St. Mary's College of Maryland STEP Program (Transfer Edge Program)

Partnership between College of Southern Maryland (CSM) and St. Mary's College of Maryland enabling CSM students to complete coursework at SMCM while earning transfer credit, with a tuition waiver.

Eligible Institutions:

• College of Southern Maryland (CSM) students

Eligibility Requirements:

• Minimum GPA: 2.75 cumulative college GPA
• Minimum Credits: Completed minimum of 15 college credits prior to first STEP semester
  • Credits may come from multiple institutions
• Current academic transcript (including in-progress coursework) required for review before enrollment

Scholarship/Waiver

• 50% waiver of billable SMCM tuition and mandatory fees
• Free application fee to SMCM

Academic Support

• CSM provides academic advisement to STEP participants
• SMCM tutoring services available (specific to SMCM courses)
• CSM provides free, unofficial transcript via MyCSMD webportal

Campus Access

• SMCM ID card issued to STEP students
• Access to SMCM library resources
• Access to recreation facilities
• Permitted to attend campus student events
• Free parking decal per semester
• Guaranteed housing upon matriculation (if housing deposit submitted on time)

Transcript Services

• SMCM sends free transcripts to CSM at end of Fall and Spring semesters
• Continues until student matriculates at SMCM

Student Status

• Classified as non-degree, part-time student at SMCM

Continuation Requirements

• Students must maintain minimum C- grade in SMCM courses
• Grade C- or lower results in loss of STEP eligibility

Transition to Baccalaureate

• After completing STEP, students pursuing baccalaureate degree follow all SMCM transfer requirements per Transfer Agreement

Geographic Scope: College of Southern Maryland (MD) students

Contact:

• For STEP at CSM: transfer@csmd.edu
• For STEP at SMCM: Jacqui Rogers, jgrogers@smcm.edu
• General Admissions: (240) 895-5000 | admissions@smcm.edu

How to Apply for STEP Program

1. Express Interest
   • CSM students can express interest in STEP at time of application to CSM or thereafter
   • CSM emails eligible students each semester to promote STEP opportunity
   • Complete STEP Interest Form (available on CSM website and SMCM Admissions page)
2. Meet Eligibility Requirements
   • Maintain 2.75+ cumulative college GPA
   • Complete minimum of 15 college credits prior to first STEP semester
   • Gather most recent academic transcript (including in-progress coursework)
3. Submit for Academic Review
   • Provide transcript to CSM and SMCM for review
   • Review must occur prior to semester student plans to participate
4. Transcript Sharing Authorization
   • By accepting STEP admission, authorize CSM and SMCM to share transcripts with each college
5. Complete Intent to Enroll Form
   • Submit Intent to Enroll Form to SMCM
   • Submit by application deadline date for desired entry term
   • Application fee: Free to STEP participants
6. Meet Minimum SMCM Admission Requirements
   • Satisfy all standard SMCM transfer admission requirements

Additional Notes:

• CSM will provide academic advisement throughout participation
• STEP students can utilize CSM advising and SMCM tutoring services
• Must maintain C- or better grades; C- or lower results in program termination