Application Deadline(s)
Fall: August 1
Spring: December 1
The following information is provided for international applicants interested in applying to the Master of Professional Studies in Geographic Information Systems. International applicants should read the information provided carefully prior to applying.
At a Glance
Delivery
In-person
Locations Offered
- UMBC Campus (Catonsville)
Admission Requirements
All students need to meet the following minimum requirements:
- Four-year Bachelor’s degree from an accredited U.S. Institution or an international credentialed equivalent
- Minimum undergraduate GPA of 3.0 on 4.0 scale, or equivalent, is desired. Applicants with grades on a scale other than 4.0, will be evaluated based on standards for the country of their degree
- GRE scores are not required for admission.
- English proficiency scores (Exceptions to English Proficiency Requirement):
- Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) scores: 99 iBT or 10.5 Essentials
- Internet Based TOEFL (iBT) scores breakdown: Writing (23), Listening (23), Reading (25), Speaking (28, 23 acceptable if have 2 years’ work experience in supervisory or management positions in the U.S.)
- International English Language Testing System (IELTS) scores: Minimum score 7.0
- Pearson Test of English (PTE) Academic scores: 68
- Duolingo English test: Minimum score 130
- Scores must be less than 2 years old.
- Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) scores: 99 iBT or 10.5 Essentials
- If you have a three-year degree versus a four-year degree, your transcript will be reviewed to determine whether you have met the necessary pre-requisites for the program. Eligibility for admission can only be determined upon receipt of a complete application.
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Application Process
All international applicants are encouraged to apply as early as possible to allow sufficient time to receive all the necessary documents and to process and assess the application.
International applications are accepted for the fall and spring semester. We encourage all international applicants to send in their documents at least six months prior to the start of the semester applying to. To apply, complete a Degree-Seeking UMBC Graduate School Application and use program name: Geographic Information Systems (MPS)
- Apply online
- Submit your statement of goals as an attachment in the “Personal Statement” section. A competitive application will have a strong goal statement about their professional objective(s) from being in the program
- Insert names of two references into “References” section
- Request official transcripts from all post-secondary institutions to be sent to UMBC Graduate School, 1000 Hilltop Circle, Baltimore, MD 21250 or emailed to gradschool@umbc.edu.
- Request for test scores to be sent by ETS to UMBC (code 5835)
All documents should be mailed to:
UMBC Graduate School, M.P.S. Geographic Information Systems
1000 Hilltop Circle
Baltimore, MD 21250 U.S.A.
Your application packet should include the following documents:
- Completed graduate degree application (including residency form). Use program code PRST- GIS.
- Two letters of recommendation (if you choose to forego the online option, please see the printable form).
- A focused 300-500 word Goal Statement
- Official transcript(s) from each college & university attended
- TOEFL scores forwarded to UMBC by ETS – UMBC’s institutional code is 5835
- Application fee ($50 online)
Obtaining Immigration Documents
If you intend to apply for an F-1 visa and require an I-20 from UMBC, you will be required to provide a copy of a valid passport and proof of financial support. Please refer to the Office of International Students and Scholars (OISS) page on I-20 Information and Financial Requirements for more information. All immigration related questions should be addressed to OISS through a Help ticket.
Financial Aid/Tuition/Assistantships
- The program does not offer financial aid or graduate assistantships.
- Tuition information: Helpful hints about tuition and paying your bill.
- Student Business Services: Billing, tuition, fees, payment options.
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