Class you want not listed? Take it independently!
You can enroll in practically any Cornell class listed in the University Catalog if you can find a professor willing to supervise the coursework through independent study.
This may be an actual independent study class, research, or it may be any other course that a faculty member is willing to offer on a tutorial basis.
Once you have identified a professor willing to supervise your study, please follow the steps outlined below. This must be done at least two weeks prior to beginning the independent study class.
In addition, a group of students (at least five) wishing to enroll in a specific class not scheduled for when you want to take it may email the School of Continuing Education’s registrar (cusce@cornell.edu) requesting that the class be added to the roster. The SCE registrar’s office will then try to arrange for that course to be offered.
Registration and enrollment
Visiting students, not currently enrolled in a Cornell degree program
- Find a professor willing to supervise your coursework.
- Work with the instructor and course offering department to determine your class number, dates, location, credits, and grade basis.
- Complete the application for independent study.
- Once you receive application approval from SCE registrar staff, via email, please register as a Visiting Student. Note, your class information will not appear in the registration system, until you receive approval.
- Pay your tuition charge in full at the time of registration. Tuition is charged per credit.
See tuition and how to pay.
You’re responsible for the tuition associated with all classes in which you’re enrolled, whether or not you participate in those classes.
If you no longer wish to take a class, follow the steps on the Course Changes page to drop it immediately. If you drop after the refund period has passed (see Dates and Deadlines), you’ll be responsible for the total cost of your tuition. - Visiting students attending on-campus classes are also required to pay the Student Health Fee, which is charged separately from tuition, and may be required to or enroll in Cornell’s Student Health Plan. See the health services page.
- You’ll be enrolled in your class when full tuition payment has been received and you’ve completed all other enrollment requirements.
- Finalize your enrollment by completing the steps on the SCE onboarding page.
These requirements include activating your Cornell NetID, familiarizing yourself with important policies, and determining if you need to enroll in Cornell’s student health plan.