St. Mary's College of Maryland
St. Mary's City, MD
Quick Facts
Data from Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0) & U.S. Dept. of Education
About St. Mary's College of Maryland
Experience elite liberal arts education on the historic site of Maryland's first colony.
St. Mary's College of Maryland (SMCM) stands as a distinctive public liberal arts honors college, proudly offering an educational experience on par with elite private institutions. With a close-knit community of approximately 1,600 enrolled students, SMCM cultivates an environment of rigorous academics set against a stunning rural, waterfront backdrop on the St. Mary's River. The college is renowned for its commitment to a comprehensive liberal arts curriculum, providing bachelor's degrees across 21 disciplines, alongside a master's program and various certification opportunities.
The college's roots run deep into American history, established in 1840 on the original site of Maryland's first colony, St. Mary's City. This historic location, once Maryland's first capital, is also celebrated as the birthplace of religious freedom in America. SMCM's campus shares this rich heritage with Historic St. Mary's City, fostering a unique connection to the past. The institution, originally founded as St. Mary's Female Seminary, embraced coeducation in 1949, evolving into the vibrant community it is today.
Academically, SMCM shines with its innovative programs and hands-on learning. A standout offering is the Historical Archaeology Field School, jointly operated with Historic St. Mary's City. This program draws students from across the globe, immersing them in active archaeological digs, artifact analysis, conservation, and historical research. Graduates often go on to hold prominent positions in the field, underscoring the program's excellence and the college's dedication to experiential education.
Life at St. Mary's College of Maryland offers a truly unique student experience. Beyond the classroom, students are part of a campus that is considered one of the premier archaeological sites in the United States. The 319-acre campus provides ample opportunities for exploration and engagement, merging academic pursuit with the profound historical and natural beauty of its surroundings. It's a place where students not only learn history but walk through it every day, embodying "The St. Mary's Way."
Key Highlights
- ✦A public liberal arts honors college offering an experience similar to elite liberal arts institutions.
- ✦Established in 1840, making it one of the oldest public colleges in Maryland.
- ✦Located on the historic site of Maryland's first colony and capital, St. Mary's City, known as the birthplace of religious freedom in America.
- ✦Offers bachelor's degrees in 21 disciplines, along with a master's program and certification programs to approximately 1,600 students.
- ✦Operates the globally recognized Historical Archaeology Field School, providing extensive hands-on experience in archaeological work.
- ✦Features a 319-acre rural, waterfront campus situated on the St. Mary's River.
- ✦Endowment of $39.45 million (2024) supporting its mission and programs.
Timeline
Schools & Colleges
1 notable schools within St. Mary's College of Maryland
The Historical Archaeology Field School
Jointly run by St. Mary's College of Maryland and Historic St. Mary's Commission, this summer program offers collection-based courses, archaeological field training, and summer institutes, providing extensive hands-on experience in active dig sites and artifact analysis.
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