Learning Path Courses for Nondegree Students
Gain the skills you need by taking one or more master’s courses as a nondegree student.
Advance Your Career
Build your expertise in specific high-demand areas through our nondegree learning paths. You will also have the option to apply credits earned in these courses to one of our master’s programs in the future. To get personalized advice on applying, financing your education, and your next steps please connect with your enrollment advisor.
“As a foundational step, I am currently enrolled at the Middlebury Institute in Public Policy and the Environment as a learning path course. Taking this course has been an incredible opportunity to introduce myself to the International Environmental Policy program and has further grounded me in my career goals.”
—Melissa Ashley (Learning Path Student)
Courses
Learning path courses are available in all of our degree programs.
- Explore our degree programs to see which program may contain courses you are interested in.
- Check out the course catalog for descriptions of specific courses.
- Review the course schedule to see the instruction mode, day, and time of your course(s) of interest.
- Learn more about the different course instruction modes.
- Work with our enrollment team to determine if your course(s) are available to nondegree students in your intended semester and apply.
Costs
Nondegree students in our learning paths pay the same per-credit price as our degree-seeking students. The per-credit rate is available on our tuition page.
Many employers have tuition assistance programs to help cover the costs of professional development opportunities like these courses so we encourage you to reach out to the appropriate contact at your organization to see if tuition assistance is available.
How to Apply
We encourage you to apply at your earliest opportunity, as a limited number of nondegree seats are available for each course. In your application, choose the corresponding program that houses your course(s) of interest. If your application is approved, you will be introduced to your advisor(s) and register for your course(s) during orientation.
Start Term
You can take classes in the fall, summer, or spring semester.
Admission Prerequisites
These courses are designed for both U.S.-based and international professionals who either:
- Hold a bachelor’s degree OR
- are current undergraduate students at Middlebury College or one of our partner colleges/universities.
Application Checklist
The online application requires the following information:
- Personal information
- Financial support
- Education background
- Professional background
- Career goals
- Proof of English proficiency
- $65 application fee: waived for Institute alumni and employees of our partner organizations
Start Your Application
- Select Non-Degree or Certificate in the key questions section
- Select the appropriate program for your course(s) of interest
International Students
Please be advised that the Learning Paths do not make international students eligible to obtain a visa to study in person in the U.S.
Convert to Degree-Seeking
As your career goals evolve, you may decide you would benefit from a full master’s program. As a degree-seeking student, you will have access to the Institute’s full range of resources, including professional development and career fairs. Once you have taken a nondegree course, you will have a simplified application process to enter the degree program. You will receive credit for nondegree courses that you have taken (up to 8 credits), allowing you to waive those classes. Please visit the How to Apply page for your program of interest to review the degree admission requirements.