Transfer students apply for admission to UMBC through the Undergraduate Admissions office. The College of Engineering and Information Technology will evaluate the transcripts of all transfers students who designate their desired major as an Engineering or Computer Science discipline to determine eligibility. Students will receive a notice in their University admissions letter and via a follow-up email to their UMBC Gmail account if they are not eligible for their intended program.
All students who meet the eligibility requirements at the time of application will be admitted as a Pre-Major. Students who designate their desired major as Chemical Engineering will be admitted as Pre-Chemical Engineering. Students will move from Pre-Chemical Engineering to Chemical Engineering after passing their gateway requirements while abiding by the Repeat Policy. At this point, student must also select a track to pursue: Traditional, Biotechnology/Bioengineering or Environmental Engineering and Sustainability.
Gateway Requirements
To move from Pre-Chemical Engineering to Chemical Engineering, students must earn a grade of at least two B’s and two C’s in the following four courses: ENES 101 – Introduction to Engineering, MATH 152 – Calculus and Analytic Geometry II, CHEM 102 – Principles of Chemistry II, and ENCH 215 – Chemical Engineering Analysis.
*If a student is using AP credit for MATH 152 or PLTW credit for ENES 101, then the requirement is at least two B’s and one C. If the student has both MATH 152 and PLTW test credit, then the requirement is at least one B and one C.
| Gateway Course | Transferability | Recommendation |
| ENES 101 – Introduction to Engineering | May be taken at UMBC or a pre-approved equivalent course may be transfered from another institution. | For the best opportunity to graduate within 2 years at UMBC, transfer the pre-approved equivalent course from your institution. |
| MATH 152 – Calculus and Analytic Geometry II | May be taken at UMBC or a pre-approved equivalent course may be transfered from another institution. | For the best opportunity to graduate within 2 years at UMBC, transfer the pre-approved equivalent course from your institution. |
| CHEM 102 – Principles of Chemistry II | May be taken at UMBC or a pre-approved equivalent course may be transfered from another institution. | For the best opportunity to graduate within 2 years at UMBC, transfer the pre-approved equivalent course from your institution. |
| ENCH 215 – Chemical Engineering Analysis | Must be taken at UMBC | For the best opportunity to graduate within 2 years at UMBC, enroll in ENCH 215 in the summer term before your first fall semester at UMBC. |
Repeat Policy
At UMBC, students may not attempt a course required for their major more than two times. They are considered registered for a course if they are enrolled after the end of the schedule adjustment period. A course in which the student receives a grade of “W” (Withdraw) is counted as an attempt. Enrolling in a gateway course at UMBC or a pre-approved equivalent course at another institution are both considered an attempt.
Students who have more than two attempts in any course required to progress in the major will not be permitted to major in Chemical Engineering. This policy is applicable to transfer students. Students may petition the Academic Success Center for a third and final attempt of a course taken at UMBC [or] another institution.
Frequently Asked Questions
Find FAQs related to prospective transfer students in the College of Engineering and Information Technology on the COEIT Undergraduate Student Services webpage.