2024 UMBC First-Year Viewbook

2024 FIRST-YEAR VIEWBOOK

You know WHY. We know HOW.

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1966

YEAR FOUNDED

10,490 90+

COUNTRIES REPRESENTED

17:1

UNDERGRADUATE STUDENTS

100+

MAJORS AND PROGR AMS

STUDENT TO FACULTY RATIO

TOP 150 FOR FEDERAL RESEARCH FUNDING

Contents 2

Welcome

ACADEMICS 4

College of Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences

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College of Engineering and Information Technology

12 College of Natural and Mathematical Sciences 16 Other Areas of Study 18 Honors College and Scholars Programs

OUTCOMES 20 Employment and Internships 22 Graduate School and Prestigious Scholarships

LEARNING BEYOND THE CL ASSROOM 24 Student Research 26 Study Abroad 28 Service Learning

PREPARING FOR RETRIEVER LIFE 30 Student Orgs and Athletics 32 Housing and Campus Services 34 Cost and Financial Aid 36 Next Steps

Meet our Students 6

Madelyn Pollack ’24

10 Shaniah Reece ’23 14 Elijah Mugabe ’23

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TRUE GRIT—MORE THAN A MASCOT

Grit. It’s an attitude, defined by courage, resolve, and strength of character, that sits at the center of our indomitable UMBC spirit. That’s why we named our mascot True Grit. This aptly named Chesapeake Bay Retriever represents the values of our university: academics, community, wellness, and civic agency.

You know your WHY. We’ll show you HOW. GREAT THINGS HAPPEN WHEN YOU’RE PART OF A COMMUNITY THAT BELIEVES IN YOU. As a part of #RetrieverNation, you’ll work side by side with professors who are recognized nationally not only for their expertise, but for their commitment to undergraduate teaching.

You’ll discover that curiosity and determination know no limits at UMBC. Our collaborative culture both challenges and supports everyone to push boundaries and make big breakthroughs. Here, you’ll build the skills and knowledge you need to succeed in whatever you set out to do.

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MAJORS AND PROGRAMS

COLLEGE OF ARTS, HUMANITIES, AND SOCIAL SCIENCES

Africana Studies

American Studies Ancient Studies

Anthropology, Cultural Art (see Visual Arts) Asian Studies Dance

Economics Education

- E arly Childhood - Elementary - S econdary

Emergency and Disaster Health Services - Emergency and Disaster Health Management - Emergency Health Leadership Paramedic

English

Environmental Science and Geography Financial Economics

Gender, Women’s, and Sexuality Studies

Geography and Environmental Studies Global Studies History

Media and Communication Studies

Modern Languages, Linguistics, and Intercultural Communication

- Russian - Spanish - A pplied Linguistics

Music

- Jazz Studies - Music Composition - Music Education - Choral - Music Education - Instrumental - Music Performance Instrumental - Music Performance - Vocal - Music Technology

Philosophy

Political Science

Pre-Professional Programs - Pre-Accounting - Pre-Business - Pre-Law

Psychology

Public Health

Religious Studies Social Work Sociology Theatre

- Acting - D esign/Production - T heatre Studies

Visual Arts

- A nimation - Graphic Design - Photography and Cinema - Print Media - V isual Arts and Media

- French - G erman

The COLLEGE OF ARTS, HUMANITIES, AND SOCIAL SCIENCES spans the disciplines, the centuries, and the globe. True to the liberal arts, we ask questions fundamental to human existence: Who are we? Where have we been? What matters? Through diverse, challenging programs of study, with countless opportunities for research, creative work, internships, and other co-curricular activities, our students develop skills and knowledge that prepare them for a variety of careers and a lifetime of thoughtful citizenship and leadership in a complex world.

Learn more about the College of Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences.

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I came to UMBC because I wanted to have the resources of a large university and the feel of a small university. We have the best of both worlds—not too big, but not too small. I love that I can see people I know everywhere I go on campus, but I also feel so lucky to have connections with professors and mentors who can help me do anything I want after graduation.”

Shaping Futures

THROUGH EXCITING COURSES

Madelyn Pollack ’24 History

For Madelyn Pollack, her success at UMBC has been defined by the people who’ve supported her along the way. Madelyn is a Humanities Scholar and a member of the Honors College, which she says feels like her home on campus. One of her favorite classes was an Honors Seminar on Star Wars and puppetry. She says her history professors have been the biggest help in jump-starting her future. They’ve not only provided important skills training in the classroom, but also career planning and networking advice leading to an internship at NASA!

