Graduate Admissions

Specific requirements

The University of Maryland's Graduate Application Process

Getting Started

The University of Maryland’s Graduate School accepts applications through its Choose Maryland application system. Before completing the application, applicants are asked to check the Admissions Requirements site for specific instructions.

As required by the Graduate School, all application materials are to be submitted electronically:

• Graduate Application
• Transcripts
• Statement of purpose
• Letters of recommendation
• Program/Department supporting documents (as applicable)
• Non-refundable application fee ($75) for each program to which an applicant applies

The electronic submission of application materials helps expedite the review of an application. Completed applications are reviewed by an admissions committee in each graduate degree program. The recommendations of the committees are submitted to the Dean of the Graduate School, who will make the final admission decision. Students seeking to complete graduate work at the University of Maryland for degree purposes must be formally admitted to the Graduate School by the Dean.  To ensure the integrity of the application process, the University of Maryland authenticates submitted materials through TurnItIn for Admissions.

For questions regarding the submission of your application, please visit the UMD Graduate School website, or contact the Graduate School directly: (301) 405-3644, gradschool@umd.edu. 

Information for International Graduate Students

The University of Maryland is dedicated to maintaining a vibrant international graduate student community. The office of International Students and Scholars Services (ISSS) is a valuable resource of information and assistance for prospective and current international students.  International applicants are encouraged to explore the services they offer and contact them with related questions.

The University of Maryland Graduate School offers admission to international students based on academic information; it is not a guarantee of attendance.  Admitted international students will then receive instructions about obtaining the appropriate visa to study at the University of Maryland which will require submission of additional documents. Please see the Graduate Admissions Process for International applicants for more information.

Contact

Applicants are encouraged to contact the Hobsons online application’s helpdesk for any technical issues.  For questions related to the admissions process, prospective students may contact the Graduate School.

Entrance Exams

The Graduate Record Examinations (GRE) Aptitude Test is optional for all students but submission of the GRE is allowed to supplement your application. For information on these examinations visit the Educational Testing Service web site at www.ets.org or write to Graduate Record Examinations, Box 955, Princeton, NJ 08540, USA.

The institutional code for the University of Maryland is 5814.

Foreign students whose native language is not English must also take the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL). New IBT TOEFL and IELTS requirements are in effect beginning with the Spring 2009 semester. Under the new IBT TOEFL, a total of 100, as well as specific scores on sub tests, are required for unconditional admission. Please visit the university's office of International Students and Scholars Services (ISSS) for specific information.

For information on the test visit www.toefl.org or write to TOEFL, Box 899, Princeton, NJ 08540, USA. Because the reporting of GRE and TOEFL scores may be several months after the tests are taken, applicants are advised to arrange to take these tests well in advance of the application deadlines that are mentioned below. Copies of test scores will not be accepted. Your file will not be considered complete until original test scores are reported directly from ETS to the University of Maryland. The Admissions Committee will only review files which are complete.

Deadlines

Domestic Applicants

The deadline for submission of application materials for Fall semester admission is January 3. The deadline for submission of application materials for Spring semester admission is October 1. Students wishing to be considered for financial aid should apply for Fall admission.

International Applicants

International applicants seeking admission under F (student) or J (exchange visitor) visas, as well as those seeking admissions under A,E,G,H,I and L visas and immigrants:

The deadline for submission of application materials for Fall semester admission is January 3. The deadline for submission of application materials for Spring semester admission is October 1. Students wishing to be considered for financial aid should apply for Fall admission.