What is Open Campus?
Open Campus allows students to enroll in select UC Davis courses without formal admission to the university. The program provides access to coursework on a space-available basis and is administered by UC Davis Continuing and Professional Education.
Students may use Open Campus to complete coursework related to academic, professional or personal goals.
Who is it for?
High School Students
- Earn college credit early
- Explore academic interests before starting college
- Reduce the time to earn your degree
UC Davis Students
- Available to current and former students
- Complete prerequisites
- Earn credits or improve your GPA for readmission
Learners Beyond UC Davis
- Take courses for personal interest
- Build skills to advance your career
- Prepare for graduate school
Ready to start?
Use the form below to request enrollment, submit required paperwork and manage your Open Campus registration.
Note: Open Campus supports the enrollment process, but does not provide academic advising or determine how courses apply toward a degree program.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Does Open Campus provide academic advising?
- No. Open Campus staff administer the enrollment process but do not advise students on course selection, degree applicability or academic planning. Students should consult with their academic advisor or department before enrolling.
- Who can enroll in UC Davis Open Campus courses?
- Anyone can take courses through Open Campus on a space-available basis. Students who have been regularly enrolled at UC Davis and have not earned a degree cannot enroll within 12 months of their last quarter of enrollment without prior authorization from the College Dean's Office.
- When can I take Open Campus courses?
- During fall, winter and spring quarters most UC Davis courses are available through the Open Campus program on a space-available basis. During the summer, UC Davis courses are available through UC Davis Summer Sessions (separate enrollment processes, fees and deadlines apply).
- Which courses can I take?
- Most regular UC Davis courses are open to Open Campus enrollment on a space-available basis. Each department reserves the right to regulate admissions to its courses. Instructors of the course you plan to enroll in must first admit all regularly enrolled UC Davis students.
- Can I use the credits I earn toward a UC Davis degree?
- Yes. You can earn academic credit for the courses you take through Open Campus. Talk to your UC Davis academic advisor before enrolling if you plan to transfer credits earned through Open Campus toward a degree to ensure that your Open Campus work will be accepted.
- Can I transfer the credits I earn to another university or toward a degree?
- Maybe. Talk to a college advisor first to be sure your credits will be accepted.
- Do I have to take my class for a grade?
- Maybe. It depends on your academic goals. You can opt to take Open Campus courses on a Passed/Not Passed (P/NP) basis or for noncredit. Simply submit a petition to take the class P/NP or noncredit when you enroll. However, if you are taking a course as a prerequisite for your major, or you need a minimum grade for readmission to UC Davis, choose the appropriate grading option.
- Where can I find all of the forms I’ll need for Open Campus?
- All of the forms you need for Open Campus are accessible on the General Information and Dates page. The forms are also available from the Student Services office at UC Davis Continuing and Professional Education.