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Transfer Course Evaluation Process

A course must be deemed acceptable for transfer by UMD before it can be applicable toward satisfying a degree requirement (e.g. general education, specific major requirements, and general electives).

  • A course that is deemed not acceptable for transfer credit cannot satisfy a degree requirement. 
  • A transfer course may not satisfy a general education requirement if it is not approved for general education during the evaluation process.
  1. Official transcripts are submitted. Students are responsible for submitting all final official transcripts detailing their entire academic record prior to enrolling at UMD. Transfer courses will post to a student's UMD record only from official transcripts received from the institution at which the credit was earned.
  2. Transfer courses are evaluated. Students may refer to the Transfer Course Database to see a library of transfer courses that have already gone through the evaluation process. Generally, college-level courses completed at regionally-accredited institutions will transfer to UMD, provided the course is similar in level, scope, content and expected learning outcomes to courses offered at UMD, and a grade of C- or higher is earned (grades of D- or higher are accepted for courses completed at Maryland public institutions). A course that is considered accepted for transfer to UMD will receive one of the following types of evaluations:

    • direct equivalency to a UMD course (whether within or outside the major),
    • no direct equivalency, but satisfies general education requirement, or
    • no direct equivalency, but is accepted as a general elective. 

    Students work with an academic advisor to understand how transfer courses satisfy degree requirements:

    • Students who have been admitted to UMD should contact their advising college for assistance.
    • Students who have not been admitted to UMD should contact the Pre-Transfer Advising Program for assistance.
    • Transfer Credit Services does not provide advising services.

    Questions regarding the posting of these courses should be directed to Records and Registration Services at registrar-help@umd.edu.

  3. Course evaluation request is submitted. Students who would like to request an evaluation of a course for transfer to UMD will need to provide a detailed syllabus from the semester/term when the course was taken. The syllabus must be in digital format, either .pdf or .docx. Students should send the course syllabus via email. If sending multiple course syllabi, group the courses by subject or related course (i.e. send a separate email for mathematics, history, music, etc.). Each course in the request should include a course ID, full title of the course, and term the course was taken.

    Please format the evaluation request email as shown in the example below:

    Email FieldSample Text
    To:[See departmental evaluators list
    Subject:Transfer Course Eval Request - [insert institution name]
    Attachment:Attach a detailed syllabus in .pdf or .docx format from the semester/term the course was taken.
    Email Body:

    Hello,

    My name is [insert full name] and my UID is [insert 9-digit UID]. Could you please have the following attached courses reviewed for acceptability?

    Institution: [insert institution name]

    Course ID: MATH157
    Course Title: Statistics
    Term: Spring 2016

    Course ID: MATH165
    Course Title: Precalculus
    Term: Summer 2017

    Thank you,

    Students may submit their evaluation request directly to the academic department or to Transfer Credit Services (TCS). In many cases the processing time is faster when a student goes directly to the department to request an evaluation.

    • Email the Academic Department: Transfer course evaluation requests may be sent directly to most academic departments. The procedure and processing times for course evaluations vary between departments. Evaluations must be communicated to TCS directly by the approved departmental evaluator; evaluations forwarded from the student to TCS are not accepted.
    • Email Transfer Credit Services: Once TCS receives the request and attached detailed syllabus, it will be forwarded to the appropriate departmental evaluator for review. When the evaluation has been completed and returned to TCS, the student will be notified via email of the evaluation. Students are asked to remain patient while waiting for an evaluation to be completed.
  1. Official credential evaluation is submitted to UMD. All degree-seeking undergraduate applicants for admission to UMD are required to submit an official credential evaluation for all international post-secondary transcripts from one of the two evaluators:
    • ECE (Educational Credential Evaluators) - The ECE third party evaluation provides a comprehensive review of the official transcript, which includes: credit and grade conversions, grade point calculation, and upper division course designations. Students should select the "Course by Course" report option for ECE.
    • Josef Silny & Associates Application Form - The JSA third party evaluation provides a comprehensive review of the official transcript, which includes: credit and grade conversions, grade point calculation, and upper division course designations for students with more than 1 year of post-secondary/university education completed. Students should select the "Post-Secondary/University Course-by-Course + GPA" option, and the "Upper Division Course Identification" if applicable.
  2. Official transcripts are submitted to UMD. To ensure all completed transfer courses are posted to the UMD record, a final official transcript in the original-language and a literal (exact) certified English translation must be submitted to UMD after all coursework has been completed.
    • Electronic international transcripts should be sent to applymaryland@umd.edu
    • All other international transcripts should be sent to:
      University of Maryland
      Office of Undergraduate Admissions
      Clarence M. Mitchell, Jr. Building
      College Park, MD 20742
  3. UMD grants admission as a degree-seeking student. Students must apply for admission and be admitted as a degree-seeking student before international transfer courses can be evaluated. The timeline for newly admitted students with international transfer courses to obtain access to their transfer credit evaluation can depend on the institution previously attended. It may take several weeks after the receipt of the admission letter before any courses are available for viewing.
  4. International transfer courses are evaluated. UMD awards transfer credit for courses taken at international post-secondary educational institutions recognized by the ministry of education in the respective country. Generally, for transfer credit to be awarded, transfer courses must be similar in level, scope, content and expected learning outcomes to courses offered at UMD, and a grade of C- or higher (based on United States grade equivalent) must have been earned. A full syllabus with a certified English translation is required for evaluation. Students work with an academic advisor in their advising college to understand how transfer courses satisfy degree requirements. This is typically completed during orientation, but may require a follow-up advising appointment. Transfer Credit Services does not provide advising services.
  5. Acceptable transfer courses are posted to the UMD record. International transfer courses will be posted with one of the following three grades:
    • A grade of for Pass will display for courses that are accepted for transfer and awarded credit
    • A grade of for Fail will display for a course that has an equivalent grade that is below a C- (based on the United States grade equivalent)
    • A grade of NC for No Credit will display for a course that is not acceptable for transfer and is awarded zero credits by UMD
    Questions regarding the posting of international transfer courses should be directed to Transfer Credit Services.

