General NDS Students
Follow these steps to apply for the Non-Degree Studies (NDS) program and enroll in NC State classes as a general student.
Online and Distance Education Opportunities
Prospective students wishing to enroll in Online and Distance Education programs or Engineering Online should explore opportunities through the Online and Distance Education website. If you have a questions about Online and Distance Education offerings, please submit the Online and Distance Education inquiry form for support.
Eligibility
NDS program applicants must meet the eligibility criteria outlined below, including the payment of the $40 application fee upon submission.
New to NC State
Applicants who have never attended NC State (as an NDS student or otherwise) applying for the NDS program must:
- Be eligible to return to any previously-attended institutions (if applicable); and
- Have either:
- Graduated from high school at least one year prior to when NDS enrollment will begin, OR
- Be a current high school student applying to the AEO program.
Current NDS students must maintain their eligibility as outlined on the Continuation Eligibility page.
Returning to NC State
Applicants who were previously enrolled at NC State (but have never enrolled as an NDS student) applying for the NDS program must:
- Be eligible to return to NC State and any other previously-attended institutions.
Current NDS students must maintain their eligibility as outlined on the Continuation Eligibility page.
Returning NDS students may not need to re-apply if you have been continuously enrolled in consecutive fall and spring semesters. If you have any questions about if or how you should apply, please contact the NDS coordinator at [email protected].
Step One: Get Started
Review class schedules, deadlines, registration details, and financial responsibility with the links provided below.
Non-Degree Studies students must be enrolled in a certificate program to use Veterans Education Benefits.
Contact staff in Jeffrey Wright Military and Veteran Services to learn how to use benefits.
Jeffrey Wright Military and Veteran Services
Step Two: Residency
Complete your residency determination form through the Residency Determination Service (RDS) and receive a Residency Certification Number (RCN). Guidance regarding in-state or out-of-state tuition and fees can be found on the Residency Status page of the Student Services Center website.
Step Three: Apply
Applying to the Non-Degree Studies program does not guarantee acceptance into any given course.
Applicants are notified of admission decisions on a rolling basis. Applications take between two to five business days to process in our system, which cannot be expedited under any circumstances. For students who require a background check, this may delay processing by two to three weeks.
Step Four: Activate Student Account
You will log in to the system using your Unity ID and password. Your default password is the last four digits of your student ID number followed by your birth month and birth date (mmdd).
For example:
- Student ID: 000111234
- Birthday: July 4 (07/04)
- Default Password: 12340704
Students are required to complete a password change before they can log in to the MyPack Portal. If you need assistance with your login, please contact the NC State Help Desk at 919-515-HELP through the Office of Information Technology (OIT).
Find more information about how to access your NC State Gmail account here.
Step Five: Review Prerequisites
The class search tool allows you to search by term offered, subject, meeting time, and more! Search results display prerequisites and delivery methods to easily see if the class is offered in-person, online, or through hybrid instruction.
Search results also display instructors with links to their contact information on the Campus Directory.
Step Six: Enroll
Non-Degree Studies students are able to enroll in classes during open enrollment. Dates for upcoming terms can be found on the enrollment calendar on the Student Services Center website. Enrollment directions differ if a class has prerequisites or restrictions.
With Prerequisites or Restrictions
Departments have different contacts for enrollment support and may ask for proof that you meet listed requirements. Since NDS students are unable to document transcripts or test scores, they should be provided directly to enrollment contacts if needed as proof of eligibility to enroll in a class. If an NDS student is deemed eligible, enrollment contacts will enroll them in the desired class, or provide written permission * over email to the NDS coordinator.
* If a class is full, closed, or reserved, the NDS coordinator will need written permission to explicitly state they are allowed to override your enrollment for that reason. If this is not explicitly stated, the NDS coordinator would not be able to enroll an NDS student in said course.
Without Prerequisites or Restrictions
If a class does not have prerequisites or restrictions, NDS students will be able to enroll on their own through the Enrollment Wizard in MyPack Portal.
Step Seven: Pay Bills
Find more information about how to pay your bill on the Student Services Center website. Email the University Cashier’s Office with any questions regarding billing. The NDS coordinator will not be able to answer any questions regarding billing.