SSD Alumni Student at Large

Program Description

The Division of the Social Sciences welcomes alumni of our Divisional master’s and doctoral programs to enroll in additional coursework as a Student-at-Large (SAL). Whether you are a recent alumni looking to gain additional coursework experience before pursuing a PhD or you need to develop additional skills for a specific job, SSD SAL is here to help you on your journey.

Students can enroll in up to three courses per quarter; international students seeking visa support must enroll in three courses per quarter. 

Please note that for the duration of at-large enrollment, the Dean of Students Office will be the primary point of contact. Students will not have access to advisor or preceptor support. 

Questions? Contact ssd-admissions@uchicago.edu.

Eligibility

SSD Students-at-Large must have received a graduate degree from a Division of the Social Sciences department or master’s program prior to their SAL start date. Current students can apply to join SAL while they are still enrolled, but they cannot matriculate into SAL status until their SSD degree is conferred. 

Special Considerations for International Students

International students who are currently on, or will be on, OPT or STEM OPT can enroll in one or two courses (i.e. part-time status) without any changes to their visa. 

International students wishing to enroll as full-time non-degree students are required to hold a J-1 visa. If a student is already on an F-1 or OPT/STEM-OPT, they would need to reapply for a J-1 visa (including potentially leaving the US to complete a visa interview). Students would also lose access to work authorization (OPT/STEM-OPT) typically utilized after the completion of the MA program. 

We encourage international students considering SSD SAL to contact the Division’s OIA advisor, Sarah FitzMaurice at sffitzmaurice@uchicago.edu, to discuss the visa process and any potential considerations to be aware of.

Application Requirements

Prospective students apply through our Non-Degree program application. Applicants must provide the following:

• A candidate statement explaining their intended course of study and how they will benefit from SAL.
• A resume or CV.
• Unofficial UChicago transcripts. Official, valid TOEFL or IELTS test scores if needed to meet the English Language Proficiency Requirement. 

Applications are recommended to be submitted at least 30 days prior to the start of each academic quarter. International students seeking a University sponsored visa should apply at least 90 days prior to the start of their anticipated quarter of enrollment, though earlier is encouraged to due visa appointment wait times. 

Costs

Tuition and fees can be found on the Bursar’s website. Limited, merit-based scholarship assistance may be available and can be applied for through the application. SAL students are also charged the student services fee and may be subject to the University health insurance requirement.

Withdraw Policy

Should a Student-at-Large decide to withdraw from the program, prorated tuition refunds will be issued in accordance with Bursar policies.