All currently enrolled UMD students who take courses outside the US, must go through Education Abroad to obtain approval prior to departing on their abroad experience. This process ensures that:

  • Potential transfer courses have been evaluated by the relevant department
  • The minimum grade required has been determined
  • The conversion of international credits to UMD semester credits has been determined

To request an evaluation of a study abroad course on an approved study abroad program:

  1. Approval from the Education Abroad office is obtained prior to departing on the abroad experience.
    • A student who did not obtain permission through the Education Abroad Office prior to departing on an abroad experience must appeal to receive a retroactive approval. Without the appropriate approval, transfer credit cannot be awarded by UMD.
  2. The Study Abroad Course Database (SACD) or Transfer Course Database (for courses reviewed prior to September 2019) is consulted to see if the study abroad course has already been evaluated for UMD credit. Engineering majors should first consult the Clark School's SACD
  3. If the course is not listed in the SACD or the Transfer Course Database, an EA Transfer Credit Evaluation Request is submitted for each course needing evaluation. A full syllabus with a certified English translation is required for evaluation.
  4. Transfer Credit Services routes the request to the appropriate UMD academic department.
  5. Student receives an email when the evaluation is complete. Evaluations usually take 2-3 weeks.
  6. Education Abroad will update the SACD to reflect the outcome of the evaluation.
  7. Students should consult with an academic advisor about how the course will apply to degree requirements.
  8. Upon completion of the study abroad experience, students are responsible for submitting all final official transcripts. Transfer courses will post to a student's UMD record only from official transcripts received from the institution at which the credit was earned.
    • Official sealed transcripts should be sent to Education Abroad:
      University of Maryland
      Education Abroad
      1118 H.J. Patterson Hall
      4065 Campus Drive
      College Park, MD 20742

Please direct questions regarding education abroad to educationabroad@umd.edu.

An undergraduate degree-seeking student who has completed a study abroad experience at an institution prior to being admitted to UMD will have their international transfer credits reviewed as a part of their Preliminary Transfer Credit Evaluation. Questions regarding this process should be routed to Transfer Credit Services.

Newly admitted students with transfer courses from domestic institutions can obtain access to their preliminary transfer credit evaluation starting usually 2-3 weeks after the receipt of their admission letter.

The preliminary transfer credit evaluation can be reviewed via the student's UMD unofficial transcript in Testudo. An initial review of transfer credit will occur automatically upon admission to UMD. Newly admitted students should continually monitor their unofficial transcript to ensure:

  • All completed transfer courses are listed
  • The course title for each transfer course reflects the course title from the sending institution
  • The grade listed for each transfer course reflects the grade earned
  • Students do not register for a course at UMD similar in content to a transfer course that is pending evaluation
The evaluation of transfer courses is an ongoing process that typically continues through the first semester at UMD. However, this may extend past the first semester depending on when the final official transcript and the course syllabus are received and evaluated.

See Departmental Evaluator Contact Information for a list of academic departmental evaluators.

Systems, Access, & Training

The Office of the University Registrar supports systems for faculty and staff working with academic records, course and classroom scheduling, and data reporting. Information and resources available for systems that are supported by the Office of the University Registrar are provided below.


