Bowie State University (BSU) Graduate Programs Frequently Asked Questions
Thank you for your interest in studying with Bowie State University. We are happy to answer any questions you may have. To get started, you can review our frequently asked questions about admission, degree requirements, and completing your degree. Or contact us directly at +49-(0)6221-378-313 or gradprograms@europe.umuc.edu.
Admission
Am I eligible to take classes with UMUC-BSU Europe?
We welcome those eligible to enroll in classes with UMUC Europe, including members of the U.S. Armed Forces, American government employees, and their family members in Europe, Central Asia, the Middle East, and Africa. You will need to show us your U.S. military ID card during the admission process.
How do I apply to a BSU graduate program? When do you need all of my application paperwork?
It's easy to begin your studies with BSU. Simply submit your online application. Before you finish 9 graduate credits (6 for GoArmyEd), we must receive all of your application paperwork:
- official transcript from all academic institutions previously attended
- three letters of recommendation (counseling only)
- a Personal Statement (counseling only)
These items are explained on the Admissions page.
Where should I have my transcripts mailed?
Official transcripts should be mailed directly from your previous academic institutions to:
UMUC Europe
Graduate Programs
Unit 29216
APO AE 09004
Please note that we do not currently accept electronic transcripts for Bowie State graduate programs.
I completed my bachelor's degree at an international/non-U.S. university. Will my degree be accepted for admission to a UMUC-BSU graduate program?
Your transcript will be reviewed by our international degree expert, who will determine whether it is equivalent to a U.S. bachelor's degree. If you completed your degree at a non-English speaking school, we will also require a Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) score.
I already have a master's degree and want to take some additional classes. What documents do you require for my admission?
You will still need to apply online and pay the application fee. We will also need an official transcript for either your bachelor's or your master's degree.
How can I check to see what admissions documents are still needed?
When you apply online, you will receive an e-mail from us with information about the specific admission documents we need from you. After that, you can view your to do list (MyToDo) in the MyUMUC student portal to see which items are still outstanding.
Are there specific undergraduate courses required for admission to the graduate program?
The undergraduate requirement for admission to the counseling program is at least 12 credits of foundation coursework in social sciences, for example in psychology or sociology. The MPA and MIS programs have specific undergraduate prerequisite requirements and they can be found under Academic and Professional Preparation on the individual program pages.
How do I complete undergraduate foundation or prerequisite classes?
You may enroll in UMUC undergraduate courses to fulfill the prerequisite requirements. There are also specific UMUC Adelphi classes that fulfill prerequisites for the MPA program. Please contact Graduate Programs if you need assistance or guidance.
Is it possible to receive graduate credit for some of the work I've done and for some of the previous courses I've taken?
You cannot earn graduate credit for work experience, even though some institutions allow this at the undergraduate level. BSU will allow you to transfer in a maximum of 6 credits of graduate coursework for the MPA or MIS programs, or 12 credits for the counseling programs, but only if these courses are less than seven years old and if they are equivalent to the courses in your program of study.
My student agreement is not posted on GoArmyEd. How do I request a student agreement to be sent to GoArmyEd? When does the university submit a student agreement?
Student agreements are submitted as soon as a student is officially admitted to a graduate program. So in order for this to be accomplished, make sure all admission documents have been submitted. If you are not sure what is still outstanding, you can view your to do list (MyToDo) in your MyUMUC student portal.
Meeting Degree Requirements
Can I complete the degree entirely online?
The MPA and MIS degrees can be completed online as long as you are located in the European theater. The counseling degree programs have three classes that can only be taken on-site (in the hybrid format); these are PSYC 502, PSYC 734, and COUN 731.
How many classes can I take each session?
Students may enroll in 6 credits (two classes) per session. If you want to take more, send an e-mail request to the Graduate Programs office. For more information on course load, please see the Graduate Catalog.
Where can I check to see how many graduate classes I have completed and what classes I still need?
You can go to your MyUMUC student portal to check your grades and Degree Progress Report.
What should I do if I know I'm going to miss a class?
You must let the faculty member know ahead of time, if possible. Make-up work will then be assigned. However, if you know you'll miss a whole weekend of a course, you should plan to take the class in a later session. You should not enroll for a hybrid class if you will miss an entire weekend.
What are proctored exams?
This refers to undergraduate online courses only. Graduate programs do not have proctored exams except for the comprehensive examination.
How do I withdraw from a class?
