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Admission Requirements

Core Requirements

You must complete the 17 Core requirements before you can be admitted to UMKC:

  • Four units of English
  • Four units of mathematics (Algebra I or higher)
  • Three units of science
  • Three units of social studies
  • Two units of one foreign language
  • One unit of fine arts

Admission Application Options

There are several ways you can apply to be admitted as a first-time college student:

Automatic admission

Applicants who have completed the 17 Core requirements and have a Core GPA and test score that meets their programs minimum requirements may be offered automatic admission. 

These schools offer programs with automatic admission for students with a self-reported minimum 2.5 GPA and a 19 ACT score:

  • Henry W. Bloch School of Management
  • School of Education, Social Work and Psychological Sciences
  • School of Humanities and Social Sciences
  • School of Nursing and Health Studies: health studies and public health
  • School of Science and Engineering: biology, chemistry, earth and environmental science, mathematics and statistics, physics and astronomy and urban planning and design
  • University College

These School of Science and Engineering programs offer automatic admission to students with a self-reported minimum 3.0 GPA and a 24 composite and 25 math ACT score:

  • Biomedical engineering
  • Civil engineering
  • Computer science and information technology
  • Electrical and computer engineering
  • Mechanical engineering

If you receive automatic admission, you must submit official, final high school transcripts before enrolling.

Competitive admission

Several programs have a competitive admission process. Consult your desired program for admission requirements.

Test-optional admission

Applicants with a 2.75 Core GPA may be admitted to UMKC without submitting an ACT or SAT score, with the exception of the six-year law scholars program, the six-year B.A./M.D. program and School of Nursing direct admit program.

Homeschool students and student-athletes are required to submit a test score. In addition, some scholarships may require an ACT or SAT score for eligibility.

Conditional admission

If you are applying through test-optional admissions but do not meet core curriculum requirements, you may be admitted to UMKC conditionally, requiring you to complete an academic support program.

These free support programs are designed to help you successfully transition to UMKC:

  • Peer Academic Leadership (PAL) Program connects incoming students with a dedicated peer academic leader as they begin their studies at UMKC.
  • Summer Bridge Scholars Program is an eight-week summer experience that prepares first-time college students for success at UMKC. In addition to earning college credit and improving their academic skills, summer bridge scholars develop a sense of connectedness to the UMKC campus and the larger Kansas City community.

Equivalency Tests

You can apply for admission based on the GED or HISET if your scores are passing in each area. You must submit a 24 ACT composite, unless you have been out of high school for five or more years, and an official high school transcript.

International Students

International students applying to UMKC may need to submit additional documentation, including academic records, proof of English proficiency, passport and statement of finances. 

Adult Learners

Students who graduated from high school more than five years ago at the time they apply to UMKC and have 23 or fewer transferable college credit hours may be considered for admission as an adult learner. You must submit high school transcripts, GED or HISET, along with college transcripts for any college coursework. An ACT or SAT score is not required but can be submitted in support of the admission decision.

Home-Schooled Students

You must submit an official transcript that includes the completion of the 17 Core units or certification of GED or HISET, along with your ACT or SAT score.

Provisional Admission

If you do not qualify for admission through one of these options, you may request provisional admission (PDF). The Office of Admissions will conduct a holistic review of your high school GPA, test score and other relevant information to determine if you can be offered admission. If offered admission, you may be required to participate in an academic support program.

Provisional admission is not available for the six-year B.A./M.D. program at the School of Medicine.