Advising & Grades

Several of these services may be accessed via the Advisor Services website.

  • Advise on the Web: Access academic information for students
  • Candidate Clearance: Clear undergraduate students for graduation
  • SIS: Transactional system for student, transfer course, and scheduling information
  • uAchieve: Conduct degree audits
  • UMEG: Access class rosters and waitlists; submit grades and grade changes
  • Undergraduate Catalog: Make edits to the university's undergraduate academic catalog

Classroom Scheduling

  • 25Live: View and enter course scheduling information; submit room reservation requests
  • SIS for Course Scheduling: Transactional system for entering and viewing course information

Data Requests & Report Library

The Office of the University Registrar is the record custodian of all currently and formerly enrolled students.  Requests for information about students must be approved by the Office of the University Registrar.

  • How is information protected? The University of Maryland complies with the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA). FERPA is a federal law that protects the privacy of student "education records." FERPA provides that educational institutions may disclose education records, or personally identifiable information from such records, only if an eligible student has provided prior written consent, except in several specified circumstances. FERPA allows for the disclosure of those records, without consent, to school officials with legitimate educational interests. For more information about FERPA and the disclosure of student education records visit the  Undergraduate Catalog.
  • Who has access to data? According to  policy VI-23.00(A), a "Data User" is "Any UM employee or student who has lawful and appropriate access to a specific subset of data. All users must adhere to federal, State and UM laws, regulations and policies regarding access."
  • What information can be shared? Certain information has been designated "Directory Information" and may be disclosed without prior consent unless a student files written notice. Directory information includes, but is not limited to: name, address, telephone, email, date of birth, major field of study, participation in officially recognized activities and sports, weight and height of members of athletic teams, dates of attendance, degrees and awards received, and most recent previous educational institution attended. Prior consent will not be required for disclosure of educational records to school officials of the University of Maryland who have been determined to have legitimate educational interests.

Information for approved staff is available in the following ways:

  • Report Library: Access reports that contain information needed for common recurring tasks
  • Ad Hoc Data Query: Construct your own data queries (requires data querying skills)
  • Data Requests: Make a one-time request for a very specific set of data that is not available via the report library

The Office of the University Registrar's Report Library provides university employees with secure access to reports containing data under the stewardship of the Office of the University Registrar. Reports include information related to course and classroom scheduling and student records and enrollment. The University's data warehouse serves as the source of data for the Report Library. Data in the warehouse is refreshed nightly from the Student Information System (SIS).

The data steward for the Office of the University Registrar grants access to these reports based on the requestor's job responsibilities and role at the university.

Ad hoc query access to the UMD Data Warehouse provides users with the ability to write their own queries from scratch, customized to their needs. However, this access also requires that the user is familiar with relational database querying and is able to write queries in SQL or using a query building tool such as SAS Enterprise Guide. As such, this kind of access requires that the user has:

  • A basic understanding of how to query relational databases
  • A good understanding of relevant university processes and cycles (student advising cycles, course drop/add deadlines, etc.)
  • Access to a data query tool (the SAS Enterprise Guide query tool is provisioned as part of this process)

The data steward for the Office of the University Registrar grants query access to the data warehouse based on the requestor's job responsibilities and role at the university.

  • Request Access: To request ad hoc query access to the Scheduling & Curriculum or Student data sets in the data warehouse, complete the Ad Hoc Query Access Request form.

The Office of the University Registrar releases student data to authorized UMD officials only for legitimate educational purposes per  policy III-6.30(A). Not all requests can be approved under established policies; if a request cannot be approved, an explanation will be provided.

Requests for aggregate information for official use in publications or presentations must be made to the office of Institutional Research, Planning, and Assessment (IRPA).

All requests for data must be submitted using the data request form:


Course & Classroom Scheduling

Course & Classroom Scheduling Services (CCSS) manages all UMD courses in the Student Information System (SIS). CCSS staff work with department schedulers to ensure that course offerings are correctly set in SIS and in the Testudo Schedule of Classes. CCSS oversees the scheduling of the 300+ general purpose classrooms (GPCs) on the UMD College Park campus.

Students needing assistance with their course schedules must contact their academic advisor. CCSS does not handle student course schedules.

Department Academic Schedulers

Course scheduling resources for department academic schedulers

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Classroom Reservations

General Purpose Classrooms (GPC) may be reserved by UMD faculty, staff, and affiliates.

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Faculty & Staff

The Office of the University Registrar maintains and supports systems for faculty and staff working with academic records, course and classroom scheduling, and data reporting. Information and resources specific to the systems that are supported by the Office of the University Registrar are provided in the following areas.


