Responsibility for admitting applicants to graduate programs rests with the Dean of the Graduate School. Academic department and program offices review admissions applications and credentials and make admissions recommendations to the Graduate Dean. In cases where credentials were earned abroad, the staff of the International Education Services Office is consulted. The standards maintained by the Graduate School and individual departments and programs are applied to ensure that applicants admitted to the University are well qualified and trained to study at this institution and have a reasonable expectation of successfully completing a graduate program. Standards for admission to doctoral degree programs are frequently higher than those for admission to master's degree programs. In many degree programs, the number of applications received from qualified applicants for graduate study regularly exceeds the number of applicants who can be accommodated. In such cases, only the most highly qualified are offered admission. The number of spaces available in various departments is limited according to the availability of faculty, special resources and funds for students requiring financial assistance. 

• Criteria for Admission
• Eligibility for Admission
• Categories of Admission to Degree Programs
• Non-degree Admission Categories
• Admission to an Institute
• Offer of Admission
• Change of Status or Program
• Termination of Admission Status
• The Admission Process
• Calculation of Grade Point Average
• Application Status Check
• Admission of Faculty
• Application Deadlines
• Summer School
• International Students
• Records Maintenance and Disposition

Criteria for Admission

Those applicants who have earned or will earn a bachelor's degree at a regionally accredited college or university in the United States, or the equivalent of this degree in another country, will be considered for admission to the Graduate School at the University of Maryland.

The decision to admit an applicant to a program is based primarily on a combination of the following criteria according to the requirements of the specific graduate program. An applicant can matriculate in only one graduate program for a specified objective.

1. Quality of previous undergraduate and graduate work. The Graduate School requires as a minimum standard a B average or 3.0 on a 4.0 scale, in a program of study resulting in the award of a baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited college or university. If an applicant has studied at the graduate level elsewhere, less weight may, but not necessarily will, be placed on the quality of the undergraduate academic record. Some programs may require a higher minimum grade point average for admission.
2. Strength of letters of recommendation from persons competent to judge the applicant's probable success in graduate school. These letters are usually from the applicant's former professors who are able to give an in-depth evaluation of the applicant's strengths and weaknesses with respect to academic work. Additional recommendations may come from employers or supervisors who are familiar with the applicant's work experience. Applicants should instruct their references to send all letters of recommendation directly to the program to which they are applying.
3. Scores on a nationally standardized examination. The three most widely used standardized examinations are the Graduate Record Examination (GRE), the Graduate Management Admissions Test (GMAT) and the Miller Analogies Test (MAT). Because the predictive utility of these test scores may vary from one group of applicants to another, a discriminating use of all relevant materials will be made in each applicant's case.  For additional information, please refer to the section of the Catalog entitled "Standardized Test Scores."
4. Statement by the applicant of academic career objectives and their relation to the intended program of study. These statements help the department or program identify students whose goals are consonant with its objectives.
5. Other evidence of graduate potential. Some programs require other evidence of graduate potential, such as a portfolio of creative work, completion of specialized examinations, personal interviews, or an example of scholarly work.

Eligibility for Admission

1. Prospective students may apply for admission to the University of Maryland, College Park, during or after their final year of undergraduate study but must furnish proof of graduation before the end of their first semester of enrollment at the University.
2. Prospective students applying for admission to a graduate degree program in a field of specialization in which they already hold that same degree or its equivalent may do so only if the previous degree program was of substantially different character or was not accredited.
3. Prospective Summer-only Students applying for entrance in either of the two summer sessions should check the Summer Sessions Bulletin to determine if the courses they wish to take will be offered. To obtain this publication, write to the Office of Continuing Education, Summer and Special Programs, 2103 Reckord Armory, University of Maryland, College Park, MD 20742- 5321.
4. (a) Non-U.S. Citizens (i.e., legal permanent residents of the U.S. and/or immigrants). To assure full consideration, all documents not written in English must be accompanied by a literal English translation at  and submitted least six months prior to the first day of classes of the semester for which the applicants are seeking admission.

(b) International applicants (i.e. applicants who are not permanent residents of the U.S. and/or immigrants) may obtain an application for admissions from the Office of Graduate Admissions, 2117 Lee Building, The Graduate School, University of Maryland, College Park, MD 20742-5121. To assure full consideration, applicants with foreign credentials must submit academic records in the original language with literal English translations.

