university of maryland phd admissions

Math Department Graduate Admissions

Applications for the MATH Ph.D. program are only processed once a year for admission for the fall semester.

DECEMBER 10, 2024: Deadline for all applicants (Domestic & International)

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STAT & STAT-BB

Applications for the STAT Ph.D. program are only processed once a year for admission for the fall semester. Applications for the STAT M.A. program are encouraged for the fall semester. A limited amount of M.A. applications may be considered for the spring semester. Please contact the department prior to applying.

SEPTEMBER 10, 2024:  M.A. Applications for International students entering Spring 2025

DECEMBER 10, 2024:  M.A. Applications for Domestics students entering Spring 2025

JANUARY 10, 2024:  Applications for all students entering Fall 2025

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Financial Aid

How to apply - university of maryland's graduate application process.

The University of Maryland's Graduate School accepts applications through its TerpEngage Graduate Admission Application system. Before completing the application, applicants are asked to check the Admissions Requirements site for specific instructions and additional requirements (select your program of interest).

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

• Graduate application
• Transcripts (Unofficial transcripts are accepted)
• Statement of purpose
• Letters of recommendation (3)
• Graduate Record Examination (GRE) (optional)
• Math GRE Subject Tests ( optional, but strongly recommended )
• TOEFL/IELTS (International students only)
• Program/Department supporting documents ( as applicable )
• Non-refundable application fee ($75) for each program to which an applicant applies*
• Please check the  Admissions Requirements  site for additional requirements

  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.

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.

TOEFL Information for International Graduate Students

It is required that all applicants from non- English speaking countries submit a TOEFL for admittance into the Graduate Math and Statistics program.  Because our graduate students are supported by Teaching Assistantships, it is required that their English skills are higher than the minimum required to attend courses. This is a requirement for our Graduate Math Program, separate from the Graduate School Requirements. Unfortunately, there are no exceptions to this Graduate Math Program requirement.  

*A list of English-Speaking Countries that are exempt from the  TOEFL/IELTS/PTE can be found visiting this link:  https://gradschool.umd.edu/admissions/english-language-proficiency-requirements

Please note the following SPEAKING scores. 

Students will be exempt from speaking English support classes in one of two ways

A speaking sub-score of 24 (iBT TOEFL), 7.5 (IELTS), or 76 (PTE) on their admission English proficiency exam. 

Exempt from submitting English proficiency exams for admission, based on  Graduate School guidelines .

Speaking scores below 24 on TOEFL or below 7.5 on IELTS will require Teaching Assistants to enroll in an English Language course their first semester. 

Please note the following WRITING scores:

Students will be exempt from writing English support classes if they score 24 or above on TOEFL or 7 or above on IELTS. 

Writing scores below 24 on TOEFL or below 7 on IELTS will require all students (whether they are a TA or not) to enroll in an English Writing course (UMEI 007)  that will not be covered by the department. As of 2023, the cost of this course is $3,083. More info on costs:  https://marylandenglishinstitute.com/english-programs/umd-students/

Please note the following READING/ LISTENING  scores:

You will not be admitted to the program unless you have the reading score of 26 (TOEFL) or 7 (IELTS).

You will not be admitted to the program unless you have the listening score of 24 (TOEFL) or 7 (IELTS).

Give to the Math Department

Computer Science, Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.)

The program milestones include a six-course qualifying sequence plus two electives, a preliminary oral examination on a dissertation proposal and reading list in three related areas, and the dissertation defense. The number and variety of courses offered each semester enable students and their advisors to plan individualized programs. 

Advance to Candidacy: In addition the required coursework, students must successfully pass a preliminary oral exam on a dissertation proposal and reading list in three related areas. 

Post-Candidacy: Students must complete at least 12 credits of CMSC899 and successfully defend and submit a dissertation. 

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Admission Process

The Fall 2025 application will open in mid-July and the deadline is November 26, 2024 .

Completed applications consist of the completed on-line application at the University of Maryland Graduate School Portal, application fee of $75 and the application materials listed below. Please note that we do not offer Spring admissions.

Our Programs are listed under the Computer/Math/Natural Science (CMNS) section. The Program Code for  Biochemistry  graduate programs is BCHM The Program Code for  Chemistry  graduate programs is CHEM

Materials For Application

• Biochemistry Short Essay Questions
• Chemistry Short Essay Questions
• Transcript(s)  You may submit unofficial transcripts for the admissions process
• Letters of Recommendation (three)
• Official TOEFL/IELTS/PTE from testing agency (international graduate students)
• Publications (if available, not required)
• Graduate Record Examination (GRE) Subject (optional)

English Language Proficiency Requirements 

International applicants and U.S. citizen/ permanent resident applicants with international credentials will be required to submit TOEFL, IELTS or PTE scores if they do not hold a degree from a U.S. institution or from one of the English speaking countries (below).

The minimum scores for full admissions are:

• iBT TOEFL:  96 (Speaking: 22, Listening: 24, Reading: 26, Writing: 24)
• IELTS:  7 (Speaking: 6.5, Listening: 7, Reading: 7, Writing: 7)
• Pearson (PTE):  68 (Writing: 68)

Competitive applications should receive the following:

• iBT TOEFL: Total: 96 or above (Speaking: 24, Listening: 24, Reading: 26, Writing: 24)
• IELTS:  7 (Speaking: 7.5, Listening: 7, Reading: 7, Writing: 7)
• Pearson (PTE):  76

English Language Proficiency Test Exemption:

• Students who have received a degree from a regionally accredited institution in the U.S. (with the exception of Puerto Rico) or a nationally recognized university in one of the countries on the subsequent list do not need to submit TOEFL, IELTS or PTE scores.  This exemption also applies to students who are currently studying for a degree at an institution in the U.S. or one of the countries on the list, but will receive their degree before enrolling at the University of Maryland. (Even if your degree was taught in English, if you do not meet the criteria listed above, then you must submit TOEFL, IELTS or PTE scores)
• Note : you must have studied in the country and not in an online program nor at a foreign branch campus to be granted the exemption.  Students who have done a dual degree Bachelor’s program and earned a degree from an institution in a country on the list and a degree from a country not on the list, must have spent at least 2 years studying in the country on the waiver list to be eligible for an exemption from submitting an English score.

Countries Exempt from Submitting TOEFL, IELTS or PTE Scores

These are the general TOEFL, IELTS or PTE requirements that have been established by the Graduate School. Please see their English Language Proficiency Requirements here .

International Teaching Assistants (ITAs)

The Graduate School requires newly admitted international PhD students to be evaluated to have their proficiency in spoken English assessed as they will be teaching assistants. The ITA Evaluation is not required of students whose entire education has been in the U.S., United Kingdom, Ireland, English-speaking Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Anglophone Africa, or the Commonwealth Caribbean. Candidates must pass the ITA Evaluation prior to being assigned teaching duties, including duties in labs.

ITAs can be exempted from being placed into the English course by:

• achieving the following scores from the speaking section of the following standardized English tests (TOEFL: 24 or higher, IELTS: 7.5 or higher, or PTE: 76 or higher) OR
• being exempt from submitting English proficiency exams for admission, based on Graduate School Guidelines above.

Review Of Applications

The Chemistry & Biochemistry Graduate Admissions Committee, consisting of eight faculty members, reviews all applications to the Chemistry and Biochemistry graduate programs and makes all admissions decisions. The Committee reviews applications on a rolling basis beginning December 1. Each application is given a holistic review by at least four faculty members. Admission is highly selective. Highly motivated students with strong records of accomplishment (academic and research) in chemistry, biochemistry, or a closely related discipline are sought. Undergraduate research or relevant work/laboratory experience is viewed very positively. Prospective students are strongly encouraged to peruse our Research Programs and indicate research areas and faculty members that are of specific interest to them in the Statement of Purpose.

Admitted students presently living in the USA are invited to Visit Maryland Day, held in mid-March, to meet with faculty, current students and staff and tour the Department, University, and surrounding areas. Students who are unable to attend Visit Maryland Day are encouraged to schedule individual visits. Financial support to travel from locations within the continental United States for these visits is available. At this time, we are unable to provide financial support for international travel for prospective students.

Financial Aspects

Graduate Assistantship

Admission to our PhD programs includes financial provisions to support our PhD students' graduate study. Newly admitted PhD students are generally offered academic-year Teaching Assistantships in combination with summer Research Assistantships for their first year of study. This includes:

• Tuition Remission (10 credits/semester)
• Annual Level II stipend, currently $35,760 
• Subsidized Health Insurance

Beyond the 1st year of Graduate Study, students who remain in good academic standing are guaranteed continued financial support until PhD completion. Typically, this begins as a combination of TA/RA in the second year (Level II stipend of $35,760) and progresses toward full RA once the student advances to PhD candidacy (Level III Stipend $36,446).

Students admitted into the Master's program may choose to apply for a Graduate Assistantship to support their graduate study. The assistantships may include working with faculty members and undergraduate students in teaching, research, or administrative environments. For more information about the graduate assistantships, please visit the Graduate School's website .

Scholarships

The department additionally awards a number of scholarships to entering graduate students and continuing students, with most scholarships in the $2500 – $10,000 range. Many of our scholarships are awarded at the time of admission, and detailed on the admission letter. 

Additionally, we encourage our Graduate Students to apply for a number of prestigious external (NSF and NIH) and internal (Milligan and University) Fellowships.

Fellowships

Fellowships are awarded by the department, the Graduate School and external organizations. A list of departmental fellowships can be found on the Awards and Fellowship tab. Fellowships from the Graduate School and external organizations can be found on the Graduate School's website here .

Other Visits

Want to learn more about our programs? Interested students are welcome to visit throughout the year. We ask that you give us advance notice of at least two weeks so that we can best plan your visit. To arrange a visit or make other inquiries, please contact:

Graduate Program Office Dept. of Chemistry & Biochemistry University of Maryland, College Park, MD 20742-21111 Tel. 301-405-1028 | 301-405-7022

For all questions pertaining to graduate admissions, contact the  Office for Graduate Studies .

• Biochemistry
• FAQs for CHEM and BCHM graduate admissions
• International Students' Perspectives
• English Language Evaluation for International Teaching Assistants (MEI ITA)
• English Language Requirements
• Academic Requirements for Visa Eligibility
• Frequently Asked Questions
• Guide to College Park Living
• Awards and Fellowships
• New Student Orientation
• General Information
• Biochemistry Requirements and Forms
• Chemistry Requirements and Forms
• Graduate Courses
• Student Groups
• Steps To Graduation — Checklist

Graduate Application Process

How to apply.

Applicants must submit all necessary documents by the posted deadline in order to be reviewed for admission. International applicants should review the International Applicant information for additional requirements.

Please read through the information below about the process and deadlines. The University of Maryland admissions team is here to help you through the application process. You may wish to first refer to our  graduate programs' frequently asked questions  and you may email  [email protected]  if you have a question not addressed there. 

Applicants must submit complete and verified applications by the posted deadlines to be reviewed for admission.

Spring, Summer, and Fall 2025 admissions:

The SOPHAS application system will launch on August 13, 2024.  

The TerpEngage application system will launch on July 9, 2024.

*MPH Behavioral and Community Health (online) accept international students, but the program is not eligible for I-20 or DS-2019 issuance by the University of Maryland.

** MPH Behavioral and Community Health (online), MPH Public Health Practice and Policy (online), and Master in Health Administration (online) have limited on-campus attendance and are not eligible for I-20 or DS-2019 issuance by the University of Maryland.

***Joint MHA+Doctor of Medicine applicants must be current applicants to the University of Maryland Baltimore School of Medicine (SOM) OR be a current medical student at SOM 

Post-Baccalaureate Certificate in Global Health has rolling admissions.

* The MPH in Physical Activity and Certificate programs are not eligible for I-20 or DS-2019 issuance by the University of Maryland.

