CSM/UMUC
Alliance FAQs

Q: What is the College of Southern Maryland (CSM) – University of Maryland University College (UMUC) alliance?

A: If you plan to pursue a bachelor’s degree after completing your associate’s degree, you can benefit from one of CSM-UMUC alliances. Through these alliances, you can earn your associate’s degree at CSM and then finish your bachelor’s degree by completing upper-level coursework at UMUC.

You do not have to complete your associate’s degree prior to beginning coursework at UMUC. By completing one alliance application form, you can be admitted at the same time to both CSM and UMUC. You can register for classes at both institutions simultaneously or move back and forth between institutions from one semester to the next.

You can take classes at any of the CSM or UMUC sites in Maryland and the Washington, D.C. area. The CSM-UMUC Waldorf Center for Higher Education offers many of the courses, student services, and technology of both institutions at one convenient location. Areas of study at CSM are linked to related majors at UMUC, so you can enjoy a seamless transition from your associate’s to your bachelor’s degree.

You must be following one the specific alliance programs in order to be eligible for the dual admission. If you are following a program of study that is not an alliance program and wish to transfer to UMUC, you need to complete the standard admissions application and pay a $30 application fee. You may contact the Waldorf Center for Higher Education for more information and standard transfer procedures.

Q: How do I become an alliance student?

A: See the getting started web page for step-by-step instuctions. Once you know you wish to complete an alliance program, you need to

(1) complete and submit the “Dual-Admission Application,” (even if you are already admitted to CSM or UMUC)

(2) submit all transcripts for previous institutions attended and/or military transcripts to both CSM and UMUC,

(3) complete skills surveys (placement tests) if you still need math or English courses, and

(4) complete and submit financial assistance paperwork if intending to receive any financial aid.

You will find the “Dual-Admission Application” on the UMUC web site, or may pick one up from the Waldorf Center for Higher Education. This application must be completed prior to graduation from CSM and before you begin any coursework at UMUC. There is no application fee for the dual admission.

Q: What are UMUC’s academic requirements for admission?

A: UMUC admissions requirements are:

• Graduation from a regionally accredited or state-approved high school or
• A total score of at least 2250 on the General Education Development (GED) examination and no score below 410 on any of the five tests.

If you completed the GED exam before January 2002, you must have scored a minimum of 40 on each of the five tests, with a total score of at least 225.* If you complete and successfully transfer at least 24 college credits, you are not required to submit official high school transcripts or GED scores.

Q: Where do I find and submit the “Dual-Admission Application?”

A: Complete and submit the Dual-Admission application directly to the Waldorf Center for Higher Education. There is no application fee.

Q: When do I need to apply to be considered as an alliance student?

A: You must complete the “Dual-Admission Application” prior to graduation from CSM and before you may begin any coursework at UMUC.

Q: Do I need to submit my CSM transcripts to UMUC?

A: Yes. You must submit official transcripts from CSM to UMUC in order to receive credit for your prior coursework. If you are taking classes back and forth, you may want to submit an updated copy after each semester. CSM transcript requests are free.

Q: How many credits may I transfer to UMUC?

A: UMUC can accept up to 90 credits in transfer. However, only a maximum of 60 credits may be transferred from a community college. See an academic advisor early in your program to receive a tentative evaluation and avoid the loss of potential transfer credits.

Q: When and who should I see to discuss my options for becoming an alliance student and see how my credits will apply to both degrees?

A: Because UMUC can only accept a maximum of 60 credits from CSM (or any community college), you should seek counseling early in your program. Certain associate's degree programs require completion of more than 60 credits. In addition, transfer students often have credits that will not apply to the associate’s degree, but may apply to the bachelor’s degree.

Our advisors can help you plan out a curriculum that will help you maximize the application of your credits. In some cases, UMUC credits can be transferred back to CSM so that you can earn your CSM associate's degree and also be well on your way to completing your UMUC bachelor's degree without losing credits already earned. The Waldorf Center for Higher Education has advisors available for both institutions. You will typically continue to meet with a CSM advisor until you are ready to begin courses with UMUC. You should begin to see the UMUC advisor once you are ready to begin coursework with UMUC or if you have any special circumstances that need to be addressed. To schedule an appointment with an advisor at the Waldorf Center for Higher Education, please call (301) 645-4303 or (301) 870-6013.

Q: What are the benefits to being an alliance student opposed to a traditional transfer student?

A: The most beneficial attribute of being an alliance student is the knowing that your credits will transfer and apply towards your bachelor’s degree. Another benefit is being able to take courses simultaneously between the two institutions without having to obtain a “letter of permission” from UMUC to take courses at CSM. Alliance students are also waived from paying the UMUC application fee.

Q: Do I pay CSM or UMUC tuition?

A: You pay the tuition and fees of the respective institution you are taking courses with. While taking CSM courses, you will pay CSM tuition and fees. While taking UMUC courses, you will pay UMUC tuition and fees. If you are taking courses simultaneously between the two institutions, you still pay the tuition and fees of the institution that offers the course(s) you are taking.

Q: How does financial assistance work for alliance students?

A: While you are a CSM student only, CSM issues your financial aid. As soon as you plan to register for your first UMUC course, you must reapply for financial aid through UMUC and have your financial aid transcripts sent from CSM to UMUC. You should inform the CSM financial assistance office of your plans to begin courses at UMUC. Once you begin coursework at UMUC, even if you are still attending CSM, the UMUC financial assistance will handle all of your financial assistance needs.

If you are taking courses simultaneously with CSM and UMUC, the two financial assistance departments work together so that you can obtain financial assistance from both schools by establishing a “consortium agreement.” To establish the “consortium agreement,” you must complete and submit a “Letter of Permission” and a verification of enrollment at CSM to the UMUC advisor at the Waldorf Center for Higher Education. It is strongly recommended that you begin this process at least 4-6 weeks before the start of the semester. The UMUC advisor will initiate the consortium agreement between CSM and UMUC financial assistance offices.

It is strongly recommended to take care of all financial assistance early each year. The Maryland priority deadline for the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is March 1st annually. Applying for financial assistance is free and paperwork can be obtained from either institution’s web site or from any CSM or UMUC campus site.

Q: Will my financial assistance from UMUC pay for courses at CSM?

A: You will need to pay your CSM tuition and fees initially. However, if you have established a “consortium agreement,” the amount of financial assistance disbursed to you through UMUC will be based on your enrollment at both schools. UMUC will reimburse any eligible CSM financial assistance award monies to you later in the semester.

Q: If I am eligible for benefits from the U. S. Department of Veterans Affairs, may I use them at either institution as an alliance student? If so, which institution will handle my benefits?

A: Yes. You may use your VA benefits at either CSM or UMUC. While you are enrolled at CSM only, CSM processes your VA benefits. As soon as you are planning to begin courses at UMUC, you must complete a “Request for Change of Program or Place of Training Form,” and a UMUC “Veterans Certification Form” to receive benefits at UMUC.

Q: Where can I find more information about the alliances?

A: You may visit the CSM or UMUC web site or stop by the Waldorf Center for Higher Education for more information. It will benefit you to meet with an advisor as early in your program as possible to get a tentative evaluation of any transfer credits and some alliance planning materials