Non-Matriculated Enrollment

Non-matriculated student status at MECA&D serves students who are not seeking a degree but want to start or further their education. High school teachers and students, undergraduate students, post-graduate students, and qualified community members wishing to take courses may be considered for acceptance as a non-matriculated student.

Registration Process for Non-Matriculated Enrollment

1. Students apply for non-matriculated enrollment through the Office of Registration & Academic Advising. A non-matriculated student application must be completed and submitted.
2. Once registration is confirmed, the student will be charged the tuition fee and any associated lab fees.
3. The course rate for a 3-credit class is $1,800 (AY 2025-26) for all non-matriculated students, plus any studio/lab fees. There are no other fees for non-matriculated students. Contact billing@meca.edu for more information.
4. The Registration & Academic Advising Office will provide the student with a MECA&D email, student portal access, and any additional facilities or online access details.
5. The student is subject to the published refund rates, and follows the academic calendar of the program in which they are taking classes.

Non-Matriculated Student Policies:

• Students can take up to 6 credits per semester (2 classes).
• Students may take up to 15 credits as a non-matriculated student over the course of their lifetime.
• BFA Program:
  • Students typically enroll in 100-200-level courses. Enrollment in 300-400-level courses is on a case-by-case basis and requires permission from the instructor. Submission of additional application materials may be necessary.
• Online Graduate Programs:
  • Only 6 credits (2 classes) can be taken as a non-matriculated student in our online graduate programs.
  • Master of Arts in Education: only 6 credits (2 classes) as a non-matriculated student can be applied to the Master of Arts in Education degree.
  • Graduate Certificate in Expressive Arts Therapy: only 3 credits (1 class) as a non-matriculated student can be applied to the Graduate Certificate in Expressive Arts Therapy.
  • Graduate Certificate in Arts Leadership and Administration: only 3 credits (1 class) as a non-matriculated student can be applied to the Graduate Certificate in Arts Leadership and Administration.
• Students must prove that they have met the prerequisites for the desired class (through previous courses or their experience level).
• Students must abide by all college policies and procedures.
• Non-matriculated students follow the academic and refund calendar of the program for which they are enrolled.
• Non-matriculated students are not eligible to take classes through GPACU (Greater Portland Alliance of Colleges and Universities), use the AICAD mobility program, utilize tutorial services, or use counseling services. They are not eligible for a discount in Continuing Studies classes.
• Acceptance as a non-matriculated student does not guarantee admission into any of MECA&D's degree programs.
• Students who have been denied acceptance into a degree program or dismissed from a degree program for any reason are not eligible for non-matriculated status.
• Former MECA&D degree-seeking students may only enroll as non-matriculated students if they have graduated or have earned an equivalent degree at another institution. Any former MECA&D student may require an official transcript to prove degree completion before being accepted as a non-matriculated student.
• Students only have access to the studios and college resources that their coursework necessitates, and use of MECA&D's studios must be commensurate with and not exceed the demands of the course. Studios may not be used for work that does not directly apply to the course. Abuse or inappropriate use of MECA&D's facilities will result in immediate dismissal from the college without a refund. Student services are not available to non-matriculated students.
• Exceptions to this policy can only be made by submitting a written appeal to the Vice President of Academic Affairs & Dean of the College.
• MECA&D reserves the right to change the non-matriculated student policy at any time.

* policy updated 7/11/2025