Admission to Programs

Overview
Submission of Application Materials
Admission Requirements by Program
Admission Criteria: Master's Degree Programs
Additional Requirements: Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT)
Additional Requirements: Master of Arts in TESOL
Admission Requirements: Master of Science in Nursing
Accepted Student Status
Admission Criteria: Non-Degree Programs
Accelerated Certification for Teaching
Certificate of Advanced Study in Education
Post-Baccalaureate Certificates
Admission Criteria: The Ph.D. in Instructional Leadership for Changing Populations
International Student Admission
Specialized Contract Courses for Non-Matriculants
Registration for Professional Development Institute (PDI)
Visiting Students
Special Students
Transfer Credit Policy
Re-admission Policy
Registration Policies
WebAdvisor
Change in Registration
Online Consortium Registration

Students are admitted to a specific graduate program. Once admitted, students may take courses in that program at any of the four centers (Baltimore campus, Northeast Maryland Higher Education Center, Anne Arundel Community College, and SMHEC) provided that appropriate courses are offered. All programs are offered on the Baltimore campus.

Back to top

Submission of Application Materials

Students in the graduate programs must hold a baccalaureate degree from an accredited college or university before beginning graduate study. Candidates for admission are assessed on an individual basis, based on admission criteria and any additional information which the student may provide.

Inquiries and application materials should be directed as follows:

For all programs other than the Ph.D. in Instructional Leadership for Changing Populations:
Graduate Admissions
Notre Dame of Maryland University
4701 North Charles Street
Baltimore, MD 21210-2476
410-532-5317 or 1-888-GRAD-CND
gradadm@ndm.edu

For the Ph.D. in Instructional Leadership for Changing Populations:
Dean of Education
Notre Dame of Maryland University
4701 North Charles Street
Baltimore, MD 21210-2476
410-532-5895 or 410-532-5349
psimon@ndm.edu

Back to top

Admission Requirements by Program

Each graduate program at Notre Dame has specific requirements to qualify for admission. Consult this table to determine the information you must provide to be considered for your program of interest. For information on admissions to the pharmacy program, please visit the School of Pharmacy admissions page.

Admission Criteria: Master's Degree Programs

General Requirements

Individuals who are interested in earning a master's degree must submit the following:

1. Completed graduate application form
2. $45 Application fee (exempt for Notre Dame graduates)
3. Official transcript sent directly to the office of graduate admissions from the accredited institution granting the baccalaureate degree, plus official transcript(s) of any previous graduate study
4. 300-500 word typed essay or an official copy of a post-baccalaureate transcript (master's degree). Please address the following questions for your 300-500 word admissions essay:
   • What are your goals and objectives in pursuing graduate study in your chosen program?
   • How have your experiences (academic, professional, and/or personal) prepared you to successfully complete this program?

Upon review of the admission criteria outlined above, applicants may be required to fulfill one or more of the following:

• Watson-Glaser "Critical Thinking Appraisal"
• Praxis I composite score of 527 or SAT (1100 since 1995) or ACT (24 composite) or GRE or GMAT score
• Written case analysis to be completed at the office of graduate admissions
• Grammar exam
• Admissions interview held with the graduate academic advisor at the relevant site
• Grade of "B" or better in the first two classes as a matriculant
• 3 Letters of Reference (for initial certification candidates)

Some programs may require additional criteria.

Students with a graduate degree from a foreign university are not automatically admitted, and they may be invited to take one or more of the admissions tests in order to advance their candidacy for admission.

Priority Filing Dates
Fall Semester July 5
Winterim Session November 5
Spring Semester December 5
Summer Semester April 5

Graduate courses are very popular and fill up fast. The optimal submission time for applications is a semester ahead in order to enroll in courses of the student's choice. Notre Dame students register for two semesters at the same time: Summer and Fall together; Winterim and Spring together.

