Part-time Study - Courses & Programs

Spring 2021 part-time study

Due to COVID-19, students enrolling in part-time study for Spring 2021 may register only for courses that may be completed entirely online. They may not participate in classes that contain in-person components.

Read about part-time study and the Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19).

What is part-time study at Cornell?

Part-time study is a way for you to earn college credit at Cornell without enrolling in a degree program.

Whether you want to explore a new interest, enhance your resume, or strengthen your professional skills, you can choose from thousands of regular university courses year-round. You'll study alongside Cornell undergraduate and graduate students and have access to university libraries and other campus facilities.

Your grades and credits will be recorded on an official Cornell transcript. You can generally transfer these credits to a degree at Cornell or elsewhere—but always check with your school or institution.

Eligibility: Anyone high school age and older who is not currently a Cornell degree candidate is eligible for part-time study, including Cornell employees and retirees (tuition waivers may apply), Cornell alumni, executives and professionals, area residents, high school students, and international students.

How to get started

Select your course(s) from the Summer Session, Winter Session, or Fall/Spring roster.
To enroll, visit our registration page.

Top 5 reasons to do part-time study at Cornell

Study with Cornell faculty
Explore a new interest
Enhance your resume with credits and a Cornell transcript
Strengthen your professional skills
Benefit from an Ivy League education

Faculty

As a part-time student, you'll interact closely with world-class faculty and study alongside Cornell undergraduate and graduate students. This diverse population is here to help you push yourself and your ideas further than you could ever push them on your own.

Student experiences

"The instruction was top-notch. I learned a lot and was inspired to pursue a graduate education."

"I was able to juggle the class, my family life, and my work... I learned a great deal, and since the class I took is directly related to my job, my job skills have been enhanced."