Prospective Degree Students

The Prospective Degree Student (PDS) program provides an opportunity for individuals whose prior high school and/or college coursework does not qualify them for admission to UM-Dearborn.

Through 14 to 16 credits of PDS coursework, students can prove their capabilities and work toward degree-seeking status at UM-Dearborn.

Eligibility for the PDS Program

To apply as a Prospective Degree Student, students must meet one of the following criteria:

• Students who are at least five years beyond high school graduation (or receipt of GED)
• Students who are at least five years beyond high school graduation, have completed some college coursework (without yet completing a bachelor’s degree), and have not been enrolled in college for at least two years
• Special circumstances admission approved by a UM-Dearborn academic college

How to Apply: PDS Application Process

Complete the Online Non-Degree Application - Select "Prospective Degree Student.”

You will also need to complete/submit the following items:

• Official high school transcript(s) or GED scores
• Official transcripts from all previous colleges/universities attended (if applicable)
• A typed personal statement illustrating previous academic performance and what changes have occurred to ensure your potential for academic success at UM-Dearborn
• Meet with an admissions counselor

Deadline: Applications will be accepted until midnight the day before classes begin each semester.

Financial Aid Considerations

Prospective Degree Students have a special non-degree status at UM-Dearborn and are eligible to be considered for loan-only financial aid for up to 12 consecutive months before applying to a degree program.

Policies, Procedures and Timeline

Here is an overview of what to expect in the PDS program.

• As a Prospective Degree Student, you will enroll in 14 to 16 UM-Dearborn credit hours as a non-degree student.
• Your PDS coursework must be completed within one full academic year (3 semesters) of admission
  • It is highly recommended that the 14 to 16 credit hours be spread across 2 to 3 semesters to maximize success.
  • Credits taken in their entirety in a single semester must be taken with the prior approval of the Director of START Advising and the Director of Admissions.
• During completion of the 14 to 16 credit hours, you will apply for admission to a degree program.
  • A maximum of 16 credit hours may be accepted by the academic unit as credit toward a degree. These credits must be at the 100-level or above and fulfill degree requirements.
  • You may take additive credits with the approval of an academic advisor, but these credits are not used in determining eligibility for degree-seeking status. They will not apply toward your degree.
• You are responsible for taking all necessary placement exams in advance of, or within, the first semester of enrollment.

Advising and Support 

PDS program participants receive advising through the START Office. 

Upon being admitted, schedule an advising appointment before registering for classes.

After PDS: Requirements for Admission into a Degree Program 

During the final semester of your PDS coursework, we encourage you to apply for admission as a degree-seeking student and work closely with your START adviser about your next steps. The application process includes submitting the Application for Admission and all required official transcripts and documents. 

Each of the four academic colleges has its own admission criteria:

*Admission into CASL is based on the UM-Dearborn GPA earned during the PDS program. Admission into the other colleges is determined by a student’s cumulative GPA from all previous institutions and UM-Dearborn.