/Institutions/University-of-Maryland-Baltimore-Graduate-School/json/2021-2022/Graduate-Catalog-local.json

/Institutions/University-of-Maryland-Baltimore-Graduate-School/json/2021-2022/Graduate-Catalog.json

Admissions

Integrity and Ethics Statement

The Graduate School at the University of Maryland, Baltimore, is committed to operating an admissions process with integrity that is also efficient, holistic, and fair.  Graduate School application criteria, evaluation, and decisions are guided by appropriate and robust policies and practices in accordance with the principles and guidelines set forth by the Council of Graduate Schools (CGS) and the National Association of Graduate Admissions Professionals (NAGAP).  The various admissions committees of the Graduate School conduct program-appropriate application reviews on the basis of multiple qualitative and quantitative factors.  The various admissions committees seek to admit highly-qualified applicants who can contribute to the mission of UMB and of the Graduate School, as well as to the diversity of the student body.  Application reviews are managed with honesty and integrity, free of bias and unlawful discrimination, by faculty with advanced degrees in the respective fields and by trained staff with current admissions knowledge and expertise.

Determination of Admissibility

Responsibility for admission to graduate study at the University of Maryland, Baltimore resides with the Office of the Dean, Graduate School. The Graduate School relies on recommendations from the degree-granting programs to determine the admissibility of applicants. The University of Maryland, Baltimore does not discriminate in its admissions, educational services, or supporting services because of race, religion, age, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, or disability.

Minimum Standards and Requirements

The minimum academic standard for full admission to the Graduate School is a B average, or 3.0 on a 4.0 scale, in a program resulting in the award of a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited college or university, or an equivalent degree and standing from a comparable foreign institution. Standards for admission to a PhD program are generally higher than those for admission to a certificate or an MS program. Applicants also must document successful completion of undergraduate prerequisites for graduate study in the chosen field. Applicants must meet the minimum requirements set by the Graduate School and must meet departmental and/or program-specific requirements that may exceed the minimum.

Application Procedures and Required Items

The Graduate School requires a completed application for admission and transcripts of all prior undergraduate and graduate study.  Additional, supplemental items are also required depending upon the degree level and the degree program: 

In addition to the application for admission and transcripts, applicants to post-baccalaureate certificate programs must provide an essay/statement of goals, and curriculum vitae (CV) or resume.  International applicants must provide acceptable results of the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) exam. 

In addition to the application for admission and transcripts, applicants to Master of Science degree programs must provide an essay/statement of goals, a curriculum vitae (CV) or resume, and three recommendations.  Some MS programs also require results of the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) general aptitude test.  International applicants must provide acceptable results of the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) exam. 

In addition to the application for admission and transcripts, applicants to doctoral research/PhD degree programs must provide an essay/statement of goals, a curriculum vitae (CV) or resume, and three recommendations.  Some PhD programs also require results of the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) general aptitude test, and an interview.  International applicants must provide acceptable results of the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) exam. 

Some programs require additional evidence of ability to succeed before granting admission. Such evidence may include an interview, an additional writing sample, or a GRE subject test, for example. Applicants should contact the office of the program to which they are applying about additional admission requirements.

The completed application form must be signed (hand signature or electronic certification) by the candidate for admission to receive consideration. A completed application file includes the application for admission and all accompanying documents/supplemental items required for the given degree program or status.  It is the applicant’s responsibility to ensure that the Graduate School receives all required application materials.  An incomplete application file, or applications for which there is no decision rendered following the start of application term, will be inactivated for the desired entry term.  Failure to comply with all Graduate School and departmental or program requirements for admission, or failure to provide a completed application file by the published application deadline date, may result in the application being denied admission or not being considered.

Application Deadline Dates

Each graduate program has its own deadline date for submission of the completed application and accompanying documents. These dates are posted on the Graduate School website and are regularly published by the graduate programs. Students applying to programs that do not publish program-specific deadlines must adhere to the Graduate School’s deadline dates. The Graduate School deadlines for the receipt of all application materials are to be followed:

• U.S. citizens and U.S.-educated permanent residents: July 1 for Fall semester and December 1 for Spring semester.
• International students: January 15 for Fall semester and May 1 of the prior year for Spring semester.
• Non-degree applicants: No later than two weeks before the start of the respective semester.