* MPH Programs: Behavioral and Community Health; Behavioral and Community Health (online); Biostatistics; Epidemiology; Environmental Health Sciences; Health Equity; Health Policy Analysis and Evaluation; Public Health Practice and Policy (online); MS, Environmental Health Sciences.

⁺MPH Behavioral and Community Health (online), MPH Public Health Practice and Policy (online), Master in Health and Administration (online), and Certificate programs are not eligible for I-20 or DS-2019 issuance by the University of Maryland.

⁺⁺ Joint MHA+Doctor of Medicine applicants must be current applicants to the University of Maryland Baltimore School of Medicine (SOM) OR current medical students at SOM.

Application Requirements

SPH graduate programs may have requirements in addition to those listed below. So, please check the Program-Specific Requirements section before starting your application. 

- You may apply to only one UMD SPH program per application cycle. All application requirements and documentation must be submitted electronically to the proper application system(s) SOPHAS and/or UMD Application Portal (TerpEngage) by the posted deadlines.

- The GRE is  not required or optional  for all of the MPH, MHA, MA, and MS degree programs.

- The GRE is not require d or optional for most of our PhD programs, except the PhD in Epidemiology. 

Based on your selected program, you will apply through one of the two application processes below.  SOPHAS + UMD Supplemental application programs  require that you submit two applications and  UMD TerpEngage programs  require that you submit one application. 

Programs that require SOPHAS + UMD supplemental application

• Master of Health Administration(online)
• Behavioral and Community Health (MPH online, MPH on-campus, PhD)
• Biostatistics (MPH)
• Environmental Health Sciences (MPH, MS and PhD)
• Epidemiology (MPH and PhD)
• Health Care Management (MPH)
• Health Equity (MPH)
• Health Policy Analysis and Evaluation (MPH)
• Health Services Research (PhD)
• Maternal and Child Health (PhD)
• Physical Activity (MPH online)
• Public Health Practice and Policy (MPH online)

You will create a SOPHAS application , follow their instructions to apply, and submit it along with the related application fee (check the  instructional video ).

All applicants to the programs above must also complete and submit the UMD Graduate School supplemental application , which requires demographic information, an unofficial copy of your transcripts, and a copy of your SOPHAS statement of purpose.

Note: After you submit your SOPHAS application, it will go through several phases, including submission, completion, and verification. Complete SOPHAS applications are submitted to a ve rification process that can take up to four workweeks; therefore, we recommend starting and submitting the SOPHAS application early, preferably weeks before the deadline you aim to meet.

Visit and bookmark the SOPHAS Frequently Asked Questions for information about the application and helpful tips.

Programs that require only the UMD TerpEngage application

• Couple and Family Therapy (MS)
• Community Planning and Public Health (MCP+MPH)
• Kinesiology (MA and PhD),
• Family Science (PhD)
• Biostatistics and Bioinformatics (PhD)
• Applied Epidemiology (Certificate)
• Global Health (Certificate)
• Health Data Analysis (Certificate)

The programs above have just the UMD TerpEngage application (they are not in SOPHAS). After you pay the application fee ($75) and submit your TerpEngage application, you can log into the application portal to check the status of your application. Please check program-specific requirements and the Graduate School step-by-step guide to applying .

Completed applications are reviewed by a faculty admissions committee in the respective program, and the recommendations of the committee are submitted to the dean of the Graduate School. Decisions are based on a holistic review of the applicant’s materials, including but not limited to previous academic records, personal statement, previous experience, letters of recommendation, and other elements. The dean of the Graduate School makes the final admission decision, and all 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. Submitting a complete, qualifying application does not guarantee admission . The number of applications received from individuals qualified for graduate study in SPH programs regularly exceeds the number of applicants who can be accommodated. Spaces available in the various programs are limited according to the availability of faculty, class and program size, and other program priorities. In such cases, only the most highly qualified students are admitted.

Students seeking admission to the graduate programs at UMD School of Public Health must have already earned or be in the process of earning a 4-year bachelor’s degree with a minimum GPA of 3.0.

There are no specific undergraduate prerequisites for master's degree applicants, though experience working, volunteering, or researching topics related to public health are valued in the review process.

PhD programs may have additional requirements for graduate training that will be listed in the program-specific requirements section.

SOPHAS application

• Send official transcripts for ALL colleges and universities attended , whether or not credit was earned or the program was completed . These transcripts go directly to SOPHAS. Learn how to send your official transcripts to SOPHAS .
• Send a  World Education Services (WES), Inc  course-by-course transcript evaluation for all international academic credentials.

UMD TerpEngage Application and UMD Supplemental application

• Upload a PDF copy of your undergraduate degree transcript (the transcript that indicates the degree awarded) in the original language it was issued, accompanied by a literal English translation if applicable. 
• Copy of diploma/degree received listing the date it was obtained if this information is not on your transcript. If your diploma is not in English, please also submit a diploma translated into English. 
• Unofficial copies of your transcripts will suffice for the UMD Terpengage or UMD Supplemental application.  If you are accepted into the program, you will need to submit official transcripts to the UMD Graduate School (even if you submitted official transcripts to SOPHAS) .

You will be required to submit TOEFL, IELTS or PTE scores if you do not hold a degree from a U.S. institution or from one of the English-speaking countries listed on the University of Maryland Graduate School website. If you are a U.S. citizen or permanent resident with international credentials, you will still be required to submit English test scores if you do not hold a degree from one of the countries on the list . Please visit the University of Maryland Graduate School website to check test scores requirements and the list of exemptions and test scores submission instructions on the SOPHAS website . 

• SOPHAS programs: SOPHAS code 5688 and UMD Graduate School  code 5814
• UMD Application only programs:  UMD Graduate School  code 5814
• SOPHAS programs: a) Self-report your IELTS scores in the  Standardized Tests  section of the SOPHAS application and include your TRF number. This must be listed for your official scores to be matched to your application b)  submit official scores to the UMD Graduate School electronic accounts listed on the Graduate School Website
• UMD Application only programs:  submit official scores to the UMD Graduate School electronic accounts listed on the Graduate School Website
• SOPHAS programs: please list the test scores in the proper section and upload a PDF copy of the official results in the “Optional documents - Standardized Test Score Reports” section and submit official scores to the UMD Graduate School electronic accounts listed on the Graduate School Website

The three letters of recommendation(LOR) are submitted by the recommenders themselves. In the recommendation section in SOPHAS or in TerpEngage, you will enter the name and email address of each recommender and send them an invitation. Recommenders will then receive an automated invitation to complete the recommendation. Please note that if you are applying to a SOPHAS program, recommendations will be uploaded only to the SOPHAS application.

Upload a PDF copy of your current resume or curriculum vitae.

Your statement of purpose (SOP) should be approximately two pages, double-spaced. Your statement should address:

• Personal, academic and professional background that led you to public health and the specific academic program you are applying for
• Interest in the particular department and degree/concentration you are applying to
• Public health topics of interest (aligned to the academic program you are applying for)
• How the degree/program at the University of Maryland School of Public Health will help you to achieve your long-term career goals 

If you are submitting your application to a SOPHAS program, you will be required to submit a second copy of the SOPHAS SOP to your UMD Supplemental application.

Guidance:  This section is intended to give you, as the applicant, the opportunity to discuss how your lived experiences, including those outside of your academic experiences, resulted in a positive outcome that helped prepare you for this stage in your life. This section is not intended to compel the applicant   to share traumatic experiences. This section is intended to encourage the applicant to share positive outcomes from lived experience(s).  

Recommended Length:  100 - 300 words per prompt

Instructions:  

How has your personal experience(s) in at least one of the areas listed below positively impacted your ability to succeed in the academic program you are applying for?

• Community involvement and/or service
• Engagement in leadership roles, facilitating change, and/or mentoring
• Overcoming social, economic, educational, or physical barriers

If you are submitting your application to a SOPHAS program, you will be required to submit a second copy of the Personal Experience Prompts responses to your UMD Supplemental application.

International applicants should follow the application process for the program they are applying to and review the requirements and exemptions for international applicants set by the University of Maryland Graduate School . International applicants are also encouraged to explore the International Students and Scholars Services (ISSS) office and contact them with related questions. Note that American citizens and permanent residents who have foreign credentials should follow the requirements established for foreign degree holders but can apply by domestic deadlines. 

Note about the Online MPH in Behavioral and Community Health and Online MPH in Physical Activity programs: The University does not issue an I-20 or DC-2019 as these programs are 100% online. International applicants are eligible to apply and must follow the  UMD Graduate School International Admissions instructions.

Note about the Online MHA, the Online MPH Public Health Practice and Policy : International applicants requiring an I-20 are not eligible to apply as these mostly online programs have a mandatory face-to-face element. Otherwise, international applicants already in the U.S. who are permitted to enroll in such studies must follow the UMD Graduate School International Admissions instructions.

• You must upload a WES course-by-course US equivalency report in your SOPHAS application. The WES report must be uploaded to your application by the application deadline for the application to be considered complete. Do not send foreign transcripts to SOPHAS or the UMD School of Public Health, including those printed in English or translated into English; they will be discarded. 
• Do not send WES reports to the UMD School of Public Health of the UMD Graduate School; they will be discarded. 
• Read through the international application transcripts section in SOPHAS .

UMD TerpEngage and Supplemental Application Residency Questionnaire

• On the Graduate School online application, you should note the type of visa you currently hold or will need to hold to study at the University of Maryland. In addition, you will need to submit copies of any visa or Permanent Resident Card you might possess. Visit the ISSS website to learn more about the student visa process . 
• A transcript/mark sheet in the original language must be uploaded into the online application. If your transcript is not in English, please also upload a transcript/mark sheet translated into English.
• You must upload a copy of your diploma/degree received if this information is not listed on your transcript. If your diploma is not in English, please also submit a diploma translated into English. 
• Translations you submit to the UMD TerpEngage and UMD Supplemental application should be literal, and actual names of all degrees, diplomas, and certificates must appear in the translation. If you are in need of a translation service, a list of English translation companies can be found on this website .

Evidence of English Language Proficiency

You must submit test scores to both SOPHAS and UMD Supplemental applications if you are applying to a program that requires a SOPHAS application.

• To submit TOEFL scores to SOPHAS using the code 5688.
• To submit IELTS you will  self-report your IELTS scores in the  Standardized Tests  section of the SOPHAS application and include your TRF number. This must be listed for your official scores to be matched to your application.
• PTE scores submission to SOPHAS, please list the test scores in the proper section and upload a PDF copy of the official results in the “Optional documents - Standardized Test Score Reports” section.

UMD TerpEngage and UMD Supplemental Application

• To submit  TOEFL scores to the UMD Graduate School, please use the reporting code 5814.
• PTE test takers can send their score reports to the University of Maryland through their Pearson Account
• IELTS test takers should contact their IELTS test center directly to request electronic test scores be sent to the following IELTS e-download account:

University of Maryland - The Graduate School The Graduate School 2123 Lee Building College Park Maryland, 20742

Visit the Graduate School to learn more about the English language proficiency requirements .

Diversity Statement

The School of Public Health is committed to creating an educational and work environment that is rich in diversity, inclusive, and supportive of all students, faculty, and staff.  We understand that a school energized by diverse perspectives and experiences provides a powerful educational benefit and enhances our research and community service. We acknowledge and celebrate diversity in race/ethnicity, gender, age, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, physical and learning abilities, socioeconomic status, national origin, veteran status, and other areas of difference. 

Program-Specific Requirements

Program-specific requirements may include writing samples, pre-requisite courses or degrees, test scores, etc. Our MPH programs require at least one math or statistics undergraduate course.

All links below refer to each program's UMD Graduate Catalog admission requirements. 2025 admission cycle information on the Graduate Catalog will be available in July.

