does not guarantee that the student will be admitted as a regular student. Special students are not eligible for financial aid.

You can choose from more than 30 undergraduate majors at Mount Mary, including business, dietetics, education, fashion, occupational therapy, psychology and social work. Our more than 10,000 alumnae are successful teachers, artists, designers, therapists, entrepreneurs, scientists and more.

How to Apply to Mount Mary

  1. Apply online using the Undergraduate Post-baccalaureate Certificate/Second Degree Application
  2. Submit all official college/university transcripts.
  3. Second Degree Students Only: Submit high school transcripts if you seek review for a possible exemption from the world languages core requirement. (High school transcripts are not required for post-baccalaureate certificate student admission.)
  4. After you apply, check your application status online.  

Difference Between Second Degree & Post-baccalaureate Certificate Programs

A certificate is not a formal degree program such as Bachelor of Arts or Master of Science, but it can be combined with a formal degree to indicate an area of specialization. You must meet the University's admission requirements to enroll in a credit certificate program. Mount Mary certificate programs are open to both women and men.

For post-baccalaureate certificate programs, you do not need to complete the Mount Mary core curriculum. At the end of your studies, you will receive a certificate. See a list of our certificate programs.

For second degree programs, you will:

  • earn at least 32 credits at Mount Mary beyond the completion of studies for your first degree
  • satisfy all Mount Mary core curriculum requirements
  • maintain a C (2.0) GPA or the minimum GPA required by the program, whichever is higher
  • fulfill the requirements of the major

DISCOVER OUR VIBRANT COMMUNITY