Read more about this Humanities Scholar.

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COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING AND INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY

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Did you know the UMBC-NASA partnership goes back two decades? Learn more about how UMBC scientists and student researchers launched the HARP2 instrument on NASA’s PACE mission by visiting the college’s website below.

MAJORS AND PROGRAMS Business Technology Administration

Chemical Engineering

– Biotechnology/Bioengineering – Environmental Engineering and Sustainability

Computer Engineering

Computer Science

– Cybersecurity – Data Science – Game Development

Information Systems – Management

Mechanical Engineering

Learn more about the College of Engineering and Information Technology.

The COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING AND INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY is constantly asking what’s next, with our focus on research, innovation, and education. We create a space for our students that allows them to cross disciplines in both their research and their classes. As a result, our students become adept problem solvers who are poised to tackle modern technological challenges. In all that we do, we work to include diverse voices, conduct cutting-edge research, and prepare students to join a global workforce.

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UMBC has been more than just an institution of higher learning to me. It has been a place where I have been able to thrive and show the world a version of me that I am proud of.”

Embracing Technology

AND LEADERSHIP

Shaniah Reece ’23 Information Systems

Shaniah has always been driven by a passion for technology. As a firstgeneration college student, the journey to academic success was not without its challenges. She has enjoyed a rich and rewarding college experience as a leader in the Center for Women in Technology (CWIT) student council, a lead resident assistant for on-campus housing, and a volunteer for Retriever Essentials. What is in store for Shaniah after UMBC? She is heading off to Emory University to pursue a Ph.D. in computer science.

Read more about this future leader in tech.

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MAJORS AND PROGRAMS Pre-Professional Programs

Biochemistry and Molecular Biology

Bioinformatics and Computational Biology Biological Sciences Biology Education Chemistry

Chemistry Education

COLLEGE OF NATURAL AND MATHEMATICAL SCIENCES

– Biochemistry – Physical Chemistry

Mathematics Physics

Physics Education

– Pre-Dental Hygiene – Pre-Dentistry – Pre-Medical Research Technology – Pre-Medicine – Pre-Nursing – Pre-Optometry – Pre-Pharmacy – Pre-Physical Therapy – Pre-Podiatry – Pre-Veterinary Medicine

Statistics

Translational Life Science Technology

Learn more about the College of Natural and Mathematical Sciences.

In the COLLEGE OF NATURAL AND MATHEMATICAL SCIENCES, we emphasize research experiences as teaching and learning tools and create opportunities for our students to work side by side with faculty, post-docs, and graduate students using state-of-the-art equipment.

We create space for students to explore, testing various hypotheses and making personal discoveries. This work, combined with our emphasis on interdisciplinary collaboration, gives our students the chance to test the waters for future academic and career pursuits.

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The best part of my UMBC experience would have to be being a part of the Meyerhoff Scholars Program, specifically in cohort M31. Knowing people who are working towards similar goals pushed me to be better academically and as a person.”

Science

AND SERVICE

Elijah Mugabe ’23 Chemistry

As a Meyerhoff Scholar and lab assistant, Elijah delved into research on metabolic enzymes. This experience ignited his passion for science and led to numerous accolades, including the Faculty Award for Excellence in Chemistry.

Beyond the lab, Elijah connected with the UMBC community by volunteering with Retriever Essentials to combat food insecurity, finding fulfillment in making a positive impact.

Read about Elijah’s experience on campus.

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THE ERICKSON SCHOOL OF AGING STUDIES erickson.umbc.edu The Erickson School's Management of Aging Studies program combines business management, public policy, and the study of human aging to prepare the next generation of leaders in the longevity market.

OTHER AREAS OF STUDY

SOCIAL WORK PROGRAM socialwork.umbc.edu The Baccalaureate Social Work Program at UMBC is part of the University of Maryland’s School of Social Work. Students will build the skills and techniques they’ll need for a generalist practice focused on individuals, families, groups, and communities.

INDIVIDUALIZED STUDY PROGRAM inds.umbc.edu Our Individualized Study program gives students a chance to chart their own course as they design a major that allows them to explore multiple interests.

Examples of degrees from recent graduates include prosthetic design, critical carceral studies, and holistic pediatric rehabilitation and care.

