You know WHY. We know HOW.
FAST FACTS: THE UNIVERSITIES AT SHADY GROVE (USG)
9 MARYLAND PUBLIC UNIVERSITIES ON
1 COLLEGE CAMPUS IN ROCKVILLE, MD
100%
TRANSFER AND FIRST-YEAR WITH ADVANCED STANDING IN UNDERGRADUATE CLASSES
26
AVERAGE AGE OF UNDERGRADUATE STUDENTS
30 – 35 STUDENTS IN AN AVERAGE CLASS
3,100+
TOTAL USG ENROLLMENT
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.
WE BRING UMBC TO YOU
– UMBC Courses – UMBC Professors – UMBC Diploma – Convenient Location in Montgomery County
Being a Retriever
AT USG
When you join us at UMBC-Shady Grove, you'll be at the intersection of two communities that want to see you succeed. You’ll have access to resources including…
ACADEMIC SUPPORT AND DISABILITY SERVICES
Find a tutor, have your essay peer reviewed, or request accommodations through UMBC. Attend a workshop to boost your leadership and communications skills at USG.
CAMPUS LIFE
Attend one of the many social events or join a student organization at USG. You’re also invited to visit UMBC in Catonsville for events and other activities!
CAMPUS SAFETY
Contact USG's 24/7 security team if you'd like a safety escort or rely on UMBC's dedicated staff for comprehensive incident reporting and support.
CAREER SERVICES
Claim your future through career-readiness workshops, career fairs, resume review, and more offered both by UMBC and USG.
MENTAL HEALTH & WELLBEING
Take care of your mind and body through the resources offered by USG’s Center for Counseling & Well-being and the Campus Recreation Center.
STUDY ABROAD & SERVICE LEARNING
Don’t miss out on valuable experiences. UMBC can help you identify options for study abroad and service learning.
Our Supportive Community
PEER ADVISORY TEAM
UMBC-Shady Grove is proud to be a community that supports and uplifts one another and our Peer Advisory Team (PAT) is just one example. When you become a Retriever, you’ll be matched with a PAT Pal who will connect with you throughout your first semester to ensure you’re adjusting to the new campus environment.
Starting during your second semester, you can apply to be a peer advisor yourself! It's a great chance to build your leadership skills and help new students.
CLUBS AND ORGS
There are also a variety of UMBC-Shady Grove clubs and orgs you can join based around common academic interests with other students. Some of these include:
Social Work Student Association
Psychology Student Association
Biotech Club
You can also join campus-wide initiatives like the USG Student Council to connect with peers from other universities and help enhance our campus community.
Computer Science
The computer science program at UMBC-Shady Grove focuses on providing a wide range of skills that appeal to employer needs in the area.
PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS:
ABET accreditation
Optional tracks in data science or cybersecurity
Accelerated pathways to a master’s in data science or cybersecurity
Option to take some courses in Catonsville
MEET THE PROGRAM DIRECTOR:
JEANNETTE KARTCHNER
Hobby: Building things and solving problems
Favorite Course to Teach: I find all of my courses rewarding
First Professional Job: Aerospace software engineer
Favorite thing about the UMBC-Shady Grove community: The students! They bring energy, enthusiasm, and fresh perspectives that enrich our learning environment.
“I have leveraged my academic background... to explore diverse roles and to develop a holistic view of how technology is at the center of all business capabilities.”
— CAROL RIOS ROCHA ’22, COMPUTER SCIENCE
History
At UMBC-Shady Grove, we believe that the study of history is vital for understanding the world today and helping shape the future.
PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS:
Opportunities to spearhead projects and clubs
Optional minor in public history with internship placement
Tight-knit community of scholars
MEET CAMILLA
MEET THE PROGRAM DIRECTOR: ANDREW NOLAN
Hobby: Watching movies, going to dinosaur museums, reading
Favorite Course to Teach: HIST 201
Introduction to the Study of History
First Professional Job: Reporter at the Prince William Journal
What did you study in college and how did it impact your career? I was a history major, and now I am a history professor. The journey was more exciting than it sounds.
Camilla Sandoval ‘17, history, M.A. ‘19, historical studies, started her UMBC journey in the history program at USG, and loved it so much that she continued on to pursue her master’s at UMBC in Catonsville.
Mechanical Engineering
In our mechanical engineering program, you’ll test the principles you learn in the classroom through applied labs and design challenges.
PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS:
ABET accreditation
Industry-sponsored, real-world capstone design projects
Special research opportunities
Option to join the Society of Automotive Engineers
MEET THE PROGRAM DIRECTOR: CHUCK EGGLETON
Hobby: Cycling
Favorite Course to Teach: Fluid Mechanics
First Professional Job: Naval Sea Systems Command
What did you study in college and how did it impact your career? I studied aeronautics and astronautics. I wouldn't be teaching in higher education without these degrees.
SOCIETY OF AUTOMOTIVE ENGINEERS (SAE)
UMBC’s SAE Baja Racing team allows students to engage in the challenge of designing and building off-road vehicles to compete in rigorous national competitions. It’s a fantastic way to test your technical expertise, teamwork skills, and creativity.
