From the School
An Honors University with the teaching and student support traditions of a small liberal arts college. UMBC is also among the most rapidly developing and diverse research universities in the nation.
UMBC attracts creative and motivated students and rewards them with the resources and attention they need to succeed. We're a place where it's cool to be smart, and where students can be confident investing in their education.
UMBC is nationally recognized for professors who regularly involve students in research and creative collaboration. Cross-collaboration between fields of study (with both peers and faculty) results in active, interdisciplinary learning, which prepares students for multi-dimensional opportunities.
With an ideal proximity to Baltimore and Washington, D.C. students are interning, studying and working with industry leaders-and UMBC has built a reputation for getting students into jobs and graduate programs. In fact, 86% of UMBC class of 2017 is employed and/or in graduate school!
The on campus climate is friendly and energetic; undergraduates have enough ideas and interests to support more than 250 groups, including Greek organizations, recreational sports clubs, community outreach efforts, and campus events. Students enthusiastically follow UMBC NCAA Division I athletic teams and attend games in the UMBC Stadium, Retriever Activities Center, and the new UMBC Event Center, where they cheer on the Retrievers, who made history this year in men's NCAA basketball.
UMBC President Freeman A. Hrabowski, III, has been named "one of the 10 best college presidents" and "one of the 100 most influential people in the world" by Time Magazine.
Theatre students rank third nationally in invitations to perform at the Kennedy Center American College Theatre Festival. A new Performing Arts and Humanities building opened in 2014, providing state-of-the-art facilities for several arts and humanities departments and programs.
Approximately 70% of freshman students live on campus, with 14% from out of state. The undergraduate student population is 44% female, 26% Asian American, 17% African American, 7% Hispanic American and Native American. UMBC houses 4,000 students in UMBC's residence suites and apartment communities. Residential communities feature ten living-learning programs, including the Center for Women in Technology; Intercultural Living Exchange; Shriver Living Learning Center.
Overall
From The School
In fall 2017, the average incoming freshman had a 3.82 cumulative GPA, 53% ranked in the top quarter of his or her senior class, and had a combined SAT score of 1251 (2 part). Approximately 59% of freshman applicants are admitted each year. Academic performance and curriculum strength play an important part in the decision. An essay is required, and a letter of recommendation is strongly encouraged. Transfer applicants are considered to be students who have completed a minimum of 24 college-level credits at an institution of higher education after receiving a high school diploma or a GED. The Admissions Committee evaluates transfer applicants on the basis of their academic record at previous institutions. Cumulative grade point average as calculated by UMBC, academic trends, strength of curriculum, and performance in courses related to the intended area of study are considered.
Prospective freshmen are encouraged to submit applications by the early action deadline of November 1. The Regular Decision deadline is February 1 for full consideration for admission, campus housing, financial aid, and scholarships. The priority deadline for transfer students is March 1 for fall admission and October 15 for spring.
Overview
GPA Breakdown
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Concordant SAT Scores
Testing Policies
Deadlines
Early Action — November 1
Regular — February 1
Other Admission Factors
Rigor of Secondary School Record
Academic GPA
Standardized Test Scores
Application Essay
Recommendation(s)
Selectivity Rating
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From The School
Academic Programs
UMBC's academic calendar consists of fall and spring semesters, a four-week mini session in January, and summer sessions from six to eight weeks. To receive a UMBC degree, students complete 120 to 128 credits plus two physical education courses. In addition to the requirements for the chosen major, the general education program (GEP), provides a solid basis for a lifetime of learning. GEP courses encompass humanities and fine arts, mathematics and natural sciences, social sciences, and languages and culture. The Honors College at UMBC is a special option for students seeking a community of like-minded people for whom the quest for knowledge is its own reward. All Honors College students must take at least one honors course per semester. Students choose from honors versions of core courses, special honors seminars, and plenty of other honors courses.