PRE-PROFESSIONAL PROGRAMS UMBC offers a range of two-, three-, and four-year pre-professional programs designed to help our students propel themselves into allied health and other professional fields. Our programs include: — Pre-Accounting

— Pre-Nursing

— Pre-Anesthesiologist Assistant

— Pre-Occupational Therapy

— Pre-Athletic Training

— Pre-Optometry

— Pre-Business

— Pre-Pharmacy

— Pre-Chiropractic Medicine

— Pre-Physical Therapy

— Pre-Dental Hygiene

— Pre-Podiatry

— Pre-Dentistry — Pre-Law — Pre-Medical Research Technology — Pre-Medicine

— Pre-Physician Assistant — Pre-Veterinary Medicine

UMBC AT THE UNIVERSITIES AT SHADY GROVE shadygrove.umbc.edu UMBC provides a unique environment for students to earn a degree in Montgomery County at The Universities at Shady Grove (USG), where we offer a curated selection of programs.

Students who have as few as 45 college credits may be eligible to access UMBC’s best faculty, dynamic learning environment, and individualized advising, all without commuting to Baltimore.

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YOU WANT TO GO ABOVE & BEYOND. WE’LL HELP YOU GET THERE.

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MEET THE HONORS COLLEGE AT UMBC In the Honors College, you’ll take classes and seminars that will help you cultivate your distinctive skills and abilities with some of our best professors alongside other students committed to intellectual inquiry.

DISCOVER OUR SCHOLARS PROGRAMS We’ve built a unique set of programs with scholarships where you’ll find a supportive community that is focused on giving you a launchpad for your academic, career, and life goals.

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Center for Women in Technology (CWIT): For students who are passionate about technology, computing, and engineering and advancing women in those fields.

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Cyber Scholars: Perfect for students who are ready to take on the cybersecurity challenges of today and tomorrow.

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Humanities Scholars: This program helps students become independent and creative thinkers who examine and change the world through learning, research, and civic engagement.

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Linehan Artist Scholars: A creative community for talented students who are serious about pursuing their art in a university setting.

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Meyerhoff Scholars: A rigorous but deeply supportive community of scholars that leads efforts nationwide to increase diversity among future leaders in science, technology, engineering, and related fields.

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Sherman Teacher Scholars: Prepares students who have a desire to teach in high-needs and urban schools to become culturally responsive and compassionate educators who believe all children deserve a high quality education.

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Sondheim Public Affairs Scholars: Dedicated to students who want to tackle urgent social problems through careers in public service fields like law, nonprofit leadership, and healthcare.

HONORS COLLEGE SEMINARS Supplement your classes with unique and interdisciplinary seminars like: —

Facts and Fiction of Exercise

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Race, Poverty, and Gender in Baltimore

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Disasters That Shaped Us

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Criminal Justice

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The Body in East Asia

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You’ll Be Ready

FOR CAREER SUCCESS When you choose UMBC, you’re choosing a university with a reputation for preparing students for careers or graduate school.

90,000+

ALUMNI NETWORK AND CAREER PIPELINE

93%

OF EMPLOYED UNDERGRADUATE DEGREE RECIPIENTS ARE IN POSITIONS DIRECTLY RELATED TO THEIR CAREER GOALS.

GRADUATES WORKING IN

37 + 11 STATES

COUNTRIES

500+ 54%

EMPLOYER VISITS TO RECRUIT

OF STUDENTS EMPLOYED INTERNED AT THE PLACE THEY WORK

WHERE YOU’LL MAKE AN IMPACT We’ve forged strong relationships with top employers that will give you a pipeline for rich and engaging internships and careers. Here are just a few examples of the organizations who often recruit our students and alumni:

GET REAL-WORLD EXPERIENCE WITH INTERNSHIPS UMBC helps you secure internships that will not only give you the chance to gain experience and contribute to companies and government agencies, but also help you make the connections you’ll need to secure a job aligned to your skills and interests.

UMBC STUDENT INTERNSHIP AND SERVICE FUND UMBC created a special fund to provide stipends to students interested in unpaid internship and service opportunities as we know taking unpaid internships can cause obstacles and sacrifice for many students.

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UMBC Can

TAKE YOU PLACES

If you’re looking to embark on a career in academia and scholarship that takes you to grad school and beyond, UMBC will help you get there. Many of our students continue their studies, pursuing master’s and doctoral degrees and professions. Some also earn prestigious scholarships that take them around the U.S. and the world as they attend graduate school and conduct research.

