Incoming freshmen who wish to declare GVPT as their major may do so by contacting the Office of Undergraduate Admissions prior to their orientation date. First semester freshmen in another major have until the conclusion of final exams in their first semester to change their major to GVPT. Second semester freshmen should follow the internal transfer requirements. All first semester freshmen have 45 credits (not including AP/IB credits) to complete the following gateway requirements and remain in the GVPT major:

• GVPT100 with a “B” or higher
• GVPT170/171 with a “B” or higher.  Students with AP credit for GVPT170 (American Government) must complete GVPT241 with a “B” or higher in its place for the gateway requirements.
• ECON200 with a “C” or higher (AP/IB credit is fine)
• MATH111, 140, 220 or STAT100 with a “C” or higher (AP/IB credit is fine)
• Fundamental English with a "C" or higher (SAT/AP/IB credit is fine)
• Students must maintain a 2.0 or higher GPA at all times. Dropping below this required GPA at any time will result in permanent dismissal from the major.

Current UMCP students who wish to change their major to Government & Politics, and who are beyond their first semester as a freshman, may apply to the major after completing the gateway requirements listed below. The application process requires students to attend two workshops: 1) GVPT workshop 2) BSOS academic workshop.  It is recommended that students first attend a GVPT workshop. The workshop is a required component of the application process and will provide students with detailed information regarding the GVPT major requirements and application process. To register for a workshop email advising@gvpt.umd.edu. The following requirements must be completed to be accepted into GVPT as an internal transfer:

• GVPT100 with a “B” or higher
• GVPT170/171 with a “B” or higher.  Students with AP credit for GVPT170 (American Government) must complete GVPT241 with a “B” or higher in its place for the gateway requirements.
• ECON200 with a “C” or higher (AP/IB credit is fine)
• MATH111, 140, 220 or STAT100 with a “C” or higher (AP/IB credit is fine)
• Fundamental English with a "C" or higher (SAT/AP/IB is fine)
• Minimum 2.7 cumulative GPA based on all previous college-level coursework attempted

Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis. Students should confirm all grades in gateway courses before submitting their application.

Students transferring from an in-state or out-of-state institution may be directly admitted to the GVPT major if they complete the following gateway courses prior to the first day of classes in their first semester at UMCP.

• GVPT170 with a “B” or higher.  Students w/ AP credit for GVPT170 (American Government) may substitute a 200-level GVPT course in which a grade of “B” or higher was earned.
• ECON200 with a “C” (AP/IB credit is fine)
• ECON201 with a “C” (AP/IB credit is fine)
• Fundamental English with a "C" or higher (AP/IB/SAT is fine)
• MATH111, 220, 140 or STAT100 with a “C” or higher (AP/IB credit is fine)
• Minimum 2.7 cumulative GPA based on all previous college-level coursework attempted

Transfer students who do not meet these requirements, may apply to the major after completing the Internal Transfer Student gateway requirements. We encourage all transfer students to visit the Transfer Credit Center to inquire if UMCP equivalencies have been assigned to the course work completed at their previous institution(s).

All students must abide by the following policies:

• Students can only repeat one course one time among the gateway requirements.
• Courses must be taken at UMCP unless previously transferred.
• Students must maintain a 2.0 cumulative GPA throughout their entire enrollment, or they will be removed from the major.
• Students who are academically dismissed or who leave the major cannot return to the major.
• Students can only apply to the GVPT major one time.

Please see a GVPT advisor for assistance with questions and/or concerns regarding the GVPT Gateway Requirements. Walk-in advising hours are posted outside of room 3104 Tydings Hall and are listed on the Undergraduate Resources front page.