Prospective Degree Student

The Prospective Degree Student (PDS) program provides an opportunity for an individual whose previous high school and/or college work does not qualify for admission as a degree-seeking student to enroll in undergraduate courses.

To be eligible for the PDS program students must be at least five years beyond high school graduation (or beyond last high school attendance for applicants with a GED) or are at least five years beyond high school graduation, have completed some college coursework and have not been enrolled in college for at least two years.

It is free and easy to apply online, selecting Prospective Degree Student, and students may check the application status online. 

Students in this category are subject to the following policies:

  • Prospective Degree students will enroll in 14-16 UM-Dearborn credit hours toward a degree as a non-degree student.  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.
  • Upon completion of 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.
  • Prospective Degree students will be advised through the START Office.
  • Upon being admitted, the student must call 313-593-5576 or email umd-start@umich.edu to schedule an advising appointment prior to registering for classes.
  • Coursework in the PDS program must be completed within one full academic year (3 semesters) of admission.
  • Students are responsible for taking all necessary placement exams in advance of, or within, the first semester of enrollment.
  • A PDS student will have fees assessed and adjusted by fee regulations identical to those governing regular matriculated students. All courses taken under PDS status are considered part of the undergraduate record.

There are financial aid eligibility limitations. Prospective Degree Students have a special status at UM-Dearborn and are eligible to be considered for financial aid for up to 12 consecutive months before admission to a regular degree program. If a student is not admitted to a regular degree program at the end of the 12 consecutive months, the student is not eligible for additional financial aid.

Requirements for Admission to 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:

  • College of Arts, Sciences, and Letters (CASL):  2.50 cumulative GPA for PDS coursework at UM-Dearborn.
  • College of Business (COB): 2.70 recalculated GPA*
  • College of Engineering and Computer Science (CECS): ​
    • Direct to Engineering: Overall 2.75 recalculated GPA or higher and Calculus II (Math 116 or equivalent) elsewhere with a C grade*
    • Pre-Engineering: Overall 2.75 recalculated GPA or higher and below Calculus II (Math 116 or equivalent)*
  • College of Education, Health, and Human Services (CEHHS): 
    • Teacher Certification Programs:  2.75 recalculated GPA*
    • Non-Teacher Certification Programs: 2.5 recalculated GPA*​

*recalculated GPA, including PDS coursework at UM-Dearborn and any prior college or university coursework.