Admission to our graduate programs is highly competitive. For best consideration, applicants should submit accurate and complete credentials by the specified deadline.  Applicants are encouraged to begin preparing their application files (collecting recommendations, obtaining transcripts, and taking standardized tests) well in advance of the published deadline dates. 

Transcripts

Applicants must submit transcripts from each college/university attended, including coursework in progress at time of application.  Unofficial copies may be provided for the application review process. 

Admitted students must provide official transcripts from each college/university from which a degree was earned upon notification of admission.  The transcript must be provided to the Graduate School directly from the prior, degree-granting institution in a sealed envelope in order for that document to be considered official.  Alternatively, it may be provided to the Graduate School electronically by way of a secure, encrypted platform.  Each transcript should bear the signature of the registrar and the seal of the granting institution.

Admitted students must provide all required official documents including official transcripts from each college/university from which a degree was earned no later than the first day of the first term of enrollment at UMB.  The UMB Graduate School reserves the right to rescind any offer of admission if discrepancies are found between uploaded/unofficial documents and the official documents, including test scores and transcripts.

 

Letters of Recommendation

Applicants to MS and PhD programs must provide three recommendations, preferably from professors or others who can attest to the quality of the applicant’s academic performance and scholastic potential. 

Recommendations are not required for applicants to postbaccalaureate certificate programs and those seeking approval to enroll on a nondegree or coursework-only basis.

Essay/Statement of Goals and Objectives

Applicants must write and submit a 300- to 500-word statement outlining their academic and/or professional goals and objectives in pursuing graduate study. 

Standardized Test Scores

Some graduate programs require the submission of scores earned on the Graduate Record Examinations (GREs) general aptitude test. Information about registering for the GREs is available from the testing agency:

Graduate Record Examinations Educational Testing Service Princeton, NJ 08540

609-771-7670

www.gre.org

The UMB Graduate School’s GRE institution code number 5848. GRE department codes are published by ETS. 

Official Score Reports and Time Limitations of Standardized Tests

Applicants for admission must have the respective testing agency — Educational Testing Service or the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) — provide the Graduate School with official score reports to be considered for admission.  Candidates are encouraged to verify the identification of the correct University of Maryland campus (UMB) upon selection of score routing.

Graduate Record Examinations must have been taken within five years of the start of the desired admission term, and English language proficiency exams — Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or the IELTS exam — must have been taken within two years of the start of the desired admission term to be considered valid scores for admission consideration.

Transfer of Credit

No more than 6 credits (or two courses) of graduate-level coursework taken from other regionally accredited institutions may apply toward a master’s degree at UMB. The courses being requested for transfer must have been completed within the five-year limit for completing the master’s degree at UMB. The UMB graduate program must agree (approve and certify) that the requested transfer credit is appropriate to, and acceptable in, the student’s program. Students must have earned grades of B or better in such courses to be considered for transfer, and the course(s) may not have been used to complete a prior degree. Approved courses and related credits are transferred, grades are not.

The Graduate School does not require or accept transfer of credit for courses taken at other institutions for doctoral students. Courses taken at other regionally accredited institutions that are approved by the UMB graduate program are listed on the Application for Admission to PhD Candidacy at the time of admission to candidacy.

These courses do not appear on the University of Maryland, Baltimore transcript but, if approved by the program or department, may be used as partial fulfillment of the doctoral student’s degree program completion requirements.

The Graduate School does not accept transfer credit for postbaccalaureate certificate programs at UMB.

International Applicants

International applicants must adhere to application deadline dates and submit all required documents as early as possible. The Graduate School or an individual graduate program may request that a credential evaluation be done by an outside agency. In addition to meeting the requirements for all applicants cited previously, international applicants must: (1) hold a degree that is equivalent or comparable to a four-year U.S. bachelor’s degree and have a cumulative grade-point average equivalent to a B or GPA, or the first- or high-second division or comparable class ranking, and (2) provide proof of financial sponsorship for immigration and visa status purposes.

