University of Maryland, Baltimore (UMB) Introduction and Academics

Introduction

The University of Maryland Baltimore (UMB) is the oldest public medical school in the United States. The school began as a college of medicine back in 1807. Over time, other schools were added. The school of law started in 1824 and the dental school started in 1840. The dental school is considered the oldest school of dentistry in the country. The school of pharmacy began the next year in 1841. The next school, the school of nursing came along later in 1889. Later, Louisa Parsons brought the training she received as a colleague of Florence Nightingale to UMB in 1898. In 1918, the graduate school was initiated and the last addition, the school of social work opened its doors in 1961.

Information Summary

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Overall Score (about)	Insufficient Data
Total Cost On-Campus Attendance	N/A
Admission Success rate	N/A
Student Ratio Students-to-Faculty	12 : 1
Retention (full-time / part-time)	N/A / N/A
Enrollment Total (all students)	6,777

Academics

According to the U.S. News and World Report, UMB’s schools rank among the top 10 in nursing, law, medicine, and pharmacy and the school of social work at UMB ranks 18th in the nation. All of these schools are located in the 65 buildings which make up the UMB campus, in Baltimore, Maryland.

Most Popular Fields of Study

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Admissions

UMB schools each have their own department and requirements for enrollment. For example, the school of dentistry requires each applicant apply by taking the Associated American Dental Schools Application Service or AADSAS. The application deadline is usually the beginning of each year.

The Graduate school requires applicants to have a minimum of a 4.0 GPA, a completed online or paper application, a set of official transcripts of all prior undergraduate and graduate study, three letters of recommendation, and a statement of the students’ academic goals and areas of research interest. The Graduate School typically requires prospective students to provide Graduate Record Examinations (GRE) scores for admission to graduate programs. These scores are used as a part of the data on which the school bases its admission decisions.

The school of nursing is the most popular area on the UMB campus and offers an orientation to assist prospective students in becoming familiar with the admission process and in choosing the best options. Because the nursing program is very popular, admission into the program is also very competitive. Students are required to have a minimum cumulative average GPA of 3.0, complete an application, provide official transcripts, standardized test scores, and submit additional information as outlined by the Office of Admissions. The deadline for submission of all application information must be adhered to, as late applications will not be considered.

Each discipline or program applications have their own application deadlines. All applications require an application fee.

Financial Aid

Many opportunities are available to assist prospective and current UMB students financially in order to achieve their educational goals. Much like the admissions process, each school offers its own scholarships and has its own set of requirements when applying for financial assistance. All incoming students are considered for UMB merit scholarships which are awarded based on information given on applications. Merit scholarships are offered to full time students only. Students are encouraged to apply for federal assistance by filling out a FAFSA application. The state of Maryland offers scholarships which help with tuition costs and are usually based on the data contained on an applicant’s FAFSA application. Out of state students can also apply.

The Clinical Scholars Program is offered in conjunction with area health care facilities. Qualified students are given the opportunity to complete their emphasis practicum under the guidance of a clinical director and receive tuition support for their final year of school. Once participants of the Clinical Scholars Program graduate, they are then able to work for one to three years in the supporting health care institution. Students who have earned a cumulative grade point average of 3.0 and who are enrolled in their final practicum course are notified of their eligibility just prior to the beginning of their final semester of study. Work Study programs are also available which serve as a kind of paid internship where a portion of the cost to attend UMB is paid and upon graduation, graduates are employed by one of the partner institutions of UMB. UMB receives grants and research awards that are invested back into its students, staff and community. Thus, only 10% of the UMB income derives from tuition from students.

Student Financial Aid Details

Secrets to getting the best scholarships and financial aid in Maryland.

Alumni

Each school within the University of Maryland Baltimore has its own set of alumnus, alumni events, and ways to connect with current students and students of the past. For example, the school of dentistry has an annual reunion each year that lasts an entire weekend. The event honors one distinguished alumni and recognizes all new faculty members, as well as any accomplishments the school may have earned over the past year.

The school of law at UMB has a number of notable alumni. Some of the 20 recipients noted in the Daily Record for doing great things in the state of Maryland before the age of 30 are UMB School of law graduates. Daily record honorees are recognized for the impact of their achievements, civic involvement, and professional accomplishments.

All of the alumni associations greatly contribute to activities and events for current students, provide support for the school, and give current and past graduates an opportunity to stay connected.

Additional School Information

UMB serves as the heart of its community through the promotion of volunteering and community service and by training the most individuals for the health care industry in the state of Maryland. UMB offers undergraduate and graduate degrees as well as professional graduate training and certifications. Thus, UMB trains and produces nurses, doctors, lawyers, medical and dental technicians, social workers, and physical therapists. This is possible because of the professionally trained staff of nearly 5,000 persons working with nearly 6,500 students. Each school is accredited by the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools. There is also an online component which has been in operation for the past 5 years, and offers students and staff support and additional training, an online library, as well as courses in information technology and other related fields.

Bibliography

University of Maryland – Baltimore. University of Maryland Baltimore Institutional Research. Web. 26 May 2011.
University of Maryland – Baltimore. University of Maryland Baltimore Admissions. Web. 26 May 2011.
University of Maryland – Baltimore. University of Maryland Baltimore Graduate Admissions. Web. 26 May 2011.
University of Maryland – Baltimore. University of Maryland Baltimore Financial Aid/Scholarships. Web. 26 May 2011. *

University of Maryland, Baltimore