Program structure

The M.A. in Intercultural/Multicultural and Diversity Studies at UMBC is structured to provide a strong foundation in intercultural communication, while allowing students to explore specializations within the field. The program includes core courses that cover the theoretical foundations of intercultural communication, including pragmatics, ethnography of communication, and the political economy of culture.

Key components of the program include:

1. Core Courses: Students begin with foundational courses such as Intercultural and Cross-Cultural Communicationand Pragmatics and Discourse Analysis to develop essential skills in analyzing communication across cultures.

2. Specializations: Students may choose to specialize in areas such as Intercultural Training, Intercultural Filmmaking, or Policy Issues. These specializations allow students to tailor their studies to their specific career goals​

3. Practical Application: The program emphasizes experiential learning, with opportunities for students to develop and implement intercultural training modules or engage in intercultural media projects.

4. Capstone Project: Students are required to complete a scholarly paper as part of their graduation requirements, integrating their learning throughout the program into a final research project.

This structure provides a balance of theory and practice, preparing graduates for careers in fields that require expertise in intercultural relations, diversity, and communication

Fees and Funding

The tuition fees for graduate programs at the University of Maryland Baltimore County (UMBC), including the M.A. in Intercultural/Multicultural and Diversity Studies, are calculated based on whether you are an in-state or out-of-state student. For out-of-state students, tuition is typically higher, and international students fall under this category. The tuition rates vary each semester, so it is important to regularly check the Student Business Services (SBS) website for the latest updates. Graduate students must be enrolled in a minimum of 9 credits to maintain full-time status​

In terms of funding, UMBC offers graduate assistantships (such as teaching and research assistantships) that can help offset the cost of tuition while providing a stipend. There are also scholarships and other financial aid opportunities, though international students may face specific requirements. For more details on scholarships and assistantships, prospective students are encouraged to consult the Graduate School website

Scholarship Guidance

Graduate students, including international students, may be eligible for assistantships, which are typically offered by individual academic departments. These assistantships often cover tuition and may include stipends for teaching or research roles. It is advisable to contact the department directly regarding availability and application processes for these roles.

UMBC also participates in the #YouAreWelcomeHere scholarship program, which is aimed at international students dedicated to promoting intercultural learning and understanding. This scholarship is typically available for undergraduate students, but similar opportunities may exist for graduate students focusing on diversity and multicultural studies. Additionally, UMBC offers a platform called the Scholarship Retriever, where students can submit a general application to be considered for various scholarships​

Lastly, students may explore external scholarship opportunities through resources such as EduPass, FastWeb, and NAFSA, which provide databases of scholarships for international students. This could open up additional funding avenues for students pursuing studies at UMBC​

Admission Requirements

For international students applying to the M.A. in Intercultural/Multicultural and Diversity Studies at UMBC (University of Maryland Baltimore County), here are the key admission requirements:

1. Bachelor's Degree: You must have a bachelor's degree from an accredited institution. This degree can be in any subject, but your academic background will be considered during evaluation.

2. GPA Requirement: A minimum undergraduate GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale is expected. If your GPA is on a different scale, it will be evaluated based on the standards for your country.

3. English Language Proficiency: If your prior degree is not from an English-speaking country, you need to provide proof of English proficiency through one of the following tests:

   • TOEFL: Minimum score of 90 iBT with no section less than 22.
   • IELTS: Minimum total score of 6.5, with no section below 6.5.
   • Pearson Test of English (PTE): Minimum score of 61.
   • Duolingo English Test: Minimum score of 120. These scores should be less than two years old at the time of application.

4. Application Package: Your application should include:

   • Completed graduate application form.
   • Two letters of recommendation.
   • A personal statement outlining your goals, qualifications, and career experience.
   • Official transcripts from all post-secondary institutions attended.
   • A current resume.
   • Application fee of $50.

5. Visa and Financial Documentation: International students needing an F-1 visa must submit proof of financial support and a valid passport to obtain the necessary immigration documents.

It’s recommended to apply early, ideally six months before the semester you wish to start, to allow enough time for the processing of documents and visa requirements.

For more details on UMBC's admission process, including deadlines, financial requirements, and visa procedures, you can refer to UMBC’s official graduate school page.

Application Procedure