Admission to Limited Enrollment Programs (LEP)

The University of Maryland (UMD) has taken steps to limit enrollment in certain majors in order to maintain high-quality programs. These majors, which are called Limited Enrollment Programs or LEPs, include biochemistry, biological sciences, business, chemistry, communication, computer science, criminology and criminal justice, engineering, environmental science (biodiversity and conservation biology), immersive media design, neuroscience and psychology. Students are encouraged to visit the Office of Undergraduate Admissions website for additional LEP information or they can contact the office at 301-314-TERP (8377) or lep@umd.edu.

Freshmen

Admission of new freshmen to some LEPs is highly selective. LEPs with highly selective admission for freshmen include biochemistry, biological sciences, business, chemistry, computer science, engineering, immersive media design and neuroscience. Freshman applicants interested in an LEP are encouraged to apply by the early action deadline, as space is limited for these programs. Freshmen who are directly admitted to an LEP will be subject to a performance review when they complete 45 college credits. The review varies from program to program, but always includes satisfactory performance in a set of appropriate courses. Students not passing the review will be required to choose another major. See the academic program description for specific details.

Freshmen not directly admitted to an LEP will be assigned to Letters and Sciences, where they will work with an advisor to meet the gateway requirements outlined for their particular program. Students are not guaranteed admission to an LEP at a later date. See the following section on LEP transfer admission for further details about this option.

Second Major

Enrolled students interested in adding an LEP as a second major should see Degree Requirements.

Transfer Students

Prospective transfer students and current UMD students wishing to change their major to an LEP must meet a set of gateway courses with minimum grades and obtain the required GPA in order to be considered for admission to the program (space limitations may apply). Additional information for each of the LEPs may be found at http://lep.umd.edu.

Transfer students who are not directly admitted to an LEP upon application to the university will be assigned to Letters and Sciences. Those with fewer than 60 credits will be assigned to Letters and Sciences and will be allowed the opportunity to meet the gateway requirements. Students with more than 60 credits will be admitted to an interim advising program in Letters and Sciences where they will be advised regarding their qualifications for the LEP and, in some cases, students will need to choose another major.