Master’s Programs

MA, Kinesiology

MPH, Behavioral and Community Health

MPH, Behavioral and Community Health (Online)

MPH, Biostatistics

MPH, Environmental Health Sciences

MPH, Epidemiology

MPH, Health Care Management

MPH, Health Equity

MPH, Health Policy Analysis and Evaluation

MPH, Public Health Practice and Policy (Online)

MPH, Physical Activity (Online)

MHA, Masters of Health Administration (Online)

MS, Couple and Family Therapy

MS, Environmental Health Sciences

MHA + Doctor of Medicine

MPH + Master of Community Planning

Doctoral Programs

PhD, Behavioral and Community Health

PhD, Biostatistics & Bioinformatics

PhD, Environmental Health Sciences

PhD, Epidemiology

PhD, Family Science

PhD, Health Services Research

PhD, Kinesiology

PhD, Maternal and Child Health

Post-Baccalaureate Certificates

Certificate in Applied Epidemiology

Certificate in Global Health

Certificate in Health Data Analysis

SPH Graduate Admissions [email protected]

• Request Info
• Attend an Event

• Graduate Admissions

Frequently Asked Questions

Applying to UM

Can i apply with an undergraduate degree.

Yes. A bachelor's or master's degree from an accredited institution is required for admission into the Ph.D. program.

Can I speak with current students about their experience in the program?

Yes. We have an Admission Ambassadors program, and you can directly contact our G raduate Admissions Ambassadors.

How do I apply?

The University of Maryland’s Graduate School accepts applications through its EnrollmentRX application system. A step-by-step guide to applying is available. Before completing the application, applicants are asked to check the Admissions Requirements site for specific instructions. 

All application materials are submitted electronically:

• Graduate application
• Transcripts
• Statement of purpose
• Description of research interests
• Sample of scholarly writing
• Letters of recommendation (3)
• Non-refundable application fee ($75) for each program to which an applicant applies

The online application system provides guidance for all required materials including specific directions for each essay. Completed applications are reviewed by an admissions committee. Committee recommendations 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.

Applicants are encouraged to contact the EnrollmentRX online application’s helpdesk for any technical issues.

Am I eligible for an application fee waiver?

The University of Maryland Graduate School waives application fees to eligible students in participating programs. You can find more information here .

Does the department require the GRE?

No. The department no longer requires the GRE as of June 2020.

How do I apply to your program if I'm an international student?

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.

When is the application deadline?

Applications are due January 3, 2025 . 

Does the department explain why applicants were not admitted?

No. The Graduate Studies Committee examines all aspects of an application carefully, including TOEFL scores as relevant, transcripts, letters of recommendation, writing sample and statement of purpose.

If I was not admitted, may I apply again?

May i take graduate courses without being admitted if so, how can i apply.

Individuals may take graduate courses without admission into the program only by being accepted as an advanced special student by the Graduate School. By definition, an advanced special student is a student with no degree objectives. Advanced special student status does not guarantee later admission into the program. No more than 6 credits may later be transferred to the student's program upon admission into the program, and transfer credit is contingent upon approval of the student's advisory committee.   To apply for advanced special student status, complete an application in person or online at the Graduate School. Permission of the instructor is required for taking any course.

Admission Requirements

Does the department have a minimum undergraduate gpa requirement.

Yes. The Graduate School requires a minimum GPA of 3.0, and we must request special permission to admit students below this minimum. Consequently, exceptions are rare.

Do I have to take the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or other English test?

The department follows the Graduate School’s requirements for English language proficiency. Please visit the Graduate School’s website for most updated information. Please note that the department prioritizes applicants with TOEFL scores of 108 or higher and IELTS scores of 7.5 or higher.  For the University of Maryland to receive your TOEFL scores, please use our code: 5814.

When can I expect to be notified about my admission status?

The Graduate Studies Committee begins reviewing applications after the January deadline. Offers of admission are typically made from January through April.

Are there opportunities to speak with members of the department before applying?

Yes. This year, the department will host several virtual information sessions for interested applicants. Please email [email protected] for more information. You may also find it useful to see a list of graduate faculty and admission ambassadors (current graduate student volunteers).

During typical years, applicants can meet with faculty and graduate students at the annual Graduate Student Open House at the National Communication Association convention . The department usually hosts a reception one evening at the convention to which any interested applicant is welcome.

The department hosts an open house for admitted students in spring. If you are planning to travel to campus, you can find a list of possible accommodations near campus here .

Does the department require a previous degree in communication?

No. But one of the factors informing admission decisions is the fit between the applicant's background and interests with the research agendas of the department's faculty and graduate students. Admitted students without a degree in communication may be required to take additional coursework as part of their degree.

Does the department admit part-time graduate students?

In the past several years, the department has admitted only full-time graduate students.

May I transfer credits towards my degree?

Possibly. A maximum of six credits may be transferred with the approval of the student's advisory committee and co-graduate directors.

The Program

Can i receive an m.a..

We only admit doctoral students, but award an M.A. to students who enter with a bachelor’s degree and satisfy the M.A. requirements by the end of their second year. These requirements are explained in the Ph.D. Student Handbook.

How can I learn more about the Ph.D. program?

For questions not answered here, or more information about the Department of Communication Graduate Program, contact [email protected] . You can also contact any of our admission ambassadors directly or connect with the department on Facebook and Twitter.

What are the requirements for the Ph.D. degree?

The Ph.D. Student Handbook details requirements for those who enter the program with a bachelor’s degree and/or a master’s degree.

What is the average time for completing the Ph.D. degree?

Students are expected to finish the program in 4 to 5 years. Doctoral students who accept full-time employment elsewhere before finishing their dissertations often take longer. Another key factor affecting time to degree is the student's discipline in completing the prospectus and dissertation.

What is the average class size of the graduate classes in the department?

For the most part the graduate classes in our department are designed as seminars. Some classes are as small as 6 students; some are as large as 18. Most exist somewhere in between.

Funding/Assistantships

How does the department fund graduate students.

With rare exceptions, the department admits only full-time graduate students it funds predominately through teaching. Some students also work on funded research projects with faculty.    Teaching assistantships are 9.5 month appointments, although additional summer and winter-term teaching also may be available depending upon departmental needs. Assistantships pay a stipend and tuition remission for up to 10 credits per fall and spring semester. They also qualify students to enroll in a health insurance plan . Students are financially responsible for books, fees and other incidental expenses. Teaching assistantships are available to international students, but non-native speakers of English must submit adequate scores on the TOEFL (including the TWE component) and successfully complete the Maryland English Institute (MEI) prior to entering the classroom.   All of our Ph.D. students are funded. For students entering with a bachelor’s degree, assistantships are guaranteed for five consecutive years, as long as the student remains in good standing and is making satisfactory progress toward their degree. For students entering with a master’s degree, assistantships are guaranteed for four consecutive years. Both types of students may also apply for an additional year of funding once they have used up their guaranteed assistantships, but this additional year is not guaranteed. The department offers a limited number of recruitment fellowships each year to exceptional applicants and depending upon funds allocated by the university for these fellowships. Finally, campus offers various fellowship competitions, and students are encouraged to apply for those opportunities. The Graduate Studies Committee may also nominate students for those awards.

How do I apply for financial aid?

The financial aid form is not required to apply to the program or to receive a funded assistantship. The department admits only the number of graduate students it is able to fund through teaching or administrative assistantships. Students must apply for student loans separately and on their own.

What types of courses will I teach?

Beginning teaching assistants typically teach two sections of an introductory communication course supervised by a regular faculty member and supported by the department’s Oral Communication Program . Before and during the first semester, the course supervisor and assistants meet with new teaching assistants to prepare syllabi and discuss course content, evaluation of students, managing the classroom and other teaching issues. Some teaching assistants may assist regular faculty in large lecture courses. Eventually, many teaching assistants teach other, more advanced courses in their area of expertise and also under the supervision of a regular faculty member.

Are there opportunities for graduate student leadership, engagement, and support?

Yes! Graduate students have opportunities to become involved in organizations in the department and across the university.

The Graduate School has compiled a helpful list of campus resources available to graduate students. This list details a number of opportunities for community-building and support.

Does the university offer health benefits to graduate students?

Yes. Graduate School policy requires that all full-time graduate students on the College Park campus have health insurance. Students holding a graduate assistantship can choose to 1) enroll in a Maryland State Employee Health Insurance Plan, included in the benefits for the assistantship, 2) purchase the University's Student Health Insurance Plan (SHIP), or 3) purchase an external plan. You can learn more about health insurance for graduate students here .

Living in MD

Do graduate assistants receive travel money for conferences.

Yes. In addition to available department funds, there are opportunities to apply for college and university travel awards .

Does the university provide student housing?

The university has a limited amount of graduate student housing for which students may apply through the Graduate School .

Where can I find more information about College Park, the D.C. area and UM?

UMD has a page on the university's website devoted to familiarizing prospective students with the campus. For information about the academic resources in the greater College Park area, see the Graduate School's website . Other resources can be found through Off-Campus Housing Services .

How do students commute to campus?

Depending upon where students live, they can take public transit through either the Washington, D.C., Metro system , the MARC commuter rail system , the UMD free campus shuttles or the local bus system . The campus also includes ample bike parking. Vehicle parking is limited, but students can obtain a parking permit . 

For more information about the Department of Communication Graduate Program, contact [email protected] .

Additional resources.

• Ph.D. Program
• Graduate Faculty
• Graduate Student Organizations
• Graduate Placements

Ph.D. in English

Our nationally ranked Ph.D. program provides specialized training in literary, cultural and language studies for students who plan to teach at universities and colleges. 

Related Resources

• English Ph.D. Handbook
• Job Placement

English Ph.D. students pursue individualized programs of study within the parameters of our degree requirements; they share the qualities of excellent critical thinking and writing, and above all, of intellectual curiosity. Admission to the Ph.D. program is highly competitive, but all admitted students receive a five-year funding package. Once our students enter, they are mutually supportive and develop networks of collegial friends often maintained beyond their time at UMD.

Our students gain extensive teaching experience as part of their training at UMD, and our placement record is among the best in the nation.

Students moving successfully toward the Ph.D. degree are expected to complete the degree typically in five to six years. To maintain their status, students are expected to make satisfactory progress; those who do not may be eligible to change their degree objective from the Ph.D. to the M.A.

The Ph.D. curriculum offers opportunities for advanced study in a variety of literary and language fields, including literary and cultural history; aesthetic, critical and cultural theory; digital and media studies; humanistic engagement with the sciences; and language, rhetoric and composition. The curriculum addresses a series of broad questions relevant to such studies: What are the histories, genealogies and futures of literary, cultural and rhetorical studies? What is the relationship of such work to society, politics and history? To the media of representation and communication? To reading and writing practices? To disciplinarity and institutional contexts? How do we conceptualize, teach and apprehend aesthetics through literary and other modes of cultural expression? The courses available to doctoral students particularize such broad issues and, together with extensive attention to pedagogy and teacher-training, have as a general objective the training of students to identify and formulate compelling research questions and the preparation of students for long-term careers in academia.

The program combines flexibility with consistent and continuous mentorship from the faculty and the director of Graduate Studies (DGS). The degree requirements are as follows:

• a minimum of 10 courses (30 credits) at the graduate level, including three required courses, with a cumulative grade point average (GPA) of at least 3.6 (see Satisfactory Progress)
• between 3 and 6 credits of ENGL898, Pre-candidacy Research
• reading facility in a second language
• successful passage of a qualifying examination
• an approved dissertation prospectus
• a successful dissertation defense

Students who begin the Ph.D. program having earned an M.A. in English would be expected to complete a minimum of 8courses (24 credits) of coursework.

Course Requirements

The Ph.D. requires a minimum of 10 courses (30 credits) for students entering the program without an M.A. This includes 2 required courses. All coursework must be completed with a minimum of a 3.6 GPA (see Satisfactory Progress). Students are required to take ENGL601: “Introduction to Graduate Studies”; and ENGL611: “Approaches to College Composition” as part of their 10 course requirement. In addition, students will select a minimum of 8 additional graduate courses. The degree assumes conversance with the major body of English and American literature as well as familiarity with bibliography, research methods and other necessary tools of the trade.