Back to top

Additional Requirements: Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT)

Admission to the MAT program is selective, given the limited number of internship opportunities available each year. Besides the information required of all candidates for admission, applicants to the MAT program are asked to supply additional information and materials as follows:

1. Three recommendations submitted on forms prescribed by the University
2. Passing scores on Praxis I, a battery of three tests assessing candidates' skills in reading, writing and mathematics. Information about these tests is available online from the Education Testing Service at www.ets.org/praxis.
3. An admissions interview, held with the MAT coordinator or SMHEC program coordinator
4. MAT candidates are generally expected to hold either a 3.2 GPA or an advanced degree from an accredited institution.
5. Students must also have had extensive prior study in liberal arts coursework and in the subject content area appropriate to the area in which the candidate is seeking certification.
6. The candidate’s essay will be critiqued for writing skills and the candidate’s oral communication skills will be assessed during the interview, as well as their level of readiness/preparation to become a classroom teacher.

Students are admitted to the MAT program on a full time basis to complete the program within 15 months or on a part-time basis with completion generally expected within two years. Although part-time work may begin any semester, students admitted to full time study must begin their work in the summer term in order to complete their studies within 15 months.

Prospective students should consult with the MAT coordinator, Southern Maryland Higher Education Center program coordinator, or graduate program coordinator at the Northeast Maryland Higher Education Center for requirements pertaining to admission, advancement in the program and special degree requirements.

Back to top

Additional Requirements: Master of Arts in TESOL

All non-native speakers of English, including those who have an undergraduate degree from a university in the United States, must submit, in addition to the requirements for MAT (noted above):

1. A minimum score of 5 on the Test of Written English (TWE), and a minimum score of 50 on the Test of Spoken English (TSE) in addition to the requirement of a minimum score of 600 on the TOEFL or a 250 on the computer-based equivalent, or
2. A score of B or better on the Cambridge Certificate of Proficiency in English (CPE), or
3. A score of 7.0 or better on the Cambridge International English Language Testing System (IELTS).

Back to top

Admission Requirements: Master of Science in Nursing

To be considered for admission to the Masters of Science in Nursing program at Notre Dame, applicants must have completed a BSN degree with a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or above and completed courses in Health Assessment, Statistics and Nursing Research with a grade B or above.  Applicants must submit the following:

1. Graduate Studies application form
2. $45 Application fee (waived for ND graduates)
3. Sealed official transcripts from all previous colleges attended for baccalaureate, graduate and/or community college course work sent directly to office of graduate admissions
4. Active registered nursing license from The Maryland Board of Nursing Web site. Download and print at http://209.60.234.65/mdbon_weblookup/
5. 300-500 word typed essay. Please address the following questions for your admissions essay:
   • What are your goals and objectives in pursuing graduate study in your chosen program?
   • How have your experiences (academic, professional and/or personal) prepared you to successfully complete this program?
6. Two letters of recommendation on designated forms written by those who have direct knowledge of your clinical expertise and potential to succeed in the chosen concentration

Upon review and evaluation of all required admission materials, selected applicants may be invited to interview with nursing faculty. The interview is advisory in nature.

Back to top

Accepted Student Status

Students will be fully accepted or may have provisional or conditional status.

Provisional Status

Provisional status is granted to students who qualify for admission to a program, but who must complete a specific procedural requirement (e.g., filing an official transcript issued after the bachelor's degree has been officially awarded). Provisional status in a program may be granted before the baccalaureate degree is conferred for graduate study to be undertaken after that degree is conferred. The requirements for admission to full degree (matriculant status) will be clearly stated in the letter of acceptance.

It is the responsibility of the student to schedule an appointment with an academic advisor when the requirements have been met. Until this requirement is met, the provisional status designation will remain on the student's academic record. This will preclude students from registering for additional courses.

Conditional Status

Conditional status is granted to students who have borderline credentials for admission, and who have been offered the opportunity to take several courses before a final decision is made. Under conditional status, students are normally restricted to taking one or two courses. The requirements for admission to full degree (matriculant status) will be clearly stated in the letter of acceptance.

It is the responsibility of the student to schedule an appointment with an academic advisor when the requirements have been met. Until this requirement is met, the conditional status designation will remain on the student's academic record. This will preclude students from registering for additional courses.

