Post-Baccalaureate Programs

Post-Baccalaureate Programs follow the University’s Programs, Curricula, and Courses (PCC) approval process. Programs use the Semester Academic Calendar (fall, spring, and Summer Session [6-week I or II]). Course content can be delivered in-person, online, or blended. Programs follow the University’s VPAC Process to create a new course, modify an existing course, or retire an existing course. Approved course descriptions are published in the Undergraduate Catalog.

Applicants apply to post-baccalaureate programs via TerpEngage. Admission requirements are determined by the program in accordance with non-degree-seeking student admission policies. The Office of Undergraduate Admissions has provided EXST with permission to admit eligible students. EXST reviews, processes, and notifies applicants regarding admission decisions. Qualified students receive provisional admission as non-degree seeking undergraduates and are coded with the specific program major code. Admitted students are subject to all Undergraduate Academic and University policies and procedures.

Once admitted, a registration block is placed on the student account and is only removed after the student satisfies the conditions for full admission. Conditions may vary by program and can include mandatory advising, demonstrating math proficiency via the Math Placement Test, and other program-specific requirements. Programs are responsible for establishing these requirements and for verifying if a student has fulfilled the conditions for full admission.

Post-Baccalaureate Programs follow the standard scheduling timeline as outlined by Office of the Registrar Course and Classroom Scheduling Services. EXST provides detailed scheduling instructions that contain program-specific information regarding requirements for section #’s, delivery methods, calendar types, and more. Program staff work with their Departmental Scheduling Officer to enter or review scheduling information.

Scheduled courses are published on Testudo (Schedule of Classes). Programs are responsible for course content and delivery within the approved program and course parameters. Exceptions and permissions are the responsibility of the program staff (note that SIS access is required for these actions). In addition, programs are responsible all academic oversight including advising and instruction.

Courses offered must meet the Maryland Higher Education Commission's (MHEC) policies on "contact hours".

For complete information on syllabi, textbooks, final grades, inclement weather and more, see the Office of Faculty Affairs – Teaching Policies and Guidelines. 

Students register for courses via Testudo (Schedule of Classes). Students who have not met course pre- or co-requisites requirements will not be permitted to register. Academic actions and deadlines follow the Office of the Registrar-Academic Deadlines.

Registered students access course content through the University’s Enterprise Learning Management System (ELMS) which is support by the Division of Information Technology. Post-baccalaureate credits and grades post to the student’s official University transcript.

EXST oversees the Appeals Process for students requesting an exception to policy.

Students are assessed program tuition, mandatory fees, and course fees. Tuition and fees adjust each academic year (fall through summer) based on university-approved rates. Tuition and fees are posted on the EXST website at Post-Baccalaureate Programs – Tuition and Fees. 

Tuition

Students are assessed at the standard university-approved in-state undergraduate per-credit rate. If a post-baccalaureate program student registers for a course outside of the program, then the student is assessed tuition based on their residency rate. Determination of residency status is made according to the Board of Regents Policy on Student Residency Classification. 

Mandatory Fees

Students are assessed standard university mandatory fees based on course delivery method (in person or online) and the number of credits a student registers for in a semester. Students who are assessed the campus mandatory fee have full access to all campus services.

Course Fees

Course fees are assessed if students register for a course with a university-approved fee (lab, studio, materials).

Student Payment Schedule

The payment schedule is posted at Post-Baccalaureate Programs – Payment Information. 

Extended Studies Administrative Fee 

EXST charges 10% of gross tuition revenue for the administrative services it provides.

Direct Expenses

• Course-related costs includes instructional salaries, fringe benefits, and the EXST administrative fee.
• All other program costs (staff salaries and benefits, course-related expenses, offices, telecommunications, goods, and/or services [travel, marketing, rentals, etc.]) are the academic unit’s responsibility and should be paid via the program’s net tuition revenue distribution.

Net Revenue 

Net revenue is the gross tuition revenue less direct expenses.

Distribution 

• Distribution is based on the program’s entire suite of course/section offerings rather than individual courses, allowing for the occasional under-enrolled course as needed for timely degree completion.
• Distribution timeline is as follows:

Overhead

EXST absorbs the campus overhead rate on all direct expenses.

• For program assistance, contact Matthew Nessan, Associate Director, Professional and Continuing Education, at 5-8240 or mnessan@umd.edu. 
• For budgeting, distribution, and operational assistance, contact Andrew Leighton, Director of Finance and Operations, at 5-0212 or aleighto@umd.edu.
• For Post-Baccalaureate Programs, academic units should use exst@umd.edu (general questions) or pp-sched@umd.edu (scheduling-related questions).