Current Students FAQ
IMPORTANT DATES
How can I find out when the semester starts and ends, when graduation is held, deadlines, and other important dates?
Check the UMBC Academic Calendar.
When and what is the UMBC Training Forum?
Click here for a detailed description.
REGISTRATION
When can I register for classes?
Check the Registar's website.
When is the deadline for registering for classes?
It is advisable to register as soon as possible to get the course(s) you want. New students must be admitted before they can register. Please check the Registar's website.
How can I find out what classes are being offered each semester?
Check the ISD program Course Schedule on the ISD program website.
ADVISING
Who is my advisor?
The Associate Director is Dr. Chuck Hodell; he is the advisor for all ISD-TS students. He can be reached at hodell@umbc.edu.
How do I know what courses to take each semester for the certificate program?
Each certificate program is four required courses and no electives. Students should take the courses listed on the ISD website.
How do I know what courses to take each semester for the ISD-TS Master’s program?
The Master's program has 7 required courses and 5 electives courses. A variety of factors should be considered when choosing electives, such as the student's career goals and professional interests. Students should consult with Dr. Williams concerning their choice of electives. A listing of the required and electives courses can be found here.
When are the required courses offered?
Courses are offered in the Fall, Spring and Summer. Six of the seven required courses (602, 603, 605, 771, 792T, 794T) are offered every Fall, Spring and Summer semester. The seventh required course, EDUC 671 is offered in the Fall and Spring semesters. Currently, EDUC 771T is also offered in the Fall and Spring. Students are strongly advised to take EDUC 771T. This "T" section of EDUC 771 was developed especially for students in the ISD-Training Systems Master's program.
Does the program accept transfer credits? What is process and criteria for transferring credit?
Yes, a maximum of 6 credits (2 courses) may be transferred into UMBC from other schools. The course must be the equivalent of a UMBC course, or as an elective, fit into the student's career plans. The course must be at the graduate level, must have been taken less than five years ago, and may not have been used to earn another degree. Additional criteria and the process to transfer credits can be found on the Graduate School website. All 12 hours (4 courses) taken at UMBC for the graduate certificates in ISD can be applied towards the Master's degree.
REGISTRATION
How do I register for classes?
UMBC students register for classes online. Please check the Registrar's website for details.
I am a student in the Master's/certificate program. I do not plan to take any courses in the upcoming semester. What do I need to do?
You need to register for a "Leave of Absence" EDUC 999. There is no charge to register for this. However, if you fail to register for one semester (summer session doesn't count), you will be required to apply for a retroactive leave of absence and pay a fee. Please visit the Graduate School website for details.
Problems Registering - Academic Integrity
The Graduate School is requiring ALL graduate students who have been admitted to a program (Certificate or Master's) to complete the Academic Integrity Tutorial found on the UMBC Blackboard Site. Failure to complete the tutorial and pass the test will result in your registration being blocked for future terms. Information and instructions for completing the tutorial can be found here.
Occasionally you may experience problems with registration. You may get a message that states you are "academically ineligible," or "not admitted to University" and other error messages. Please contact Dr. Greg Williams at gregw@umbc.edu for assistance if you receive any of these messages.
CURRICULUM QUESTIONS
How can I get a copy of the course syllabus?
Faculty members usually make their course syllabus available to students. You can either contact the individual faculty member teaching the course syllabus posted online at Blackboard though myUMBC.
I see that the Master's program has a required internship. How does that work?
This Master's program emphasizes applied learning. It is important for students to be able to apply what they have learned in a professional setting. Given that, the internship can be completed in two ways. The first is for the student to complete a traditional internship where they report to and work at the sponsoring organization's workplace. The second way to complete the internship is to choose an internship project that can be completed using more of an independent consulting approach. Using this approach, students would meet with clients to map out the goals and specific deliverables for the internship. Students may have periodic meetings with the client organization, but would not be required to perform the work on-site. Students will be required to draft an internship proposal which describes what they will do, the project deliverables and method of evaluation. The internship proposal is subject to approval by the client organization and Dr. Williams.
I am a full-time employee. How can I complete the internship without quitting my job or taking leave?
As described above, students can complete the internship by choosing a project that can be completed using an independent consulting approach. Using this approach, students meet with the client to map out the goals and specific deliverables of the internship. A student may have periodic meetings with the client organization, but are not required to perform the work on-site.
What's the difference between the Internship (EDUC 792T) and the Final Project Seminar (EDUC 794T)?
The Final Project Seminar course (EDUC 794T) is a capstone course where students complete a comprehensive project that ties together things that they have learned throughout the program. The internship course (EDUC 792T) is an opportunity for students to gain either initial or additional experience with a live client organization. This is done by completing a project that will be delivered to the client at the end of the course. The project or assignment(s) for the internship do not have to be as comprehensive in scope as the Final Project Seminar course. For further details, check the syllabus for each course.
What's the difference between EDUC 771 and EDUC 771T ?
Both courses will satisfy the requirements of the program. Students are strongly advised to take the EDUC 771T course; it is offered in the Spring and Fall semesters. This "T" section of EDUC 771 was developed especially for students in the ISD Training Systems Master’s program. It has a different orientation and application than the EDUC 771 course, where most students are in the K-12 teacher preparation program. It also builds on the previous coursework in the ISD program. If necessary, students may take other course in the Summer, but they should be advised that the non-"T" course is different.
GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS
How many credits are required for graduation?
36 credits.
What is the comprehensive exam?
The comprehensive exam is a graduation requirement that is in addition to completing your coursework. It is an open book, take-home, case study exam that is done over the course of one weekend. The exam assesses a number of theories, concepts, strategies and applications that are covered throughout the program. It is administered every semester in November, April and July.
I am finishing all my coursework soon. What do I need to do to apply for graduation?
Please check the Graduate School website for details on paperwork to be completed and the deadlines for each semester. In addition to the Graduate School deadlines, the comprehensive exam must be taken in the semester you take your final coursework. Students will need to submit to the ISD program staff the application for the comprehensive test by the same date you submit your diploma application.
COMMUNICATION
How do I get a UMBC e-mail account? Do I need one to register?
Students are required to establish a UMBC e-mail address in order to register. If you have another e-mail account that you use frequently, your UMBC e-mail can forwarded to the email account of your choice. Visit the Office of Information Technology's homepage for instructions.
How does faculty communicate with the students?
The ISD-TS mailing list is the primary method of communication with students. It is an e-mail distribution list where important information for both current students and alumni is regularly posted. Besides receiving important information about the ISD program, students also receive information about events, special meetings and job announcements.
What is Blackboard?
Blackboard is the learning platform that UMBC uses for online and hybrid (combination face-to-face and online). To log in, visit http://blackboard.umbc.edu/. To learn more, take the online Blackboard tutorial.
IMPORTANT CONTACTS
ISD Training Systems Program
Dr. Greg Williams, Graduate Program Director
410-455-6773
For questions relating to domestic MS applicants
Kathie Nee
410-455-2944
For questions relating to certificate applicants
Vicki Greisman
410-455-3564
For questions relating to international applicants
Kathy Ruth
410-455-2908
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