Getting Started
Students may take courses in the Master of Chemical and Life Sciences (MCLFS) program as Degree Seeking students or as Advanced Students. The criteria for admission under these two categories are explained in detail under Admission.
Degree Seeking Students
In addition to a suitable undergraduate education and experience admission
to the degree program requires the successful completion of either CLFS
510, Concepts of Modern Biology, or CLFS 520, Concepts in Modern Chemistry,
gateway review classes; or a passing grade of B or better on either of
the admissions exams based on CLFS 510 and CLFS 520. Suitable GRE scores
will also be accepted to satisfy admission requirements (GRE scores are
not required!). Upon application and the submission of documentation all
applicants will be granted Provisional Admission to the program while they
satisfy other admission requirements* (CLFS 510 or CLFS 520, Admission
Exam) A sample admission exam is available for practice.
Apply
to the MCLFS Program
Practice Exam.
*Students with undergraduate grade point averages below 3.0, who have not previously demonstrated superior performance in graduate courses, will be required to take CLFS 510 or CLFS 520. (Note: as a 500-level course this cannot be used to meet the credit requirements of the MCLFS program.)
Advanced Student Status (Non-degree seeking):
This status is designed for applicants who are not immediately interested in seeking a degree, but who wish to enroll in graduate-level courses. No letters of recommendation are required of those seeking Advanced Student status. If you are interested in applying for this status, you must hold a baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited institution and show evidence of graduate potential. (Contact the MCLFS Program Director for information at mclfs@umd.edu)
Advanced Students may take as many as 12 credits in graduate courses. Students who have taken courses in the MCLFS program as Advanced Students prior to their admission to the graduate program may transfer up to and ONLY six credits of those courses for graduate program credit. Up to six credits of non-MCLFS courses may also be transferred with the permission of the Program.