General Information for Students

Financial aid

The University of Maryland Office of Student Financial Aid's general information on financial aid

Types of financial aid at the University of Maryland

Student employment

Graduate student employment opportunities at the University of Maryland (assistantships, internal and external fellowships, awards). You may find the “External Fellowships” tab of particular interest.

Information on University-related employment

Explore the “Funding” and “Student Employment” categories on the graduate school website

GRAs

While the MSSE program does not offer Graduate Research Assistantships (GRAs), faculty associated with the program do sometimes offer GRAs to MSSE students who can demonstrate they are able to support the faculty member’s research. These are generally not offered to entering MSSE students. For more information on GRAs, contact ISR's Director of Education Programs.

Directory ID and Email Account

Before being able to access most online resources at the University, you must establish a university directory ID and associated password. This ID will also serve as your university email account. International students may locate their ID by logging back into their graduate application ASF and clicking on "Verify Contact Information."

Course Registration

Once you have been accepted as a student, you should begin thinking about what classes you would like to take in your first semester. The Director of Systems Engineering Education can help you choose your classes. Note that the standard full-time graduate student load is 9 credits per semester.

You can view the schedule of classes and register online at Testudo. You will need a directory ID and password (see above) to register for courses. Also, please be aware of the Registrar's deadlines for graduate students. You may be financially liable if you drop a course after the first day of classes without simultaneously adding a course of equal credit hours, even if you have tuition remission.

General Graduate School information

All graduate students should make themselves aware of the Graduate School’s students website. This site provides information on deadlines, forms, funding, registration and enrollment, and information of particular interest to new students and international students.

Please download and read this document and discuss these expectations with your advisor.

The university's International Student and Scholar Services (ISSS) office is an invaluable resource for international students. It assists with the application process, handles visa and reporting requirements, and helps you make the most of your academic experience here.

All new international students and international applicants should consult the ISSS “Frequently Asked Questions” page. It provides answers to many of the questions you are likely to have.

The ISSS site also provides:

information about international admissions

a “to do list” for new international students

information for continuing students on topics such as visa constraints on employment and how to maintain one’s visa status

ISSS requires that all new international students attend an International Student Orientation to answer questions that may arise as you make your transition to the University of Maryland. The Welcome Check-In and International Student Orientation are announced as the Fall semester nears. At this session, ISSS will collect required information such as copies of  immigration documents. Students must register to attend the orientation session of their choice.

Housing

Off-Campus Housing Services posts a listing of housing available in the area, organizes off-campus living fairs, and provides advice about searching for housing.

Parking and Transportation

To apply for a parking permit or get information about commuting to campus, visit the university's Department of Transportation Services website.

The Graduate Student Life Handbook

The Graduate Student Life Handbook offers advice for graduate students on a variety of issues such as childcare, discounts for graduate students, student ID cards, and ordering textbooks, and additional useful information. It also has a checklist for new graduate students to help you get settled at the University.

ISR Student Organization (ISO)

The ISO is a student-run organization with the mission of building community among ISR graduate students. Each year, the ISO organizes various academic and social events.

University of Maryland Engineering Career Services Office

The A. James Clark School of Engineering has an Engineering Career Services office with an extensive database of available internships and co-ops. Once a student has enrolled and registered as an MSSE graduate student and provided a resumé to this office, they will be able to access the database.

Important note: The best time to apply for any summer internship is in September of the preceding year.


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