University of Maryland-Baltimore County
Baltimore, MD
Quick Facts
Data from Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0) & U.S. Dept. of Education
About University of Maryland-Baltimore County
UMBC: A dynamic R1 research powerhouse fostering innovation and inclusive excellence in Maryland.
UMBC, the University of Maryland, Baltimore County, stands out as an "Honors University in Maryland," renowned for its vibrant academic environment and dedication to groundbreaking research. Classified as an R1 Doctoral University with "Very High Research Activity," UMBC attracts students passionate about discovery, particularly in the natural sciences, engineering, liberal arts, and social sciences. Its campus buzzes with innovation, underscored by Maryland's first university research park.
Founded in 1966 amidst the post-World War II education boom and the expansion of the GI Bill, UMBC holds a significant place in Maryland's history. It was established with a forward-thinking vision, becoming the first public college or university in Maryland to be inclusive of all races, laying a foundation of diversity and open-mindedness that continues to define its ethos. This commitment to accessibility and progressive values shaped its early years, even through the social changes of the 1960s.
Academically, UMBC offers a rich array of opportunities, boasting 61 undergraduate majors and over 92 graduate programs, including master's, doctoral, and graduate certificate options. It has earned national recognition from the American Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology as a leading producer of chemistry and biochemistry degrees, signifying its strength in STEM fields. Beyond the labs and lecture halls, students engage in a lively campus culture, participating in traditions like Homecoming and Quadmania, and cheering on the UMBC Retrievers in NCAA Division I athletics.
With a substantial fall 2025 enrollment of 13,530 students, UMBC provides a dynamic suburban campus experience just outside Baltimore. Under the leadership of President Valerie Sheares Ashby, this public research university continues to expand its facilities and forge new partnerships, such as with the NASA Goddard Space Flight Center, ensuring its students are at the forefront of scientific and societal advancement.
Key Highlights
- ✦Designated an R1: Doctoral University with "Very High Research Activity" by the Carnegie Foundation.
- ✦Established in 1966, becoming the first public college in Maryland to be inclusive of all races.
- ✦Features 61 undergraduate majors and over 92 graduate programs (38 master's, 25 doctoral, 29 graduate certificates).
- ✦Home to the first university research park in Maryland.
- ✦Recognized by the American Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology (ASBMB) as a leading producer of chemistry and biochemistry degrees.
- ✦Total enrollment of 13,530 students for Fall 2025, with 11,087 undergraduates.
- ✦Boasts an endowment of $167.1 million (2024).
Timeline
Schools & Colleges
4 notable schools within University of Maryland-Baltimore County
UMBC Erickson School of Aging Studies
Offers undergraduate and graduate programs focusing on various aspects of aging studies, including policy and management issues.
University of Maryland Graduate School, Baltimore (UMGSB)
Represents the combined graduate and research programs at UMBC and the University of Maryland, Baltimore (UMB).
UMBC School of Public Policy
Includes public policy programs for master's and doctorate degrees.
University of Maryland, Baltimore School of Social Work
Links with UMBC in offering graduate and undergraduate level social work programs, respectively.
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