Transcripts, Academic Records, Mark Sheets

International applicants must provide their full post-secondary (college/university) transcripts or academic record(s) translated into English.  You must submit transcripts from each college/university attended, including work in progress at time of application.  Unofficial copies may be provided for the application review process. 

The Graduate Programs in Life Sciences (GPILS) requires international applicants to provide a transcript evaluation from a credentials evaluation agency such as WES, SpanTran, or ECE (or any NACES member evaluation agency) in addition to official transcripts or academic records.

English Language Proficiency

Applicants whose native language or language of the home is not English must take the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) exam. The TOEFL and the IELTS exam are the only measures of English language proficiency accepted by the Graduate School. The minimum acceptable TOEFL score for admission is 80 for the Internet-based test (IBT). IELTS test takers must score no less than Band 7 (total). Some graduate programs have higher minimum score requirements. The same IBT TOEFL and IELTS requirements apply for applicants to online, hybrid, and campus-based programs.

TOEFL registration information is available from:

Test of English as a Foreign Language

Educational Testing Service

P.O. Box 899

Princeton, NJ 08540

www.toefl.org

The UMB Graduate School’s TOEFL institution code number is 5848. TOEFL department codes are published by ETS.

IELTS test center, exam, and scoring information is available from:

IELTS International

100 E. Corson St., Suite 200

Pasadena, CA 91103

626-564-2954; 626-564-2981 (fax)

www.ielts.org

Candidates are encouraged to verify the identification of the correct University of Maryland campus (UMB) upon selection of score routing.  Graduate students whose work suggests English language deficiencies may need to take remedial English courses at their own expense.

Students who have received a degree from an accredited institution in the United States or who completed their studies in another approved English-speaking country may be exempt from providing TOEFL IBT or IELTS scores. The candidate must have studied in the country and not at a foreign branch campus to be granted an exemption. The Graduate School maintains a list of countries from which such a candidate may be TOEFL or IELTS exempt.

Nondegree (Coursework Only) Student Status

Students who desire to take graduate-level courses for personal or professional enrichment but who do not necessarily want to enter a graduate degree program at UMB may apply to enroll as a nondegree (coursework only) student. Students must complete an application for nondegree admission accompanied by unofficial transcripts, a professional vita/resume, and the application fee. Official transcripts, letters of recommendation, and GRE score reports are not required.

Applicants for admission for nondegree status must hold a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution and have a B or 3.0 grade-point average or hold equivalent education and training from a foreign college or university. International applicants in the United States whose immigration status permits them to enroll on a nondegree basis must meet the language proficiency requirements of the Graduate School (i.e., the TOEFL or IELTS exam). Students applying for nondegree status also must obtain approval to enroll from the graduate program offering the applicant’s desired course(s). Some degree and certificate programs do not permit students to enroll in program courses as nondegree students.

Students admitted under this status may enroll for and complete a maximum of two graduate-level courses, or one course if the course is affiliated with a certificate program. Exceptions to this two-course limit may be considered only by the Graduate School and the program/department in which the student desires to study.

Enrollment for nondegree status does not guarantee future admission into a degree program. In the event that a student is admitted to a Graduate School degree program at a later date, courses completed in the nondegree status may be applied to the degree program contingent upon program approval. Nondegree students must maintain a 3.0 GPA and abide by UMB rules, regulations, and policies related to academic and student conduct. Students in this status are not eligible for financial aid, fellowships, or appointments as graduate teaching or research assistants. Other services, such as parking and library privileges, are the same as those accorded to other graduate students. Enrollment in this status may continue for five years. If there is no enrollment for two consecutive semesters the student must request permission to re-enroll. This request should be made in writing at least two weeks prior to the start of desired re-entry term. Students that wish to be considered for a degree program at a later date must complete a new application for admission.  

The nondegree status includes the subcategory of “visiting students.” Visiting students are degree-seeking graduate students at other universities. Besides the application for nondegree admission and the fee, visiting students must provide written certification from their home institution’s graduate dean that they are in good standing in a graduate-degree program. This certification must accompany the application form.

