Admissions Requirements & Deadlines

Graduate School – Applicants to all graduate programs must meet the following admission requirements:

1. Baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited U.S. university or an equivalent degree from a comparable foreign institution
2. Bachelor's degree with a >3.0 GPA on a 4-point scale
3. Undergraduate program must reflect successful completion of the prerequisites for graduate study in the chosen field
4. Acceptable score on the TOEFL for applicants whose native language is not English or who do not have a degree from a U.S. post-secondary institution; acceptable scores are: >550 on paper-based test; >213 on computer-based test; >80 on internet-based test
5. Official copy of transcript(s) (and English translations if not in English) from each post-secondary institution attended
6. 3 letters of recommendation
7. GRE General Test recommended unless stated as required by the specific graduate program

Applied Developmental Psychology(ADPS)

See Psychology program.

Biochemistry (BIOC)

M.S., Ph.D.

Fall

February 1

GRE General Test required
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 required
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 required
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

GRE General Test required if undergraduate degree is from non-U.S. school
M.P.S. requirements: A bachelor’s degree in biology, chemistry, or chemical/biochemical engineering; minimum undergraduate GPA of 3.0; and two semesters of general chemistry and two semesters of organic chemistry
Certificate requirements: A bachelor’s degree in any field; minimum undergraduate GPA of 3.0

Chemistry (CHEM)

M.S., Ph.D.

Fall & Spring

June 1, November 1

GRE General Test required
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 required (waiver option available)
Strong background in computer science and mathematics courses; see Graduate Catalog for detailed list of required background courses; Ph.D. applicants strong recommended to have M.S. degree in computer science

Cybersecurity (CYBR)

M.P.S, Certificate

Fall, Spring

August 1, December 1

A bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Math, or Information Systems. A bachelor's degree in another field may be acceptable given relevant work experience.

Economic Policy Analysis (EPCA)

M.A.

Fall & Spring

June 1, November 1

GRE General Test required
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 already 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)

Emergency Health Services Online (EHSO)

M.S.

Fall & Spring

June 1, November 1

GRE General Test required if undergraduate GPA is below 3.2

Engineering Management (ENGM)

M.S., Certificate

Fall, Spring, & Summer

MS:
August 1, December 1;

Cert:
On-going

GRE General Test required for international applicants without a B.S. degree from a U.S. institution
B.S. degree in engineering, computer science, mathematics, physics, chemistry, or other physical sciences;

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 required

Engineering, Computer (CMPE)

M.S., Ph.D.

Fall*, Fall, Spring

January 1*, June 1, November 1

GRE General Test required (waiver option available)
Ph.D. applicants strongly encouraged to already have an M.S. 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 required (waiver option available)
B.S. degree from an ABET-accredited undergraduate program in electrical engineering, or a strong academic record in computer science, mathematics, 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.

Ph.D. applicants: GPA of >3.3 on a 4.0 scale

ESOL Education Programs (TESOL - MA)

MA TESOL
ESOL Certificate

Fall and Spring

Domestic:
Spring - October 31
Fall - April 15 and August 1
International:
Spring - October 31
February 28

3.0 GPA; GRE Score 500+ Verbal Test (or Masters Degree); 3 letters of reference (2 for Certificate); Statement of Purpose; TOEFL Scores for non-native English speakers (550+ on Paper-based test, 213+ on computer Based Test, 80+ on Internet- based test)

Gerontology (GERO)

Ph.D.

Fall

January 15

GRE General Test required

Geographic Information Systems (PRST-GEIS)

M.P.S, Certificate

Fall Only

June 1

GRE General Tests are not required; 3.0 GPA;Applicants should have a bachelors degree in Geography, Computer Science, or Information Systems OR possess working knowledge of Geographic Information Systems.

Geography and Environ. Systems (GES)

M.S., Ph.D.

Fall

February 1

GRE General Test required
Minimum GPA of 3.0 overall and 3.3 for the major; TOEFL (For international students whose native language is not English)

Historical Studies (HIST)

M.A.

Fall, Spring

March 10, November 1

GRE General Test required

Human-Centered Computing (HCC)

M.S., Ph.D.

Fall & Spring

M.S.: May 1, October 1.

Ph.D.: February 1, September 1

Ph.D.: GRE General Test or GMAT required
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.: May 1, October 1

Ph.D.: February 1, September 1

Ph.D.: GRE General Test or GMAT required
Should have or be willing to acquire the necessary competence in statistical analysis, experimental design, programming, databases, and computer networks.

Instructional Systems Development – (EDI-DT)

M.A.

Fall & Spring

June 1, November 1

For professionals in the field of training and instructional design

Instructional Systems Development (EDIO)

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 required
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

December 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 required (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 required
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 required
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 required
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 required
Strongly recommend having coursework background in calculus and some understanding of either neuroscience or cognitive science

Physics, Applied (APPH)

M.S., Ph.D.

Fall & Spring

January 1*, June 1, November 1

GRE General Test required
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

January 1*, June 1, November 1

GRE General Test required
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 required
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 required
GRE Psychology Advanced Test (Not for ABA M.A. track)
Supplementary Psychology application form

Psychology, Industrial & Organizational (PRST_IO)

M.P.S.

Fall

March 1

GRE General Tests are 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

Jan 15, November 1, January 15 (for Ph.D)

GRE General Test required.
M.P.P.-For best consideration, apply by January 15 for fall semester and November 1 for Spring semester.
Ph.D.- Applications must be received by January 15 for consideration for fall or spring of the following year.

Sociology, Applied (SOCY)

M.A.

Fall & Spring

July 1, December 15

Open to undergraduates in all majors. Minimum GPA of 3.0; Undergraduate statistics course in any department required. Course may be taken after the BA degree but must be completed before entrance into the program. Two letters of reference are required; GRE not required.

Statistics (STAT)

M.S., Ph.D.

Fall & Spring

February 15, October 15

GRE General Test score in 85 percentile in quantitative section required
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 1, December 1;

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 GPAs 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.