On this Page

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, have a 2.75 Core GPA or higher and a test score that meets their programs minimum requirements may be offered automatic admission. 

  • Students pursuing majors in STEM or STEM-adjacent pathways must have completed Algebra II with a grade of C or better, or have earned a 22 on the math section of the ACT (or SAT equivalent).
  • Students pursuing non-STEM pathways must have completed Algebra I with a grade of C or better, or have earned a 20 on the math section of the ACT (or SAT equivalent).

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 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.

Math placement testing

Students admitted to a STEM program will need to complete a math placement test prior to enrolling, unless they meet one of the following exceptions:

  • ACT Math Sub-Score ≥ 22
  • AP credit for Calculus AB or BC
  • Dual Credit for College Algebra course or higher
  • College Credit for College Algebra course or higher

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 may be required depending on GPA and diploma source.

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. 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, we encourage you to participate in 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.

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