FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS FOR PROSPECTIVE STUDENTS

Admission to the LLC Program

1. How can I apply to the LLC Program?

Detailed information can be found on our Admissions page. After you've read the website and admissions materials, you may want to contact some students in the program.  If you would like to make an appointment with the Director, please first talk with the LLC Graduate Assistant and then prepare a research statement and a CV to be emailed along with your request for an appointment.  To contact LLC Graduate Assistants, write to llc@umbc.edu.

Applicants may access the online application or download an application on the Graduate School Website: http://www.umbc.edu/gradschool/admissions/howto.html. Most application materials required must be submitted to the Graduate School. These materials include the application, the application fee, three letters of recommendation, CV/resume, statement of research goals, and official transcripts. The LLC Program also requires a Writing Sample to be sent directly to the LLC Program: Language, Literacy, and Culture Doctoral Program; University of Maryland Baltimore County; Academic IV, A wing, Room 421; 1000 Hilltop Circle Baltimore, MD 21250 USA, llc@umbc.edu. 

2. Does the program have a rolling admissions policy?

At the present time, we accept students for fall admission only.  All application materials must be received by December 1st of the year before which one intends to enroll.  It is always a good idea to submit your application as early as possible.

3. Are GRE scores required for applicants who hold Master's degrees?

If an applicant has a recent Master's degree (within the last five years) from an U.S. institution, s/he does not need to submit GRE scores. If an applicant has a Master’s degree from a foreign institution, the GRE scores are required. The decision to waive the GRE is made at the discretion of the Program Director.              

4. Is the TOEFL required of all international applicants?

The TOEFL is required of all international students if they do not have either a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree from an U.S. institution.  If an international applicant has a Master’s degree from a foreign institution, TOEFL scores are required. The decision to waive the TOEFL is made at the discretion of the Program Director.  

5. Is there a foreign language requirement?

There is no requirement, but demonstrated learning of another language is desirable.

6. Is it possible to take classes as a non-degree-seeking student and, if I am later accepted into the program, have the classes count toward the degree?

Yes, it is possible to take courses as a Special Advanced Student (or non-degree-seeking student), with the exception of LLC 600I, 600II, 644, 645, 646, 650, 890, 898, and 899, which are only for formally admitted LLC students. All registration for courses taken as a Non-Degree Student is by permission of the course instructor.  Successful completion of a course taken as a Non-Degree Student does not guarantee admission to the LLC program, but if a student is later admitted, the course(s) may count toward the degree.

7. What is the 3-4 letter program code needed for completion of the Graduate School application?

The code for the program is “LLC.”

8. I've been out of school for several years.  While two former graduate school professors have agreed to write letters of recommendation, I'm wondering if the third of the required three can be a professional recommendation?

It is important that some references be from individuals familiar with your academic performance, both past and present, if possible.  However, some references should be recent and may include those from employers, volunteer coordinators, etc.  It is possible to submit more than three references, but at least three are required before an application can be considered complete and reviewed by the Admissions Committee.

9. Is an interview required for admission?

If the Admissions Committee considers you to be a strong candidate for admission, the committee will contact you to arrange an online or phone interview.

10. Can I apply to more than one graduate program at UMBC?

If a student wants to apply to more than one graduate program, a separate application form and fee must be submitted to the Graduate School.

11. I previously applied to the LLC Program, but was denied admission. Which application materials must I supply? Particularly, do I need to resubmit a second application and fee?

Yes. According to Graduate School policy, you must submit both a new application form and fee. Along with the new application form and fee, the LLC Program Director strongly suggests that you submit a new Statement of Goals and Research Interests, additional reference letters, and a letter expressing your interest in being reconsidered for the LLC Ph.D. Program.

12. I am a UMBC graduate. Do I need to submit an official UMBC transcript to complete my LLC application? What other materials will I need to supply?

LLC accepts students with completed MA degrees in related fields. Applicants who have already earned a Master’s degree at UMBC would have to submit a new application, an academic goals and research interests statement, writing sample, and three academic/professional letters of recommendation. The applicants will have to supply the Graduate School with official transcripts from each institution of higher learning attended before being admitted by the Graduate School. Official transcripts are needed to complete the LLC application, even if you graduated from UMBC. You may have your official UMBC transcript sent directly to the Graduate School by sending an email to records@umbc.edu. Include the following in message: Name (while a student at UMBC); Social Security Number; dates of attendance at UMBC; number of copies; addresses where the transcripts are to be sent.

13. What kinds of writing are appropriate for an academic writing sample?

Paper(s) which reflect an applicant’s scholarly thinking and that demonstrates your ability to conduct and write about research in your chosen area are appropriate such as a published academic article, an article ready for submission, a recent research paper, or a research-based report. Please provide a cover note explaining what the writing sample is and its relevance to your application.  Papers should not exceed 20-30 pages in length.

14. I am currently in a Master’s Program.  I would like to apply some or all of my coursework  toward the doctoral degree in the Language, Literacy, and Culture Ph.D. Program without earning the Master’s degree.  Is this possible?

Currently, we only accept students into the Ph.D. Program in Language, Literacy, and Culture if they
already have completed a Master’s degree.  Generally, courses at the Master’s level will not be transferred into the Ph.D. program.  The transfer of credits into the Ph.D.Program is made at the discretion of the student’s LLC and research advisor in the Program and the Program Director. 

