Transfer Information
The University of Maryland Eastern Shore publicly discloses transfer credit policies outlining the criteria by which credit is accepted from other institutions of higher education for entering transfer students and for current students who are granted permission to study at other institutions of higher education. The University of Maryland Eastern Shore also adheres to the policy on transfer credit as outlined by Title 13B Maryland Higher Education Commission. Transfer credit information is published online under the Admissions website and in the university catalog. Additional transfer information is also outlined in our transfer brochure: Beginning the Transition: Transferring to the University of Maryland Eastern Shore.
Transfer Information
A student who has attended any accredited institution of higher education will be considered as a transfer student. For admissions purposes, students with less than 28 credit hours will need to submit an official high school transcript. Students who have earned credit at other institutions of higher education must have at least a cumulative grade point average of “C” (2.00) or better.
A student seeking to move from one campus of the University system to another must have been a regular degree-seeking student eligible to return to his original campus. Students must apply within the normal deadlines and, where space is limited, admission to the new campus will be based on criteria designed to select the best qualified students.
A student must be in good judicial standing in order to be considered for admission to the University.
Transferring Credits
Are you transferring from a community college in Maryland? Visit ARTSYS, The Articulation System (http://www.acaff.usmh.usmd.edu/artweb/) to see how your credits will transfer to UMES.
UMES welcomes transfer students and has existing transfer agreements with many area colleges and universities. In order for credits to be transferred from an institution outside of Maryland, the grades for such course work must be a "C" or better.
The academic departments evaluate non-general education courses a student seeks to transfer, and decide the UMES course equivalent. There are restrictions on the number of transfer credits accepted. Half of the baccalaureate degree program requirement, but no more than 70 credits may be transferred from a junior/community college.
Direct Transfer and Articulation Agreements*
UMES fully ascribes to the Maryland State Board for Higher Education Articulation Agreement. UMES has direct transfer agreements with all Maryland community colleges as well. Direct transfer allows automatic admission and transfer of all college level credits of a "C" or better, not to exceed 70 credits.
Transfer with an A.A. Degree
Students who have earned an A.A. degree from a Maryland community college automatically have their General Education Requirements at UMES satisfied, except in instances where the student does not meet the minimum number of semester hours at the University level. However, the student will not be required to take more than 10-16 additional semester hours of general education. It is recommended that all students in their sophomore year at a Maryland community college complete their associate degrees before transferring to UMES so that there is no loss of credit applicable to their baccalaureate degrees. Credit from community colleges is transferred as lower division level (100-200) credits.
Transfer from Colleges and Universities
UMES does not limit the number of credits transferable for work completed at four year colleges; however, in order to graduate, a student must complete 30 semester credit hours at UMES. See the requirements for graduation for complete details.
Advanced Placement Exam Credit
Based on a student’s performance on the CEEB Advanced Placement Board Examinations, students may earn advanced placement and college credit. These examinations are usually given to eligible high school seniors during the month of May preceding matriculation in college.
Credit for Non-Traditional Learning
UMES also grants college credit for non-traditional learning experiences, either from credit by examination, or a combination of examinations and credits earned on a satisfactory/unsatisfactory basis. There are two ways to obtain credit by examination: one is by taking an examination administered by the appropriate department within the University and the other is by taking an appropriate examination administered through the College Level Examination Program (CLEP).
A maximum of 30 credit hours can be earned in this manner. Students may not receive non-traditional learning credits during the final 15 hours of credit for their degrees.
Accepted Sources for Non-Traditional Learning Credit
Complete information is available from the Office of Admissions and Registration. Elective and Required credit is available for the following:
- ACE Non-Collegiate Courses
- Advanced Placement (CEEB)*
- CLEP*
- Dantes*
- Military credit*
*Some restrictions apply.