Back to top

Admission Criteria: Non-Degree Programs

Back to top

Accelerated Certification for Teaching

The Accelerated Certification for Teaching (ACT) program is a post-baccalaureate, non-degree, graduate level, state approved program for the preparation of elementary and secondary school teachers. Admission requirements to the ACT program are:

1. Completed application form
2. $45 application fee
3. 300-500 word typed essay addressing the following questions:
   • What are your goals and objectives in pursuing graduate study in your chosen program?
   • How have your experiences (academic, professional and/or personal) prepared you to successfully complete this program?
4. Baccalaureate or advanced degree with a 3.2 GPA from an accredited institution (open to consultation)
5. Official transcripts of prior graduate and undergraduate work sent directly from those institutions to the office of graduate admissions
6. Admissions interview with the ACT Coordinator
7. Extensive prior study in liberal arts coursework and in the subject content area appropriate to the area in which the candidate is seeking certification
8. Three recommendations submitted on forms prescribed by the University.
9. Passing scores on Praxis I.
10. The candidate’s essay will be critiqued for writing skills and the candidate’s oral communication skills will be assessed during the interview, as well as their level of readiness/preparation to become a classroom teacher.

Back to top

Certificate of Advanced Study in Education (CASE)

Admission requirements to the Certificate of Advanced Study in Education are:

1. Master's degree from an accredited institution with recommended GPA of 3.5 or above
2. Completion of application materials
3. Two written professional recommendations
4. An admissions interview

Back to top

Post-Baccalaureate Certificates

Notre Dame offers post-baccalaureate certificates in Curriculum and Instruction, Latin, Leadership of Nonprofit Organizations, and Leadership and Management.

Curriculum and Instruction

Applicants to the Curriculum and Instruction program should have at least one year of teaching experience, and either
a) a cumulative grade point average of 3.0 or higher in their undergraduate program, or
b) a master's degree.

All of the required credits for the post-baccalaureate certificate in Curriculum and Instruction must be earned at Notre Dame. Credits earned toward the certificate in Curriculum and Instruction may be applied to the Master of Arts in Leadership in Teaching.

Latin

Applicants to the Latin program must demonstrate a proficiency in Latin.

Fifteen of the 18 credits for the post-baccalaureate certificate in Latin must be earned at Notre Dame. Credits earned toward the certificate in Latin may be applied to the Master of Arts in Liberal Studies, or 12 of the credits may be used for a Latin Concentration within the Master of Arts in Leadership in Teaching program.

Back to top

Admissions Criteria: Ph.D. in Instructional Leadership for Changing Populations

Admissions Requirements

Individuals interested in earning the doctoral degree must fulfill all of the following admission requirements. The program is designed for cohort groups. Every attention will be given to moving each cohort through the program according to a specified time line provided at the time of admission. Candidate applications are assessed twice a year in light of the following requirements:

1. Successful completion of a master's degree from an accredited institution with a grade point average of at least 3.5
2. A completed application form
3. Two letters of recommendation
4. Official transcripts of all post-secondary education
5. A statement describing personal area of academic interest and research
6. Satisfactory score on the Miller Analogies Test (MAT) or Graduate Record Examination (GRE), taken no longer than five years before date of application to the program
7. A nonrefundable $60 application fee

Applications may be obtained from the School of Education, Notre Dame of Maryland University, 4701 North Charles St. Baltimore, Maryland 21210.

Back to top

International Student Admission

International students on an F-1 visa are required, by United States government regulation, to take a minimum of nine graduate credit hours each semester. International applicants must be mindful that the Graduate Studies Program serves primarily part-time commuter students who work full time. 

In addition to other requirements for admission, international applicants must:

1. be able to qualify (and continue to qualify) for the appropriate visa;
2. submit certified, transcribed and evaluated transcripts of undergraduate study equivalent at least to a U.S. bachelor's degree (international credentials must be evaluated through World Educational Services);
3. submit a completed Affidavit of Support form that indicates ability to fully finance the program of study;
4. submit a score of 550 or higher on the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL).

