Admissions-Related Questions

Does the program have a rolling admissions policy?

No. We accept students for fall admission only. Our application deadline is December 1^st of the year before which one intends to enroll. It is always a good idea to submit your application as early as possible.

Are GRE scores required?

If an applicant received his/her Master's degree within the last five years from a 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.

Is the TOEFL required of all international applicants?

The TOEFL is required of all international students who did not receive their Master’s degree from a U.S. institution. The decision to waive the TOEFL is made at the discretion of the Program Director.

Is there a foreign language requirement?

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

Who should write my letters of 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.

I am a UMBC graduate. Do I need to submit an official UMBC transcript to complete my LLC application?

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); Campus ID number; dates of attendance at UMBC; number of copies; addresses where the transcripts are to be sent.

What kinds of writing are appropriate for the writing sample?

Paper(s) should reflect an applicant’s scholarly thinking and demonstrate your ability to conduct and write about research in your chosen area. Please provide a cover note explaining what the writing sample is and its relevance to your application.

Can I apply any of my previous credits towards an LLC Ph.D.?

Typically, no credits earned prior to admission in the program are accepted. Only doctoral level courses in a related field would be considered, and only after you have been admitted to the program.

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

A very limited number of graduate assistantships are offered on an annual basis at UMBC. They include a small stipend, tuition remission, and health benefits. GA positions at UMBC are advertised through the Graduate School website. (http://www.umbc.edu/gradshool/funding/opps.html)

Governmental financial aid is available to US 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 public and university libraries. International students are encouraged to visit the website of the National Association of Foreign Student Advisors for scholarship/fellowship information.

Program-Related Questions

How is student advising done in an interdisciplinary setting?

All LLC students are assigned a program advisor upon admittance in the program. This advisor is an LLC faculty member. It is the responsibility of the student to identify and ask a UMBC faculty member to be their dissertation advisor, based on their research. This typically occurs after the first or second year.

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

The LLC Program requires a minimum of 57 credits (billed for 41 of these). See Course Progression Outline for details.

How long will it take to get my Ph.D.?

Students can earn their degree in four years but many do not. We accept part-time and full-time students.

Is there a maximum allowable time to complete my Ph.D.?

A student must be admitted to candidacy (having successfully completed coursework and comprehensive exam) within 5 years after admission. After candidacy is achieved, students have 4 years to complete their research, dissertation, and final oral examination.

Are leave of absences allowed?

Yes. A student should work with their program advisor and research advisor if s/he will be unable to register for classes during a fall or spring semester. After 3 consecutive semesters of leave, a student is automatically dismissed.

Can a student begin coursework in the spring or summer?

Admitted students should begin in the fall with LLC 700. Non-degree seeking students may begin at any time.

Does the program offer online or hybrid courses?

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

Can I take any courses from other USM institutions?

With prior approval from your advisors and the Program Director, it is possible to take appropriate classes at other USM institutions and apply them to your LLC Ph.D.

Can my 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.