UW Flexible Option welcomes special students to enroll in one or more classes without earning a college degree. If you need to take an online course to fulfill a prerequisite, supplement your studies in another degree program, or for professional development, the UW Flexible Option is for you.
UW Flexible Option offers nearly 150 online courses year-round, so you won’t have to wait for the next semester to start to begin your studies. You may also complete your courses at a pace that works for you.
Before you enroll, be sure to review how the unique competency-based features of the UW Flexible Option will work for you.
Before You Apply
Applying as a Special Student
Before you apply as a special student, please review the following key steps:
A. Decide which online course or courses you want to take through the UW Flexible Option program.
B. Confirm with your home campus that the course transfers towards your degree.
- If you are currently enrolled in on-campus or online courses at UW-Milwaukee or UW-Parkside, please check with your advisers to discuss your course enrollment options under the UW Flexible Option format.
- Take time to learn more about competency-based education (CBE) and how it works. CBE is a unique style of learning and offers maximum flexibility as you set your own schedule and learn the material at your own pace. You may also use Transferology to ensure the course you want to take will transfer as you expect it to.
C. Decide on a funding plan based on the tuition rate of the course(s) you are planning on taking. UW Flexible Option has a unique tuition approach.
- You may enroll in just a single course for $1,125, or pay a flat rate of $2,250 for as many courses as you want to take during one, 12-week subscription period, regardless of credits. (If you are taking business courses at UW-Parkside, you cannot use single-course tuition).
- NOTE: Special Students are not eligible for financial aid. If you are enrolled as a degree-seeking student at another UW System institution, check with your home campus for information on a consortium agreement.
How to Apply
Application Steps
A. Submit your application via the application portal (there is no application fee)
- On the application, select “No” that you are not applying as a degree-seeking student.
- Select that you plan to take “Undergraduate” classes.”
- Under the Campus drop-down menu options (UW-Milwaukee or UW-Parkside) select “UW Flexible Option”.
B. New classes start every month. The deadline to apply is the 15th of the month prior to when you want to begin.
- After you submit your e-application, you will complete a short, 15-minute orientation
- Your Success Coach (SC) will assist you with registering for courses. If your course requires a prerequisite or placement testing, your SC will identify any required documentation.
After You Are Admitted
Enrolling in Your Online Course
Shortly after being admitted, you will receive an introductory email from your Success Coach (SC). Your SC will assist you with registering for your courses.
- Review the Orientation Packet you received via email. This is your most important resource and has everything in it that you need to succeed. It also covers the unique academic policies of the UW Flexible Option.
- If you have any questions, contact your SC by email asc@uwex.wisconsin.edu or call (608-800-6762).
Canceling your Admissions — If the course options you were looking for are not available through UW Flexible Option and you no longer wish to proceed with your application, please cancel your application by submitting the application cancellation form.
Here are some helpful links for you to keep coming back to:
| UWM Student Email | UWM Student Information System | Access your coursework |
| UW-Parkside Email | UW-Parkside Student Information System | Access your coursework |