An I-20 is issued only after the student has been accepted for admission. Upon admission, students who are not permanent residents of the United States must contact Notre Dame's director of international programs at 410-532-3183 for assistance and appropriate documents. Accepted international students may register after receiving the appropriate visa from the United States government. International students cannot be accepted provisionally.

Notre Dame of Maryland University does not provide financial aid to international students.

Back to top

Specialized Contract Courses for Non-Matriculants

Notre Dame offers graduate courses by contract with local organizations, including school systems, for specified populations. Students must provide evidence of an undergraduate degree to register for any graduate-level class. Students admitted to specialized contract courses may take these courses without being admitted to a program. Admission to specialized courses does not imply admission to other graduate courses or to a program. Students admitted to specialized contract courses may apply for admission to a program, and will be considered for admission under the normal application procedures.

If admitted, up to nine credits taken in contract courses may be considered for transfer into the degree program.

Back to top

Registration for Professional Development Institute (PDI)

Students in the specialized education contract courses register as non-matriculants in the Professional Development Institute (PDI).

Students may be permitted to enroll in the Professional Development Institute (PDI) in order to take graduate level education courses for their own enrichment or to fulfill requirements for Maryland schools. Teachers in Maryland schools may apply to the PDI for recertification or for a second certification.

By their signature on the PDI registration form, students are affirming they have earned their undergraduate degree. If the confirmation of the undergraduate degree (transcript) is not received from the granting institution, Notre Dame reserves the right to withdraw credit for the course(s) and to terminate the student's PDI status.

Students registering through the Professional Development Institute (PDI) may later apply for admission to a Notre Dame graduate program and will be considered for admission under the normal application procedure. If students wish to transfer from the PDI to matriculation in one of the degree programs, they must complete the regular graduate admission process. There are no exceptions to this policy.

Registering through the Professional Development Institute for graduate level or specialized courses does not guarantee admission to other graduate courses or to a graduate degree program.

If a PDI student is admitted to a graduate program, up to nine credits earned in PDI courses may be utilized in the degree program if those PDI credits apply to the degree program and if the student earned a grade of B or better in the PDI course(s). A delay of three (3) years or more in matriculating for a master's degree may mean that those courses (credits) are not applicable for the degree.

Notre Dame reserves the right to determine which courses may be offered under the auspices of the Professional Development Institute (PDI).

Back to top

Visiting Students

Degree-seeking students in a graduate program at another college or university may be admitted as visiting students, taking courses at Notre Dame to be transferred to their graduate program. They must present a letter from the director (or dean) of their graduate program indicating that they are students in good standing.

Certain undergraduate students may take one graduate course at Notre Dame of Maryland University per semester. To be eligible to apply, an undergraduate student must:

1. be a matriculated student in good standing who has completed at least one semester of the senior year at one of the following institutions: Coppin State, Goucher College, Loyola University, Maryland Institute of Art, Morgan State University, The Johns Hopkins University, Towson University or the University of Baltimore;
2. have at least a 3.0 undergraduate GPA (on a 4.0 point scale); and
3. present a letter from the dean of the institution which he/she is attending, indicating permission to take a particular course.

Undergraduate students admitted under this policy are visiting students in the graduate programs at Notre Dame. Courses taken at the graduate level are not eligible to be used for the undergraduate degree (or vice versa).
Visiting student status will lapse once a student has completed the course(s) stipulated at the time of application. Admission of a visiting student to the University does not guarantee that a course will be scheduled, that it will not be cancelled in the event of insufficient enrollment, or that there will be room in the class at the time the visiting student attempts to register. Visiting students pay the current graduate tuition rate directly to Notre Dame. Grade reports are not sent to the student's home institution; students who require a transcript must request a copy from the registrar's office at Notre Dame.

Back to top

Special Students

Special student status allows the student to take up to 21 credits. Special student status is effective for one year, and will lapse if no course is taken during that period. Special student status may be renewable for an additional one-year period provided that the student has completed at least one course during the prior year. Special students need to formally apply if they wish to be admitted to one of the programs as a matriculant.