Categories of Admission to Degree Programs

Applicants for degree programs may be admitted to either full or provisional status as outlined below:

Full Graduate Status

Students admitted to full graduate status must have submitted official documents indicating a completed baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited institution and be otherwise fully qualified in the judgment of the individual program and the Graduate School.

Provisional Graduate Status

Students may be admitted to provisional status because:

1. The previous academic record is borderline; or
2. The prerequisite course work in the chosen field is insufficient; or
3. The applicant has majored in another field with a creditable record but has not yet clearly demonstrated abilities in the proposed new field; or
4. The applicant has not provided official copies of information required by the graduate program or The Graduate School. For example, the applicant has completed the baccalaureate degree and/or the masters degree but has not yet submitted official verification of the last semester's work and receipt of the degree.

Official transcripts indicating receipt of the degree must be submitted before the end of the first semester. 

Non-degree Admission Categories

Advanced Graduate Specialist Certificate Status

The Advanced Graduate Specialist Program is designed to promote a high level of professional competence in an area of specialization in the field of education. The candidate must be able to demonstrate that he or she can operate as an effective counselor, administrator, teacher or skilled person in a major field of professional endeavor. The Advanced Graduate Specialist Certificate is offered through most of the programs in the College of Education. The Certificate is awarded by the College of Education. Requirements are as follows:

1. Applicants must meet the same general criteria for admission as those prescribed for degree seekers. Additionally, the applicant must have completed a master's degree or the equivalent in credits earned either at the University of Maryland or at another regionally accredited institution. The Miller Analogies Test or the Graduate Record Examination scores are required at the time of application.
2. Course work totaling not more than 30 credits with grades of at least a "B" from an accredited institution may be transferred to the program at the University..
3. The program must be developed in cooperation with an advisor and filed with the Graduate Studies Office in the College of Education.
4. The Advanced Graduate Specialist Certificate program requires a minimum of 60 semester hours of credit with not less than 30 semester hours of credit completed with the University of Maryland. At least one half of the credits earned either at other institutions or at the University of Maryland must be in courses comparable to those in the 600-800 series. The student may be required to take a substantial portion of the program in departments other than those in the College of Education. Registration in certain kinds of field study, field experience, apprenticeship or internship may also be required.

There will be a written examination of not less than six hours. A "B" average with no "D" or "F" grades will be required before the certificate can be awarded.

For additional details see "A Guide for Student Advisors issued by the College of Education Graduate Studies Office, Room 1210, Benjamin Building, University of Maryland, College Park, MD 20742-1121.

Advanced Special Student Status

The Advanced Special Student Status is designed to provide an opportunity for individuals who do not have an immediate degree objective to take graduate level courses. Although the primary mission of The Graduate School is to conduct programs of graduate instruction leading to advanced degrees, the Graduate Faculty welcomes qualified students who have no degree objectives, to the extent that resources allow. Unofficial transcripts or photocopies of diplomas will be accepted with the application for evaluation purposes, but  the student must submit official copies of all required documents before the end of the first semester of enrollment. Official transcripts must be submitted from all institutions except the University of Maryland, College Park.

Applicants for admission to Advanced Special Student Status must hold a baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited institution and satisfy one of the following criteria:

1. Have an overall "B" (3.0) average. Applicants must submit official transcripts covering all credits used in satisfying the baccalaureate degree requirements.
2. Hold a master's or doctoral degree from a regionally accredited institution. Applicants must submit an official transcript showing the award of a master's or doctoral degree.
3. Have at least four years of successful post-baccalaureate work or professional experience. Applicants must submit an official transcript showing the award of the baccalaureate degree.
4. Achieve a score that places the applicant in the upper 50th percentile of appropriate national standardized aptitude examinations such as the Graduate Record Examination Aptitude Test, the Miller's Analogies Test, the Graduate Management Admissions Test. Where different percentiles are possible, the Graduate School will determine which score is acceptable.

Admission to Advanced Special Student Status will continue for five years. If there is no registration in three consecutive academic semesters, the admitted status will lapse and a new application will be required.

Advanced Special Students must maintain a 2.75 grade point average.