Students may take up to 2 independent-study courses to fulfill 600-level electives. Students interested in taking an independent-study course for elective credit should collaborate with their professor in writing up an intended course of study and file it with the Graduate Office for approval by the DGS before the first day of classes each semester. Please see the form here .

Students may also make special arrangements to do additional work in their 600-level courses to have those courses count as a seminar/700 level course. Students wishing to take a 600-level class as a seminar must provide the Graduate Studies Office with the required seminar credit form and syllabus detailing the additional work that will be undertaken in order for the course to be counted as a 700-level seminar at the beginning of the semester. Students may not take an independent study for seminar/700 level credit except in extreme circumstances and only after receiving permission from the DGS.

Newly admitted Ph.D. students entering the program with an M.A. from another institution should meet with the director of Graduate Studies (DGS) to have their academic record evaluated; the DGS will establish what courses taken during the previous M.A. can count toward the Ph.D. distribution requirements or recommend courses that will enable their completion. Students who begin the Ph.D. program having earned an M.A. in English from another institution would be expected to complete a minimum of 8 courses (24 credits) of coursework, but may be required to complete more at the DGS’s discretion. All Ph.D. students should select courses with two primary goals in mind: 1) filling in gaps in their knowledge of literary history and 2) developing an area of scholarly expertise and professionalization.

The DGS will help students select courses and act as the general advisor for students entering the program. Students will be assigned mentoring teams just prior to their first semester and this mentoring team, in conjunction with the DGS, will help them select courses for the second semester. After the first year in coursework, students can work directly with their mentors to choose appropriate courses.

During the coursework phase of the program each student will meet with his or her advising team and/or the DGS in order to assess academic progress and to discuss his or her intended degree track and plans for professionalization. Students whose GPA for the first completed 15 credits of coursework is 3.0 or lower will be offered the option of pursuing the terminal M.A. degree or of resigning from the graduate program altogether.

A note on incompletes: Students are generally discouraged from taking incompletes, but especially so at the beginning of their coursework, in order to ensure that academic progress can be accurately assessed. If an incomplete is necessary in the first 15 credits of coursework, the DGS must be consulted in addition to the instructor of the course. 

Foreign Language Requirement

Students must demonstrate, by equivalencies or exam, reading knowledge of one language other than English. When satisfying this requirement, students are encouraged to choose a foreign language that is appropriate for his or her area of doctoral studies. The director of Graduate Studies (DGS), the student's mentors and the student will coordinate in determining the appropriate language. In addition to the foreign language requirement administered by the Graduate Studies Office (GSO), the student's dissertation committee may also recommend more advanced proficiency in the language selected and/or work in an additional language; however, the student is obliged to be tested on (or to provide an equivalent for) only one language. The foreign language requirement must be fulfilled before the student can be admitted to his or her qualifying exam and no later than the fifth semester in the program in order to maintain satisfactory progress.

Equivalencies : Equivalencies include: native speaking ability; undergraduate major; passage of an equivalent requirement in another graduate program; a grade of B or better in a 300-level course in the language taken at the University of Maryland after starting the Ph.D. program. A 300-level course must emphasize the fluent use of the language in a variety of formats and all major assignments in the course must be conducted in the language and not in English. The written work for the course must be evaluated for language and style as well as for organizational accuracy and coherence. The DGS will determine whether coursework or other equivalencies are appropriate and sufficiently recent to attest to proficiency.

Timeline : If foreign language equivalency is not fulfilled prior to admission, students have the option of taking a foreign language exam at the end of their first or second semester of the Ph.D. program. Students who have not fulfilled the foreign language requirement by the end of their second semester will test out of or enroll in a prerequisite entry-level foreign language class in their third semester. Students will have the opportunity of (re-) taking the exam during the first week of their third semester. Students who pass the exam can drop the prerequisite language class. Students who do not pass will complete (or test out of) the pre-requisite class and will have another opportunity to take the language exam at the end of their third semester. Students who have not fulfilled the foreign language requirement by the end of their third semester will take a 300-level language class in their fourth semester. Students who do not receive a grade of “B” or better in the foreign language class during their fourth semester will retake the class or/and the language exam in their fifth semester. (Students admitted prior to Fall 2015 must fulfill their foreign language requirement by their 5th semester in the program, and before taking a qualifying exam, but are exempt from the rest of this timeline.)

The Foreign Language Exam : At least one month prior to the exam, students will choose and submit to the GSO for its approval two books of at least 200 pages in the foreign language, one primary work and one secondary work (both works must have been originally written in the target language and may not be translated works). The GSO will determine the appropriateness of the student’s choice. ('Appropriateness' does not necessarily mean that the primary text must come from your period of specialization and that the secondary text must be about your period, simply that the texts are equivalent in difficulty to other texts students are tested on.) Once the student’s choice of texts has been approved, the GSO will assign an appropriate faculty member to administer the exam and provide this faculty member with a set of guidelines and expectations for the foreign language exam. The faculty member administering the exam will choose a 250- to 300-word passage from each, the primary and the secondary work. The student will have three hours to prepare the translation with the help of a dictionary. The faculty administrator will evaluate the translations and determine whether or not the student passed or failed, based on the guidelines provided by the GSO. The GSO will keep on file all exams and make them available to students preparing for the exam.

Students will be assigned two faculty mentors in their first year and will serve as a research assistant for one of them in the fall and the other in the spring.

These advising teams are charged with meeting with the student at least once each semester and with filing a report (no more than a page) each semester on the student’s progress with the Graduate Studies office. Students are expected to remain in regular contact with their advisors.  The members of each advising team will help students select courses, otherwise navigate the program and begin the process of professionalization, and they will act generally as resources for the student, as well as sign off on the student's self-evaluation form. The DGS will remain available to all students in all stages of the program to assist in advising.

As students are preparing to advance to candidacy, the advising team will help the student form the qualifying examination committee. The advising committee may be separate from the examination committee. From this point until the constitution of the dissertation defense committee, the qualifying examination committee will act as the student's primary advisors.

All students are expected to keep regular contact with the DGS and their advising teams throughout all stages of the program. Measures to be used to assess progress include the student’s grades, other evidence of the quality of coursework, schedule for meeting requirements for candidacy and schedule for completing the dissertation.

Qualifying Exams

To advance to candidacy, all Ph.D. students must complete the oral Qualifying Examination. The language requirement must be satisfied before a student can take his or her qualifying exam. Students should contact the Graduate Office eight weeks before to schedule an exam date and reserve a room. A signed copy of the reading list must also be submitted when scheduling the exam .

Planning for the Qualifying Examination

In order to be admitted to Qualifying Exams, students must have satisfactorily completed all their coursework and met the foreign language requirement. Students with outstanding incompletes in coursework are not eligible to take the exam. Students should consult with their appointed advising teams in forming an examination committee that will administer the Qualifying Exam and serve as the student's advising committee until the constitution of the dissertation committee. The exam committee consists of four graduate faculty members, including a chair and three committee members. (Please note that while many students do keep the same committee for their dissertation, it is not a requirement.) Students register for a range of 3 to 6 credit hours of ENGL898, “Pre-Candidacy Research,” and are expected to meet regularly with the chair and at least one member of their examination committees under this rubric.

We encourage Ph.D. students to take the Qualifying Examination by their sixth semester in the doctoral program and expect them to sit for the exam no later than their seventh semester. Students who received an M.A. prior to admission are expected to complete coursework more quickly and take their qualifying exams as early as the fifth semester in the program.

The Reading List

The Qualifying Examination is based on a reading list compiled by the student in consultation with his or her committee. The list will include roughly 80-120 works, chosen to cover two of the following categories: a literary period; a recognized field; the proposed area of the dissertation.  For students planning to work in literature, it is assumed that a 100-year period will be covered. The field may be interpreted as any discrete literary concern that has accrued a body of serious critical thought and may include such diverse subjects as genre; literary, linguistic or theoretical criticism or methodology; a sub-period. Typically, students develop a literary period or field list of approximately 75 works and a more focused list of 25 works on the proposed dissertation topic; also typically, around 80 percent of the list consists of primary texts and 20 percent of secondary titles. But there are wide varieties in lists (some will be longer than others; some will have more criticism than others; etc.) The reading list must be approved by the committee chair and all committee members eight weeks prior to the examination. A copy of the reading list, signed by your committee, must be turned into the Graduate Office eight weeks prior to scheduling the exam.

The exam consists of two 60-minute parts: 1) an oral presentation by the student and follow-up discussion of the presentation; 2) a general examination on the reading lists.

Working in consultation with other members of the committee and the student, the committee chair prepares 2-4 topics for part one of the exam, the student's oral presentation. The student will receive the topics from the Graduate Office one week before the oral examination. The exam begins with the student's 15-20-minute oral presentation on the selected topic. The student may bring a copy of the reading list and brief notes to the exam. Students may also use PowerPoint or any other technological aid for their presentation. A 35-40 minute discussion follows the student's presentation.

Part two is an approximately one-hour examination on the student's two reading lists. The emphasis here is on breadth.

At the conclusion of the examination the student leaves the room and the committee discusses and votes on the student's performance. Three passing votes constitute a passing grade on the exam. If the student fails the exam, they can retake the exam the following semester. The student will receive a written assessment from the chair of the committee indicating the reasons for the failure. The examination committee and reading list should remain the same from the initial to the second attempt. Changes must be requested, in writing, to the DGS, and may be made only upon approval by the DGS. Failing the exam a second time disqualifies the student from continuing in the Ph.D. program. The DGS or a representative from the Graduate Studies Committee will be present at the second attempt to ensure procedural fairness. The chair of the examining committee informs the director of Graduate Studies in writing about the result of the exam.

Teaching assistants receive a step promotion and a small raise in stipend once they have advanced to candidacy. Upon advancing to candidacy, the student has four years to complete the dissertation; the Graduate School grants extensions only in extreme circumstances.  Students generally complete the dissertation in 2-3 years. Candidacy forms to be submitted to the Graduate School must be filed at the English graduate office. See Ph.D. Deadlines and Paperwork. Upon advancing to candidacy, students are expected to file a dissertation progress form (save to your hard drive to access the text fields) with the Graduate Office each semester.

Dissertation Prospectus

The prospectus is to be submitted within four months of passing the qualifying exam. The prospectus establishes that the student has defined a research question that is worth pursuing and is in a position to do a good job of pursuing it. The prospectus should be developed in consultation with your committee.

Dissertation

Students have successfully passed the qualifying exam and have advanced to candidacy. Upon advancing to candidacy, students are expected to file a dissertation progress form with the Graduate Office each semester. Ph.D. candidates are expected to file an approved dissertation prospectus within four months of passing the qualifying exam. At least three of the four members of the student’s dissertation committee are expected to meet annually with the student to review progress. A successful defense of dissertation is the final requirement for the degree. Students must graduate within four years of advancing to candidacy. All graduate students must register for courses and pay associated tuition and fees each semester, not including summer and winter sessions, until the degree is awarded. 

Dissertation Committee

The Ph.D. student should be thinking about assembling a Dissertation Committee while still taking courses and identifying areas of specialization for the Qualifying Examination. In many cases, the dissertation committee is the same as the Qualifying Examination committee. A Dissertation Committee consists of four faculty members (one of whom may be University of Maryland faculty outside of the English department), who advise the student on his/her dissertation. One member serves as the student's dissertation director. All members of the dissertation committee must be members of the University of Maryland's graduate faculty. If a student wishes to include in his or her dissertation committee a person who is not currently a member of the University's general graduate faculty, that person will have to be nominated by the department as adjunct or special member of the university's graduate faculty and approved as such by the Graduate School. The nomination by the department is made on the recommendation of the department's full graduate faculty by simple majority.

