Students who matriculate to the University with a bachelor's degree from any regionally accredited college or university will be considered to have satisfied the University's general education requirements, regardless of when the degree was received.
In order to determine if a student has earned a degree, advisors should check the PI screen in SIS to see if Transfer Credit Services has documented the degree.
General education requirements completed at a 4-year USM institution
If a student has completed all the general education requirements at a 4-year USM institution (but not completed the Bachelor’s degree), the student does not need to complete UMD’s general education requirements.
DSXX-Distributive Studies Wildcard
The DSXX designation is used only for at Maryland Community college students transferring to the University of Maryland who have not earned an associate’s degree, or students from USM four year schools who have not earned a bachelor’s degree or who do not have a completed a General Education package from their institution.
Please note that when a student has attended multiple institutions, the University will follow the requirements of the most recently attended school.
4 to 6 credits /2 courses
2 Understanding Plural Societies courses
or 1 Understanding Plural Societies course AND 1 Cultural Competence course
Note: Diversity courses may also fulfill a Distributive Studies category.
25 credits / 8 courses
The goal of the Student Academic Success-Degree Completion Policy is to promote undergraduate student success. The policy establishes a structured framework and criteria to guide all students to completion of an undergraduate degree within a reasonable period of time. All students must complete a plan within their 1st semester and have it approved by an academic advisor. Please use the template to develop a plan for your major.
15 credits / 5 courses
Fundamental Studies courses ensure that students have the basic skills in written and oral communication, in mathematical analysis, and in critical thinking that are important to their success across the curriculum and in their professional lives.
This section will assist in advising students about the plan. Here you will find:
- A summary table explaining the new General Education program
- A checklist of requirements
- The template for new graduation plans
- The General Education transfer policy
- Notes on the new General Education program for recruitment activities
If you have advising questions, please send them to Lisa Kiely at lkiely@umd.edu.