FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT US AT SCIENCEACADEMY@UMD.EDU

Q: Are the programs STEM approved?
A: All of our master's programs support student visas. Graduates of the Master of Science (MS) programs are eligible to apply for the Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) Optional Practical Training (OPT) extension as defined by the Department of Homeland Security. The graduate certificates in Data Science and in Quantum Computing do not support student visas. 

Q: Are the courses online? 
A: Instructional delivery is primarily face to face. Some sections of courses, including most summer courses, are delivered online to give students more flexibility for internships out of the area and travel.

Q: Are assistantships available? 
A: Students can submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to apply for federal financial aid. Additionally, the Graduate School has resources for finding funding for eligible applicants. The Office of International Student and Scholars (ISSS) also has a list of resources if you are an international student. We do not offer or guarantee assistantships or fellowships, though students are eligible to apply to positions in other departments on campus.

Q: Do I have to have a mathematics background to be admitted?
A: Having the appropriate background in mathematics is necessary to successfully complete several of the courses in the curriculum. Completion of formal coursework, ongoing or planned coursework, or evidence of mathematical competency (such as through job or research opportunities) are used in evaluating applicants.

Q: Are graduate certificates an option?
A: If you are not sure if you want to complete a full master's degree, the Graduate Certificate programs in Data Science or Quantum Computing may be a good fit. The four required courses for the Graduate Certificates are part of the master's programs. If you complete the certificate and apply to and are admitted into the master’s, those courses will transfer into the MS program.

Q: I have less than a 3.0 Grade Point Average (GPA). Can I still apply? 
A: Yes, you can still apply. In your application, include more information including: 

• Any explanation for your low GPA that you want to convey.
• A calculation of your GPA in courses relevant to the program (e.g., mathematics, statistics, computer science, programming).
• A description of your current work experience including sufficient detail about skills/knowledge/experience that relate to your area of study.

Q: What research opportunities are there? 
A: The programs in the Science Academy are primarily course-based, applied learning. These programs do not offer research positions or require a thesis.

Q: What is the application fee? 
A: The Graduate School lists the step-by-step process for applying to a graduate program at the University of Maryland. Step five of the six steps includes paying the non-refundable $75 application processing fee for each program to which you apply.

Q: Does the Science Academy offer application fee waivers?
A: The Graduate School does offer waivers to students affiliated with certain preparatory and professional organizations. Besides these opportunities, the Science Academy does not offer any application fee waivers. 

Q: What is the required TOEFL/IELTS/PTE score? 
A: Learn more about the Graduate School’s English Language Proficiency Requirements here. Students can submit TOEFL, Pearson (PTE), or IELTS scores. We do not accept the Duolingo exam. Students must score within the requirements for full enrollment or the English Bridge Program.

Q: How does tuition remission work?
A: Tuition remission for graduate assistants and campus employees covers the standard in-state tuition rate. The Science Academy tuition is a special tuition rate. Students are responsible for paying the difference between the graduate assistantship tuition remission and the Science Academy tuition each semester. More information on the tuition assistance program and process.

Q: Can I apply with a 3-year undergraduate degree in another country?
A: Depending on where you earned your undergraduate degree, and any other academic work you have completed, you may still be able to apply. Learn more about the Graduate School's policy.

Q: Are the GREs required for admission? 
A: GRE scores are not required for admission to the Science Academy programs. Students may submit official scores, but it is optional.

Q: When can I expect a decision after submitting an application?
A: Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis, so you can expect to hear back in around 6 weeks of submitting your complete application. 

Q: What do I submit for the description of research/work experience on the application?
A: The description of research/work experience component is an opportunity for applicants to go into more depth about their experience and how it fits into the program. This document can be fairly short (under a page of single-spaced 12-point font) and allows you to go into more technical detail about any previous work/research experience you have had that is relevant and does not fit into your resume or statement of purpose.

Q: Can you tell me more about the current student body? What about alumni?
A: You can learn more about Science Academy students, past and present, here.

Q: What can I do with this degree?
A: Students who have graduated from the Science Academy have ended up in a wide variety of fields. We have alumni working in higher education, finance, and healthcare with job titles ranging from software engineer, data scientist, machine learning engineer, data analyst, and medical lab scientist. There are great opportunities available to you with a degree from the Science Academy.