Majors and Degrees Offered
Programs leading to Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Fine Arts, and Bachelor of Science degrees: acting, Africana studies, American studies, aging services, ancient studies, Asian studies, biochemistry and molecular biology, bioinformatics and computational biology, biological sciences, biological education, business technology administration, chemical engineering, chemistry, biochemistry and molecular biology, chemistry education, chemical engineering, computer engineering, computer science, cultural anthropology, dance, design, economics, financial economics, emergency health services, English, environmental science and geography, gender and women's studies, geography and environmental studies, health administration and policy, history, information systems, interdisciplinary studies, jazz studies, mathematics, mechanical engineering, media and communication studies, modern language and linguistics, music composition, music education, music performance, music technology, philosophy, physics education, physics, political science, psychology, social work, sociology, statistics, theater, translational life science technology, and visual arts. An interdisciplinary studies program allows students to design their own course of study according to their specific educational and career goals. UMBC offers pre-professional studies programs, including two-and four-year advisement programs to prepare students for clinical training in dental hygiene, medical and research technology, physician assistant, nursing, pharmacy, physical therapy, and veterinary medicine. Minors include Africana studies, American studies, ancient studies, Asian studies, astronomy, biological sciences, biomathematics, chemistry, computer science, critical sexuality studies, cultural anthropology, dance, East Asian history, economics, emergency health services, English, environmental science, entrepreneurship and innovation, French, gender and women?s studies, geography, German, history, information systems, international affairs, Judaic studies, Korean, mathematics, medieval and early modern studies, modern languages and linguistics, music, philosophy, political science, psychology, quantitative biology, religious studies, social work, sociology, statistics, theater, and visual arts.
Faculty and Class Information
Graduation Rates
Majors
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AREA, ETHNIC, CULTURAL, GENDER, AND GROUP STUDIES.
African Studies.
American/United States Studies/Civilization.
Asian Studies/Civilization.
Ethnic Studies.
Ethnic, Cultural Minority, Gender, and Group Studies.
Women's Studies.
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BIOLOGICAL AND BIOMEDICAL SCIENCES.
Biochemistry and Molecular Biology.
Biochemistry.
Bioinformatics.
Biology/Biological Sciences, General.
Biotechnology.
Cell/Cellular and Molecular Biology.
Cell/Cellular Biology and Histology.
Molecular Biology.
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BUSINESS, MANAGEMENT, MARKETING, AND RELATED SUPPORT SERVICES.
Business, Management, Marketing, and Related Support Services, Other.
Information Resources Management.
Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods, Other.
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COMMUNICATION, JOURNALISM, AND RELATED PROGRAMS.
Communication and Media Studies, Other.
Mass Communication/Media Studies.
Speech Communication and Rhetoric.
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COMPUTER AND INFORMATION SCIENCES AND SUPPORT SERVICES.
Computer and Information Sciences, General.
Computer Science.
Information Science/Studies.
Information Technology.
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EDUCATION.
Chemistry Teacher Education.
Physics Teacher Education.
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ENGINEERING TECHNOLOGIES AND ENGINEERING-RELATED FIELDS.
Computer Engineering Technologies/Technicians, Other.
Mechanical Engineering Related Technologies/Technicians, Other.
Mechanical Engineering Related Technologies/Technicians.
Mechanical Engineering/Mechanical Technology/Technician.
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ENGINEERING.
Biochemical Engineering.
Chemical Engineering.
Computer Engineering, General.
Electrical and Electronics Engineering
Engineering, General.
Engineering, Other.
Mechanical Engineering.
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ENGLISH LANGUAGE AND LITERATURE/LETTERS.
English Language and Literature, General.
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FAMILY AND CONSUMER SCIENCES/HUMAN SCIENCES.
Adult Development and Aging.
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FOREIGN LANGUAGES, LITERATURES, AND LINGUISTICS.
French Language and Literature.
German Language and Literature.
Linguistics.
Russian Language and Literature.
Spanish Language and Literature.
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HEALTH PROFESSIONS AND RELATED PROGRAMS.