Back to top

Transfer Credit Policy

At the time of admission, students must initiate requests for transfer credit for courses already completed. Graduate courses taken at other colleges and universities after admission to Notre Dame require advance approval from the appropriate dean. In certain programs, it may not be possible to take core courses elsewhere given their unique design. Except as noted elsewhere in this catalog, a maximum of six graduate credits may be transferred into any of the master's degree programs at Notre Dame. Courses transferred into the graduate program must carry a grade of "B" or better, be directly related to the student's Notre Dame program, and not have been applied toward another degree. (Transfer credits must have been completed in the past seven years.)

Back to top

Readmission Policy

Notre Dame does not automatically readmit students who have withdrawn from the University or whose matriculancy has lapsed. Students must file a new application and must submit a new transcript. A readmission fee must accompany the request for readmission. Readmitted students must fulfill the program requirements in place at the time of readmission.

Back to top

Registration Policies

Students who have satisfied the admission requirements and have been admitted into a specific graduate program may register for graduate courses in person, by fax, online through WebAdvisor, or by mail. Students may not register until they have been officially accepted into a graduate studies program or approved for non-matriculant status. Course schedules, registration dates and instructions are available on the Notre Dame's website, www.ndm.edu and through WebAdvisor. Course registrations are handled on a first-come, first-served basis during the registration period before each term.

A registration fee must be paid at the time of registration. Tuition and other fees are due by a specific date each registration period. A student's registration is subject to cancellation if tuition and other fees are not paid by the specified deadline prior to the beginning of classes. However, please note that non-payment is not an authorized method of dropping a class; if the student's name remains on the class roster, the student will be liable for payment and will receive a grade of "F" for the course.

Back to top

WebAdvisor

WebAdvisor is an online tool for Notre Dame students and faculty. WebAdvisor data is real-time and reflects the same information that is available through the registrar's office. Available course information includes: course title, days and times of course offerings, space availability, course descriptions and faculty contact information.

To access course information on WebAdvisor go to advisor.ndm.edu, click on WebAdvisor for Students > Search for Sections and use the pull down menu to enter a term, enter at least one or more criteria to narrow the search (e.g., department, faculty last name or day of the week), submit and then click on course name to obtain specific course information. Information on grades, schedules, and financial aid, as well as online registration and payment, is also available through the student's personal login to WebAdvisor. All students are provided with a username and password to access WebAdvisor and other tools after their first registration at Notre Dame.

Back to top

Change in Registration

To make a change in registration, i.e., dropping or adding a course, the student should secure the necessary form from the registrar's office or the Notre Dame Web site. Students may add a course until the date specified in the course schedule. Changes in registration must be made during the drop/add period. Students may drop a class without academic record until the day classes begin in that particular term. Dropped courses do not appear on the student's transcript. Once the term begins, students may withdraw from (but not drop) a course. The deadline for withdrawing is published in the academic calendar which can be found online. If a student withdraws from a course a "W" grade will appear on the student's transcript. Students who fail to withdraw officially from a course and simply stop attending will receive a grade of "F" and will be liable for full payment of tuition and fees.

Students add or drop a course through the registrar's office. Changes in registration are effective on the date the written request or form is received in the registrar's office.

Back to top

Online Consortium Registration

Notre Dame of Maryland University is a member of the Online Consortium of Independent Colleges and Universities. (OCICU). This partnership allows Notre Dame graduate students to enroll in some courses offered online, with an accelerated pace. Students who elect the project management concentration in the leadership and management program will take up to four of their concentration electives online through the consortium.

Students complete the registration process through Notre Dame, and are awarded Notre Dame graduate credits upon successful completion of the course. Registration for online consortium classes is a two-stage process. Students are not officially registered until confirmation is received from OCICU. Students follow all OCICU rules and regulations when enrolled in these classes. Faculty teaching these courses are employed by Regis University. Students are responsible for tuition/fees for OCICU courses not dropped by the OCICU deadline date. Please see your academic advisor for more information on consortium online courses.

Back to top