Admission Requirements and Deadlines
Application deadlines depend upon the status of the applicant (international or U.S. citizen), the program of interest, the academic term (fall or spring) and the type of application (degree or non-degree).
The program-specific deadlines listed below are for domestic, degree-seeking applications.
International and non-degree-seeking students should follow the special application deadlines listed below.
| Ph.D. | Doctor of Philosophy |
|---|---|
| M.A. | Master of Arts |
| M.S. | Master of Science |
| M.A.E. | Master of Arts in Education |
| M.A.T. | Master of Arts in Teaching |
| M.P.S. | Master in Professional Studies |
| M.P.P. | Master in Public Policy |
| Select certificate programs listed below by subject |
| Program | Degrees Offered | Term of Admission | Application Deadline | Admission Requirements |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Graduate School – Applicants to all graduate programs must meet the following admission requirements. |
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| Biochemistry (BIOC) | M.S., Ph.D. | Fall | February 1 | GRE General Test; Background in organic chemistry and either physical chemistry or introductory biology |
| Biological Sciences (BIOL) | M.S., Ph.D. | Fall & Spring | January 1, October 15 | GRE General Test; Strong undergraduate training in calculus, cell biology, general biology, genetics, organic chemistry, physics and statistics recommended |
| Biology, Molecular & Cell (MOCB) | Ph.D. | Fall & Spring | January 1, October 15 | GRE General Test; Undergraduate training in organic chemistry, general biology, genetics, cell biology, physics, and calculus; recommend having taken a biochemistry course; recommend undergraduate major in biochemistry, chemistry, chemical engineering, microbiology, molecular biology, or the biological sciences |
| Biotechnology (BTEC) | M.P.S., Certificate | Fall & Spring | August 13, January 15 |
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| Chemistry (CHEM) | M.S., Ph.D. | Fall & Spring | June 1, November 1 | GRE General Test GRE Advanced Chemistry Test recommended Undergraduate major in chemistry, biochemistry, or the biological sciences |
| Computer Science (CMSC) | M.S., Ph.D. | Fall*, Fall, Spring | January 1*, June 1, November 1 | GRE General Test (waiver option available) Strong background in computer science and mathematics courses; see G.S. catalog for detailed list of required background courses; PhD applicants strong recommended to have MS degree in computer science |
| Economic Policy Analysis (EPCA) | M.A. | Fall & Spring | June 1, November 1 | GRE General Test; Must complete courses in calculus, intermediate microeconomic theory, intermediate statistics, undergraduate econometrics and mathematical statistics or have equivalent strong background in mathematics and statistics. May apply pending completion of some of these courses. |
| Education (EDA) | M.A. | Fall & Spring | June 1, November 1 | For educators who ready have teaching experience and hold a teaching certificate; designed to help experienced teachers prepare for roles in educational and curricular leadership, curriculum development, and in-service teacher professional development. |
| Emergency Health Services (EHS) | M.S. | Fall & Spring | June 1, November 1 | GRE General Test if undergraduate GPA is below 3.2 |
| Engineering Management (ENGM) | M.S. | Fall & Spring | August 15, January 10 | BS degree in engineering, computer science, mathematics, physics, chemistry, or other physical sciences; GRE General Test required for international applicants without a BS degree from a U.S. institution |
| Engineering, Chemical & Biochemical (CENG) | M.S., Ph.D. | Fall | February 1 | |
| Engineering, Civil (ENCE) | M.S., Ph.D. | Fall & Spring | June 1, November 1 | GRE General Test |
| Engineering, Computer (CMPE) | M.S., Ph.D. | Fall*, Fall, Spring | January 1*, June 1, November 1 | GRE General Test (waiver option available) PhD applicants strongly encouraged to already have an MS degree in computer science; Strong background in computer engineering, computer science, and mathematics courses |
| Engineering, Electrical (EENG) | M.S., Ph.D. | Fall*, Fall, Spring | January 1*, June 1, November 1 | GRE General Test (waiver option available) BS degree from an ABET-accredited undergraduate program in electrical engineering, or a strong academic record in computer science, mathemetics, physics, or other areas of engineering or science |
| Engineering, Mechanical (MENG) | M.S., Ph.D. | Fall & Spring | June 1, November 1 |
GRE General Test optional but highly recommended for students from ABET-accredited schools in the United Students; required for international students TOEFL score of ≥600; Undergraduate degree in mechanical, aerospace, civil or chemical engineering strongly recommended. PhD applicants: GPA of ≥3.3 on a 4.0 scale |
| Gerontology (GERO) | Ph.D. | Fall | January 15 | GRE General Test |
| Geography (GES) | M.S., Ph.D. | Fall | February 15 | Minimum GPA of 3.0 overall and 3.3 for the major, GRE General Test, TOEFL (For international students whose native language is not English) |
| Historical Studies (HIST) | M.A. | Fall, Spring | March 10, November 1 | GRE General Test |
| Human-Centered Computing (HCC) | M.S., Ph.D. | Fall & Spring | M.S.: June 1, November 1.