Emergency Medical Technology/Technician (EMT Paramedic).
Health Services Administration.
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HISTORY.
American History (United States).
History, General.
History, Other.
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LEISURE AND RECREATIONAL ACTIVITIES.
Dancing.
Music.
Theatre/Theater.
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MATHEMATICS AND STATISTICS.
Applied Mathematics, General.
Mathematics, General.
Statistics, General.
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MULTI/INTERDISCIPLINARY STUDIES.
Ancient Studies/Civilization.
Multi-/Interdisciplinary Studies, Other.
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NATURAL RESOURCES AND CONSERVATION.
Environmental Science.
Environmental Studies.
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PHILOSOPHY AND RELIGIOUS STUDIES.
Philosophy.
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PHYSICAL SCIENCES.
Chemistry, General.
Chemistry, Other.
Physical Sciences, Other.
Physics, General.
Physics, Other.
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PSYCHOLOGY.
Psychology, General.
Psychology, Other.
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PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION AND SOCIAL SERVICE PROFESSIONS.
Public Policy Analysis, General.
Social Work.
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SOCIAL SCIENCES.
Anthropology.
Economics, General.
Geography.
Political Science and Government, General.
Political Science and Government, Other.
Social Sciences, Other.
Sociology.
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VISUAL AND PERFORMING ARTS.
Acting.
Dance, General.
Design and Visual Communications, General.
Drama and Dramatics/Theatre Arts, General.
Fine Arts and Art Studies, Other.
Music Performance, General.
Music, General.
Music, Other.
Technical Theatre/Theatre Design and Technology.
Visual and Performing Arts, General.
Visual and Performing Arts, Other.
Students Say
Degrees
Certificate
Doctoral
Doctoral/Research
Master's
Post-Bachelor's certificate
Career Services
Alumni Network
Alumni Services
Classes
Interest Inventory
Internships
Regional Alumni
Coop
Experiential
Internship
Notable Faculty
Prominent Alumni
Academic Rating
Graduation Rates
Career Services
Alumni Network
Alumni Services
Classes
Interest Inventory
Internships
Regional Alumni
Coop
Experiential
Internship
ROI & Outcomes
Students Say
Overview
From The School
Tuition, Room, Board and Fees
Tuition and fees for 2017-2018 are $11,518 for Maryland residents and $25,654 for out-of-state students. Room and board averaged $11,836 . Miscellaneous expenses, books, and transportation cost about $4200 for on-campus residents and $5200 for commuters.
Financial Aid
More than 55% of undergraduates receive some financial aid. UMBC uses the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to help determine a student's financial need. Aid is awarded to qualified applicants on a first-come, first-served basis. Since aid is awarded only to admitted students, early application for admission is also important. Well-qualified freshmen are automatically considered for general merit scholarships once they are admitted to the University. The Scholars Programs at UMBC provide special opportunities for outstanding entering freshmen who want to focus their education through intense study in their major. Scholars participate in a wide range of academic and cultural enrichment activities, extracurricular travel, or summer study. The selection process for specialty scholarships includes application, an interview, and, in some cases, nomination from a high school official.
Dates
Required Forms
Financial Aid Statistics
Expenses per Academic Year
Available Aid
Need-Based College/University Scholarship or Grant Aid from Institutional Funds
Need-Based Federal Pell
Need-Based Private Scholarships
Need-Based SEOG
Need-Based State Scholarships
Need-Based United Negro College Fund
Direct Subsidized Stafford Loans
Direct Unsubsidized Stafford Loans
Financial Aid Rating
Overall
From The School
The campus climate is friendly and energetic. UMBC's more than 11,234 undergraduates have enough ideas and interests to support more than 200 student groups, including Greek organizations and recreational sports clubs, such as fencing and sailing; community outreach efforts, such as Habitat for Humanity; and campus events, including lectures, films, concerts, and plays. Students enthusiastically follow UMBC NCAA Division I athletic teams, such as basketball, lacrosse, and soccer and attend games in the UMBC Stadium and Retriever Activities Center, which includes a multipurpose gym, auxiliary gym, weight room, and classrooms. The new Event Center also hosts sports events. Elections are held each year for officers in UMBC's Student Government Association (SGA). The SGA represents the student body on a number of administrative committees, including the Undergraduate Council, the Library Committee, and the Student Health Advisory Committee.