The Ph.D. student should consult with the director of Graduate Studies and his or her advising team concerning the selection of the Dissertation Committee.

The prospectus should demonstrate that the student:

• has defined and delimited an interesting research question
• can explain the importance of the research question and the contribution that it will make to the field
• is familiar with the existing scholarship related to the research question and can describe the relationship of the dissertation project to that scholarship (review of the literature)
• has developed a theoretical framework for the argument and a methodology for your project.

The prospectus should be between 8-12 pages in length. It should be written in clear prose and include a bibliography. The prospectus, including a one-page abstract and the completed prospectus form (signed by the all four committee members), should be turned in to the English graduate office.

Dissertation Workshop

We urge students to take the Dissertation Workshop (1 credit of ENGL898) in the semester following successful passage of the qualifying examination. Taught by members of the department’s faculty and convened weekly as a seminar, usually during the fall semester, the workshop concentrates on helping students advance their work on the dissertation, whether they are developing a prospectus or writing individual chapters.

Dissertation Template

Please refer to the Graduate School instructions for dissertation templates here (full dissertation template available here ) for clarity and guidance in constructing your dissertation for submission and committee review.

Dissertation Defense Committee

When the dissertation is nearly complete and the major advisor has approved moving on to this penultimate step, the Ph.D. candidate 1) submits to the Graduate School a request to appoint the Dissertation Oral Committee and 2) schedules the dissertation defense. Consisting of five faculty, this committee normally includes the four members of the candidate's Dissertation Committee and an additional member of the university’s graduate faculty serving as the graduate dean's representative.  

In accordance with Graduate School regulations, that representative must be from outside the department. All members of the Defense Committee appointed by the Graduate School must attend the defense. Students must submit their final draft of their dissertation to their committee at least two weeks before the defense date. Typically, the defense is a two-hour discussion of the dissertation. Four of the five members of the Dissertation Defense Committee must approve the dissertation in order for the student to pass.  

Please see the Dissertation Policies here

Submission of Dissertation

The approved dissertation must be submitted electronically to the Graduate School by the deadlines posted for graduation in a given semester (see the Graduate School Deadlines ). Information about all aspects of electronic submission of the dissertation is available on the Graduate School's website .

Completing the Ph.D. involves careful attention to deadlines imposed and paperwork required by the Graduate School.

Students are expected to complete their coursework and meet the foreign language requirement by no later than their fifth semester in the program. Please contact the Graduate Office to schedule your language exam and confirm the acceptability of equivalences if you wish to not take an exam to meet your language requirement. 

Students are expected to advance to candidacy by successfully passing their qualifying examination by their seventh semester in the program. Please contact the Graduate Office to schedule your qualifying exam. Submit your form for candidacy advancement to the Graduate Office (2116 Tawes) upon successful completion of your qualifying exam. Upon advancing to candidacy, students are expected to file a dissertation progress form with the Graduate Office each semester.

Students must file an approved dissertation prospectus with the Graduate Office no later than four months following the qualifying examination. 

Specific deadlines for students intending to graduate will be announced on the English graduate-student reflector and are also available from the Graduate School's Deadlines for Graduates . Most of the necessary paperwork for these deadlines can be found on the Graduate School's General Forms for Graduate Students .

Graduate Admissions

We seek applicants who will enhance our highly motivated, academically accomplished, and intellectually and culturally diverse student body. We normally receive about 100 applications annually for M.A. and Ph.D. programs.

Ph.D. Application Instructions

Submit the complete application and all supporting materials by December 1, 2023 . Please note that the system will close promptly at midnight, so you will be unable to edit your application past 11:59 pm on this date. The system is set to Maryland time (EST). If you are uncertain about what time that the system will close in your timezone, please look it up. We are unable to make exceptions for late applications based on timezone.

Admission to the Ph.D. is highly competitive. If you would like to be considered for the M.A. program if not selected for the Ph.D. program, please indicate that in your personal statement. We expect to enroll between 6-8 Ph.D. students for this year's cohort.

University of Maryland's Graduate Application Process

The University of Maryland’s Graduate School accepts applications through its 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
• Non-refundable application fee ($75) for each program
• Statement of Goals, Research Interests, and Experiences. The statement, which should be around 1000 words, should address relevant aspects of your educational experience, the focus of your academic interests, and reasons for applying to our program. If you are applying to the PhD program but would like to be considered for the MA if you are not selected for the PhD, please indicate that here.
• Unofficial transcripts of your entire college/university record (undergraduate and graduate), including records of any advanced work done at another institution. Electronic copies of these unofficial transcripts must be uploaded along with your on-line application. Official transcripts will be required after an applicant is admitted to the program.
• Three letters of recommendation . In your on-line application, please complete fully the information requested for your recommenders and ask them to submit their letters electronically. We do not accept letters through Interfolio.
•  A single sample of critical writing of approximately 12-20 pages double-spaced (not including works cited/bibliography). While we encourage you to submit your best writing sample, we prefer a writing sample in your declared field of interest. If you are submitting an excerpted selection, please include a brief description or introduction to the selection. The MLA citation format is preferred.
• Academic CV/Resume

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 .

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.

Questions related to the admissions process, prospective students may contact the Graduate School .

Prospective Student FAQ

Because many of our applicants share general questions about the application process, we have compiled a list of frequently asked questions to make applying a bit easier.

History PhD

First awarded by the University of Maryland in 1937, the Doctorate in History is conferred for superior achievement in historical research, writing, and interpretation.

Additional Information

• Forms and Resources
• Funding and Awards
• People (Department Directory)

PhD Program Overview

The Doctorate in History (PhD) is an essential component in the training of professional historians. The most significant requirement of the PhD degree program is the dissertation, an original and noteworthy contribution to historical knowledge. In anticipation of dissertation research, students spend several years mastering bibliographical tools, research and writing methods, and general, special, and minor fields of study.

Admission to the PhD program is offered to highly qualified applicants holding at least a Bachelor's (BA) degree, normally in History or a related discipline. Application and admissions procedures are described on the Department of History's  graduate admissions page .

The length of time required to complete the PhD varies by field of study and student. Students admitted with a Bachelor's (BA) degree might expect to complete the program in five to six years of full-time study. Students entering with a Master of Arts (MA) degree might expect to complete the program in four to five years of full-time study. The degree must be completed in no more than nine years.  Students typically take two years of course work, prepare for and take language exams (if required for their field) and comprehensive exams, and then research and write the dissertation.

Program Requirements and Policies

General program requirements.

• Course work in the major and minor fields
• Language examinations if required by field
• Comprehensive examinations
• Dissertation prospectus
• Advancement to candidacy
• The dDssertation

Each of these program requirements must be met before the PhD can be conferred.

Course Requirements

All PhD students entering with a Bachelor's (BA) degree (or equivalent) must take, at a minimum, the following courses (total 30 credits, not including 12 credits of “Dissertation Research”):

• Contemporary Theory (HIST 601; 3 credits)
• Major Field General Seminar (HIST 608; 3 credits)
• Readings courses in the major field (HIST 6XX and 7XX; 9 credits)
• Readings courses in the minor field (HIST 6XX and 7XX; 9 credits)
• Research seminars (HIST 8XX; 6 credits)
• Dissertation Research (HIST 898/899; 12 credits)

Special Notes:

• Courses completed during previous post-baccalaureate degree programs and/or at other institutions may be considered to satisfy course requirements. However, students entering the PhD program with a Master's (MA) degree or equivalent in History or a related discipline must take a minimum of two  600-800 level courses in the major field, one of which should be with the major advisor.
• Requests for course requirement waivers, equivalency, and credit transfers should be directed to the Director of Graduate Studies. A request must include the course syllabus and transcripts showing the final grade. The endorsement of the advisor is typically sought.
• Up to nine credit hours of major and minor field readings courses may be taken at the 400 level.  Students seeking to take a 400 level course for graduate credit should consult the instructor of record to discuss course expectations before registering.
• HIST 708/709: “Directed Independent Reading for Comprehensive Examinations” does not count toward the nine-credit readings seminar requirement.
• Students in the U.S. and Latin America fields are expected to take two major field seminars (HIST 608)–in this case, one of these 608s will be counted toward the “Readings courses in the major field” requirement.
• Students must complete the entire program for the doctoral (PhD) degree, including the dissertation and final examination, during a four-year period after admission to candidacy, but no later than nine years after admission to the doctoral (PhD) program. Students must be advanced to candidacy within five years of admission to the doctoral (PhD) program. 

Fields of Study

Doctoral students should choose one of the following as their “major field” of study:

Global Interaction and Exchange

• Jewish History (Classical Antiquity to the Present)

Latin America

Middle East

• Technology, Science, and Environment

United States

Learn more about fields of study and faculty work produced in each field by visiting the research fields page .

The Minor Field

All doctoral students are required to complete a minor field of study outside the major field of study. This requirement is typically met through nine credit hours of coursework. However, a student may opt to satisfy the requirement by written examination.

A minor field is usually a field of history outside the student's major field of concentration. For example, a student in the U.S. field may select a minor field in Latin American history; a student in the Women & Gender field may select a minor field in European history. The minor field may be a standard national-chronological field (e.g., 19th-century United States; Imperial Russia; Postcolonial India), or it may be a cross-cultural, cross-regional thematic field (e.g., the Atlantic in the era of the slave trade; gender and Islam). Or, it might be taken in a department or program outside of History (e.g., Women's Studies, English, Government & Politics, Classics and Comparative Literature).

For students opting to satisfy the minor field requirement via coursework, all courses must be approved by the student's advisor and must, to the satisfaction of the advisor and the Graduate Committee, form a coherent field of historical inquiry distinct from the general field. Courses taken at the master's level may count towards fulfillment of the minor field requirements, subject to the approval of the advisor and, in the case of courses taken at outside institutions, of the director of graduate studies.

Language Requirements

Language requirements must be fulfilled before a student is admitted to candidacy. While no MA degree requires language examinations, students will often have to learn one or more foreign languages in their field of study to successfully complete their research. They will also need to learn these languages if they wish to continue on towards a PhD. When applying for either program, preference will be given to students with prior experience with languages in their fields of study.

Language requirements differ across the varying fields within history.

No foreign language requirements for the PhD. If a student’s dissertation topic requires research in foreign language materials, the advisor will decide if the student needs to show proficiency by taking an examination in the language in question.

Spanish and Portuguese. For admission, applicants will be evaluated on their language abilities, and preference will be given to applicants with a strong command of Spanish and/or Portuguese. All PhD students must show proficiency by examination in both languages by the time they are admitted to candidacy. Exceptions to one of those languages (typically Portuguese) if the student’s dissertation requires the use of indigenous languages or documents produced by ethnic minorities. In such cases, students must be proficient in those languages.

One language (in addition to English). Depending on the field, the adviser may determine that the student needs to show proficiency in an additional language.

For admission, students must have proficiency at the advanced intermediate level in at least one major Middle Eastern language (Arabic, Persian or Turkish). All PhD students must acquire advanced proficiency in their chosen language either by course work or exam by the time they are admitted to candidacy. In addition, students must demonstrate proficiency in one European language by the time of their comprehensive exams.

Ancient Mediterranean

For admission, students should present knowledge of classical Greek and Latin at the intermediate level and reading knowledge of either French or German. Knowledge of classical Greek, Latin, French and German is required for the PhD. Other language skills, eg. Italian, Spanish, Modern Greek or Hebrew, may prove to be necessary for dissertation research but are not formal program requirements. Students satisfy the requirement in Latin and Greek in one of two ways: either by completing three upper level or graduate courses (400-600 level) in each language and obtaining at least a B in all courses and an A- or better in at least two of the courses; or by passing a departmental sight translation exam. This exam consists of translating (with the help of a dictionary) three passages of three sentences each (roughly one-fourth to one-third OCT page) selected from prose authors of average difficulty. Students show proficiency in French and German through the regular departmental language exams.