Ph.D.: February 15, September 15 |
Ph.D.: GRE General Test or GMAT; Should have or be willing to acquire the necessary competence in statistical analysis and experimental design M.S.: Majority of students have GPA well above 3.0 on a 4.0 scale; GRE General Test not required. |
| Imaging & Digital Arts (IMDA) | M.F.A. | Fall | February 1 | Portfolio of work; Curriculum vitae; An artist's statement; Recommend visit to the department |
| Information Systems (IS) | M.S., Ph.D. | Fall & Spring | M.S.: June 1, November 1
Ph.D.: February 15, September 15 |
Ph.D.: GRE General Test or GMAT; Should have or be willing to acquire the necessary competence in statistical analysis, experimental design, programming, databases and computer networks. On-line MS: See G.S. catalog for technical requirements |
| Instructional Systems Development – ESOL (EDI-DE) | M.A. | Fall & Spring | April 15, November 1 | GRE General Test; For individuals interested in ESOL/bilingual and ESOL-related careers |
| Instructional Systems Development – ISD (EDI-DT) | M.A. | Fall & Spring | June 1, November 1 | For professionals in the field of training and instructional design |
| Intercultural Communication (INCC) | M.A. | Fall | January 31 | GRE General Test; Advanced competency of the language of their specialty; At least one letter of recommendation attesting to that language skill; Applicant's self-evaluation regarding language competency; Grounding in a complementary field such as anthropology, history, psychology, sociology |
| Language, Literacy & Culture (LCC) | Ph.D. | Fall | February 1 | Master's degree; Research paper; Statement of proposed research in the LLC program; Resume or curriculum vitae |
| Management of Aging Services (MAGS) | M.A. | Fall | August 1 | GRE General Test or GMAT (with waivers under special circumstances) additional letters of reference, professional resume and essay required (further details at: http://www.erickson.umbc.edu) |
| Marine-Estuarine-Environmental Sciences (MEES) | M.S., Ph.D. | Fall & Spring | February 1, October 15 | GRE General Test; Statement describing applicant's interests in environmental sciences and reason for pursuing a MEES degree; Specific course requirements depending on area of specialization; Identification of mentor must be resolved as part of application process |
| Mathematics, Applied (MATH) | M.S., Ph.D. | Fall & Spring | Spring February 15, October 15 | GRE General Test score in 85 percentile in quantitative section; TOEFL score of ≥600 (paper), ≥250 (computer), or ≥100 (iBT) for international students whose native language is not English; Solid background in mathematics and/or statistics |
| Molecular Biology, Applied (APMB) | M.S. | Fall | February 1 | GRE General Test; Coursework background in general chemistry, organic chemistry lecture and lab, genetics, cell biology, biology laboratory, physics, and calculus |
| Certificate in American Contemporary Music (MUSC) | Certificate | Fall | April 16 | TOEFL Scores UNDER 500 are accepted for foreign students also studying at the English Language Center; Additional requirements for students' portfolios, essay and letters of recommendation are listed at:http://www.umbc.edu/music/site/certificate_ENG.html |
| Neurosciences & Cognitive Sciences (NACS) | Ph.D. | Fall & Spring | January 1, October 15 | GRE General Test; Strongly recommended having coursework background in calculus and some understanding of either neuroscience or cognitive science |
| Physics, Applied (APPH) | M.S., Ph.D. | Fall & Spring | June 1, November 1 | GRE General Test; GRE Physics Advanced Test (may be waived); Undergraduate major in physics or chemistry, or in engineering or mathematics with significant coursework in physics |
| Physics, Atmospheric (ATPH) | M.S., Ph.D. | Fall & Spring | June 1, November 1 | GRE General Test; GRE Physics Advanced Test (may be waived); Undergraduate major in physics or chemistry, or in engineering or mathematics with significant coursework in physics |
| Psychology, Applied Developmental (ADPS) | Ph.D. | Fall | January 9 | GRE General Test; GRE Psychology Advanced Test; Supplementary Psychology application form |
| Psychology, Human Services (HSPS) | M.A., Ph.D. | Fall | M.A.: February 1; Ph.D.: December 1 |
GRE General Test; GRE Psychology Advanced Test (Not for ABA MA track); Supplementary Psychology application form |
| Psychology, Industrial & Organizational (PRST_IO) | M.P.S. | Fall | March 31 | GRE General Tests is strongly recommended, 3.0 GPA, Students seeking admission from disciplines other than psychology may be required to take prerequisites, such as the introductory psychology course and/or a research methods/statistics course, prior to enrollment in the program. |
| Public Policy (PUBL) | M.P.P., Ph.D. | Fall & Spring | February 1, November 1 | GRE General Test |
| Sociology, Applied (SOCY) | M.A. | Fall & Spring | See Graduate Program Director | Undergraduate statistics course strongly recommended; Open to applicants from all undergraduate majors; GRE General Test not typically required |
| Statistics (STAT) | M.S., Ph.D. | Fall & Spring | February 15, October 15 | GRE General Test score in 85 percentile in quantitative section; TOEFL score of ≥600 (paper), ≥250 (computer), or ≥100 (iBT) for international students whose native language is not English; Solid background in mathematics and/or statistics |
| Systems Engineering (MSSE) | M.S., Certificate | Fall & Spring | M.S.: August 15, January 10 Certificate: On-going |
Applicants should have a B.S. degree in Engineering or Information Technology with a GPA of 3.0, or above. Slightly lower GPA’s are acceptable with relevant work experience. International students are required to submit GRE General Test and TOEFL scores. |
| Teaching (EDU) | M.A.T. | Fall & Spring | June 1, November 1 | For individuals interested in obtaining teacher certification in early childhood, elementary or secondary education, or ESOL |
Special Application Deadlines for UMBC Graduate Programs
| International, degree-seeking | Fall | Jan. 1 |
|---|---|---|
| International, degree-seeking | Spring | May 1 (previous year) June 1 (previous year)** |
| Non-degree-seeking | Fall | One week before fall classes start. |
| Non-degree-seeking | Spring | One week before spring classes start. |
* Earlier deadline for students applying for graduate assistantships.
** Deadline for CMSC, CMPE, EENG applicants.