Advanced Special Students must pay all standard graduate fees. Students in this status are not eligible to hold appointments as Graduate Teaching or Research Assistants or Fellows, or receive other forms of financial aid. All other services (e.g., parking, library privileges) are the same as those accorded to other graduate students.

Admission to Advanced Special Student Status is not intended to be used as a preparatory program for later admission to a doctoral or master's program or to the Advanced Graduate Specialist Certificate program. Successful completion of Advanced Special Student courses does not guarantee admission to a graduate degree or certificate program. Each program may accept Advanced Special Student courses in satisfaction f program requirements to a maximum of twelve (12) credits. This is contingent on admission to the degree or certificate program and on the approval of the faculty in the program. For consideration of admission to a degree program at a later time, the student must submit a new application.  See the Transfer Credit section below for more information.

Visiting Graduate Student Status

A graduate student matriculated in another graduate school who wishes to enroll in the Graduate School of the University of Maryland, College Park and who intends to return to the graduate school in which he or she is matriculated, may be admitted as a Visiting Graduate Student.

A Visiting Graduate Student must be admitted to and in good standing in another recognized graduate school. The applicant need not submit full transcripts of credits but must apply for admission to the University of Maryland Graduate School and pay the application fee. In addition to transcripts, a student must have the graduate dean of the home institution certify to the Graduate School in writing that the student is in good standing and that the credits will be accepted toward the graduate degree. Unless otherwise specified, admission will be offered for one year only.

Golden Identification Card for Senior Citizens of Maryland

The purpose of this status is to make the University's services and courses available without charge to citizens who are 60 years of age or older, who are residents of the State of Maryland and who are retired. (Retired persons will be considered those who affirm that they are not engaged in gainful employment for more than 20 hours per week.) People meeting these requirements may apply for graduate admission either as degree or non-degree students, and they must meet the same admissions criteria pertaining to either category as do all applicants. Once admitted and issued the Golden Identification Card, senior citizens may register for courses in any session, subject to the same restrictions as any other student, and use the library and other campus facilities during the time they are enrolled in courses. Tuition fees will be waived for Golden Identification Card holders.

Admission to an Institute

Application for admission to an institute should be made directly to the director of the institute. If admission to the Graduate School is also necessary, the decision will be based on the same criteria for admitting other degree applicants. Admission to an institute does not imply that the individual will be automatically admitted in any other status at the University of Maryland at a later date. The status terminates upon completion of the institute in which the student is enrolled. A new application must be submitted for admission to any other graduate status or program.

Students already admitted to a regular graduate degree or non- degree status may also qualify for participation in an institute. 

Offer of Admission

Applicants admitted to the Graduate School will receive a written offer of admission from the Graduate School specifying the date of entrance. The offer of admission requires a response. If the applicant wishes to accept, decline or change the effective date of the offer, the Graduate School must be notified or the offer of admission becomes void. Failure to register for the authorized semester also voids the offer of admission. If the offer is voided, the applicant must submit another application and may be required to submit additional credentials in order to be considered for admission in a subsequent semester.

Graduate students must consult their graduate program for precise registration information. 

Change of Status or Program

Students are admitted only to specified programs for specified objectives. New applications are required under the following conditions:

1. If the student wishes to change programs (students may be admitted to only one graduate program at any one time); or
2. If the student wishes to change status (from non-degree to degree); or
3. If the student wishes to pursue a new degree objective (change from master's to doctoral degree).

Admission to a new program and/or status is not granted automatically. Each application is subject to approval. 

Termination of Admission Status

A student's admission terminates when the time limits for completion of the degree or non-degree status have been exceeded or when the student is no longer in "good standing." Degree- seeking students must maintain a 3.0 grade point average (GPA) for all graduate courses taken since enrollment in the degree program and must otherwise satisfy all additional graduate program and Graduate School requirements. Non-degree seeking students must maintain an overall GPA of 2.75. The admission of all students, both degree and non degree, is continued at the discretion of the graduate director of the program and the Dean of the Graduate School, consistent with the policies and practices of The Graduate School and graduate program. 