Course & Classroom Scheduling

UMD faculty & staff resources for scheduling courses and classroom reservations

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Data Requests & Report Library

Information on how to request access to data and reports maintained by the Office of the University Registrar

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Systems, Access, & Training

Information and resources that are available for systems supported by the Office of the University Registrar

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Useful Faculty & Staff Resources

Course Resources

General Resources

Transcripts

The University of Maryland has partnered with National Student Clearinghouse (NSC) for convenient transcript ordering and delivery.

Transcript Ordering Instructions

  1. Consult the intended recipient about the preferred transcript format. Electronic PDF transcripts are not accepted by all recipients and the university will not reissue transcript orders or provide a refund for orders once they are processed.
  2. If applicable, have your application service ID/account number ready (e.g., AMCAS, LSAC, Common App). Forms are no longer necessary when sending a transcript using your application service account number.
  3. If applicable, prepare agency-required forms that must be included with your transcript. Documents or forms that cannot be authenticated by the Office of the University Registrar will be removed from your transcript request. Examples of documents that will not be accepted as attachments include: unofficial or official transcripts, diplomas, letters or correspondence, copies of identity documents (e.g. passports, driver's license).
  4. Have your credit or debit card ready. The University of Maryland charges $12.00 for each official transcript. Note: National Student Clearinghouse charges additional processing and shipping and handling fees based on your selections.
  5. You will need your 9-digit University ID (UID) number to request a transcript.
    • How do I obtain my UID? 
      Using your directory ID and password, login to Testudo to obtain your UID. You can find your UID beneath your name on the Profile page.
    • How do I obtain my directory ID and password?
      Visit Former Student Identity Verification to obtain your directory ID and password (on this page you may select UID or select last 5 digits of SSN from the dropdown box). For additional instructions, review this IT Support Article.

You will be notified during the transcript ordering process if a hold exists on your record. Your transcript order cannot be processed until the hold is removed. Once the hold is resolved, your transcript will be released. Your credit card will not be charged until your order is completed. 

  • Judicial Hold: Contact the Office of Student Conduct at 301-314-8204 or studentconduct@umd.edu to resolve the hold on your student record.
  • Administrative Hold: Contact the Office of the University Registrar at 301-314-8240 or registrar-help@umd.edu to resolve the hold on your student record.
  • No Record Found: Please refer to the FAQs below for a list of reasons why your transcript is unable to be processed. If you believe you received this message in error, contact the Office of the University Registrar at 301-314-8240 or registrar-help@umd.edu to resolve this issue.
  • Archived Record Hold: No action necessary. Please allow an additional 3-5 business days for your record to be processed.
  • Electronic PDF transcripts are generally processed the same business day. Once the electronic PDF transcript is sent, the recipient will receive two email notifications — one with a secure 30-day link and another with a password to access the transcript. No refund will be provided if the recipient fails to retrieve the electronic PDF transcript within 30 days.
  • Paper transcripts are processed within 1-2 business days after receipt of your order and are subject to domestic and international shipping. Certified mail and express shipping options are available for selection during the transcript ordering process.
  • GPAs and Degrees for Current Students and Recent Graduates: Prior to placing your order, review your unofficial transcript to confirm that your GPA and/or degree have posted to your record. No refund will be provided if your order is fulfilled before GPAs and/or degrees appear on your transcript. GPA and degree posting dates can be found on the transcript ordering site.
  • Processing Delays may occur for the following reasons:
    • Holds: Holds on your record will delay transcript processing. Consult the Holds on Your Record section above for details.
    • Attachments: You have the ability to upload documents that must accompany your official transcript. Your attachment will be reviewed and is subject to approval. This may cause a slight delay in processing.

You should not submit a transcript request through the National Student Clearinghouse if you are part of a group listed below.

  • Institute of Applied Agriculture (IAA): Students requesting an official transcript of coursework completed through IAA must submit a transcript request via the Institute of Applied Agriculture Transcript Request option on Testudo.
  • Veterinary Medicine: Students must submit a transcript request to Virginia Tech, Office of the University Registrar.
  • Inter-Institutional, DC Consortium, BigTen Course Share, or Crosstown ROTC: Students must contact their home institution to obtain an official transcript.
  • Last date of attendance at UMD was prior to 1982: Students must contact the Office of the University Registrar at 301-314-8240 or registrar-help@umd.edu to obtain your transcript.

Transcript FAQs

No, all transcript orders must be placed online through National Student Clearinghouse.

