University of Maryland – Full Review

Overview

The University of Maryland (UMD) is a public research university located in College Park, Maryland, United States. It is the flagship institution of the University System of Maryland and is considered one of the top public research universities in the United States. Founded in 1856, UMD has a rich academic legacy, strong research programs, and a diverse student body of over 41,000 students.

History

The University of Maryland was founded in 1856 as the Maryland Agricultural College. It became a land-grant institution in 1862 and was renamed the University of Maryland in 1920. Over the years, the university has expanded its programs to include research, arts, and sciences. It has also grown in size, with multiple campuses and thousands of students and faculty.

Organization

The University of Maryland is organized into 12 colleges and schools, including the A. James Clark School of Engineering, the Robert H. Smith School of Business, the School of Public Health, and the College of Arts and Humanities. The university is governed by a Board of Regents, which oversees the entire University System of Maryland.

Campus

The University of Maryland’s main campus is located in College Park, Maryland, just 9 miles outside of Washington D.C. The campus spans 1,250 acres and includes over 400 buildings. It is home to numerous academic, research, and recreational facilities, including libraries, museums, art galleries, and athletic fields. The campus is also known for its many green spaces, including a famed cherry blossom path.

Academics

The University of Maryland offers more than 200 undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral degree programs in a wide range of fields, including business, engineering, journalism, and public health. The university is recognized for its strong research programs and is classified as an R1 Doctoral University by the Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education. UMD also offers a number of online courses and programs through its Global Campus.

Colleges and Schools

The University of Maryland has 12 colleges and schools, including:

• A. James Clark School of Engineering
• College of Agriculture and Natural Resources
• College of Arts and Humanities
• College of Behavioral and Social Sciences
• College of Computer, Mathematical and Natural Sciences
• College of Education
• College of Information Studies
• College of Journalisms
• Robert H. Smith School of Business
• School of Architecture, Planning and Preservation
• School of Public Health
• University of Maryland School of Medicine

Student Life

The University of Maryland offers a vibrant campus life, with over 800 student organizations and clubs. Students can participate in a variety of activities, including intramural sports, cultural groups, academic clubs, and community service organizations. The university also has a strong Greek life presence, with over 60 fraternities and sororities. UMD also offers numerous on-campus living options, including traditional dormitory-style housing, apartments, and living-learning communities.

Athletics

The University of Maryland has a strong athletics program, with over 20 varsity teams competing in the Big Ten Conference. The university’s football and basketball teams have a particularly strong following, with a dedicated fan base and competitive teams.

Notable Alumni

The University of Maryland has a long list of notable alumni, including journalist Jim Henson, actor David Hasselhoff, Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack, and Nobel Prize-winning economist Thomas Schelling.

University Profile