Medieval Europe

For admission, proficiency in either Latin, French or German and familiarity with a second of those languages. All PhD students must demonstrate proficiency in Latin, French and German. They can satisfy the Latin requirement in one of two ways: either by taking three upper level or graduate courses (400-600 level) and obtaining at least a B in all courses and an A- or better in at least two of the courses; or by passing a departmental sight translation exam. This exam consists of translating (with the help of a dictionary) three passages of three sentences each (roughly one-fourth to one-third OCT page) selected from medieval prose authors of average difficulty. Students show proficiency in French and German through the regular departmental language exams. Depending on the field, students may have to know an additional national/regional language like Spanish or Italian.

Early Modern Europe

For admission, proficiency in one foreign language related to the field. All PhD students must demonstrate proficiency in two foreign languages. Depending on the field, students may also have to know Latin.

Modern Europe

For admission, students must know the language of the country or region in which they are interested. All PhD students must demonstrate proficiency in the language of the country/region in which they are interested plus another European language.

Russia/Soviet Union

For admission, three years of Russian or the equivalent. All PhD students must demonstrate proficiency in Russian plus either French or German. Depending on the area of interest, the adviser may require an additional language.

For admission, advanced intermediate-level proficiency in modern Hebrew. All PhD students must demonstrate proficiency in modern Hebrew and one other language necessary for their fields. The advisor may require other languages as necessary.

Chinese History

For admission, students must have had at least two years of university-level Chinese language courses. All PhD students must acquire advanced proficiency in Chinese since they will be using Chinese documents for their dissertations.  Before admission to candidacy students must pass a Chinese language exam in which they will translate about 30 lines of modern, scholarly Chinese into English. As with all departmental language exams, students will be able to use a dictionary, and they will have four hours to complete the translation.

Language Examinations

Except as specified for Latin and ancient Greek, the typical language proficiency examination includes a summary and translation of a passage from a work of modern scholarship in the student’s field. The director of graduate studies appoints a faculty member, typically the student’s advisor, to coordinate the exam and select an excerpt from a published work of historical scholarship in the student’s field. Students write a 200-300 word summary of this five-to-seven page excerpt from the scholarly literature in their fields, and then they do a direct translation of an indicated 30-line passage within that excerpt. The direct translation must be accurate and rendered in idiomatic English. Students have four hours to complete the exam, and they may use a language dictionary that they themselves provide.

Language exams can be taken at any time before candidacy. The exams are read by two members of the faculty: typically, the student’s advisor, who chooses the passage and serves as chair of the exam committee, and one other member of the faculty chosen by the D\director of graduate studies in consultation with the advisor. Faculty from outside the department who have the necessary expertise are eligible to serve as evaluators. The two possible grades are pass and fail. If the two readers do not agree, the director of graduate studies will appoint a third faculty member to read the exam. Students who do not pass on the first attempt may retake the examination without prior approval. After a second failure, the student must petition for reexamination. The chair of the language exam committee will notify the director of graduate studies about the results of the exam within one week after the exam, and the graduate coordinator will notify the student in writing about the results, which will then be inserted into the student’s records. All students should normally pass their language examinations during their third year of the program, though given the complexity of the language requirements in different fields of study, the department recognizes the need to exercise some flexibility in the timing of this requirement.

• Comprehensive Examinations

Comprehensive examinations (comps) are a standard feature of historical training in the United States. The examinations require the examinee to demonstrate mastery of historical scholarship and historiography in a major field, including specialized mastery of the authors, themes, works and topics most relevant to the intended dissertation topic. All students register for HIST 708/709: “Directed Independent Reading for Comprehensive Examinations” for two semesters, once in the semester prior to the one in which they are scheduled to take the examinations (normally the fifth semester of the student’s program) and the second in the same semester as their examinations (normally the sixth semester of the student’s program). As noted above, these courses do not count towards the nine-credit readings seminar requirement.

Comprehensive examinations include the following:

• A special field examination in the form of an essay. Students prepare an essay of 4,000 to \5,000 words in length, 16-20 pages, double-spaced in a 12-point font. The special field is a subfield of the major field in which the dissertation is centered.
• A take-home major field examination administered in written format. Students have 48 hours to complete the exam, which should be 5,000 to 6,000 words, 20-24 pages, double-spaced in a 12-point font in length.
• A two-hour oral examination by the examination committee, including coverage of both the take-home major field exam and the essay that comprises the special field exam.

Timeline : The comprehensive examinations are administered during the first half of the student’s sixth semester in the program. The special field essay has to be submitted to the graduate coordinator before the student takes the major field examination. The oral examination follows within two weeks of passing the major field examination and the special field essay. Students entering the program with an MA in history might be expected to complete their comprehensive examinations during their fifth semester in the program. (Also see the “Combined Timeline for Comprehensive Examinations and the Prospectus” at the end of this document.)

Reading Lists : The format, content and length of the reading lists for the comprehensive examinations vary by field but the list should normally be in the range of 200 to 250 books. Of these, about two-thirds should be in the major field and one-third in the special field. In all fields, students develop their reading lists in consultation with their advisors and other members of the examination committee. The reading list must be compiled and approved by the examination committee by the end of their second-year summer (after the student’s fourth semester in the program). For students coming in with an MA in history who would like to take their examinations during their fifth semester in the program, the list must be ready by the end of the student’s third semester. After approval, limited changes may be made solely by mutual agreement of the student and his/her advisor.

The examination committee : The examination committee consists of three or four members of the Graduate Faculty, typically all members of the history faculty. The director of graduate studies designates the committee members and chair, in consultation with the major advisor and the student. The committee chair shall not be the student's advisor. All committee members contribute questions to the written and oral examinations. Most or all of these same committee members are normally also on the student’s dissertation committee but the composition of the examination and prospectus committees do not need to be the same.

Grading : Comprehensive examinations will be graded pass, pass with distinction or fail.

Combined Timeline for Comprehensive Exams and Prospectus

• Both the initial version of the prospectus and the special field essay are due before the major field take-home examination during the first half of the sixth semester of the student's program.
• The major field take-home examination should be completed also during the first half of the sixth semester of the student's program after the initial version of the prospectus and the special field essay are submitted.
• The two-hour oral examination on both the take-home major field exam and the essay that comprises the special field exam follows within two weeks of passing the major field examination and the special field exam. This oral exam can take place during the second half of the sixth semester of the student’s program.
• The one-hour oral examination based on the initial version of the prospectus also takes place during the second half of the sixth semester of the student’s program but only after successful completion of the two-hour oral examination (#3 above).
• The final version of the prospectus as approved by the advisor is due on the first day of the academic semester that immediately follows the comprehensive examinations, which is normally the seventh semester of the student’s program.

Prospectus & Candidacy

Dissertation Prospectus

The dissertation prospectus is a written précis of the proposed dissertation research, its significance, the sources and methods to be used, the relevant bibliography including primary source materials and the plan of completion. It is intended to form the substance of grant proposals students will write in order to apply for both internal and external grants and fellowships. Each field of study has its own expectations for the length of the prospectus, but normally these should be concise documents not to exceed 10-12 pages in length, followed by a bibliography. In all fields, the prospectus is developed by the student in close collaboration with the advisor and other members of the examination committee.

The preparation of the prospectus includes the following stages :

• An initial version of the prospectus.
• A one-hour oral examination based on that initial version.
• A final version incorporating any revisions suggested by members of the dissertation committee and approved by the advisor submitted to the graduate coordinator.

Timeline : The initial draft version of the prospectus should be submitted to the graduate coordinator during the first half of the student’s sixth semester before the student takes the major field examination, normally at the same time as the special field essay. The one-hour oral examination of the prospectus based on the initial version is scheduled during the second half of the student’s sixth semester in the program following satisfactory completion of the comprehensive examinations. The final version of the prospectus as approved by the advisor is due on the first day of the academic semester that immediately follows the comprehensive examination. (Also see the “Combined Timeline for Comprehensive Examinations and the Prospectus” at the end of this document.)

The relationship between the prospectus and the special field Essay: The special field essay normally covers the historiography of the entire subfield within the major field in which the dissertation is anchored, while the prospectus is more narrowly concerned with the specific research topic of the dissertation.

The examination committee: The prospectus oral examination committee consists of the advisor and at least two other members of the Graduate Faculty, who are normally also members of the student’s dissertation committee. The advisor chairs the examination. All committee members contribute questions to the oral examination and make suggestions for revisions. Upon passing the oral examination, the student will complete any revisions requested (as determined by the advisor and the committee) and submit the final prospectus approved by the advisor to the graduate program coordinator.

MA “Along the Way”

When a student receives a pass or pass with distinction and the endorsement to continue on in the PhD program, the student has the option to request that the Master of Arts degree be conferred "along the way," subject to fulfillment of the standard requirements of the MA degree.

In some instances, the examination committee may recommend that a PhD student taking comprehensive examinations be given a pass at the MA level, sufficient for the conferral of a terminal master's degree. Such a recommendation will be made with the expectation that the student not continue on towards doctoral candidacy.

Petition for Reexamination

In the case of failure of a language examination taken for the second time or one or more components of the comprehensive examinations and the prospectus preparation process (special field essay, take-home major field examination, two-hour oral examination and prospectus oral examination), the student may petition the director of graduate studies to take the whole examination or the relevant component(s) a second time. If the petition is approved, the student may retake the examination as soon as possible. A student may petition only once to retake all or part of the comprehensive examinations and the prospectus preparation process.

Successful completion of the prospectus is typically the last step before application for advancement to candidacy.

• Advancement to Candidacy

A doctoral student advances to candidacy when all degree requirements (i.e., course work, demonstrated competence in languages or special skills, comprehensive examinations and the dissertation prospectus) have been satisfied, with the exception of the dissertation.

Formal admission to candidacy (sometimes known as "All but Dissertation" or "ABD" status) is granted by the dean of the Graduate School. The application is routed through the director of graduate studies.

Advising & Committees

Each student admitted to the PhD program will choose an advisor who is a member of the Graduate Faculty and whose intellectual interests are compatible with the student's plan of study. All graduate students are required to choose an advisor by November 1 of their first semester. If they do not choose an advisor by that date, the director of graduate studies will appoint one for them. The faculty advisor will be responsible for advising the student on all aspects of their academic program, for approving the student's course of study each semester, for monitoring their progress through the program,and for notifying the student of the nature and timing of examinations and other evaluative procedures. The advisor, in consultation with the student and the director of graduate studies, will be responsible for constituting the Comprehensive Examination and Dissertation Examination committees. The advisor will also represent the student to the Graduate Committee, as appropriate.

At the conclusion of the first year of study, all students will make available to their advisor a transcript of coursework and major written work completed during the first year. Upon review of the appropriate materials, the advisor will then recommend to the director of graduate studies continuation, modification or, as appropriate, termination of the student's program. All recommendations for termination require discussion and approval of the Graduate Committee.

Students may change advisors. The director of graduate studies and the new faculty advisor shall approve changes in advisors before a student advances to candidacy. After advancement to candidacy, changes shall be approved only by petition to the Graduate Committee. A change of advisor must be recorded in the student's electronic file.

Registration and Degree Progress

Continuous Registration

All graduate students must register for courses and pay associated tuition and fees each semester, not including summer and winter sessions, until the degree is awarded.

Pre-candidacy doctoral students who will be away from the university for up to one year may request a waiver of continuous registration and its associated tuition and fees. Waivers shall be granted only if the student is making satisfactory progress toward the degree and can complete all the degree requirements within the required time limits. Interruptions in continuous registration cannot be used to justify an extension to time-to-degree requirements.

Once advanced to candidacy, a student is no longer eligible for Waivers of Continuous Registration. Doctoral candidates must maintain continuous registration in HIST 899: “Doctoral Dissertation Research” until the degree is awarded.

