The options below provide you with suggested courses based on coursework or testing you may have already done that may make you eligible to bypass some entry-level courses to be placed into advanced ones. You are encouraged to discuss placement in your one-to-one meeting with your academic advisor.
Advanced Placement (AP) and International Baccalaureate (IB)
High school students may earn college credit by receiving satisfactory examination scores (3, 4, or 5) on the College Entrance and Examination Board Advanced Placement Program examination, or scores (of typically 5, 6, and 7) on the International Baccalaureate examination. Academic departments evaluate whether the material in the AP exam is substantially similar to that of an existing course, and if so, will award credits for that course. If the material is judged not to be substantially similar to an existing course, the academic department will assign general departmental credits. Academic departments may also provide an alternative method for evaluating proficiency in order to award academic credit. Here are the lists of approved AP and approved IB exams and the associated academic credit awards.
UMD Mathematics Placement
Although taking math at UMD is not a requirement for all students, those students who are in majors (or are considering majors) that do have a math requirement within the curriculum or a course that has a math placement requirement must have a method to be placed in the appropriate math course. Math placement may determine what additional classes you can register for to support your success and be on track for your program. We use multiple methods to place students in math and some courses in other subjects (such as science and business courses).
Official means of math placement are as follows:
- Submitted official ACT/SAT scores (UMD’s school codes are ACT: 2157, SAT: 6873)
- Completed college math course(s) through PSEO or CITS as noted on your official transcripts*
- Completed math at an accepted transfer institution as noted on your official transcripts*
- Completed course credit via AP, CLEP, or IB (official test scores must be sent to UMD)
Accuplacer: If you have not earned college math credit or taken either the ACT or SAT, or you would like to try to place in a higher math placement level you have the option to take the Accuplacer assessment for math placement. Free practice assessments will be provided to you with your official Accuplacer Voucher from UMD. We highly recommend you take the assessment (or submit another means for math placement) at least two weeks before your advisement and registration appointment so that your advisor has those results before you register for classes. Request your Accuplacer Voucher here. Once we get your request, we will send a voucher to Accuplacer on your behalf, and they will contact you by email with further instructions about taking the assessment.
Note: while the Accuplacer voucher is provided free from UMD, the Examity proctoring system does have a fee of $25.
Contact the Bulldog Resource Center (BRC) with any other questions, and we'd be happy to help however we can. You can reach the BRC at 218-726-6393 or [email protected]
*Official college transcript must be sent to UMD through programs like National Student Clearinghouse , Parchment, eSCRIP-SAFE, and Scoir.
College Level Examination Program (CLEP)
Students may earn college credit for successful completion of some CLEP examinations which have been reviewed by faculty and determined to assess the content of certain UMD courses. Here is the list of approved CLEP exams.
Fine Arts Placement
Some fine arts courses require an individual evaluation to determine appropriate course placement. In addition, all Music majors and all BFA Theatre majors require an audition/interview prior to admission into those majors. Students should seek additional information from an academic advisor if they are interested in pursuing courses or a major/minor in one of the fine arts programs.
Music ensembles are open to all students, regardless of major, but some ensembles do require an audition in the first week of the semester. The courses that follow are open to any UMD student without audition:
- MU 1501 - Concert Band
- MU 1510 - Concert Chorale
- MU 1541 - Chamber Music
The UMD Athletic Bands is a student-run organization; you do not need to register for a course to join these opportunities. If you are interested in joining either, fill out the UMD Athletic Bands Sign-Up Form.
- Marching Band
- Pep Band
Check out these great opportunities in Art, Dance, and Theatre: Art Dance Theatre Lib Eds.
Check out these awesome opportunities in Music: Music Ensemble Times.
World Language Placement
If you are brand new to a language, please enroll in [Language] 1101. If you have previous experience in a world language, you may be closer to a minor or major than you think! Instead of a placement exam, World Languages & Cultures (WLC) offers one-on-one placement so you can enroll in the perfect level of language class for you. Check out these placement guidelines and then email WLC ([email protected]) to confirm your placement into the right level.
Science Placement
Science placement varies from college to college. Find your college (below), and review its science placement protocols.
COLLEGE OF EDUCATION AND HUMAN SERVICES PROFESSIONS (CEHSP)
As a student in the College of Education and Human Service Professions (CEHSP), please note that only specific majors (listed below) have science course requirements. Students in these majors preparing to take science courses will also need a Math Placement.
- Communication Sciences and Disorders
- Exercise and Rehabilitation Sciences
- Psychology
- Public Health
- Teaching Sciences
You can update your Math Placement decision and learn more about that process under the "Orientation" tab in your Checklist. Based on your Math Placement, the CEHSP Advisors will let you know your science sequencing during your Orientation session.
Students in all other majors may choose their own science course(s) to fulfill the Natural Sciences Liberal Education requirements based on individual interests or career goals.
COLLEGE OF ARTS, HUMANITIES, AND SOCIAL SCIENCES (CAHSS)
As a student within the College of Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences (CAHSS), please note that only specific majors (listed below) have science course requirements. If you have selected one of these majors, the CAHSS Advisors will let you know what your science course is during your Orientation session.
Environment, Sustainability & Geography B.A. Geographic Information Science B.S. Students in all other majors may choose their own science course(s) to fulfill the Natural Sciences Liberal Education requirements based on individual interests or career goals.
Please note: To enroll in BIOL 1011, students must have both:
- One year of high school chemistry OR one semester of college chemistry
- Math ACT score of 21 or MATH 1005 (College Algebra) or higher
LABOVITZ SCHOOL OF BUSINESS AND ECONOMICS (LSBE)
As a student within Labovitz School or Business and Economics (LSBE) you may choose your own science courses to fulfill the Natural Sciences Liberal Education requirements.
Please note: To enroll in BIOL 1011, students must have both:
- One year of high school chemistry OR one semester of college chemistry
- Math ACT score of 21 or MATH 1005 (College Algebra) or higher
SWENSON COLLEGE OF SCIENCE AND ENGINEERING (SCSE)
Most Swenson College of Science and Engineering students will enroll in a mathematics course and a science course in their first term. The first math course is determined by the Accuplacer or approved method shared in the Math Placement checklist. Enrollment in a science course is often determined by the math prerequisite and the major chosen. To learn more, review SCSE common first term course title and prerequisites. Students will work with an Academic Advisor to determine which is most appropriate given each individualized plan.
Writing Placement
WRIT 1120 - College Writing (or its equivalent) must be completed within the first two semesters of attendance at UMD as part of the UMD Liberal Education Program. Students may be:
- Awarded credit if they are entering as a first-year student with a score of 4 or above on the Educational Testing Service Advanced Placement (AP) examination in English: Language and Composition Please note: the Literature and Composition exam is very different and will not grant credit.
- Awarded credit if they score a 63 or higher on the CLEP College Composition Exam (which includes two essays). Please note: if a student took the CLEP College Composition Modular (which has only multiple choice questions), they may still receive writing credit, but NOT for WRIT 1120 specifically.
- Exempt from taking WRIT 1120 if they score a 32 or above on the ACT English exam.
- Exempt from taking WRIT 1120 if they have earned an Associate’s Degree from an accredited institution