Before You Apply
Choose the Right Program
Before deciding to apply to the University of Maryland Graduate School, it is important to carefully consider what program will be best suited to your academic and/or professional interests. You should review the descriptions of UMD’s graduate programs, which are available on the various department and program websites, and then contact departmental directors of graduate studies, potential academic advisors, and faculty members for further information.
To be considered for admission, you must meet the criteria set by your program of interest, as well as the following criteria set by the Graduate School.
Prepare Your Application Materials
The University of Maryland Graduate School only accepts applications electronically. Electronic submission of application materials will expedite the review of an application and help avoid delays. Admissions committees in each graduate degree program review completed applications, then submit their recommendations to the Dean of the Graduate School, who makes the final admissions decisions. If you are seeking to complete a graduate degree at UMD, you must be formally admitted to the Graduate School by the Dean.
It is imperative that you:
- Carefully read the admissions directions and requirements for your program of interest,
- Pay particular attention to the application deadline for your graduate program of interest because each program/department sets its own deadline(s),
- Submit information required by both the university and your program of interest via the online application, and
- Submit a complete application, including required test scores and letters of recommendation, by your program of interest’s deadline. Note: Once submitted, your application and associated materials become the property of the University of Maryland. These materials will not be returned to you, nor will the materials be forwarded to another institution.