The Admission Process

To be considered for admission to The Graduate School, each applicant must obtain and complete the application form. An application may be obtained by writing directly to the Office of Graduate Admissions, 2117 Lee Building, University of Maryland, College Park, MD 20742-5121. Graduate Admissions can also be contacted by phone (301) 405-4198, fax (301) 314-9305, E-mail: grschool@deans.umd.edu, or through our World Wide Web site at the following address: http://www.admit.umd.edu/gradapp/.    Several Online versions of the Graduate Application are also available on the World Wide Web.

Each applicant must submit the following items to the Office of Graduate Admissions:

1. A completed application form. (Original copy to The Graduate School with a copy to the graduate program  If using the electronic application, please follow the instructions on the website.
2. A non-refundable application fee of $50.00.
3. Two complete sets of transcripts reflecting all undergraduate and graduate work elected or in progress. Each transcript must bear the signature of the registrar and the seal of the granting institution and should include the years of attendance, courses taken, grades received, class standing and the degree, certificate or diploma received. If the applicant attended the University of Maryland, the Graduate School will obtain your records of courses completed on the College Park campus. To facilitate the processing and review of an application, send two sets of unofficial copies of transcripts from institutions other than the University. Official copies of those transcripts are required before full admission can be granted.
4. Three letters of recommendation submitted by professors or others who can assess the quality of the applicant's academic performance and scholastic potential. Letters of recommendation should be sent directly to the academic program in which the applicant is interested. Be certain that the applicant's full name is included on each recommendation.
5. Statement of Goals. Each applicant must prepare a 300-500 word statement of his or her goals and objectives in pursuing graduate study.
6. Standardized Test Scores. Many graduate programs require applicants to submit scores of standardized examinations, such as the Graduate Record Examination (GRE), the Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT) or the Miller Analogies Test (MAT). To determine if one of these examinations is required for admission to the program to which you are applying, please consult the program listing in the application brochure. If standardized test scores are required, you may write to the following addresses for further information:

Graduate Record Examinations
Educational Testing Services
P.O. BOX 6000
Princeton, NJ 08541-6000 USA
(609) 771-7670

Graduate Management Admissions Test
Educational Testing Services
P.O. Box 6103
Princeton, NJ 08541-6103 USA
(609) 921-9000

Miller Analogy Test
Psychological Corporation
555 Academic Court
San Antonio, TX 78204
1-800-228-0752

Examination scores should be sent directly to the graduate program to which the applicant is applying. The University of Maryland, College Park institutional code for the GRE and GMAT is 5814.

7. Graduate Program Requirements. Some graduate programs require additional information such as a portfolio or other supplementary materials. It is important that applicants contact the graduate program to which they are applying for information concerning additional admission requirements. Failure to do so may result in an application not being considered. Should the application and fee arrive past the stated deadline date, the application will automatically be considered for the next admissible semester.

Calculation of Grade Point Average

All applicants must calculate separate grade point averages for the following categories: (1) all courses taken for the baccalaureate; (2) all credits earned after the first 60 credits for the baccalaureate; (3) credits that constitute the undergraduate major; and (4) all credits taken beyond the bachelor's degree. All grades are to be converted to a four- point grading system. Pass/fail, satisfactory, completed credit and similar grades are not included in these calculations. Except as already noted, all numerical, alphabetical or equivalent grades must be calculated as follows:

1. Multiply quarter credit hours by (.66) to convert to semester credit hours.
2. Multiply the number of semester credit hours for each course by the number of quality or honor points earned, as follows: A=4; B=3; C=2; D=1; F=O. If the applicant attended an institution that assigned quality points to represent + or - grades, he or she should utilize such information in computing his or her GPA.
3. Divide the total number of quality points by the total number of semester credit hours. The quotient will be your grade point average.

Application Status Check

Because we receive thousands of applications each year, it is important and to the applicant's benefit to send a complete application package and fee well before the stated deadline date. Once applicants have sent the materials to both the Graduate Admissions Office and the graduate program(s) to which they are applying, they may check the status of the application by calling our 24-hour Graduate Application Inquiry Voice Response System from a touch tone phone, (301) 403-0554, or by accessing this feature on the World Wide Web by going to Testudo at http://www.testudo.umd.edu. 

