University of Maryland, College Park Graduate Admission Policy

The Graduate School at the University of Maryland at College Park applies standards which insure applicants admitted to the University are well qualified and have a reasonable expectation of completing a graduate program at this institution. Academic department and program officers along with faculty committees review admissions applications and credentials and make recommendations to the Dean. The responsibility for admitting applicants to graduate programs rests with the Dean for Graduate Studies and Research.

1. 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. Some programs may require a higher minimum grade average for admission.
   
   Application may be made during or after the final year of undergraduate study. Proof of graduation must be furnished prior to the end of the first term of enrollment at College Park.
    
2. Letters of Recommendation
   
   The Graduate School considers the strength of letters of recommendation from professors, employers, or supervisors who are competent to judge the applicant's probable success in graduate school.
    
3. Scores on Nationally
   
   Standardized Examinations Because the predictive utility of these 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.
   
   Information on the programs requiring one of the standardized tests may be found in the Graduate School Catalog.
    
4. The Statement of the Candidates Academic Career Objectives in Relation to the Intended Program of Study
   
   These statements help the department of program identify students whose objectives are consonant with the objectives of the program.
    
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, or personal interviews.

Legal permanent residents of the United States and or immigrants may use regular applications for admission. All credentials, accompanied by English translations for all documents not written in English, must be received by the Graduate School at least three months prior to the first day of classes of the semester for which the applicant is seeking admission.

An International Student Application Form must be used. All credentials, accompanied by English translations, must be received by the Graduate School at least seven months prior to the first day of classes of the semester for which the applicant is seeking admission.

1. Full Graduate Status
   
   To be admitted to full graduate status a student must have furnished documentation of a completed baccalaureate degree and be otherwise fully qualified in the judgement of the Graduate School.
    
2. Students may be admitted to provisional status because:
   
   The previous academic record is borderline or prerequisite coursework in the chosen field is insufficient; or
   
   The applicant has majored in another field with a creditable record but has not yet clearly demonstrated abilities in the chosen new field; or
   
   The applicant has completed the baccalaureate degree but has not yet submitted official verification of the last semester's work and receipt of the degree.

1. Advanced Graduate Specialist Certificate Status
   
   The Advanced Graduate Specialist Program is designed to promote a high level of professional competence in an area in the field of education. The candidate must be able to show that he or she can operate as an effective counselor, administrator, teacher, or skilled person in a major field of professional endeavor. The Certificate is awarded by the College of Education or the College of Agriculture.
   
   Admission and course details are published in "Statement of Policies and Procedures: Advanced Graduate Specialist Program in Education" issued by the College of Education.
    
2. Advanced Special Student Status
   
   This program allows students who do not have a specific degree objective to take graduate courses. Applicants for admission to Advanced Special Student Status must meet one of the following criteria:
   
   Hold a baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited institution with an overall "B"/3.0 average.
   
   Hold a master's or doctoral degree from a regionally accredited institution.
   
   Hold a baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited institution and have at least four years of successful post-baccalaureate work of professional experience.
   
   Achieve a score that places the applicant in the upper fifty percentile of appropriate national standardized aptitude examinations.
    
3. Visiting Graduate Student Status
   
   Criteria for enrollment as a visitor are admission to and good standing in another recognized graduate school.
    
4. Admission to an Institute
   
   Application for admission to an institute is made directly to the director of the institute. Admission to an institute does not imply that the individual will automatically be admitted to any other status at UMCP at a later date.