Application Categories
Applicants are offered admission to the Graduate School in one of the following four categories:
Degree-seeking (full status)Students who are admitted to full graduate status must be fully qualified in the judgment of the individual program and the Graduate School and must have submitted the following:
- The entire completed application form
- Official transcripts from all post-secondary institutions attended
- Official standardized test score reports
- Three letters of recommendation
Degree-seeking, Provisional Status
Provisional admission may be given to degree-seeking students who fail to meet the regular requirements or standards for admission, but demonstrate potential for academic success. Provisional admission may also be granted to candidates who lack adequate prerequisites for a given program or who are admitted without complete and/or official documentation.
Post-Baccalaureate Certificate ProgramStudents who may be either degree-seeking or certificate-only students are admitted under this category. They typically desire an added credential to enhance employment or career advancement opportunities.
Applicants should complete the Graduate Certificate Application if they are interested in obtaining a certificate and not a graduate degree. The Degree Seeking Application should be completed (with both the desired certificate and program indicated) if the applicant is interested in both the certificate and degree. See the Programs Chart for more information on the certificates offered by UMBC.
Non-degree students (special advanced student)Students seeking admission to select courses for personal or professional enrichment may be granted non-degree admission with the approval of their graduate program director and should complete the Non-Degree-Seeking Application by clicking the underlined title above. Students can later be admitted to a degree-seeking program and may transfer up to six (6) credits earned as a non-degree student to be used toward their graduate degree. This status is not normally available to international students.