Prospective Degree

The Prospective Degree Student program (PDS) provides an opportunity for an individual whose previous high school and/or college coursework does not qualify for admission as a degree student to enroll in undergraduate courses. This program serves as an opportunity for students to prove their capabilities and admissibility into degree-seeking status.

Completed non-degree applications will be accepted until midnight the day prior to the start of classes each semester.

Eligibility

• Students who are at least five years beyond high school graduation (or last high school attendance for GED recipients), OR
• 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. 

Application Procedures

Students should apply as early as possible. The following items must be submitted/completed:

1. Online Non-Degree Application - select "Prospective Degree Student"
2. Official high school transcript(s) (or GED scores) and official transcripts from all previous college/universities attended.
3. A typed personal statement illustrating previous academic performance and what changes have occurred to now ensure the student's potential for academic success at UM-Dearborn.
4. Interview with an admissions counselor. Contact us to schedule an appointment.

PDS Policies

• Prospective Degree students will be advised through the START Office. Upon being admitted, students must call 313-593-5576 to schedule an advising appointment prior to registering for classes. In addition, students are required to meet with a representative of the Office of Student Life for success coaching.
• Prospective Degree students will enroll in 14-16 UM-Dearborn credit hours as a non-degree student.
• Coursework in the PDS program must be completed within one full academic year (3 semesters) of admission.
• It is highly recommended that the 14-16 credit hours be spread across 2-3 semesters to maximize success. Credits taken in their entirety in one semester must be done so with prior approval of the Director of START Advising and the Director of Admissions.
• During completion of the 14-16 credit hours, students 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. Students may take additive credits with the approval of an academic advisor, but these credits are not used in determining eligibility for degree-seeking status nor will they be applied toward a degree.
• Students are responsible for taking all necessary placement exams in advance of, or within, the first semester of enrollment.

Requirements for Admission into a Degree Program

During the final semester of PDS coursework, students are encouraged to apply for admission as a degree-seeking student and work closely with their START adviser regarding 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:

The four academic colleges have their own admission criteria:

College of Arts, Sciences, and Letters

• 2.5 cumulative GPA for PDS coursework at UM-Dearborn only.

College of Business 

• 2.7 overall GPA, including PDS coursework at UM-Dearborn. If the student has attended other colleges/universities, the posted cumulative GPA from all previously attended institutions is averaged.

College of Education, Health, and Human Services

• 2.75* for Teacher Certification Programs
• 2.50* for Health and Human Services, non-certification education programs
• Overall GPA will include PDS coursework at UM-Dearborn. If the student has attended other colleges/universities, the posted cumulative GPA from all previously attended institutions is averaged.

College of Engineering and Computer Science

• 2.75 overall GPA, including PDS coursework at UM-Dearborn. If the student has attended other colleges/universities, the posted cumulative GPA from all previously attended institutions is averaged.

Financial Aid Eligibility and Limitations

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 admission to a degree program.