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Frequently Asked Questions

Does this program offer afternoon or evening courses?

Yes, the University offers a variety of course schedules each semester. You can access current and historic class schedules on our website to get an idea of which classes are typically available later in the day.

Please be aware that it may not be possible to get all required classes in the afternoons or evenings. View class schedules here.

Does this program offer part-time status?

Yes, our Degree Completion Program offers part-time status. Please share your preference for part-time status with your Reentry Advisor for next steps.

Who should I contact if I have additional questions?

Our Reentry Advisor is available to answer any questions you have. You can schedule a 1:1 meeting, email us at degreecompletion@ucmerced.edu or call and text 209-285-9319.

When is the application deadline?

Fall Semester: May 1 (Priority Deadline March 1)

Spring Semester: November 1 (Priority Deadline October 1)

Summer Semester: February 1

May I apply after the deadline?

You can apply after the deadline, but it is at the discretion of each school to accept late applications.

Do I have a designated advisor to discuss my academics and financial eligibility?

Yes, the Degree Completion Program has dedicated academic and financial aid advisors for our Degree Completion students. The first step is to schedule a meeting with our Reentry Advisor here.

What does student support look like?

We offer one-on-one assistance and develop individualized plans for each student to meet specific bachelor degree requirements. 

You will have access to a team of Degree Completion advisors, including Financial Aid and Academic Advisors. You can schedule an initial meeting here.

Will my transfer credit be accepted?

All transfer credit is reviewed as part of your application. The transfer credit will need to meet the articulation agreement. You can review any courses taken at a California community college here assist.org, which shows how classes can be used for General Education and major requirements at UC Merced.

I attended another college. Do my courses satisfy my course requirements?

Send us your unofficial transcript via email with your intended major and when you plan to return at degreecompletion@ucmerced.edu. We will review your records and confirm if the course meets specific degree requirements.

If I were to enroll in part-time status, am I eligible for Financial Aid?

Part-time students may still be eligible for financial aid; however, awards are prorated based on how many units a student is enrolled. If are are enrolled in less than 6 units, then the only award you may qualify for is the Pell Grant.

You can learn more at studentaid.gov.

Can I return to UC Merced if I did not leave in good academic standing?

Yes, but you may need to complete some requirements. Meet with our Degree Completion team to create a reentry plan (you can schedule a meeting here).

It has been years since I last attended UCM, am I still able to return?

Yes! Once a Bobcat, always a Bobcat! You always have a spot at UC Merced. Reach out to us to discuss your options here.

Can I change my major?

Yes, you can change your major before reenrolling. You may change your major if you can graduate within 10 semesters total at UC Merced. Please check your school of choice requirements.

Can I repeat a course? How will that affect my GPA?

You may repeat only those courses in which a grade of D, F, or Not Passed was received. You cannot repeat a course in which you earned a C grade or better. If you repeat the equivalent course at a community college, you will receive credit for the course and it will fulfill degree requirements, but it will not affect your UC GPA.

If you repeat the UC course at a UC, it will replace the grade and it will affect your UC GPA. You may repeat a course up to two times by petition.

What if I want to take courses at a community college to satisfy requirements?

If you take courses at a community college, use assist.org to help you determine which courses will be transferable and equivalent to requirements at UC Merced. You must confirm course transferability with your Academic Advisor.

Am I eligible for housing on campus?

Yes, you are eligible whether you attend full time or part time. Please visit housing.ucmerced.edu to review housing options and application dates. Our Reentry Advisor will also be able to help you with your questions.

Do I have to be fully vaccinated to attend UCM?

Update infromation on vaccination requirements can be found here.

Does the program apply to students working on a transfer degree from a community college to a UC campus?

If you previously attended a UC and are now at a community college, we are happy to assist. If you have never been enrolled at a UC campus and are pursuing a traditional transfer pathway from community college to UC, you will want to meet with a transfer admissions advisor. Learn more here.

I live a few hours away and work a full-time job. Are online classes available at this campus?

We do not offer a fully online Bachelor's degree at this time. Many courses are offered online during the summer session. 

To discuss your options, meet with our Reentry Advisor (you can schedule an appointment here).

I previously attended UC Merced. Will the Degree Completion team assist me in gathering transcripts and records for program applicability?

We do have access to UC Merced transcripts, so we can definitely assist you.

What if I’ve been away from school for 6+ years?

We welcome the opportunity to meet with you and evaluate your academic record. 

You may also qualify for the Osher Reentry Scholarship with a gap in your education of at least 5 years. Ask your reentry advisor for details (you can schedule a meeting here). 

If I wasn't a UC student before, do I qualify for your program?

We are happy to review your work to date to see if you are eligible to transfer. Please make an appointment with us to review your transcripts to see what we can do.