Fraudulent Reporting

Applicants must provide accurate and complete information on all application documents. Intentional omission or falsification of information during the application process will result in the immediate rejection of the application and dismissal of the student if they have enrolled at UMB. Application misrepresentation includes, but is not limited to: (1) false, omitted, or misleading information on the application, medical or immunization forms, financial aid disclosures, or information provided during the personal interview, (2) fake, forged, or altered transcripts, standardized test scores, or letters of recommendation. 

Offers of Admission

The Graduate School offers admission based on program recommendations. Each offer specifies the time (semester and year) and program of admittance. Each offer requires an immediate, written response. The applicant may accept or decline the offer, or request to change the effective date of the offer. Failure to respond to the Graduate School’s offer before the first day of class, or failure to register for the authorized semester or session, voids the offer of admission. The applicant must then submit a written request to be considered for a subsequent semester or session and may need to submit additional credentials.

Students are admitted only to a specified academic program and only for the specified objective — i.e., certificate, or Master of Science, or Doctor of Philosophy degree. Students who are offered admission to more than one program must notify the Graduate School of their choice. Students may matriculate in only one graduate program at a time unless admitted to an approved dual-degree program or admitted to programs that permit dual enrollment. Students who accept the admission offer and enroll agree to abide by the rules and regulations of the University of Maryland, Baltimore.

An offer of admission made to students enrolled in their final semester of work toward a bachelor’s degree is contingent upon their completion of that degree at or above their academic standing at the time the offer was made. The offer may be rescinded if the student’s final academic standing is below the standing at the time the offer of admission was made, or the student may be admitted on a probationary basis. Applicants engaged in graduate study at another institution also are subject to this policy.  Students admitted pending receipt of a bachelor’s degree must submit an official transcript reflecting all coursework and award of the degree before their first semester of enrollment at UMB.

Admitted students who supplied unofficial documents and credentials for review must provide official versions of all academic documents (i.e., transcripts, test score reports) before their first semester of enrollment. These items become part of the student’s permanent record at the University, and the student’s continued matriculation is contingent upon having these items on file.

Regular Admission Status

Students admitted to full or regular graduate status must have submitted official documents showing a completed bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution and must qualify without terms or conditions in the judgment of admissions officials of the individual program and the Graduate School. 

Provisional Admission

The offer of admission stipulates, upon the student’s enrollment, a specific academic requirement or requirements that must be met to progress in a degree program. The offer will stipulate a defined time period (typically the first semester of study) in which the requirement(s) must be met. Essentially, the candidate is admitted on academic probation. The Graduate School grants regular status to the student when they satisfy the provision(s) stated in their admission letter. Failure to meet the stated stipulations within the defined time period will result in academic dismissal.

Conditional Admission

The offer of admission stipulates conditions, terms, requirements, etc., that must be satisfied or met before the student’s enrollment at UMB. The Graduate School grants regular status to the student when they satisfy the conditions stated in their admission letter. The student must present evidence or verification of having satisfied the stated condition(s) before their enrollment at UMB. If the conditions are not met, the admission offer is rescinded and the student is not eligible to enroll.

Immigration Requirements for International Students

International students who receive an offer of admission must obtain the immigration form required for the appropriate visa. Accordingly, each international student must certify that they have sufficient funds (exclusive of travel expenses) for University tuition, fees, books, supplies, and living expenses. The total amount required for educational and living expenses (based on current tuition and fees) is available from the campus Office of International Services (OIS). Acceptable sources of and documents for certifying financial support include: a notarized letter with the full name, occupation, and address of a parent or sponsor who will assume the financial responsibility for the applicant’s education and living expenses; an original, current statement from a bank confirming that sufficient funds are available to cover educational and living expenses; or official notification of grant, loan, or scholarship funds showing the name and address of the awarding institution, amount of funds, extent of expenses covered, and number of years the grant runs. New international students at UMB must report to the OIS upon arrival.

Visiting International Students

A visiting international student is a non-U.S. citizen who is pursuing a graduate degree at a university outside the United States and has been invited to UMB to conduct research with a UMB faculty member. A visiting international student must submit the following documents in addition to the application:

• A signed memorandum of understanding between UMB, the international university, the visiting student, and the UMB mentor.
• Evidence of English language proficiency. See Language Requirements on Page 7.
• Written certification from the student’s home institution’s graduate dean that the student is in good standing in a graduate-degree program.