The Graduate School makes available an official leave absence for childbearing, adoption, illness and dependent care. The dean of the Graduate School must approve the leave. The time-to-degree clock is suspended during an approved leave of absence.

Additional information on continuous registration and leave absence policies is published online in the Graduate Catalog.

Time-to-Degree

All students admitted to the doctoral program are expected to

• advance to candidacy within three years from initial enrollment in the Ph.D. program, and
• complete all degree requirements within six years of entering the program.

Progress-to-Degree

All students in the doctoral program will be expected to demonstrate steady progress toward the completion of degree requirements. At a minimum, the Graduate School requires students to maintain a B average in all graduate courses. However, the Department of History expects a higher level of performance, with the great majority of a student’s grades at the level of an A- or above.

Students in major fields that require lengthy language or special skill acquisition might be granted a one-year extension to progress-to-degree expectations. Additional extensions will require the approval of the Graduate Committee.

In order to meet progress-to-degree expectations :

• 800-level research seminar work should normally be completed by the end of the fourth semester in the program.
• The major field reading list must be compiled and approved by the examination committee by the end of the summer after the student’s fourth semester in the program.
• Students should complete their comprehensive examinations by the end of their sixth semester in the program. Students coming in with an M.A. in history should normally complete their comprehensive examinations by the end of their fifth semester in the program.
• Each student will be expected to submit a copy of the final dissertation prospectus approved by the advisor to the graduate program coordinator at the beginning of their seventh academic semester in the program.
• All students should normally pass their language examinations during the third year of their program.
• The director of graduate studies will review fully each student's progress-to-degree as well as the overall progress-to-degree by degree cohort at least once a year.

Failure to make satisfactory progress-to-degree or to maintain the expected grade point average may result in the suspension or loss of departmental funding, the denial of a petition for extensions, and in extreme cases, a recommendation for dismissal.

NOTE : The above guidelines on continuous registration, time-to-degree and progress-to-degree guidelines are for students matriculating in fall 2018 or thereafter. Students entering the graduate program in prior semesters are subject to guidelines at time of matriculation.

Extensions and Waivers

The Graduate Committee will consider petitions for waivers to departmental guidelines. Petitions for waivers to Graduate School requirements must be submitted to the dean of the Graduate School, using the appropriate form. In most instances, the petitioning student will be required to provide a rationale for the waiver request, and, as appropriate, a convincing plan of study. The advice of the student's advisor may be sought. The advisor will be required to endorse any waiver request that involves extensions to overall time-to-degree as well as the major benchmarks of progress-to-degree.

All petitions should be directed to the director of graduate studies. The director of graduate studies, and in some cases the dean of the Graduate School, will notify the student of their disposition of petitions for extensions.

Sample Program of Study

Introduction.

The program of study often varies by field and many factors may extend or reorder the sequence and length of the program of study.

The following program of study assumes that the doctoral student will be assigned a teaching assistantship in the second, third and fourth years of study. Students coming in with an MA in history will be expected to complete the program in five or five and a half years.

Foreign language study is not incorporated into this program.

 First Year (Departmental Fellowship)

• Major Field General Seminar (608) or Contemporary Theory (HIST 601)
• Major Field Readings Seminar
• Minor Field Course
• Research Seminar OR Minor Field Course
• Exploratory Research

Second Year (Teaching Assistantship)

• 2 courses out of the following three categories:
• Research Seminar 
• Research Seminar
• Reading for Comprehensive Examinations
• Initial Prospectus Preparation

Third Year (Teaching Assistantship)

• HIST 708: Readings for Comprehensives”
• Prospectus Preparation 
• Grant Applications
• HIST 709: “Readings for Comprehensive Examinations”
• Prospectus Oral Examination 
• Final Version of Prospectus
• Dissertation Research

Fourth Year (Teaching Assistantship)

• Dissertation Research (HIST 899)

Fifth Year (Departmental or External Fellowship)

• Grant Applications  

Spring & Summer

• Dissertation Writing

Sixth Year  (Departmental or External Fellowship)

• Job applications  
• Job applications

Graduate Placement

Learn more about the career and life paths of our PhD alumni.

Graduate Coordinator, History

2131 Francis Scott Key Hall College Park MD, 20742

Department of Computer Science and Electrical Engineering

College of engineering and information technology, computer science (m.s., m.p.s. and ph.d.).

UMBC’s Computer Science and Electrical Engineering Department offers both M.S. and Ph.D. programs in Computer Science. Below you will find information on both Computer Science graduate programs, and information about how to apply.  We also offer a M.P.S. (Masters in Professional Studies) in Cybersecurity, two graduate certificate programs in Cybersecuity and are developing an M.P.S. program and graduate certificate programs in Data Science.

M.S. in Computer Science

Students pursuing a Masters of Science (M.S.) in Computer Science must choose between the thesis and non-thesis options. The thesis option requires the completion of 30 credits, including six credits of CMSC 799.  The thesis must be defended with an oral examination and approved by the student’s master’s thesis committee. The non-thesis option requires the completion of 33 credits.  All students must complete CMSC 641 Algorithms, one course chosen from the “system” area, and one course chosen from the “applications” area.  The degree must be completed within five years and students must maintain a minimum G.P.A. of 3.0. For more details about the Master’s program in Computer Science, see the Computer Science Graduate Handbook (linked in the main menu above).

Ph.D. in Computer Science

Students pursuing a Doctorate of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Computer Science are required to complete 11 courses, including three core courses in addition to 18 credit hours of doctoral dissertation research. Ph.D. students must complete and defend their dissertation, pass the comprehensive portfolio, and pass the preliminary examination and admission to candidacy. In addition, Ph.D. students must complete a minimum of three years of full-time graduate study, with at least one year of full-time study at UMBC. The program must be completed within 4 years after admission to doctoral candidacy and students must maintain a G.P.A. of 3.0. For more details about the Ph.D. program in Computer Science, see the Computer Science Graduate Handbook (linked in the main menu above).

Core Courses

• CMSC 641: Design and Analysis of Algorithms
• one course chosen from the “system” area
• one course chosen from the “applications” area

In addition to the core courses, a wide range of elective and special topics courses are offered in areas such as: cybersecurity and information assurance, natural language processing, databases, data mining, mobile and wearable computing, cognitive systems and architectures, semantic web, machine learning, and networking. For a list of Computer Science graduate courses, see the Graduate Course Catalog .

Research Areas

• Artificial Intelligence : Intelligent decision support, semantic representations and ontologies, interactive AI systems, preference modeling, reasoning under uncertainty.
•   Machine Learning and Data Mining : Knowledge-intensive learning, preference learning, unsupervised perceptual learning, privacy-preserving data mining, ML applications.
•  Multi-Agent Systems : Trust modeling, self-organizing agent networks and swarm systems.
•   Wireless sensor networks : mobile applications, context-aware systems.
•   Web 2.0 : Semantic web, knowledge discovery and modeling, policy models, service-oriented computing.
• Graphics and Visualization : Light and shading, realistic and artistic rendering, graphics hardware, understanding data, use of color and texture for visualization, perceptual studies and evaluation.
• Game Development : Use of computer science concepts in game programming, especially graphics and AI, networks, parallel programming, and databases. Multidisciplinary team development.
• Systems:  Operating systems, distributed systems, cloud computing, and high-performance computing.
• Security:  cognitive security, IoT security, cryptography, system security, code and malware analysis.

Meet the Professors

Dr. Tim Finin specializes in artificial intelligence and has been working on developing smart phones that can gauge their user’s “context.” “What I have always found interesting since I was an undergraduate was the idea that we could make machines as smart as people,” explains Dr. Finin, whose research involving semantic web technology is directed towards realizing that goal.

A list of the Department’s Regular Faculty is here .

How to Apply

Prerequisites for Admission

An applicant to the graduate program in computer science is expected to have a strong background in computer science and mathematics courses. Applicants are expected to have taken the equivalent of the following UMBC courses:

• CMSC 203: Discrete Structures
• CMSC 313: Computer Organization & Assembly Languages
• CMSC 331: Principles of Programming Languages
• CMSC 341: Data Structures
• CMSC 411: Computer Architecture
• CMSC 421: Principles of Operating Systems
• CMSC 441: Algorithm Design and Analysis
• MATH 151: Calculus I
• MATH 152: Calculus II
• MATH 221: Introduction to Linear Algebra
• At least one more advanced math course

AND, at least 1 course from the following list:

• CMSC 435: Computer Graphics
• CMSC 451: Automata Theory & Formal Languages
• CMSC 455: Numerical Computations
• CMSC 461: Database Management Systems
• CMSC 471: Artificial Intelligence
• CMSC 481: Computer Networks

The Application Process

Apply online through UMBC’s Graduate School Website . Applicants must also submit:

• An Official Transcript
• Three Letters of Recommendation
• Statement of purpose
• Graduate Record Examination (GRE) scores
• TOEFL scores (International students only)

Application Deadlines

International Students

• Fall: January 7th
• Spring: June 1st

Domestic Students

• Fall: January 7th (for financial consideration), June 1st
• Spring: June 1st (for financial consideration), November 1st

Further details can be found by following these links:

• Accreditation
• Consumer Information
• Equal Opportunity
• Privacy PDF Download
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I am interested in:.

• I am interested in: Undergraduate
• I am interested in: Graduate
• I am interested in: Professional Masters

Transfer Eligibility & Application Requirements

Eligibility requirements.

Students enrolled in a non-MSW graduate program can transfer up to 6 credits that will be considered elective credits. Transcript review occurs after students have been accepted into the program and are conducted by the Director of Registration with the consult of the School of Social Work Faculty.

Students who are enrolled in an accredited MSW program can transfer up to 30 credits but must complete the remaining 30 credits at the UMB MSW program. 

Any request for transfer credit must be submitted within the first semester. Coursework must be completed within the last 5 years and the student must have a "B" or better in the completed coursework. 

Application Requirements

Students are strongly encouraged to submit a *complete application for the appropriate program, term, and year  in advance  of the application deadlines below for best consideration:

*Complete applications include a submitted online application ($65 fee required), uploaded all required references and transcripts, and any other documentation required of that specific applicant (i.e. W.E.S. evaluation, TOEFL, Criminal Conviction, etc.).

Application Fee  $65 (non-refundable) OR Fee Waiver

Personal Statement/Essay Questions   Respon d to the prompted questions required by the selected application type.  Limit each answer to 300 words.

Two References   All applicants are required to submit two professional references, usually including professors, employers, supervisors, professional colleagues, and community associates. One recommendation must be from a faculty advisor that addresses the applicant's academic standing

Social Work Chair/Dean/Advisor Recommendation  This form is to be completed by the graduate social work department chairperson/dean/academic advisor.

Resume   All applicants are required to submit a chronological resume of two pages or less. Be sure to include paid or volunteer experience, internships, and/or field placements.

Official transcript(s)   from each college, university, or professional school you have attended.

Transfer Statement  Please write a brief statement with the reason for your transfer request.

Field Evaluation  A copy of field practicum evaluation(s), when applicable.

Official transcript(s) can be submitted to the Office of Admissions in a sealed envelope as prepared by the sending institution OR as an official electronic transcript sent to Admissions Recruiter, Ms. Camille Johnson .

Use the following address for ALL postal submissions:

University of Maryland  School of Social Work Office of Admissions 525 West Redwood Street Baltimore, MD 21201-1579

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August 2024

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SAFE Center to Train Trafficking Survivors for Hospitality Careers

August 15, 2024    |   By Joanne Morrison

For the second consecutive year, the University of Maryland SAFE Center for Human Trafficking Survivors was selected by the American Hotel and Lodging Association Foundation as a national grant recipient to expand its program to train human trafficking survivors nationwide for careers in the hospitality industry.

