How to Apply: International Software Engineering Students

International Student Application Deadlines

Fall: May 1, 2024
Spring: October 15

The following information is provided for international applicants interested in applying to the Masters of Professional Studies in Software Engineering. International applicants should read the information provided carefully prior to applying.

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At a Glance

Delivery

Hybrid

Online

Locations Offered

  • UMBC Campus (Catonsville)

Programs Offered

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Admission Requirements:

All students need to meet the following minimum requirements:

  • B.S. degree with 3.0 GPA on a 4.0 scale, or equivalent
    • Applicants in their last semester of undergraduate study should include information on their current courses, as well as completed courses.
  • Introductory programming courses completed in the last 10 years with a grade ‘B’ or above (see note below)
  • Prior coursework should include college-level math equivalent to MATH 151 (Calculus and Analytic Geometry) or MATH 155 (Applied Calculus)
  • Official Transcripts
  • Goal statement outlining the student’s goals and expectations in the program
  • Resume or CV
  • Recommendation letters (optional)
  • GRE scores are not required for admission
  • English proficiency scores (Exceptions to English Proficiency Requirement):
    • Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) scores: 90 iBT
      • No section may have a score less than 22
    • International English Language Testing System (IELTS) scores: Minimum sum of section scores: 27.5
      • No section may have a score less than 6.5
    • Pearson Test of English (PTE) Academic scores: 61
    • Duolingo English test: Minimum score 120
    • Scores must be less than 2 years old.

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.

Note:

  • IT industry work experience that demonstrates the applicant’s programming abilities might be considered as a substitute for introductory programming courses.
  • Applicants who do not have introductory programming courses or IT experience should take courses equivalent to UMBC course IS 147 and IS 247 or CMSC 201 and CMSC 202 and earn a ‘B’ or above

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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 for which they are applying. To apply, complete a Graduate Degree Application and use program name: Software Engineering (M.P.S.)

  • Apply online
    • Select program Software Engineering >> Degree Code – Master’s
    • Submit your statement of goals as an attachment in the “Personal Statement” section
    • Insert names of references into “References” section (Note: we only require two. Put N/A in third line)
    • Complete residency information
  • 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.
  • Submit resume as an attachment in the “Resume” section or submit to gradschool@umbc.edu.
  • Request for TOEFL scores to be sent by ETS to UMBC (code 5835)

All documents should be mailed to:

UMBC Graduate School, Software Engineering
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<need code>
  • Two letters of recommendation (if you choose to forego the online option, please see the printable form).
  • Personal statement outlining the student’s goals and expectations of the program. Statement should include applicant’s background, qualifications, career experience, and any additional pertinent information.
  • Current  Resume
  • Official transcript(s) from each college & university attended
  • TOEFL or other English Language test scores* forwarded to UMBC by ETS – UMBC’s institutional code is 5835
  • Application fee ($50 online)

*Please note: All international students are required to submit English Language scores unless you hold an undergraduate degree from a U.S. institution or hold a degree from an English-speaking country on the list of exceptions.

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.

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