First, you should communicate with your faculty member, as there may be a way of resolving the problem so that you do not have to withdraw. In order to officially withdraw from a course, go to the MyAcademics > Registration/Enrollment section of MyUMUC (my.umuc.edu). Just as you sign up for a course, you can also cancel (prior to the start date) or withdraw (after the start date) from a course. If you do not officially withdraw in MyUMUC, your grade becomes an F. Please note: GoArmyEd students must withdraw through the GoArmyEd portal.
What constitutes "plagiarism"?
Plagiarism means copying someone else's work - including your own - without giving proper credit and is a serious academic offense. Graduate Programs uses APA style and the APA Publication Manual is a required textbook for every graduate course. This text shows you how to cite references and quote your sources. The UMUC Web site also has a tutorial on How to Avoid Plagiarism.
What are the requirements for Advancement to Candidacy (ATC)?
All BSU graduate students are reviewed for ATC when they have completed 12-18 credits of coursework. You do not need to apply for ATC as you will automatically be reviewed. To be approved, you must have a minimum GPA of 3.25, have completed all undergraduate requirements, and have no incompletes. If you have completed 18 credits and still have not achieved ATC, you will be placed on hold until the requirement is met (this may require finishing up an incomplete or a prerequisite, or retaking a class to improve your GPA). Please note that counseling students must have completed at least one on-site course to be approved for ATC.
I want to take a course that requires a prerequisite or permission from the Graduate Programs director. How do I request this permission?
Send an e-mail to gradprograms@europe.umuc.edu. Please note that waivers of prerequisites are only granted in exceptional circumstances.
What is the capstone course?
The capstone course (COUN 861, INSS 890, PSYC 861, or PUAD 704) is a 16-week course consisting of a comprehensive exam and a seminar paper. This class is offered in the fall and spring terms. More specific questions regarding the requirements of the course will be addressed by your faculty member for the class.
When should I take the capstone course?
You may enroll in the capstone course when you have completed 30 credits of graduate coursework. (See the Graduate Catalog for program specific course prerequisites for the capstone.)
Completing the Degree/Graduation
How and when do I apply for graduation?
You should apply for graduation via your MyUMUC student portal no later than the deadline for your intended graduation period (spring, summer, or fall). More information can be found at http://www.ed.umuc.edu/graduate/graduation.
What will be on my master's degree diploma?
Your diploma will state that you have graduated from Bowie State University, part of the University System of Maryland.
What happens if we PCS out of Europe before I can finish my degree program?
UMUC is contracted with the government to provide educational services for the military and their family members stationed in Europe. Therefore, only those residing in Europe who have a U.S. military ID card (or equivalent) may take UMUC classes.
If you have completed at least 27 credits, we can usually assist you in developing a way to complete your degree requirements, utilizing transfer classes from another university. However, individual circumstances differ, so please contact us as soon as you know you will be leaving Europe.
Please note: If you are relocating to the Washington, D.C./Baltimore area, you can simply continue with the Bowie State campus. Just let us know if you plan to do this, so that we can send your student record back to Bowie State.
I have PCS'd back to the U.S. and have applied to graduate in May. As I will be unable to attend the commencement ceremony in Germany, is it possible for me to attend the ceremony at Bowie State University?
Yes. Send an e-mail request to gradprograms@europe.umuc.edu and we will coordinate this with Bowie State on your behalf.
Is it possible to complete a dual degree?
No, BSU does not offer any dual degree options in Europe.
If my information changes (name, address, etc.), who do I need to contact?
You can update your contact information yourself via MyUMUC. If you want to change other information, or need assistance, contact the Graduate Programs office.
What do I have to do if I decide to change degree programs?
Please send an e-mail requesting the change to Graduate Programs and we will contact you if we require any additional information regarding your request.
What do I need to do to stop my studies or take an extended break?
We are here to help you in any way. Begin by sending us an e-mail notification at gradprograms@europe.umuc.edu indicating your plans.
How long will it take to get my diploma once I graduate?
When you graduate, we will send your student record back to the Bowie State University campus in Maryland. In about 60 days you will receive your diploma from Bowie State and a copy of your transcript.
Where do I request transcripts once I graduate?
Once you have completed your BSU degree, and you have received your diploma and a complimentary transcript from us, you should request further transcripts directly from Bowie State University.
Contact Us
Please let us know if you have any additional questions. Call the Graduate Programs office at +49-(0)6221-378-313 or e-mail gradprograms@europe.umuc.edu. We look forward to assisting you!
Last updated: 16 March 2011