REACHING TOGETHER: UMBC PROVIDES SUPPORT FOR PRESTIGIOUS SCHOLARSHIPS We support our students in their pursuit of internationally renowned scholarships. In the past few years we’ve celebrated two UMBC students who were named Rhodes Scholars and eight named Goldwater Scholars.

A JOURNEY TOWARDS INNOVATION AND DISCOVERY Xavier Smith ’23, computer engineering, is taking his studies to the next level as he pursues a Ph.D. at MIT. Xavier was a member of the Meyerhoff Scholars Program and the U-RISE Scholars Program.

He also participated in a number of campus organizations which helped him elevate his academic and professional development and forge a strong sense of belonging.

UMBC’S GATES CAMBRIDGE SCHOLAR Christopher Slaughter ‘23, computer engineering, is the fifth student from UMBC to win a Gates Cambridge Scholarship—only 75 are awarded globally—to pursue graduate work at the University of Cambridge in the United Kingdom.

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Discover Yourself THROUGH RESEARCH

As one of only 146 designated Research 1 (R1) institutions, we create unparalleled opportunities for you to get involved in our labs and research projects across all majors. Working alongside professors and graduate students, you’ll lead the design and implementation of creative and challenging research projects. That independence will propel you forward as you develop your identity as a researcher.

“ Having undergraduates in the lab has extended our capability to ask more complex questions than we would otherwise take on.”

— PROFESSOR CHUCK BIEBERICH, BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES

HOW YOU’LL MAKE A DIFFERENCE Our students research and publish across every academic discipline, and they make real discoveries and change in the world as a result.

See some of their recent work in the UMBC Review, a peer-reviewed publication, completely directed

by UMBC undergraduate students.

UNDERGRADUATE RESEARCH AWARDS Students at UMBC can receive up to $1,500 to support their research, scholarship, or creative work with a UMBC faculty mentor on an original project.

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You’ll Explore THE WORLD

At UMBC, the world is—quite literally—your classroom. Learn about new cultures and governments. Test your research chops at an on-site archaeology lab. Explore art and literature in the places they were created. Whatever you choose, it’s sure to be a life-changing experience.

WORRIED YOU CAN’T AFFORD TO STUDY ABROAD? Most students can use some or all of their financial aid and scholarships toward their experience overseas.

ROVING RETRIEVERS In the last year alone, UMBC students have enjoyed a study abroad experience in many cities around the world, including: — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — —

Cape Town, South Africa Chiang Mai, Thailand Granada, Spain Kyoto, Japan Lima, Peru London, England Melbourne, Australia Milan, Italy Nairobi, Kenya Paris, France Rabat, Morocco Rome, Italy San Jose, Costa Rica Santiago, Chile Seoul, South Korea Tampere, Finland

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Learning

THROUGH SERVICE

Service and volunteerism are inextricably woven into our Retriever culture. All students can find unique and meaningful ways to get involved in engaged service throughout the local community. Service is a gateway to deep, lifelong involvement in solving social problems and making meaningful, sustainable contributions.

HOW OUR STUDENTS SERVE Our students participate in service learning throughout the Baltimore and Washington, D.C., region, working with animals, children, immigrants, and patients in programs such as: —

Baltimore Animal Rescue and Care Shelter (BARCS)

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Esperanza Center

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The Choice Program

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Creative Coders

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Ascension Saint Agnes Hospital

GROWING AS A LEADER

87%

of service-learning respondents say their experiences helped them to grow as leaders.

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You’ll Play

AS HARD AS YOU WORK

You’re sure to find something on campus to do among our many clubs, student organizations, and sports teams. Maybe you want to play a game of basketball or take a fitness class at the Retriever Activities Center? No matter your interest, we’ll keep you moving in pursuit of an active and balanced life.

RETRIEVER ACTIVITIES CENTER (RAC) The Retriever Activities Center is home to weight rooms, cardio spaces, outdoor and indoor pools, basketball and tennis courts, and more. RAC staff members offer over 30 group fitness and cycling classes, virtual classes, and personal training.

250 CLUBS AND ORGANIZATIONS You’ll find students interested in everything from food, culture, and the arts to athletics, anime, engineering, world politics, and more.

17 NCAA DIVISION I SPORTS TEAMS MEN’S

WOMEN’S

Baseball

Softball

Basketball

Basketball

Cross Country

Cross Country

Lacrosse

Lacrosse

Soccer

Soccer

Swimming and Diving

Swimming and Diving

Track and Field

Track and Field

Volleyball

30+ CLUB AND INTRAMURAL SPORTS TEAMS Whether you are looking for a way to get to know other students or test yourself in a competitive environment, UMBC offers a number of options for Retrievers to have fun.