Upon the student’s admission to the UMB Graduate School, the student will be enrolled and billed for 1 research credit. The Office of International Services (OIS) will communicate directly with the student regarding required documents for the visa process.

Students will be required to show sufficient funds to support their tuition, fees, and living expenses to receive J-1 visa sponsorship. Once issued visa documents by the OIS, the visiting student will apply for a J-1 visa at a U.S. embassy or consulate overseas. Upon arrival, the student will be required to check in with the OIS.

If the student is paid by UMB, the hiring department must submit a student contract to the Office of Student Employment. Visiting international graduate students are limited to 20 hours per week of employment during the academic year and 29 hours per week of employment during the summer.

Other Enrollment Programs

Golden ID Program

The Golden ID program extends enrollment privileges to Maryland’s senior citizens based on a space-available basis. Those who qualify receive a waiver of graduate tuition for up to three courses per semester. Fees are not waived. Eligible candidates must be at least 60, retired, not employed full time, and dependent upon retirement income benefits as their chief source of income.  Not all degree programs accept eligible Golden ID recipients.  Qualifying guidelines and additional information is provided by the UMB Office of the Registrar.

Interinstitutional Enrollment

The University System of Maryland encourages graduate students enrolled at one institution to avail themselves of course offerings, research facilities, and special faculty expertise at the other institutions. The home institution retains responsibility for admission, academic advising, the collection of tuition and fees, grants of financial aid, the academic transcript, and awarding of the graduate degree.

Additional Guidelines

Applicant/Student Records

Application materials of admitted students become part of the student’s official file and property of the Graduate School upon the student’s enrollment. Under no circumstances will the Graduate School provide photocopies of official transcripts or score reports received from other institutions. The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (Buckley Amendment), outlines the terms by which students may review their records once enrolled. Credentials of applicants who do not register for courses for the term for which they have been admitted, whose application has been disapproved, who do not respond to requests for additional information, or whose application is not complete with respect to the receipt of all transcripts or test results are retained for only one academic year.

Immunization and Health Policy

Except for those enrolled exclusively in an online program of study, all UMB graduate students are expected to satisfy the University’s immunization policy requirements. Health care coverage also is required for all students. The University’s complete immunization policy — including citations for waivers or exceptions — may be obtained from the student health office and can be read at www.umaryland.edu/studenthealth.

Student Identification Numbers

The Graduate School assigns an identification number to each applicant. This number becomes the student number for those who are admitted and subsequently enroll. The student’s Social Security number, if supplied on the application, is used only for federal aid, payroll, and other University-related purposes permitted by law.

All students must hold a valid photo identification card during their studies. The Graduate School provides information on obtaining a photo ID to students upon their admission or arrival on campus.

Mandatory Drug and Criminal Background Check Requirements for Certain Study or Research Areas

Certain study or research activities of students may require access to biological or chemical materials that are subject to special restrictions under federal law. Individuals who wish to be authorized to have access to such materials must comply with UMB policy, state law, and federally mandated drug and criminal background checks. Students who cannot maintain eligibility to engage in study or research with biological or chemical materials have no assurance that UMB will provide an alternative path of study or research. Therefore, students may not be able to enroll or to continue enrollment and advancement at UMB. Because of the serious financial and academic consequences of failure to obtain and maintain ongoing eligibility with legal requirements, students should plan in advance to ask advisors, faculty, and mentors about authorization for access to biological and chemical materials. Students should carefully consider the drug and criminal background check requirements before selecting a course of study or research that may be subject to special restrictions.

Special Services/Accommodations

Individuals who are offered admission and who need accommodation under the Americans with Disabilities Act should contact the University’s Office of Student Services and the respective graduate program director in a timely manner. Accommodations will not be made retroactively.

UMB Office of Student Services

Southern Management Corporation Campus Center

621 W. Lombard St., Suite 302

Baltimore, MD 21201

410-706-3171

Hearing impaired-Maryland Relay Service: 711 in Maryland or 800-735-2258 elsewhere.