Electronic PDF transcripts are generally processed the same business day. For paper transcripts, National Student Clearinghouse offers several domestic and international shipping options for expedited service.

Students can view or print their unofficial transcripts on Testudo.

You cannot submit a transcript request through National Student Clearinghouse. Please see the Applied Agriculture, Veterinary Medicine, Visiting, and Former Students section above for details.

If you attached a document that the Office of the University Registrar cannot authenticate or is not appropriate to be included with an official transcript, we will remove the uploaded document and proceed with processing your transcript order.

For additional questions, see the National Student Clearinghouse Transcripts FAQs.

Grades & Records

The Office of the University Registrar maintains students' permanent academic records and supports both current and former students with questions about their academic record.

Enrollment Certifications & Degree Verifications

Students can request certification of enrollment and dates of attendance or verification of degree(s) conferred.

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FERPA & Confidentiality

FERPA protects the privacy of a student's education record. Students may grant limited parent/guardian access to their record.

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Grades

UMD has established guidelines and policies for repeating courses, calculating GPA and measuring academic performance.

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Student Information

Students can request an update to their personal information and acquire their university ID at the Office of the University Registrar.

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Transcripts

Students can order official transcripts or view their unofficial transcript online.

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Residency Reclassification

Residency Reclassification Services handles students’ requests to be reclassified as in-state residents for tuition purposes. Students who are initially classified as out-of-state residents by the Office of Undergraduate Admissions or Graduate Admissions, and subsequently believe they meet the requirements for in-state tuition and fees may apply for in-state residency. The Office of Undergraduate Admissions, Graduate Admissions, and the Office of the University Registrar adhere to policies established by the Board of Regents regarding residency classification of students for tuition purposes.  University System of Maryland Policy for Student Classification for Admission and Tuition Purposes will be applied to all student tuition classification decisions.

Students should notify Residency Reclassification Services at the University of Maryland, College Park, in writing, within fifteen (15) days of any change in circumstances which may alter in-state status. Failure to do so may result in retroactive charges for each semester/term affected.

Reclassification Procedures

Students may seek a review or change to their out-of-state residency designation following certain procedures.

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Petition Deadlines

Students who file a petition for change in residency classification must do so by UMD's established deadlines.

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Non-Resident Tuition Exemptions

Students who have been classified as non-resident and meet certain exemption criteria may be eligible to be billed at the in-state tuition rate.

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Residency Forms

Students can download residency forms and associated checklists.

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Residency FAQs

Answers to common residency questions

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Veterans Benefits

The Office of the University Registrar welcomes veterans and their spouses and dependents to the University of Maryland! We thank you for your service to our country and the sacrifices that you and your family members have made.

The Office of the University Registrar’s Veteran Certifications Services houses the University of Maryland’s School Certifying Officials (SCOs). These are the individuals who communicate information about your enrollment at the University of Maryland to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs so they may process your VA Education Benefits.

We look forward to assisting you with using your VA Benefits.


Active Military Duty

Active military duty students may reference information on tuition assistance, military exemptions for residency reclassification, and military call-up.

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Using VA Benefits

New, current, and guest students must follow certain steps to use their VA Education Benefit to support their educational goals at UMD.

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Veteran & Military Student Resources

Whether a veteran, active military duty, or military-connected student, UMD will support you in accessing applicable resources.

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FAQs

Answers to common questions from veteran and military-connected students

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Enrollment & Registration

Registration Agreement

When you register, the university reserves specific class space for you and commits resources to provide the instruction you have selected. On your part, you assume responsibility for paying tuition and fees or for notifying the university if you decide not to attend. The availability of the courses listed in Testudo and the Schedule of Classes is subject to change. A section may be cancelled due to low enrollment or departmental staffing considerations. When a class is cancelled, the department or the Office of the University Registrar will notify registered students and help them make alternate arrangements, if necessary. Registered students are encouraged to verify their class meeting time and location on Testudo on the first day of classes for the most up-to-date information.

All students who register incur a financial obligation to the university. Please note that while the university reserves the right to limit or cancel enrollment for students who owe a debt to the university, your registration may not be automatically cancelled for non-payment of tuition and fees. It is the student's responsibility to avoid charges by cancelling their registration prior to the first day of classes each semester. By cancelling your registration before the start of classes, you will avoid any charges and your class spaces will be released in time to become available to other students.

Register for Classes

Students registration policy and steps to register

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Registration Deadlines

Deadlines related to Schedule Adjustment

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Registration for Special Populations

Registration information for DC Consortium, USM Inter-Institutional enrollment, ROTC, Golden ID, Faculty, and Staff

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Separating from the University

Details about leaving the university before or after classes begin

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