15. How likely is it to receive financial aid, a graduate assistantship, tuition remission or a scholarship/fellowship?

A very limited number of partial graduate assistantships are offered on an annual basis.  This award includes a small stipend, tuition remission, and health benefits.  GA job positions for the University are advertised through the Graduate School website: http://www.umbc.edu/gradschool/funding/opps.html. Governmental financial aid is available to U.S. citizens only.  Visit the financial aid website for more information: http://www.umbc.edu/financialaid/graduate.html. Scholarship/fellowship information is available online and at the UMBC and public libraries.  International students are encouraged to visit the website of the National Association of Foreign Student Advisors for scholarship/fellowship information.

The Program: Coursework and Procedures

16. Which Programs and Departments participate in LLC?

• Africana Studies
• American Studies
• Education
• English
• Gender and Women’s Studies
• History
• Intercultural Communication
• Sociology and Anthropology

17. Do students have academic advisors in the LLC Program?

Admitted students will be assigned an LLC program advisor who will help guide you through the program.  Students seek dissertation advisors based on their research.  Some students work with co-advisors for their dissertation.  It is each student’s responsibility to identify and ask a faculty member to agree to become a dissertation advisor.  LLC program advisors can help with this process.

18. What types of courses does the LLC program require and offer?

See the program outline here and semester schedules for more details.

19. What are the comprehensive examinations?

Students take written comprehensive examinations after completing coursework and before writing the dissertation proposal.  See the comprehensive examination procedures here. 

20. Does LLC accept credits from another graduate program at UMBC or another institution? If so, how many?

Generally, courses at the Master’s level will not be transferred into the Ph.D. program.  Any transfer in graduate credits from either UMBC or another institution depends on your focus in the Ph.D. Program and the courses you are seeking to transfer.  Generally, we do not transfer in courses however discretion to permit the transfer of credits is held by your LLC advisor, your dissertation advisor and the Program Director.

21. How many credit hours must students in the LLC Program complete?

The LLC program requires a minimum of 33 credit hours of course work, 3 service learning internship credits and 2 semesters of dissertation research credits. Many students take more credits than the minimum, especially dissertation research credits.

22. What is the average length of time required for completion of the program?

Most students take 1 or 2 courses a semester--and may take a summer course--so it should take approximately three to four years to complete the coursework and comprehensive exams. Then the time for research and writing the dissertation varies.

23. Is there a time limit on the program that one must follow?

A student must be admitted to candidacy (successful completion of coursework and comprehensive exams) within five years after admission to the doctoral program.  All program requirements for the degree, including the dissertation and final oral examination, must be completed within four years after admission to candidacy.

24. If I am accepted may I begin gradually by taking one course per semester and then increase the number later?

Yes, so long as you stay within the time allotted for completion of course work.

25. If needed, can a person take a leave of absence?

Yes. A student should work with the LLC program and research advisor if a leave of absence is needed during fall or spring semesters. More than three consecutive leaves of absence require approval of the Dean of the Graduate School.

26. Can a student begin coursework in the spring or summer?

Admitted students should begin in the fall, with LLC600I. Non-degree-seeking students may begin at any time.

27. Does the program offer online and hybrid courses?

There are some LLC courses offered as hybrids and there are courses offered through affiliated programs that may be taken online or as hybrids.

28. How flexible is the option to take classes at other University of Maryland institutions?

With prior approval from your LLC and research advisor and the Program Director, it is possible to take appropriate classes at other UMS institutions and have them apply to the LLC Ph.D. degree.

29. What is the cost of the Ph.D. Program?

The cost of the program is based on the cost of tuition.  The LLC program requires a minimum of 33 credit hours of course work, 3 service learning internship credits and 2 semesters of dissertation research credits. Many students take more credits than the minimum, especially dissertation research credits.

Students and Student Research

30. Which types of students is the program seeking?

Each year, the program seeks to accept a small and diverse cohort of curious, academically rigorous and responsible, committed, and mature students. See LLC student profiles to learn about the students who have been admitted into the program.

31. What is the profile of the students currently enrolled in the program?

The LLC website and news and events blog is a good place to get a sense of the LLC community.

32. Can the dissertation be on an applied subject, for example, the design and execution of a new community program?

Absolutely, but each student’s program of study must have a solid theoretical foundation and rigorous research focus.

33. What types of research do students conduct?

Students engage in a variety of research areas. LLC research clusters include topics that students usually explore through their research. Student research may fall into one or more of the following clusters:

• Immigration, Ethnicity, Race, and Culture
• Language, Literature, Discourse, and Identity
• Intercultural Communication and Cultural Exchange
• Cultural Politics of Gender and Sexuality
• History and Historiography
• New Media, Multiple Literacies, and Globalized Communication
• Social Movements, Social Change, Ideologies, and Communities
• Education, Inequality, Critical Pedagogies, and Language Diversity

34. Does the University assist in employment placement during active studies?

LLC has a limited number of Graduate Assistantships available, and the Graduate School posts other Graduate Assistantships.  The UMBC Career Services Center maintains current job listings and provides career services to students.

35. Which types of jobs do students pursue after completing their degree?

Students pursue a variety of jobs after graduating from the program. Some stay in the jobs they had before and during the program; some seek positions in academia or K-12 teaching; and others move on to other occupations such as working with the government, non-profit organizations, or NGOs.

36. As an international student would a Ph.D from UMBC be sufficient to seek employment in the U.S.?  What kinds of jobs could be pursued after graduation?

The Ph.D. would be recognized throughout the U.S., however, it does not guarantee employment.  Our graduates seek work in many different contexts.  International students would need to find a job with an employer who would sponsor the H1B visa.  The UMBC International Education Services office assists international students with visa and work related questions while they are enrolled as students.