Admission of Faculty

No member of the faculty who is employed by the University of Maryland, College Park, and has the rank of assistant professor or above is permitted to enroll in a program leading to an advanced degree in his or her academic college or school. A faculty member who wishes to take course work for personal enrichment in his or her academic college or school may choose to investigate the Advanced Special Student status. A faculty member who wishes to pursue an advanced degree in a graduate program outside of his or her academic college or school may do so by obtaining written permission from the Dean of the Graduate School, subsequent to obtaining written consent from the Deans of both the academic college/school in which he or she is employed and from which he or she seeks a degree. 

Application Deadlines

Applicants should pay special attention to the deadlines listed in the most current application booklet. It is generally to the applicant's advantage to apply well before the published deadline, particularly if the applicant wishes to be considered for fellowships, assistantships or other forms of financial aid. The Graduate School strongly recommends that applicants time the submission of their applications, transcripts, and letters of recommendation to arrive well before the published deadline dates. Applicants are solely responsible for making certain their transcripts have been received by the Graduate School and by the graduate program(s) to which they apply.

If possible, the application should arrive before the transcripts and other supporting evidence of preparation, if these materials cannot be attached to the application. Application deadline information for the Fall and Spring Semesters is listed below:

1. Domestic students. Each graduate program, in consultation with the Graduate School, sets its own deadlines for Fall and Spring semester entrances for U.S. citizens, resident aliens, and refugees.
2. International Students. Non-U.S. residents or those who require transcripts from non-U.S. institutions must submit applications for admission by the following dates:

Fall - February 1 of prior academic year (unless the graduate program in which you are interested sets an earlier deadline).

Spring - June 1 of prior academic year (unless the graduate program in which you are interested sets an earlier deadline).

Summer School

Students applying for entrance in either of the two summer sessions are urged to check the Summer Sessions Bulletin to determine if the courses they wish to take will be offered in a particular session. To obtain this publication, write to the Office of Continuing and Extended Education, 2103 Reckord Armory, University of Maryland, College Park, MD 20742- 5321. 

International Students

International applicants seeking admission to University of Maryland, College Park should not plan to leave their country before receiving an official offer of admission from the Graduate School.

1. All citizens of foreign countries must submit applications for admission in accordance with stated deadlines. (See above.)
2. Special Notes for International Students:
1. Academic Credentials: To assure full consideration, complete application and official transcripts or mark sheets in the original language with literal English translations should be received in the Graduate Admissions Office prior to stated deadlines.
2. English Proficiency: Applicants must demonstrate English language proficiency by taking the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) since all international students are expected to read, speak, understand and write English fluently. International applicants who wish to be considered for a teaching assistantship may be required to take the Test of Spoken English (TSE).
3. Financial Resources: Each applicant must furnish a statement of financial status to the Office of International Education Services (IES). The amount required for tuition and living expenses each year will be indicated in the Graduate Application.
4. Immigration Documents: IES will issue to applicants admitted for graduate study the forms necessary to obtain appropriate student immigration status.
5. International applicants should address any questions to International Education Services, 3117 Mitchell Building, University of Maryland, College Park, MD 20742-5215, USA (301- 314-7740).

Every foreign student is expected to report to the Office of International Education Services as soon as possible after arrival at the University. This Office will be able to assist not only with various problems regarding immigration, housing and fees, but also with problems relating generally to orientation to university and community life. Questions concerning criteria and requirements for international applicants should be addressed to International Education Services, 3117 Mitchell Building, University of Maryland, College Park, MD 20742-5215 (301-314-7740). 

Records Maintenance and Disposition

All records, including both standardized test scores and academic records from other institutions, become part of the official file and can neither be returned nor duplicated for any purpose. Students should retain an additional copy of their official credentials to keep in their possession for advisory purposes and for other personal requirements.

The admission credentials and the application data of applicants are retained from the date of receipt for 12 months only and then destroyed in the following cases: 1) Applicants who do not register for courses at the time for which they have been admitted; 2) Applicants whose applications have been disapproved; 3) Applicants who do not respond to graduate program requests for additional information; and 4) Applicants whose applications are not complete with respect to the inclusion of all transcripts or test results.  

Immunization

The University of Maryland requires all freshmen, new graduate and transfer students to provide documentation of Measles, Mumps, Rubella, and Tetanus / Diphtheria.  It is a student's responsibility to provide this information to the Health Center before school begins.  This requirement is mandatory.