Frequently Asked Admissions Related Questions
How do I apply?
The Graduate School requests that you apply online. You can access the application from the UMD webpage. We recommend that you go to the following website, then follow the instructions: http://www.gradschool.umd.edu/application.
When will I find out whether or not I have been accepted?
We will notify applicants about admission decisions in late February 2010.
Where can I find answers to questions for the Graduate School?
Frequently asked questions of the Graduate School can be found here:
http://www.gradschool.umd.edu/faq/#sendinfo
Where can I find additional information about graduate admissions?
Additional information about graduate admissions can be found on the College of Education website:
http://www.education.umd.edu/studentinfo/graduate_info/admissionreq.html
and on the CSP website: http://www.education.umd.edu/studentinfo/graduate_info/admissionreq.html
Do I need to send a copy of my resume?
Please note: In addition to the other supplemental materials requested as part of the application (letters of recommendation, statement of goals/experiences, etc.), please upload your resume using the Application Supplemental Form (ASF). Instructions on accessing the ASF are emailed to each applicant approximately 5-7 business days after the main graduate application is submitted.
Once you have submitted your online application and supplementary materials to the Graduate School, and uploaded your resume via the ASF, please notify the CSP Graduate Assistant at cspga@umd.edu.
We encourage you to keep copies of all application materials in case there is any difficulty with the materials being received and scanned.
What about assistantships, stipends, and tuition?
Admitted students are invited to the CSP Preview Program. Employers review resumes, students review job descriptions, and both send in preference lists. Interviews are scheduled. Over 60 assistantships were posted this year. You do not need to apply for assistantships prior to notification of admission. Ten-month assistantship remuneration ranges from $11-14,000 plus full tuition remission and health benefits. Twelve month assistantships are also available with higher stipends. Assistantships are available for all students.
GRE Scores
The CSP Program considers a broad range of application criteria in making its admissions decisions, of which GRE scores serves as only one source of evidence. It is also important to note the CSP Program has no formal cut-off score, or minimum score for which we will consider applications.
Behavioral Science Requirement
Applicants to the CSP masters program are required to have taken at least 15 credits as undergraduates in courses related to the behavioral sciences. These courses can include subject areas such as psychology, sociology, communications, ethnic studies, women's studies, statistics, and the like. While they are not essential for admission, the 15 credits must be completed either before or during students' masters programs in order to earn the masters degree. The CSP faculty recommend that students have taken one or more courses in psychology and statistics, but again, these courses are not required for admission.
Provisional Admission
Students admitted with an undergraduate GPA lower than 3.0 or with fewer than 15 credits in a behavioral science discipline (the latter only applies to masters applicants) are placed on provisional admission status. Provisional status is removed when students maintain a graduate grade point average of 3.5 or better after 12 credits or fulfill the behavioral science requirement, respectively.
Letters of Recommendation
Applicants are strongly encouraged to submit at least two letters of recommendation from faculty members. Letters should be from current or previous professors or others who can assess the quality of your academic performance and scholastic potential. Your full name should appear on the letters. You are encouraged to have your recommenders submit an on-line recommendation. Once your application has been entered into the application system, and you are directed to complete the Application Supplemental Form" (ASF), you will be asked to list the names and email addresses of each of your recommenders. The automatic program will contact your recommenders for you and give them instructions on how to submit their letters on-line. Both you and the recommender will be notified when the electronic letters have been received. Again, we strongly encourage you to submit your recommendations electronically.
Difference between M.A. and M.Ed. Program
The primary difference between the two masters degrees is that M.A. students complete a thesis as part of their graduation requirements. M.Ed. students complete a seminar paper, which is similar to the thesis, but does not involve data collection and analysis. For more information on the differences between the two degrees, we encourage you to consult the CSP website.
Part-time vs. Full-time
Yes, it is possible to do the masters and doctoral program part-time. The majority of our masters students are full-time, but a few are part-time. About half of the doctoral students are full time. We recommend being a full time student if at all possible.
Can I take classes without being admitted to the program?
Yes, you can take classes without being admitted to the program. If you contact Graduate Admissions (gradschool@umd.edu), they can advise you as to how to be admitted as an "advanced special student" so that you can take any course that is open enrollment or with instructor permission. You can view open courses for spring 2010 at testudo.umd.edu. Some, but not all courses, may not be open to you. The core courses, such as the masters and doctoral level seminar and other courses that are usually limited to students within the program, are usually not open to students not admitted to the program. However, the electives taught by our program, such as student leadership development, service learning in higher education, and electives in the higher education graduate program would be viable options.
How many students apply and are accepted each year?
Each year approximately 80- 120 applicants and with 11 to 15 accepted to the masters program. That's not unusual for masters programs in this field. Approximately 20 applicants with 4-6 accepted to the doctoral program.
Please feel free to email cspga@umd.edu if you have additional questions.
