Non-Degree

Non Degree Seeking Students

Take classes for personal or professional growth. 

If you want to take classes for personal or professional enrichment, and have no plans of earning a degree or certificate or transferring these classes to a university, you can enroll at OCC as a Non-Degree student.

Before applying as a Non-Degree student please be aware that:

  • This option is primarily for students who want to take classes for personal enrichment.
  • If you are undecided or plan to take a year or more of classes at OCC, you should apply as a degree seeking student and meet with counseling to select a program.
  • If you are currently enrolled at another college or university and wish to take classes at OCC and transfer those credits to your home institution, apply as a Guest Student.
  • Non-Degree students are not eligible for financial aid.

The following steps will guide you through the process of becoming a non-degree seeking student:

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Step 1: Apply Online

Complete our free, online application. You will receive a confirmation email from our Admissions team when your application is received and another one when it is processed. Please allow two (2) business days for processing.

Note: After submitting your application, refresh your Admission Profile. You will see a tab called Supplemental Items & Documents. This area will allow you to upload optional and/or required documents, such as transcripts or SAT/ACT scores.

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Step 2: Set up MyOCC Account

MyOCC is where you will access your student email account, complete pre-registration steps, register for classes, find payment information, and more.

After your application is processed, you will receive two emails with the information needed to set up your MyOCC account. First, admissions will email your OCC Student ID number and the link to find your username. Then, Online Services will email your Temporary Password.

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Step 3: Online Learning Readiness Course

The Online Learning Readiness Course is required before you can register for online or hybrid classes. Log into MyOCC and select Online Learning Readiness Course (DIST 1000) under Pre-Registration Steps.

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Step 4: Prerequisites & Course Placement

Most courses at OCC have some prerequisites, which are listed in the course descriptions. Many prerequisites can be waived if you have a college degree or prior equivalent coursework.

If you believe you have completed equivalent courses to the prerequisites listed for a class at another institution, please send an email including a copy of your degree and/or unofficial college transcript(s) and what course(s) you wish to take to the Counseling Office at your preferred campus.

Course Placement

If you don’t have prior college coursework or a degree that will waive prerequisites, you may be able to meet prerequisite requirements through course placement.

  • You can complete the OCC English self-placement, submit qualifying high school transcripts, SAT/ACT scores or documentation for one of the other exemptions.
  • If you are an ESL student, complete the OCC Duolingo English Test or provide documentation for one of the other exemptions.
  • To take a math class or class with a math prerequisite, you must submit qualifying high school transcripts, recent SAT scores, documentation for one of the other exemptions, or complete the ALEKS math placement. *Note: ALEKS math placement scores are valid for one (1) year.
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Step 5: Register for Classes

Log into your MyOCC account and select Student Planning. Then select Plan your Degree & Register for Classes to search for classes and add them to your plan. After classes have been added to your plan, you can register for them.

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Step 6: Payment

You can check your balance and make payments in your MyOCC account under Finance. Non-degree students are not eligible for financial aid.

You can pay any balance you owe via:

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Step 7: Get The One Card

The One Card is your official OCC Student ID, library and copy/print card. Your first card is free and will be mailed to the address on file with the college.

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Step 8: Buy Your Books

Visit the OCC Bookstore in-person at Auburn Hills, Royal Oak or Orchard Ridge to purchase your books, supplies and OCC gear. You can also shop online and have your order shipped directly to your home.