Non-degree Seeking
Admission Process and Checklist
The process is similar to degree-seeking applicants. However, non-degree seeking applicants (Advanced Special or Visiting Graduate Status, see definitions below) complete the application, pay the application fee (READ subsection B. 2. for IMPORTANT information governing this fee), read, sign and submit the Summary Provisions sheet, and submit transcripts. Evaluation/recommendation forms are not required. No other forms or information will be needed unless the applicant will be satisfying item B.1.c. or B.1.d. of the criteria for admission to Advanced Special status, or is an international applicant. Those seeking Maryland In-State Status for tuition purposes complete the Maryland Residency form. The Non-degree application form, the Summary Provisions sheet and the Maryland Residency form are all on the Graduate School’s Prospective Students webpage.
Visiting graduate students should refer to subsection B.2. under “Categories of Admission”, for the option on transcripts.
Categories of Admission (non-degree seeking):
1. Advanced Special Student Status: This status is designed for applicants who are not immediately interested in seeking a degree, but wish to enroll in graduate level courses for personal or professional enrichment. Since Advanced Special students enroll in the same classes as degree-seeking students and are subject to the same course prerequisites, standards for admission to this status cannot be lower than what the degree programs would allow for regular or provisional admission.
Applicants for admission to this status must hold a baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited institution or the U.S. minimum credit hours equivalent of this degree in another country and satisfy at least one of the following criteria:
a. Have earned an overall “B” average or cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 3.0 (on a scale of 4.0).
b. Hold a master’s or doctoral degree from a regionally accredited institution or the equivalent of this degree in another country.
c. Hold a baccalaureate degree with a cumulative GPA between 2.5 and 2.99 or non-U.S. GPA equivalent and submit a resume which summarizes their successful post-baccalaureate work or professional experience.
d. Achieve a score, which would place an applicant in the upper 50 percentile of appropriate national standardized aptitude examinations such as the GRE or MAT. Test scores (copy or original) must be submitted with the application.
Unofficial transcripts (student issued) or photocopies of diplomas may be submitted with the application for initial review, but by the end of the first semester of enrollment, the student must have sent an official transcript (with seal and signature) from each undergraduate and graduate institution, showing all credits earned and degrees awarded.
Admission to Advanced Special Student status is granted by the Graduate School for a period of five years. The degree seeking admission statuses of Full (Regular) or Provisional do not apply to the Advanced Special Student non-degree seeking status.
Advanced Special Student status is not intended to be a conduit for later admission to a UMES graduate program. Only six credits hours earned while in this status may be applicable to a degree program should the student be subsequently admitted. For consideration of admission to a degree program, the student must submit the application for degree program and meet all admission requirements of the desired graduate program and the Graduate School, including an overall grade point average of 3.0 among the graduate courses taken at UMES.
There are restrictions on graduate program courses in which Advanced Special Students may not enroll or enroll with reservations (see the Summary Provisions attached to the Non-degree Application).
Advanced Special Students must pay all standard graduate fees. Students in this status are notpart of any of the UMES graduate programs, and therefore are not eligible for assistantships, fellowships or financial aid. All other services and fees, e.g., parking, library privileges, are the same as for other graduate students.
Because Advanced Special is a non-degree status, it is not applicable for international applicants on an F-1 (student) visa. Advanced Special is allowable for F-2 visa holders (dependents) and may be allowable in some instances for other visa holders (e.g., H-1).
There is an abbreviated admissions process for this status (see Admissions process for non-degree and the Summary Provisions attached to the non-degree application form).
The application deadline for consideration of Advanced Special Student Status is no later than ten (10) workdays prior to the registration date set for each semester or session.
2. Visiting Graduate Student Status: Graduate students matriculated and in good academic standing in another recognized graduate school, who wish to enroll in the UMES Graduate School and intend to return to their home institution, may be admitted as a Visiting Graduate Student. (NOTE: This status is not given to graduate students already matriculated within the University System of Maryland (USM) campuses, who register for courses at other USM campuses as an inter-campus student.)
The applicant need not submit full transcripts of credits, but must apply for admission to the Graduate School and pay the application fee. In lieu of transcripts, a student may have the graduate dean at his/her institution certify in writing to the UMES Graduate School, that the student is in good academic standing and that the credits to be earned at UMES will be transferred to the home institution. Unless otherwise specified, admission to this status will be offered for one year only.
The application deadline for consideration for full time study under this status is one month prior to the registration date set for each semester or session, and ten (10) work days for part-time study (see Advanced Special deadline above).
3. Continuing Education (Off-Campus) Students:Students registering for graduate level courses through Continuing Education must first make application to the UMES Graduate School and be officially admitted. The application guidelines to be followed will generally be those for the Advanced Special Student Status. Continuing Education students pay the graduate application fee, the off-campus registration fee and graduate tuition.
C. Special Backgrounds
1.Golden Identification (ID) Program: The Golden ID Program makes available, without tuition charge, courses at participating University System of Maryland campuses to those 60 years of age or older who are legal residents of the State of Maryland and retired. Maryland resident status will be determined by UMES from data on the residency form. A retired person is defined as one who is not employed for more than 20 hours per week.
Those who are eligible for the Golden ID Program must apply for graduate admission (either as degree or non-degree seeking), check the Golden ID box on the application, pay the application fee, complete the Maryland residency form, and meet all applicable admissions criteria for degree or non-degree seeking status. Once admitted, Golden ID students may register for courses, subject to any prerequisites or restrictions, and are entitled to academic services like other students during the time of actual enrollment. Tuition and fees will be waived for the Golden ID Holder. See the undergraduate admissions office on applying to the Golden ID program, obtaining the Golden ID card, and for further information on the program.
2. Veterans’ Benefits: UMES is fully accredited for accepting Veteran students and assists them in their need for certification of eligibility. The undergraduate Admissions office coordinates veteran services on campus.
