Who completes the CORE Program?

CORE requirements went into effect in May of 1990. Most students complete CORE requirements. Students who enter The University of Maryland at College Park having completed nine or more credits accepted toward UM degree requirements before May 1990 from this or any other college may complete their general education requirements under the Former General Education Requirements, subject to certain limitations. They may, however, choose the CORE Program if they so desire. Due to course availability, this may be a better option unless a student has very few USP courses left to complete. Advanced Placement (AP) and other examination-based credit will not be considered in these determinations.

Students who transfer from a Maryland community college are considered to have registration dates concurrent with enrollment at UM for the purpose of determining CORE or USP status.

Determination of which general education program requirements must be completed is generally made and clearly stated at the time of admission or transfer credit evaluation. If you are unclear about which requirements apply to you, the following questions and answers will be of assistance:

1. Do you have nine or more college credits earned before May 1990 at UM (or elsewhere that were accepted as transfer credits at UM)? Please note that AP credit or other examination-based credit does not apply to this determination.

If NO, then you are under the CORE Program.

If YES, then proceed to question #2.

2. Did you have a continuous break in your college career of five or more years before entering (or reentering) UM?

If NO, then you are probably under the USP requirements. Consult with your academic advisor about your general education program requirements. You may also contact the CORE Office 301-405-9359 for additional information and assistance.

If YES, then you may be under the general education requirements in effect at the time you reentered college. Students who had completed 60% or more of the UM general education requirements in effect when they left college may be allowed to complete the older requirements. Consult with your academic advisor about your general education program requirements. You may also contact the CORE Office 301-405-9359 for additional information and assistance.