The first step of the admissions process is submitting your application. An applicant must meet certain verifiable criteria to be considered for the admission process. This criteria, outlined below, includes minimum grade point average (GPA) and language proficiency requirements.
In all cases, UMBC administers its admissions, educational services, and supporting services in a manner that does not discriminate by race, religion, age, national origin, sexual orientation, or disability.
Questions asked on the application help our review committees and support staff determine whether a candidate is viable for an admission recommendation.
Please remember to answer all application questions truthfully and to the fullest extent. It is the responsibility of the applicant to follow-up with support documentation that was not submitted with the application.
Email any additional documentation to gradschool@umbc.edu and include your full name and Transaction ID if available.
The Graduate School recommends applicants have at least a 3.0 GPA or “B” average when applying.
For transcripts from schools abroad, the UMBC Graduate School will accept official WES (World Education Services) ICAP Course-by-Course evaluations but note that these evaluations are not required.
Students who are unable to meet the minimum GPA standards may still be admitted to graduate study by demonstrating outstanding performance on one or more of the graduate aptitude tests or by providing letters of recommendation from evaluators who can speak to the applicant’s performance as a student or in a professional capacity.
Standards for admission to a doctoral program are generally higher than those for admission to a master’s program. The terms of this admission are based on specific recommendations made by the applicant’s department in conjunction with the Graduate School.
Many programs require the submission of GRE (Graduate Record Examination) Aptitude test scores (verbal, quantitative and analytical writing). Some programs further require GRE Advanced (subject-specific) scores, or scores from other standardized tests. Required tests are listed on each program’s page.
GRE waivers are occasionally granted by the department for applicants in certain situations. For example, a mid-career student whose undergraduate experience is not recent or is different from the graduate field of interest. Contact the Graduate Program Coordinator for your program of interest to inquire about a waiver.
For more information on these standardized tests including practice tests, test dates, and test registration:
