Admissions criteria
Our admissions process considers each applicant as an individual. UMass Dartmouth is interested in attracting students whose achievements, aptitude, interests, character and motivation indicate promise of success in the academic subjects they plan to study. We believe an applicant’s performance in previous schooling is the best predictor of success at the university. In addition to the academic records, we consider the SAT (or ACT) results. We also consider your personal statements, and we place value on experiences that have allowed you to develop qualities of leadership and community service. We also like to know about your work experiences and other significant interests.
Students are accepted into specific majors and programs of study by using both general standards to evaluate an applicant’s ability to do university work and specific standards for potential in major departments or programs.
Strong emphasis is placed on the college prep courses taken, the level of those courses and the grades received.
We also use admissions standards established by the Massachusetts Department of Higher Education. These standards take into account the program of study, the level of course work taken and standardized test results for each applicant.
Test results
We recommend that you have the official results of your SAT I (math and critical reasoning) sent to us by the Educational Testing Services. Our college board code is 3786.
We can accept scores from your school as long as they are recorded on an official transcript. It is important to have your scores sent as early as possible in your senior year to ensure a complete evaluation of your application. You may substitute the results of the ACT.
Although we do not require the College Board SAT II results, applicants who have attended high school within the last three years may submit them. These tests, especially in the sciences, can be a very valuable source of information. We suggest that you seek advice from your guidance counselor about these tests.
Applicants who have been out of high school for more than three years, or who have earned at least 30 transferable college credits, are exempted from the SAT requirement. You may also claim an exemption from the SAT/ACT requirement if you have a learning disability.
If you have taken Advanced Placement (AP) courses, you should ask for your examination results to be sent to UMass Dartmouth.
International applicants, specifically those whose first language is not English, are required to submit the official results of the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL), unless the student has attended a school for at least one year in which the language of instruction is English. Official results are required from the Educational Testing Service; scores of 520 and higher are expected. For the computer-based TOEFL, the minimum score is 190; and for the Internet-based score, it is 68. More information for international students is on this site and on the International Students web site.
If you completed high school through the GED program, you must submit a copy of the GED certificate from the state, along with a copy of your GED test record.
Rolling admissions
UMass Dartmouth practices rolling admissions, which means that we make our admissions decisions as soon as possible once we receive and review your completed application and supporting materials.
Note: Some programs (such as nursing, biology, and psychology) are competitive, so applications are encouraged by February 1.
The College of Visual and Performing Arts has a firm application deadline of February 15.
Application for mid-year admission (the semester beginning in January) should be made by January 1.
Early action
Our early action plan allows you to apply before November 15 and receive a non-binding admissions decision by December 15.
All admissions-related credentials should be on file by November 15.
Defining freshman and transfer applicants
Applicants who will have secondary school or equivalency diplomas, and who have never attended a degree-granting post-secondary educational institution, are considered for freshman admission. Students who have enrolled in a college or university but who have attempted 15 or fewer credits are also considered freshman applicants.
Applicants who have attended degree-granting post-secondary educational institutions (including UMass Dartmouth as a special student or through the Division of Professional and Continuing Education) and attempted more than 15 credits are considered for transfer admission. See the page for transfer applicants for more information.
Admissions decisions
Admission decisions are generally made within a few weeks after all application materials are received, and a letter will be sent with our decision as soon as the Admissions Committee completes its review of your credentials. We will notify you in writing if your file lacks any information. Admission decisions cannot be made until all required information is on file.
Application fee waivers
If the application fee presents a financial hardship, you may:
- make a written fee waiver request, supported by a letter from a social worker, financial aid officer or member of the clergy
- use the College Board application fee waiver form which must be signed by a high school counselor
Please use the printed application if you are requesting a fee waiver; we cannot accept a fee waiver for the UMass Dartmouth online application.
Deposits for enrollment and housing
Once you’re accepted, you’ll need to inform the Admissions Office of your intent to enroll by paying a non-refundable enrollment deposit of $200. The deposit should be sent as soon as possible and before May 1.
If you wish to live on campus, you’ll also submit an additional non-refundable housing deposit of $200. Campus housing may be limited, so we recommend that, following acceptance, you submit your housing deposit as soon as possible and before May 1.
The enrollment and housing deposits are applied to your first semester account.
There are no refunds for enrollment or housing deposits.
Computer requirement
Some majors in the College of Visual and Performing Arts and students in the Charlton College of Business have specific computer requirements.
Dual enrollment applicants
Students taking college courses through dual enrollment should apply as freshman applicants. On the application, please indicate the courses you have completed or that are in progress.
Early admission
Frequently, superior secondary school students exhaust the courses offered in their high schools by the end of the junior year. They may seek admission to UMass Dartmouth without a secondary school diploma. Such candidates may be admitted on the basis of superior high school records and test scores. The application must also be supported with a written agreement that the high school approves the plan, and that a diploma will be granted upon satisfactory completion of one or two semesters of college work. Signatures of the school principal or headmaster, guidance counselor and parents are required.
Deferred admission
Students who have been accepted but find that they are unable to enroll in the semester originally intended may defer their admission for one or two semesters. The non-refundable $200 enrollment deposit must be paid, and a letter requesting deferment must be addressed to the Office of Admissions.
Accepted in the past but did not enroll
Students who have been accepted at UMass Dartmouth, decide to attend another institution, but subsequently want to enroll here, must re-apply for admission, pay an application fee and submit transcripts of records from the other school.
Not accepted in the past but want to re-apply
We encourage applications from students who have been denied admission but who have improved their academic records at other institutions. A new application must be submitted with the appropriate fee and all supporting credentials. We keep applications on file for one year.
UMass Dartmouth students seeking re-admission
Students previously admitted to UMass Dartmouth/Southeastern Massachusetts University (day division) as degree candidates, and who registered for one or more semesters, may request re-admission by contacting the Registrar’s Office (508.999.8615).
Nursing applicants
The nursing program closes early. Applicants (freshman and transfer) should apply before February 1.
Registered nurses are evaluated for a program track differently than those without the RN, one that usually taking less time to complete. RNs must have the RN license or expect to have it by the start of classes. Please submit documentation of your RN license or your registration to sit for the license examination with your application. RN applicants are considered for transfer admission and should have an associate degree in nursing or a hospital diploma.
Enrollment in the College of Nursing is on a first-come, first-served basis. When all spaces are filled, the college will not accept any more enrollment deposits. A waiting list may be created to accommodate any spaces that may open because of unforeseen circumstances.
Visual arts applicants
Space in the art programs is limited. The deadline for submitting your application and portfolio is February 15.
Submission of a portfolio is required, so that faculty members may evaluate your ability and preparation. We recognize that a portfolio is not a precise measure of potential, and that our applicants come to us with varying amounts of previous art instruction. Please indicate on your application that you will be submitting a portfolio, so that we can anticipate receiving it within three weeks of your application.
Your portfolio should include five or six drawings from your own observation (still-life, object drawing or figure drawing); complete your submission with other works in any media.
Several portfolio review sessions are available throughout the fall and winter months. Please contact the Admissions Office for details.
Submit your portfolio online at umassd.slideroom.com
Alternately, you may submit your digital portfolio via mail. The portfolio should be submitted on Mac-formatted CDs or DVDs. Formats:
- still images: JPEG or TIFF
- animation:Quicktime or SWF
- web design work: HTML
Please enclose a stamped, self-addressed envelope so that we may return your portfolio. Be sure to put your name on your CDs and DVDs.
Music applicants
Applicants for music must audition in person in their principal applied area (instrument or voice). For the audition, candidates will perform at least two pieces from the standard repertoire. A placement test will also be given to determine each candidate’s readiness for the theory, music skills and piano class programs. Auditions are held monthly between January and May. It is your responsibility to arrange your audition with the Music Department. Please call the department at 508.999.8568 to schedule an appointment
Requirements for freshman admission
The credentials required for admission are:
- Secondary school record including 16 units of college preparatory courses:
- English: 4 units
- Social Sciences: 2 units, including 1 in United States history
- Mathematics: 3 units (Algebra I, II and Geometry)
- Foreign language: 2 units of the same language
- Sciences: 3 units (2 units must be laboratory sciences)
- Electives: 2 units in college preparatory courses
- First-quarter senior-year grades, except for early action applicants
- SAT I scores (math and critical reasoning). We recommend that you have the official results of the SAT I sent to us by the Educational Testing Service. We can also accept SAT I scores from your school as long as they are recorded on an official transcript. It is important to have your scores sent as early as possible in your senior year to ensure a complete evaluation of your application. You may substitute the results of the ACT for the SAT I. If applicable, also see the exemptions from testing requirement section.
- If you have taken Advanced Placement (AP) courses, you should ask for your examination results to be sent to UMass Dartmouth.
- TOEFL scores for international students
- An essay or personal statement on a topic of your choice
- Two letters of recommendation
- Completed application
Note:
- If you have taken college courses as a dual enrollment student, you should still apply as a freshman
- Although we do not require the College Board SAT II results, applicants who have attended high school within the last three years may submit them. These tests, especially in the sciences, can be a very valuable source of information. We suggest that you seek advice from your guidance counselor about these tests.
International Applicants
(those needing to receive F-1 visas)
To the extent possible, international applicants should follow the instructions for either new freshman or transfer application, depending on their individual circumstances. International applications will pay the out-of-state application fee and are not eligible for waivers of this fee. Upon acceptance and for as long as they attend the university, they must pay out-of-state tuition. International undergraduate students are not eligible to receive financial aid from the university.
International applicants must submit their application fees in US currency. Checks not in US currency will be returned and the application will not be processed until the fee has been resubmitted in US currency.
These applicants must also meet the US government requirements for full time students in order to be issued the I-20 form for the F visa application. They must satisfy the conditions for admission to the university and become full-time, degree-seeking students.
In addition, international applicants whose native language is other than English must submit official scores from the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL), which is offered at regularly scheduled intervals throughout the world. Foreign nationals who have completed a year or more of study in United States institutions, in which the primary language of instruction is English, are exempt from this requirement.
Visiting Students
The university welcomes visiting students, who are matriculated at another university or college but wish to pursue their studies with us temporarily. We are especially interested in supporting students whose studies at another university will be enriched by a planned semester here, arranged between academic departments or faculty advisors.
International Exchange Students
The university also participates in formal and informal international student exchanges. A listing of formal exchanges appears elsewhere in this catalogue. For further information contact the International Programs Office at intl_programs@umassd.edu or call 508.910.6588. Once accepted, exchange students are issued the appropriate paperwork required for the J visa application by the International Student & Scholar Center (ISSC).
Visit the International Students web site for additional information.
Permanent residents of the United States
Permanent residents who are not citizens of the United States use the standard application for admission. A copy of both sides of the immigration form I-551 (green card) must be filed with the application.
Transfer Admission to the University
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Every semester, UMass Dartmouth welcomes a large number of students who have transferred from another school.
We have special admissions agreements with all of the state’s public community colleges as well as with Dean College, Quincy College and the Community College of Rhode Island. These agreements provide academically qualified students in-depth guidance about pursuing a bachelor’s degree along with expedited admissions to UMass Dartmouth. For information about resources available to help get your UMass Dartmouth transfer experience off to a good start, please visit:
A transfer applicant is a high school graduate or GED recipient who has attempted more than 15 credits from an accredited college or university (including UMass Dartmouth as a special student or in the Division of Professional and Continuing Education).
If you’re thinking of transferring to UMass Dartmouth, please review the information on this page and, as needed, on other pages on this site.
On this page
Additional information
Requirements
The requirements for transfer admission:
- Official transcripts of all previous college or university courses attempted
- In addition to the transcripts, a list of all the courses you are currently taking, by course number, title, and credits
- Personal essay
- Photocopies of catalog pages with course descriptions for the work you have completed, to help us evaluate your college/university transcripts properly. Mark the courses you have taken and the college name on each page; failure to submit this information may result in our not being able to award credit
- Completed application
- TOEFL scores for international students
Commonwealth Transfer Compact
The Commonwealth Transfer Compact offers special opportunities for students transferring from Massachusetts public community colleges. Specifically, the Transfer Compact is for students who will complete an associate’s degree in a program designed for transfer to a four-year institution. The complete text of the Transfer Compact is available at the community colleges. A transfer counselor in the community college can provide guidance and advice about the details of the agreement. In short, the Transfer Compact allows for the acceptance of 60 credits in transfer and precludes repeating courses taken at the community college.
Whether or not they are enrolled in the Transfer Compact, students are encouraged to plan their studies with eventual transfer in mind. The UMass Dartmouth Admissions staff works closely with prospective transfer students to assist in a smooth transition to the university.
Joint admissions
College students enrolled in any Massachusetts community college in a designated transfer program are eligible to participate in the Joint Admissions program. Students formally register at the community college by completing a Joint Admissions Participation Form. After registering, the student receives preliminary acceptance to UMass Dartmouth. It is understood that the student will earn an associate degree with a cumulative grade point average of 2.5 or higher. We work closely with the transfer counselors at the community colleges to provide information and guidance to their students.
Transfer credit
The awarding of transfer credit for courses taken at other institutions prior to admission is determined by the Admissions Office and dean, or designee, of the appropriate college. A C- grade is the minimum acceptable grade for receiving transfer credit. Transfer credits are recorded on the student’s permanent UMass Dartmouth record.
Advanced Standing through Transfer Credits
The quality and quantity of academic work completed at previous higher education institutions determine the amount of transfer credit accepted at UMass Dartmouth and its applicability toward a degree. We accept college/university-level credits taken at an accredited institution if the content is equivalent to a course or appropriate to a curriculum that we offer. Vocational or non-college level courses (such as physical activity, trade education and high-school level courses) are not transferable.
The university’s basic course and credit transfer policies are stated as follows. These policies apply unless a special transfer agreement or program imposes different conditions approved for that program. Special conditions apply for Interchange Transfer students, students entering under the Transfer Compact and students in Study on Exchange status.
Transferred credits and course titles will be recorded on the transcript, without a grade designation; they will not be included in the grade point average that is earned at UMass Dartmouth. Only credits for courses in which “C-” or higher grades were received will transfer.
At least 45 credits of course work must be completed at UMass Dartmouth. Other credits that may be applied to the degree include advanced placement and CLEP credits. No more than 60 credits can be accepted from any combination of post-secondary 2-year institutions, advanced placement or CLEP credits.
At least 30 credits of advanced and specialized courses must be completed (UMass Dartmouth courses numbered 300 or higher). It is expected that students will earn most of their advanced and specialized course credits at UMass Dartmouth. Students may be granted permission by the appropriate chairperson and college dean to earn some of these credits at another institution so long as UMass Dartmouth major and minor requirements are met to their satisfaction thereby.
All courses accepted for transfer credit will count as UMass Dartmouth credits, but they will not necessarily count toward the specific degree requirements of the candidate’s college and department. Some may be awarded as free electives only. Transcripts are evaluated by the Admissions Office or the college into which the applicant is accepted.
Interchange Transfer, Permanent
Currently-enrolled, degree-seeking students at UMass Amherst, UMass Boston or UMass Lowell who wish to change to be degree-seeking students at UMass Dartmouth may request Interchange Transfer. No application fee is required. To be eligible, the applicant must be in good academic standing and be currently enrolled with a load of 12 or more credits, have completed successfully at least 12 credits, and have at least a 2.000 cumulative grade point average.
Interchange transfer applicants must submit our application form and have an official copy of their current UMass transcript sent to us; if they meet the eligibility criteria, no other documents need to be sent.
Part-time, continuing-education or non-degree “special students” at a UMass campus are considered regular applicants and must submit all documentation and pay the application fee.
Please contact the UMass Dartmouth Office of Admissions for specific instructions.
Temporary Interchange Transfer
Temporary interchange students from the other campuses attend UMass Dartmouth for one or two semesters, applying UMass Dartmouth credits to the degree requirements of their home campus.
Before registering, temporary interchange students should receive from their home campus all necessary approvals regarding the applicability of UMass Dartmouth courses to the degree requirements of their home campus. Temporary interchange students receiving financial aid work through the financial aid office at their home campus.
Other Types of Credit
Applicants have opportunities for academic credit in addition to that provided by the transfer of credits from other institutions of higher learning.
AP examinations. Increasing numbers of students complete college-level studies while still in secondary school, through the Advanced Placement program of the College Board. We award advanced placement and/or college credit for AP examination scores of 3 or higher (with one exception: Psychology requires a 4 or 5) in most AP fields. Additional information is available at the Office of Admissions.
International Baccalaureate (IB). International Baccalaureate is similar to Advance Placement in that specific courses taken through high school IB programs may be accepted for college credit. Additional information is available in the Office of Admissions.
CLEP credit. The university has approved the use of the College Board College Level Examination Program (CLEP). This program uses test results to show that an individual has achieved college-level education in a certain academic field. We can award credit for CLEP Subject Examination scores of 50 or above, as reported on the CLEP score report. Some CLEP Subject Examinations may not receive credit, and the equivalency of these to UMass Dartmouth’s courses will be determined by the academic department for that subject. UMass Dartmouth does not give credit for CLEP General Examinations. Please consult the more detailed statement in the chapter on Special Learning Opportunities.
Military training courses. For military service school training, credit will be evaluated according to the recommendations of the Guide to the Evaluation of Educational Experience in the Armed Services, prepared by the American Council on Education. Degree candidates normally do not use these credits within the major field.
Professional and Continuing Education degree offerings; prior learning credit. The Division of Professional and Continuing Education at UMass Dartmouth offers credit for validated prior learning to those who have become registered students. This program provides university academic credit for adult students who, through occupational or other experiences, have achieved the equivalent of college-level knowledge. Their prior learning is documented through a one-semester workshop and then evaluated for credit.
Credit courses taken from UMass Dartmouth’s Division of Professional and Continuing Education are considered regular courses of the university. They appear on the transcript and the grades earned are reflected in the candidate’s grade point average at the university.
Additional Application Requirements
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The nature of some majors or curricula may make it desirable for additional information to be gathered systematically as a part of the application process so long as they do not contradict the admissions policies and procedures of the university. Three such requirements are currently in effect.
Multidisciplinary Studies
Applicants for admission to this individually-designed major must arrange a program of study with the program director before acceptance can be offered. This program is open to transfer applicants only.
Music Audition Requirement
Applicants for admission to the music major must audition in person in their principal applied area (either instrument or voice); the audition is a requirement for a completed application in music. Those who cannot audition in person must request permission to submit recordings.
Studio Art Portfolio
The faculty of the College of Visual and Performing Arts review applicants’ art portfolios as a part of the application process. Complete instructions to help applicants meet these requirements are given in the Admissions Viewbook.
Nursing, RN Track
Matriculation in this program requires a student to have a nursing associate’s degree or hospital diploma and a current Massachusetts RN license.
Regional Student Admission and Proximity Program: Reduced Tuition Program
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The New England Regional Student Program enables residents of Rhode Island, Connecticut, Maine, New Hampshire,and Vermont who apply for academic programs not available in their own public colleges and universities to receive special consideration for admission and to pay significantly reduced tuition at this university (in-state tuition plus 50%). Secondary school guidance counselors and college transfer officers can provide details about this program, or one can contact the New England Board of Higher Education, Boston, MA 01984; phone (617) 357-9620. The following table indicates UMass Dartmouth undergraduate programs that are available to New England residents at reduced tuition charges:
Program
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Eligible State Residents
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| Textile Chemistry |
CT, ME, NH, RI, VT |
| Textile Science |
CT, ME, NH, RI, VT |
| Portuguese |
ME, NH, RI, VT |
| Artisanry |
CT, ME, NH, RI, VT |
| Sculpture/3D |
CT, ME, NH, RI, VT |
| Textile Design |
CT, ME, NH, RI, VT |
| Visual Design |
CT, ME, NH, RI, VT |
| Art Education |
RI |
Proximity Student Program
There is also a Proximity Student Program for students in any major whose permanent home address is in one of these Rhode Island communities:
- Newport
- Bristol
- Middletown
- Portsmouth
- Little Compton
- Tiverton
- Warren
The New England Regional Student Program rates apply. For more information, contact the Admissions Office via email or phone (508-999-8605).
Other Applicant Types
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International Applicants
(those needing to receive F-1 visas)
To the extent possible, international applicants should follow the instructions for either new freshman or transfer application, depending on their individual circumstances. International applicants will pay the out-of-state application fee and are not eligible for waivers of this fee. Upon acceptance and for as long as they attend the university, they must pay out-of-state tuition. International undergraduate students are not eligible to receive financial aid from the university.
International applicants must submit their application fees in US currency. Checks not in US currency will be returned and the application will not be processed until the fee has been resubmitted in US currency.
These applicants must also meet all requirements of the United States Office of Immigration, in order to be issued the I-20 form. They must satisfy the conditions for admission to the university and become full-time, degree-seeking students.
In addition, international applicants whose native language is other than English must submit official scores from the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL), which is offered at regularly scheduled intervals throughout the world. Foreign nationals who have completed a year or more of study in United States institutions, or whose education abroad was conducted in institutions in which the primary language of instruction is English, are exempt from this requirement.
Students Seeking a Second Bachelor’s Degree
Students who have earned a bachelor’s degree at UMass Dartmouth or a predecessor institution who wish to pursue a second baccalaureate degree here, are invited to apply for readmission at the Registrar’s Office. Those with a degree from another institution apply to the Admissions Office.
UMass Dartmouth Students Seeking Re-Admission
Any student who was previously admitted to UMass Dartmouth (day division) as a degree candidate and who registered for one or more semesters may request re-admission by contacting the Registrar’s Office at 508 999-8615.
Access to Courses, for Students Not Seeking a Degree (Non-Degree Students)
There are many reasons why a person might wish to take one or more courses at the university without seeking a degree. When feasible, therefore, we allow qualified students who are not UMass Dartmouth degree candidates to register for courses as non-degree students. They may register only for courses for which they are qualified and in which space is available, and will be held to a strict limit in the total number of credits for which they may enroll as non-degree students. Specific regulations for non-degree students are given in the Academic Policies and Regulations section of this Catalogue.
An initial review of those seeking to register as undergraduate non-degree students is made in the Academic Advising Center. Applicants should be prepared to discuss their plans and to show appropriate records of prior schooling.
Visiting and Exchange Students
The university welcomes visiting students, who are matriculated at another university or college but wish to pursue their studies with us temporarily. We are especially interested in supporting students whose studies at another university will be enriched by a planned semester here, arranged between academic departments or faculty advisors.
The university also participates in formal as well as informal international student exchanges. A listing of formal exchange programs appears elsewhere in this catalogue. Contact the director of any of the exchange programs for additional information about the programs. Students accepted in exchange are issued paperwork authorizing them to receive a J-1 student visa, through the Office of Academic Affairs/Graduate Studies, 508 999-8024.
Students with Disabilities
Applicants are under no obligation to disclose a disability. If, on the other hand, they choose to seek accommodations in their classrooms, they are encouraged to contact the Center for Access and Success at http://www.umassd.edu/dss or call 508.999.8711 to obtain eligibility requirements and to discover what services are available to students with documented disabilities.
Mid-Year Admissions
To the extent that space and fiscal resources permit, the university will admit qualified mid-year applicants. Special efforts will be made to ensure that spaces are available in appropriate spring semester classes for those admitted.
Social Security Number
Beginning in fall 2005, the university will issue a special student identification number for use in campus transactions; the social security number will not be used in such transactions. It remains a requirement that all students must submit their social security numbers (except international students who lack them), as a federal requirement; this number is used for tax reporting and in some financial aid and hiring situations. The university will respect and protect students’ privacy and their social security numbers.
Graduate Admissions
Contact the Office of Graduate Studies for information, program descriptions, and application materials. Phone 508 999-8604.
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