Learn about the requirements you need to complete to earn a master's degree at UMGC.
In addition to the specific course requirements outlined on each master's degree webpage, UMGC maintains certain requirements for all master's degrees. The UMGC degree requirements that apply to you are those that were in effect when you began continuous enrollment at UMGC. Please contact an advisor if you have any questions about these requirements.
These requirements are for students who enroll in the 2023–2024 academic year. For prior year academic requirements, visit our catalog archive.
Overview
More is expected at the graduate level than what is normally required at the undergraduate level. In addition, you usually must complete special requirements at the end of your graduate program. UMGC's master's degree programs require you to complete an integrative end-of-program capstone course in which you must demonstrate mastery of content covered throughout the program. All master's degrees require completion of at least 30 credits.
Initial Requirement
Most master’s degrees require an introductory course, (0 Credits, UCSP 615), which must be taken within the first 6 credits of study. For master’s degrees that require foundation courses, the required foundation course must be taken first. Those foundation courses are listed below:
- CBR 600
- (6 Credits, DCL 600M)
- (6 Credits, DCL 600T)
The UCSP 615 requirement may be waived if you previously earned a graduate degree from a regionally accredited institution. For more information, contact your academic advisor.
Graduate Program Progression
All requirements established for the completion of a master's degree must be fulfilled within five consecutive years. The time limit is calculated from the term in which you successfully complete the first credit course that applies to the program. It does not include the foundation courses listed above—CBR 600, (6 Credits, DCL 600M), and (6 Credits, DCL 600T), but does include courses transferred from other institutions and courses transferred from UMGC undergraduate programs as part of an accelerated pathway.
Review our policies on academic standing for graduate students and degree completion requirements for graduate students.
How to Earn a Second Master's Degree
If you have already received a master's degree from UMGC, you can broaden your education by earning a second master's degree in a different discipline.
If you have earned a master's degree from UMGC and want to pursue an additional master's degree at UMGC, you must complete at least 30 credits of new coursework to be eligible unless an approved dual master’s degree program exists. No substitutions to the program are available. If the coursework required for one degree program significantly overlaps with coursework for another degree program, it may not be possible for you to earn both degrees. In such cases, you will need to choose an alternate program if you wish to complete another credential at UMGC.
Before beginning work toward or registering for a second master's degree, consult an academic advisor. Advisors will be glad to explain the requirements and situations that require department approval, including those for completing an MS in Management or in Information Technology in a second specialization.