The grant will allow the SAFE Center to provide job training to survivors in different regions of the country, to work with hospitality companies to create internship and job opportunities for survivors, and to assist survivors in the program with their job searches. At the national business summit announcing grant awards, a survivor who received job training at the SAFE Center shared insights from the program and their experience becoming a training facilitator. See the AHLA Foundation news release .

About the University of Maryland SAFE Center for Human Trafficking Survivors

The University of Maryland Support, Advocacy, Freedom, and Empowerment (SAFE) Center for Human Trafficking Survivors provides survivor-centered and trauma-informed services that empower trafficking survivors to heal and reclaim their lives. The SAFE Center aims to prevent trafficking and better serve survivors through research and policy advocacy. The center is an initiative of the University of Maryland Strategic Partnership:  MPowering the State ( MPower ) — a collaboration between the University of Maryland, Baltimore  (UMB) and the  University of Maryland, College Park  (UMCP).  MPower leverages the sizable strengths and complementary missions of both institutions to strengthen Maryland’s innovation economy, advance interdisciplinary research, create opportunities for students, and solve important problems for the people of Maryland and the nation.

The University of Maryland, Baltimore is the founding campus of the University System of Maryland. 620 W. Lexington St., Baltimore, MD 21201 | 410-706-3100 © 2023-2024 University of Maryland, Baltimore. All rights reserved.

• University of Kentucky

UK College of Health Sciences

Physical therapy.

Physical therapists are movement experts who optimize quality of life through prescribed exercise, hands-on care, and patient education. Our Doctor of Physical Therapy program will prepare you to become a compassionate, ethical practitioner who will help patients to reduce pain, restore function, and prevent disability. We combine a thorough curriculum with clinical experiences and rotations to produce graduates who will become the next generation of physical therapy leaders. Additionally, our program is committed to building an internationally recognized research enterprise focused on frailty, injury prevention, neuromotor and sensory performance, and rehabilitation.

CAPTE accreditation of a physical therapist or physical therapist assistant program satisfies state educational requirements in all states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Thus, students graduating from CAPTE-accredited physical therapist and physical therapist assistant education programs are eligible to take the National Physical Therapy Examination and apply for licensure in all states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. For more information regarding state qualifications and licensure requirements, refer to the Federation of State Boards of Physical Therapy website at  www.fsbpt.org . Please see this website for more information.

Accreditation

The Doctor of Physical Therapy Program at the University of Kentucky is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE), 3030 Potomac Ave., Suite 100, Alexandria, Virginia 22305-3085; telephone: 703-706-3245; email:  [email protected] ; website: [ http :// www.capteonline.org.%20/ ] http :// www.capteonline.org.  If needing to contact the program/institution directly, please call 859-218-0494 or email the program director at  [email protected] . The program is accredited through June of 2025.

Any constituent of the UK DPT program with concerns or complaints is urged to contact the program director for the most prompt resolution. If there is a complaint by a party that falls outside of due process (those that are not current faculty, staff, or students), the complaint should be brought to the Program Director, who will then consult with the collective core faculty as soon as possible after receiving the complaint. Anyone is also able to file a complaint with CAPTE through the following website:   http ://www.capteonline.org/Complaints/

How Olympians train to avoid injury

Aug 9, 2024

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Pathophysiology, Rehabilitation and Performance  Doctoral

The philosophy of the PhD program in Pathophysiology, Rehabilitation and Performance is to provide flexibility in coursework to support the student’s research interest in accordance with their selected track.

What is Pathophysiology, Rehabilitation and Performance at WVU like?

Description

Exercise physiology is the comprehensive study of the biophysical, biomechanical and biochemical processes that contribute to movement production and disease progression. Advances in exercise physiology research have provided the foundation for human enhancement and medical treatment. The focus of the program is to promote student innovation and foster the development of independent thought. Students and faculty interact in a collegial fashion facilitating open inquiry and collaborative science.

Students entering the Pathophysiology, Rehabilitation, and Performance doctoral program have the ability to select a specialization in one of three research tracks: 1) Cardiovascular and Metabolic Diseases (CMD); 2) Muscle Pathophysiology (MPP); and 3) Rehabilitation Science and Engineering (RSE).

Application Deadlines

Each graduate program sets their own term of admission and application deadline. Applicants can only apply for admission for the term displayed below. Any questions regarding the application deadline should be directed to the graduate program representative. Fall:  December 1

At a Glance

• Admission Requirements

Contact Information

• View in Course Catalog
• College/School: School of Medicine
• Department:
• Degree Designation: PhD
• Degree Program:
• Program: Pathophysiology, Rehabilitation and Performance

Interested in this major? Here are some suggested next steps:

Requirements

What are the requirements to apply for Pathophysiology, Rehabilitation and Performance at WVU?

University Requirements

To be eligible for admission into a graduate program at WVU an applicant must submit official, bachelors degree transcripts from a regionally accredited institution and hold a GPA of at least 2.75.

WVU operates decentralized admissions. Decentralized admissions allows each graduate program to set its own application requirements in addition to the University requirements.

Program Requirements

To be eligible for admission into the Pathophysiology, Rehabilitation and Performance graduate program an applicant must submit the following documentation:

• Statement of Purpose
• Letters of Recommendation - Three

Additional application considerations:

The personal statement should highlight your scientific interests, research experiences that informed these interests, your motivation for continuing your education and for choosing the Biomedical Sciences graduate programs at West Virginia University, and potential career goals. Applications without personal statements will not be reviewed. The personal statement is uploaded in the online application and should include the following:

1) Scientific Interests:

• Describe how past experiences have motivated you to choose a career in science.

2) Research For each previous experience describe:

• The scientific question
• Results and conclusions
• Length of the experience

3) Career Goals:

• How does obtaining a PhD support your goals?
• Describe role models or mentors that assisted in the discussion.

4) Additional experiences/information:

• Significant service and leadership activities
• Accomplishments and awards
• Overcoming past problems or obstacles
• Be sure to explain gaps in your resume

Certain application requirements may be waived based on a preliminary review of an application by program.

Who do I contact if I have questions?

Graduate Admissions and Recruitment

Email:   [email protected]

Phone:  (304) 293-5980

International Admissions

Email:   [email protected]

Phone:  (304) 293-2121

Program Contact

Logan Miller

Program Coordinator

Email:   [email protected]

Phone:  304-293-1246

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Graduate Program

The Department of Civil, Construction, and Environmental Engineering (CCEE) offers master’s and Ph.D. programs in Civil Engineering across six specialized fields, along with interdisciplinary degrees and a graduate certificate. Our graduate program is centered around collaborative research that tackles the intricate challenges confronting humanity. Throughout your graduate journey, you will collaborate with esteemed faculty members, engage in pioneering research, and contribute to the education of future engineers.

UD CCEE provides a strong, supportive, and enriching environment for our graduate students. By choosing UD CCEE, you become part of a diverse learning community and contribute to a longstanding tradition of excellence. Our primary focus is on ensuring student success. Through your graduate studies, you will have the opportunity to drive impactful change across a wide range of societal areas.

Prospective graduate students are strongly encouraged to reach out to graduate coordinators and faculty members in their areas of interest. This will allow you to gain deeper insights into research domains, funding possibilities, and additional program particulars.

Coastal Engineering

coastal engineering, wave mechanics, and environmental fluid mechanics

Environmental Engineering

water and wastewater treatment, environmental chemistry and remediation, and solid and hazardous waste management

Geotechnical Engineering

computational geomechanics, soil mechanics, foundation engineering, earth structures engineering, and ground improvement

Structural Engineering

structural mechanics, analysis, and design; bridge engineering; structural dynamics; computational mechanics; and structural engineering materials

Transportation Engineering and Civil Infrastructure Systems

asset management, natural disaster risk analysis, infrastructure vulnerability, urban transportation, traffic engineering, systems engineering

Water Resources Engineering

groundwater and surface water resources, contaminant fate and transport, sustainability

Interdisciplinary Programs

Dual Masters in CE and MBA Programs

Masters & PhD in Ocean Engineering

Certificate programs.

Graduate Certificate in Railroad and Transit Engineering

Jacquee Lukawski

Graduate Academic Advisor 301-1 DuPont Hall 302-831-6570 [email protected]

Helpful Links

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• Graduate Student Senate
• Course Search

Watch the Fall 2023 Graduate Program Information Session to learn more about our research programs and applying to the department.

Application Process

This section is designed to make the process of applying to the UMD Graduate School as clear and easy as possible for all applicants. Please be sure to read all instructions and requirements carefully to ensure a proper and complete application, and to avoid mistakes that may delay the consideration of your application. Also, remember that the Graduate School and your program of interest are here to help guide you through the admissions process. Feel free to contact us with questions. 

Application Process

Graduate application process.

All applications to The Grainger College of Engineering engineering master’s and doctoral degree programs are submitted directly through the University of Illinois Graduate College. Application requirements and deadlines are determined by each degree program. Visit the degree program website to verify all admission deadlines.

Begin Graduate Application

Follow the steps below to complete your graduate application.

• Select the graduate program of study that best fits your skills, interests and goals, and review the requirements and deadlines for your program.
• Review the Graduate College's requirements to prepare for each stage of the application process.
• Complete the online application through the University of Illinois Graduate College.
• Carefully read all emails from the University of Illinois and The Grainger College of Engineering. Provide any additional information as needed. 
• Check your application status and follow up with the Grainger College of Engineering before the application deadline to ensure all application materials were received.

Graduate Application Requirements

You must have been awarded (or are about to be awarded) a four-year bachelor's degree equivalent to that granted by the University of Illinois to be eligible for graduate programs at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. If your undergraduate degree is a three-year program, you are not eligible for graduate-level admissions consideration at the University of Illinois.

The University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign requires you to hold at least a 3.0/4.0 or higher GPA in your undergraduate degree to be eligible for graduate studies on this campus.

You cannot apply to a master's or doctoral program if you already hold a master's or Ph.D. respectively in the field that is equivalent to the one awarded by Illinois.

International Applicants

International applicants have an additional admission requirement that they must take into consideration when submitting their application to Grainger. If your native language is not English, which includes permanent residents of the United States (those holding a green card), you must submit TOEFL or IELTS test scores. Those scores should be reported directly through ETS to Illinois; a copy of these scores will not be accepted.

• The University of Illinois has a total minimum score that is required for admission .
• Check to see if you are exempt from this English proficiency requirement based on your country of citizenship .

More information can be found on the Graduate College’s international applicants requirements .

Scholars at Risk Application Fee Waiver

The Grainger College of Engineering supports all scholars domestically and internationally. We recognize some applicants may face barriers that impact their ability to apply to graduate programs.

Eligibility criteria

To help those affected by the current war in Ukraine, The Grainger College of Engineering will provide an application fee waiver for individuals applying for the Fall 2024 admission term who meet the following eligibility criteria:

• Hold primary citizenship from Ukraine.
• Complete a graduate application to one of the  Grainger Engineering graduate programs .
• Meet minimum admission eligibility criteria for the selected program.

A limited number of additional Grainger Engineering Scholars at Risk application fee waivers are available to other applicants experiencing extenuating circumstances and who meet minimum admission criteria for their selected programs. 

Application deadline

The deadline to submit a fee waiver request is five (5) business days prior to the application deadline. Only one fee waiver request per applicant will be considered. Applicants denied a fee waiver will need to pay an application fee to submit their application. 

Application process

To request an application fee waiver, follow these steps when completing a graduate application:

In the ‘Application Fee Waiver’ section, select “Yes” when responding to the question: “Please indicate if you are eligible for an application fee waiver.”

Select “Grainger Engineering Scholars at Risk” from the list of designated fee waiver programs.

Provide a short (250-500 words) statement describing the reason for your request.

Your Path to Grainger Engineering Begins Here

Submit your Grainger Engineering graduate application and take the first step toward an academic experience that will bring a lifetime of professional and personal growth.

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