ADMISSIONS AND APPLICATION PROCESS

Admissions decisions are based on the following criteria:

• Bachelor's Degree: A 4-year bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited college or university, or an equivalent degree from a comparable foreign institution.
• Minimum GPA: An undergraduate grade point average (GPA) of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale is required. A GPA of 2.75 will be acceptable in special circumstances and will require approval; please contact the Graduate Program Manager for more information at 1-800-8622, press option #1.
• Language Requirements: Those whose native language is not English are required to take the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL). The only exception to this requirement is for students who have earned a post-secondary degree from an accredited university in the United States.
• Transcripts: Applicants may be offered provisional admission based upon self reported data provided on the online application. However, to complete the admissions process, all students will be required to provide (as part of the application packet) official transcripts from all post-secondary institutions attended. Applicants who have attended non-English language universities must provide an official English language transcript and an official native language transcript or mark sheets from every post-secondary institution attended. Each set of documents must list subjects studied, grades or marks received and rank in class or divisions. Students whose universities issue only one set of official records must have their academic records copied and notarized by a public official certifying the documents are true copies of the originals.

All applicants are expected to read, speak, write, and understand the English language fluently. Those whose native language is not English are required to take the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL). The minimum acceptable combined TOEFL score is 550 (written) or 213 (computerized). Students who have received post-secondary degrees from an U.S. institution and whose native language is not English may be required to demonstrate proficiency in English. (The TOEFL code for UMBC is 5835. The Information Systems Department does not have a designated code.)

Note: Applicants must request that an official copy of the TOEFL test score be sent directly to: Shannon Keegan, Department of Information Systems, University of Maryland Baltimore County, 1000 Hilltop Circle, Baltimore, MD 21250. The TOEFL code for UMBC is 5835. TOEFL scores must have been taken within two years of matriculation to be valid.

Note to students who are not US Citizens or permanent residents in the US: No I-20's for F-1 Visas will be issued by UMBC to enroll in this online program.