About Us

The QUEST (Quality Enhancement Systems and Teams) Honors Program is a three-year program for University of Maryland undergraduates studying business, engineering, and/or science.

Through our five-course curriculum, students complete experiential learning projects and gain valuable teamwork, communication, and problem-solving skills to prepare them for their futures. Now in our 31st year, QUEST has become a mainstay at the University of Maryland, College Park, providing a unique opportunity for students who are interested in multidisciplinary, hands-on learning experiences.

Our Mission

Multidisciplinary

QUEST students are from the Robert H. Smith School of Business, the A. James Clark School of Engineering, and the College of Computer, Mathematical, and Natural Sciences. In a highly competitive process, 90 new “QUESTees” are admitted each spring during their first year at UMD.

Hands-on

QUEST projects focus on real challenges facing organizations and society today. Students apply total quality tools, design, and systems thinking principles and engage in customer-driven initiatives. Project outcomes develop real and immediately-applicable innovations that improve processes, drive productivity, and reduce costs for clients.

To foster a dynamic learning community that makes a recognized difference for students, the University, and partnering organizations through a commitment to cross-functional collaboration, creative problem-solving, and systems thinking. Participation in the QUEST Honors Program stimulates a belief in life-long learning and employing collaboration to shape and impact the future.

Team-based

QUEST students work in multidisciplinary teams on client projects and are fully comfortable navigating team dynamics, working with individuals with diverse skill sets and talents, and inspiring an environment for collaborating on ideas and tactical strategies.

Learning Community

QUEST is a dynamic community of learning where students, faculty and staff, alumni, corporate partners, and University colleagues contribute to and benefit from the interactions and lessons learned.