University of Maryland-Baltimore County (UMBC) Introduction and Academics

Introduction

As a member of the University System of Maryland, the University of Maryland – Baltimore County educates roughly 10,000 undergraduates and 2,500 graduates on its 500 acre campus in Catonsville, Maryland. UMBC’s mission is to provide the best liberal arts education in an innovative research environment to students by employing faculty who are leaders in their field.

The University’s campus is a mere 30 minutes from Washington, D.C., opening up ample networking opportunities for students. The city of Baltimore is only 15 minutes away, allowing for the same opportunities. Seventy-two percent of the freshmen live in dormitories, with 37 percent of the total student body living on campus.

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Information Summary

Ranks 8th in Maryland and 277th overall. See the entire top 2,000 colleges and universities list
Overall Score (about)	90.8
Total Cost On-Campus Attendance	$28,058
Admission Success rate	N/A
ACT / SAT 75%ile scores	29 / 1360
Student Ratio Students-to-Faculty	20 : 1
Retention (full-time / part-time)	87% / 69%
Enrollment Total (all students)	13,767

Academics

The University of Maryland – Baltimore County provides students with a well-rounded educational opportunity and the chance to excel in an area of study they are passionate about. UMBC houses three College and three Schools that offer a myriad of degrees.

College of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences (CAHSS)

The CAHSS at the University of Maryland – Baltimore County offers 27 Bachelor’s, 16 Master’s and six Ph.D. programs to students of all ages. Most of the programs cross over traditional boundaries, allowing students to gain insight from multiple, trans-disciplinary perspectives. The College boasts a number of centers, including the Imaging Research Center, the Dresher Center for the Humanities, and the Maryland Institute for Policy Analysis and Research. Some of the Departments at the CAHSS include Ancient Studies, Dance, Education, Economics, Judaic Studies, Philosophy, among many others.

College of Engineering and Information Technology

The University of Maryland – Baltimore County is known for its high level of collaboration with area businesses and agencies. The College of Engineering and Information Technology leads the way, partnering with many surrounding organizations. Of the nine MS degrees offered, three are geared toward working professionals, promoting the networking experience. In addition, six bachelor’s degrees and eight Ph.D. programs can also be earned from the College. The labs are dedicated to exploring the issues of clean water, biomaterials, Alzheimer’s, and cyber security, just to name a few.

College of Natural and Mathematical Sciences (CNMS)

The College of Natural and Mathematical Sciences offers students degrees in biological sciences, chemistry and biochemistry, mathematics and statistics, marine biotechnology, physics, and space science and technology. The College is able to continue working on advanced research in state-of-the-arts facilities because it attracts significant external funding for its various projects.

The Erickson School

At the University of Maryland – Baltimore County, the Erickson School’s mission is produce leaders who are prepared to use their education to make a positive impact on society by enhancing the lives of older adults. All students at the school are enrolled as majors in Management of Aging Services. The school invites distinguished outside speakers and practitioners to enhance their educational program and provide for networking opportunities.

The Graduate School

There is a strong graduate program at UMBC that offers students 37 master’s degrees programs, 24 doctoral programs, and 21 graduate certificate programs. The Graduate School prides itself on multiculturalism and diversity, allowing students to gain knowledge and apply their thinking from and through multiple perspectives.

School of Social Work

UMBC students interested in majoring in social work end up at the School of Social Work, which offers a continuum of social work programs including baccalaureate, masters, and doctorate degrees. The baccalaureate program focuses on generalist practice with individuals, families, groups, and communities. Masters and doctoral programs address more specific areas of social work. Students graduating from the School of Social Work are prepared to make a positive impact on society.

Most Popular Fields of Study

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Admissions

UMBC is open to freshmen, transfers, and those just wishing to take classes here and there to continue their education. The University offers an admissions counselor blog where prospective students are able to ask questions, read about what others have on their minds, and to find answers to their questions.

Important deadlines for admissions at UMBC include November 1 for early action Fall admission, with regular admission packets due on February 1. Transfer students have a priority deadline of March 15, with regular admissions due on May 31.

Financial Aid

More than 55% of the students at UMBC qualify for and receive financial aid to help the pursue their studies. The University provides students with assistance in applying for financial aid. A variety of aid is available, including federal, state, and local grants and scholarships that are both need and merit-based. Federal loans, such as the Perkins and Stafford Loans are also available for students. Students with questions are invited to visit, in person, with a counselor, by appointment only. If there is a need, the University of Maryland – Baltimore County can also provide students with Book Loans to help them with the cost of their resources.

Student Financial Aid Details

Ranks 3981st for the average student loan amount.
Secrets to getting the best scholarships and financial aid in Maryland.

Students

On campus, there is a one-stop student center known as The Commons. Here, students can find a restaurant, food court, bookstore, service bank, game room, and performance spaces. Wireless high-speed internet is also available. There’s even a desk where students can check out wireless laptops for use while in the building. The Commons also houses the Campus Information Center where students and visitors go to find answers to their questions.

Throughout the school year, the University of Maryland – Baltimore County sponsors multiple events ranging from arts exhibits to theater performances. Public lectures, basketball games, and concerts draw both students and local community members on to the campus on a regular basis. At UMBC, there are over a hundred clubs and organizations to join within the following categories:

Academic / Departmental
Arts / Performance
Career / Professional
Cultural / Ethnic
Gobernance
Graduate Student Organizations
Greek
Hobbies
Honor Societies
Intellectual Sports
Media
Political
Religion / Spirituality
Service / Social Action
Sports / Recreation

More information can be found at the Office of Student Life, part of the Division of Student Affairs. The variety of student clubs and organizations allow students to find at least one place to connect with peers outside of the academic day. Students are able to find leadership opportunities and immerse themselves in issues that they are passionate about.

Student Enrollment Demographics

Student Graduation Demographics

Athletics

The University of Maryland – Baltimore County Retrievers play in the NCAA Division I circuit. The men at UMBC participate in basketball, baseball, cross country, lacrosse, soccer, swimming/diving, tennis, and track and field. The women compete in basketball, softball, lacrosse, soccer, cross country, swimming/diving, tennis, volleyball, and track and field. In 2008, both the men’s lacrosse and basketball teams brought home conference titles. In addition to these teams, students at UMBC can also participate in recreational sports that are part of the clubs and organizations available on campus. Intramural leagues are offered throughout the year for those who want to compete and play at a less intensive level. There is also 18,000 square feet of fitness space, including an indoor pool, tennis courts, fitness studio, weight room, and gymnasium.

Bibliography

Fiske, Edward, B. Fiske Guide to Colleges, 27th edition. Naperville: Sourcebooks, Inc., 2011. Print.

UMBC. University of Maryland, Baltimore County. n.d. Web. 15 July 2011.

UMBC UMBC Retrievers. n.d. Web. 15 July 2011.

University of Maryland-Baltimore County