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Welcome to Your New Home AWAY FROM HOME

Our residence halls and apartments are the perfect place to start— in fact, most of our entering first-year students choose to live on campus. You’ll love the independence of living on your own and the convenience of being close to class, campus life, academic opportunities, and recreational activities each day.

DINING ON CAMPUS Offering cuisine from around the world to standard fare, a variety of food can be found in our 17 restaurants all around campus, with many options to meet your dietary needs. And when you are looking for a change of scenery, you can explore dozens of restaurants near campus.

TRANSPORTATION With over 300 stops, UMBC Transit provides a free, convenient, and green alternative for commuters and the residential population of UMBC. We also offer Transit Tracker, a web-enabled, GPS tool that provides real-time location information for riders.

HEALTH AND WELL-BEING Retriever Integrated Health (RIH) blends physical and mental health services to provide a collaborative and holistic approach to support your well-being and success. Our team is committed to providing the UMBC community with high-quality services, support, and resources.

CAMPUS SAFETY UMBC is committed to keeping you and the community safe. UMBC’s Police Department provides police service 24 hours a day throughout the year. In addition, UMBC offers UMBC Alerts using our text notification system to provide updates and safety information.

FIND YOUR COMMUNITY

Explore your passions 24/7 by joining one of 10 Living Learning Communities during your first year on campus.

These themed floors located in various residence halls will help you to make lasting friendships as you navigate the first year of college with others who share your interests.

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Financing

YOUR EDUCATION

Financing your education is an important step, and that’s why we offer a wide range of financial aid and scholarships.

COST OF ATTENDANCE: LIVING ON CAMPUS (2024 — 2025)* IN-STATE PER YEAR

OUT-OF-STATE PER YEAR

TUITION/FEES

$13,257

$31,225

ROOM AND BOARD

$15,146

$15,146

BOOKS, TRANSPORTATION, AND FEES:

$6,164

$6,164

TOTAL:

$34,567

$52,535

* Each student’s individual costs may vary based upon courses, housing, and meal plan selection.

Costs are subject to change with Board of Regents approval.

NEED-BASED FINANCIAL AID Financial aid programs are available and awarded in three categories: grants, loans, and employment. The Office of Financial Aid will prepare a financial aid package for eligible students which may consist of one or more of these types of aid to assist in meeting a student’s financial needs.

MERIT SCHOLARSHIPS UMBC offers a range of merit awards to both in-state and out-ofstate students. Prospective incoming first-year students who submit timely applications will be reviewed for awards based on high school program, individual grades, and cumulative averages.

FINANCIAL AID DATES — FAFSA available: October 1, 2024

— Priority Deadline: March 1, 2025

UMBC was named a 2024 Best Value University by U.S. News and World Report.

YOU’RE AUTOMATICALLY ELIGIBLE FOR MERIT SCHOLARSHIPS No separate application needed! UMBC awards merit scholarships automatically to eligible incoming first year students. Awards range from $1,000 to $12,000 per year.

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Our COMMUNITY 2023 FIRST-YEAR STUDENT PROFILE

2,144 3.96

TOTAL FIRST-YEAR ENROLLMENT

AVERAGE GPA

47% WOMEN

53% MEN

STUDENT ENROLLMENT

• African American 20.2% • Asian American 19.3% • Hispanic 7.7% • International 17.8% • Other 6.8% • White 28.2%

IMPORTANT DEADLINES Fall Admission to UMBC and the Honors College at UMBC — Early Action: November 1

— Regular Decision: February 1

QUESTIONS?

Contact the Office of Undergraduate Admissions and Orientation at admissions@umbc.edu or 410-455-2292.

We can’t wait to hear from you!

Schedule a visit.

So What’s NEXT? VISIT UMBC

You can get a great sense of life as a Retriever without even setting foot on campus. We’ve curated a number of videos, photos, and a 360 tour of campus.

Prefer in person? Join us on campus for a tour or information session, offered most weekdays and Saturdays, and meet with an admissions representative to learn more about our admissions requirements, scholarships, academic programs, and more.

Ready to APPLY?

Get more information about the application process here.

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University of Maryland, Baltimore County 1000 Hilltop Circle Baltimore, Maryland 21250

OFFICE OF UNDERGRADUATE ADMISSIONS AND ORIENTATION

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