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Open University (Concurrent Enrollment)

UC Merced Extension - Students preparing to launch drone in the pastures behind UC Merced.

What Is It and Who Can Participate?

The Open University program allows students, and other individuals, to enroll in courses offered on the UC Merced campus without being formally admitted to a degree program. Open University (Concurrent Enrollment) students can take up to 18 units per semester.

This is an ideal program for individuals who want to:

  • Earn university-level credits.
  • Return to school, but who are not sure if they want to become full-time students.
  • Complete degree requirements at another institution with a course, or two.
  • Take a graduate course.
  • Gain up-to-date information in their professional field.
  • Enroll in a college course as an advanced high school student.

Community college students are also encouraged to take Open University (Concurrent Enrollment) classes, but they should first check into Intersegmental Cross Enrollment. Intersegmental Cross Enrollment is a separate program with lower fees and is administered by the community college and UC Merced.

View the UC Merced Course catalog.

Information about the UC Academic Senate Regulations regarding the Extension program.