Trailblazing A NEW PATH Garvey Chu ’24
Mechanical Engineering
For Garvey Chu, UMBC-Shady Grove was the perfect fit. USG was close to home, and he knew UMBC had a good reputation for excellence in STEM. On top of that, Garvey earned a scholarship for being among the first group of students to earn a UMBC degree in mechanical engineering at USG. Grateful to his professors for expanding his engineering horizons, Garvey looks forward to pursuing a career in the automotive, satellite, or defense industries.
“ [My advisors and professors at UMBCShady Grove] have really opened my eyes to new possible areas in my future career.”
Meet Garvey:
EMPOWERING YOUR SUCCESS WITH SCHOLARSHIPS
Between UMBC’s Scholarship Retriever and USG’s Scholarship Application, you’ll be able to apply for a wide array of internal and external scholarships.
Political Science
UMBC-Shady Grove's political science program offers a comprehensive understanding of local, state, and federal politics, extending its impact beyond the government and into our daily lives.
PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS:
Optional three-part community building course series
Renowned faculty with experience in all aspects of government
Optional weekly discussion group about local politics
HATE POLITICS?
MEET THE PROGRAM DIRECTOR: SUNIL DASGUPTA
Hobby: Several-hour long walks
Favorite Course to Teach: Community Research
First Professional Job: News reporter
What was a challenge you overcame in getting to where you are today? Not knowing exactly what to do in life but being persistent in what I was doing in the moment.
Professor Dasgupta unpacks local issues through a weekly discussion that centers on his podcast, I Hate Politics. A staff of three student interns currently helps with the podcast’s production, expanding their communication and technical skills.
Psychology
Our psychology program offers the flexibility to chart your own path and enter the marketplace with versatile skills that will set you apart.
PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS:
Course options that align with your unique career goals
Applicability across a myriad of industries
Networking events with fellow students and alumni
“If you just go to the classroom, you miss out on something. I’ve always been someone who wanted to be involved, and it helped that UMBC and USG provided welcoming communities.”
— HENRI MAINDIDZE ’21, PSYCHOLOGY
MEET THE PROGRAM DIRECTOR:
DIANE ALONSO
Hobby: Musical theater
Favorite Course to Teach: Cognitive Psychology
First Professional Job: Computer programmer at IBM
What was a challenge you overcame in getting to where you are today? Being a woman in a technical field back in the ’80s was challenging. It's getting better but we're not there yet.
Pursuing GROWTH & LEADERSHIP
Ciomara Matamoros ’24 Psychology
Ciomara Matamoros, mother of three, embodies resilience and determination as a first-generation college student. She credits UMBC's supportive environment and pathways to diverse career options for fueling her dream of becoming a school psychologist. During her time at UMBC-Shady Grove, Ciomara embraced student life, joining groups like the Psychology Student Association and the Peer Advisory Team to stay connected to the campus community.
” UMBC has helped me grow so much, not only as a student but also as a leader. It’s helped me become more confident in my own abilities.ˮ
Meet Ciomara:
Social Work
In UMBC-Shady Grove’s social work program, you'll participate in small classes and hands-on experiences outside the classroom, interacting closely with professors, fellow students, and practicing social workers.
PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS:
Fully accredited
Field placement as an undergraduate
Option for advanced standing in many master’s programs
Preparation for licensure
MEET THE PROGRAM DIRECTOR:
DR. KATIE MORRIS, LCSW-C
Hobby: Gardening, reading, watching shows/movies, and walking my Aussie pups
Favorite Course to Teach: Social Work Methods: Introduction to Practice
First Professional Job: Research assistant serving children diagnosed with cystic fibrosis
What was a challenge you overcame in getting to where you are today? I arrived here by working hard and being passionate about social work. I wish I had trusted myself more on my journey.
”What I love about the social work program is being able to engage with all types of students from different backgrounds. I have been able to create friendships that will last even after graduation.”
— NICHEL GRIFFIN ‘24, SOCIAL WORK
Discovering A REWARDING CAREER Amy Caballero ’22 Social Work
Amy Caballero explored her passion for working with young people during her undergraduate field placement at Seneca Valley High School. She was also active in the Social Work Student Association, and contributed to initiatives such as a menstrual product drive for I Support the Girls. Since then, she has gone on to earn her master’s of social work (MSW), and has secured a job as a youth development specialist with a local nonprofit.
”I loved how passionate all my professors were about social work and their love for the subject they taught.”
Meet Amy:
MSW PATHWAY
Looking into an MSW? While not offered through UMBC, you can still earn your master’s at USG through the University of Maryland, Baltimore! That means you’ll earn two degrees from two different Maryland universities on the same campus.
Translational Life Science Technology (TLST)
Through this applied biotechnology program, you’ll gain both the practical skills and theoretical knowledge to transition seamlessly into this booming industry.
PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS:
Internship opportunities
Pathway for students beginning studies at UMBC in Catonsville
Optional track in bioinformatics
Career opportunities in local industry hubs
MEET THE PROGRAM DIRECTOR:
DR. ELIZABETH FRIAR
Hobby: Gardening
Favorite Course to Teach: Genetics
First Professional Job: Post-doc at the University of Alabama
What is your favorite thing about the UMBC-Shady Grove community? The thing I enjoy most about our community is the camaraderie among students and faculty.
FIRST-YEAR STUDENTS
If you haven’t earned college credit yet, you can still declare a TLST major as a first-year student. You’ll begin your studies with prerequisites and general education courses at UMBC in Catonsville, and then complete your bachelor’s at UMBC-Shady Grove.
Embracing A NETWORK OF SUPPORT
Merryll Kallungal ’24
Translational Life Science Technology
What Merryll Kallungal loved most about her UMBC-Shady Grove experience was the close-knit community and personalized attention from faculty. Her professors and advisors were always there to help her figure out what was next, whether that was her next class or her next internship. Merryll also became a student leader, joining the Peer Advisory Team, USG Student Council, and Biotech Club.
” What I love about the TLST program is how close the students are with each other since we are a smaller major.”
Meet Merryll:
MEET A RETRIEVER
Visit umbc.edu/meet-a-retriever for more inspiring student stories.
You’ll be ready
FOR CAREER SUCCESS
UMBC has a reputation for preparing students for rewarding careers. With our alumni network of 90,000+ Retrievers, you're not just joining a university; you're opening the door to endless connections.
GET REAL-WORLD EXPERIENCE
Our programs often include hands-on field experiences. We’re all about internships and other opportunities that can lead to jobs after you graduate.
WHERE YOU’LL MAKE AN IMPACT
Our alumni work for organizations including AstraZeneca, Deloitte, Google, IBM, Montgomery County Public Schools, NASA, NIH, Sheppard Pratt, The United States Senate, and The Washington Post.
UMBC CAN TAKE YOU PLACES
Many of our students go on to earn master’s and doctoral degrees at UMBC, other institutions at USG, and beyond.
Accelerate YOUR PATH
Save time and money on your way to a master’s degree through UMBC’s accelerated program. As an undergraduate, you can begin earning credit towards one of our master’s programs offered right here at UMBC-Shady Grove:
Biotechnology
Cybersecurity
Data Science
Industrial/Organizational Psychology
Prepare for a SUCCESSFUL TRANSFER
PRE-TRANSFER ADVISING
Not sure if you’re on the right track for transfer to UMBC-Shady Grove? We offer pre-transfer advising appointments to assess your current and future college coursework. During your appointment, you will:
Identify the courses you should take prior to transfer
Learn more about program-specific coursework
Discover your scholarship and financial aid options
Review the application process
ARTSYS and Transfer Central are great resources to help you prepare for your pre-transfer advising appointment by determining how your credits might transfer.
Schedule an appointment with an advisor at shadygrove.umbc.edu/pre-transfer to ensure a seamless transfer.
The TRANSFER STUDENT ALLIANCE (TSA) is a member benefit program for Maryland community college students. From day one, our TSA members enjoy a number of benefits to help ease your transition to UMBC, including scholarships.
COST OF ATTENDANCE FOR UMBC-SHADY GROVE IN FALL 2024:
NEED-BASED FINANCIAL AID
UMBC’s Office of Financial Aid prepares a financial aid package for each student, calculated based on FAFSA results, so make sure to complete your FAFSA by the deadline each year and include UMBC’s school code, 002105.
SCHOLARSHIPS
UMBC offers merit scholarships to incoming students with no separate application. You’ll be automatically considered for scholarships based on your academics when you submit your application by the priority deadline.
To be eligible as a community college transfer student, you must have 30+ credits completed when you apply. Priority consideration is given to those who will earn an associate degree before transferring.
At UMBC-Shady Grove, your chance of earning scholarship funding is significantly enhanced; both UMBC and USG have scholarship applications that will match you with relevant opportunities.
FAFSA available: October 1
Priority Deadline: March 1
UMBC was named a 2024 Best Value University by U.S. News and World Report.
MEET TING: Ting Huang
’21 returned to UMBC as the interim program coordinator for the McNair Scholars Program, highlighting the importance of community, mentorship, and empowerment as a former McNair Scholar.
So what’s NEXT?
VISIT US
The best way to discover all that UMBC-Shady Grove has to offer is to visit our campus.
Go to shadygrove.umbc.edu/visit-us to book a pre-transfer advising appointment, view our virtual information session, or explore our upcoming events.
Ready to
TRANSFER APPLICATION DEADLINES
Spring Priority: October 15 • Regular: December 1
Fall Priority: March 1 • Regular: June 1
FIRST-YEAR APPLICATION DEADLINES*
Spring Early Action: October 15 • Regular: December 1
Fall Early Action: November 1 • Regular: February 1
* Most UMBC-Shady Grove students are transfer students; however, students dual-enrolled while in high school may qualify to join us as first-year students.