Student Body Profile
Demographics
Students Say
Overview
From The School
Location
Located a few miles south of Baltimore, UMBC is 15 minutes from downtown Baltimore and 30 minutes from Washington, D.C. The Baltimore-Washington area is known for its music, sports, museums, restaurants, and historical traditions. UMBC's 530-acre campus features housing and dining facilities on one side and core facilities (classroom/lab buildings, performing arts center, a library, galleries, a student union, a bookstore, a gymnasium, an Olympic-size pool, and tennis courts) surrounding a central walkway. bwtech@UMBC Research and Technology Park, adjacent to the campus, attracts firms in the high-technology fields, including engineering, information technology, and the life sciences.
Campus Facilities & Equipment
UMBC's landmark building, the Albin O. Kuhn Library and Gallery, contains over 1 million books and bound volumes of journals, an extensive reference collection, 4,200 journal and database subscriptions, more than 200 computers, wireless and wired connections for laptops, and more than 3 million other items, including slides, photographs, maps, musical scores, recordings, and microforms. The Commons, UMBC's state-of-the-art student center, the hub of campus life includes a food court, general lounges, the University bookstore, meeting spaces, a student recreation center, a full-service bank, student organization offices, retail-type spaces, wireless computer connectivity, and web-accessible kiosks. UMBC students have access to research opportunities and equipment such as conducting AIDS research on one of the world's largest nuclear magnetic resonance spectrometers in the only Howard Hughes Medical Institute lab at a public university in Maryland. Newer facilities include a Public Policy Building and a state-of-the-art Information Technology/Engineering Building. UMBC's a new Performing Arts and Humanities Building houses seven departments and new performance space that showcase the University's strong arts and humanities programs and creates a regional and national appreciation of UMBC as a cultural attraction. In January 2018 UMBC opened a new 172,000 square foot Event Center that seats up to 6,000 people and can host a variety of sports and entertainment events.
Off-Campus Opportunities
Surrounded by business, government, and metropolitan centers, UMBC places students in over 1,200 co-ops and internships in more than 500 organizations each year in the Baltimore-Washington area. UMBC matches students with such employers as the federal Centers for Medicare and Medicaid, Bank of America, Silicon Graphics, MBNA, the Smithsonian Institution, NASA, and the National Aquarium. The university encourages students to participate in study abroad experiences during the semester or travel-study opportunities during winter and summer breaks. The Shriver Center links the resources of the campus to urgent social problems, places students in co-ops and internships at hundreds of businesses and organizations, organizes and manages community service projects that bring the resources of the university to people in need, and connects students to a wide range of social service projects.
Campus Life
Housing Options
Dorms Coed
Other
Theme Housing
Students Say
Special Needs Admissions
Special Need Services Offered
Student Activities
Sports
Basketball
Cheerleading
Cross Country
Diving
Lacrosse
Soccer
Swimming
Track Field Indoor
Track Field Outdoor
Cheerleading
Cross Country
Diving
Lacrosse
Soccer
Softball
Swimming
Track Field Indoor
Track Field Outdoor
Volleyball
Student Services
Health
Womens Center
LGBT Support Groups
Minority Support Groups
Army ROTC Offered at cooperating institutions: Johns Hopkins
Navy ROTC Offered on-campus
Air Force ROTC Offered at cooperating institutions: University of Maryland College Park
Sustainability
Campus Security Report
The Jeanne Clery Act requires colleges and universities to disclose their security policies, keep a public crime log, publish an annual crime report and provide timely warnings to students and campus employees about a crime posing an immediate or ongoing threat to students and campus employees.
Please visit The Princeton Review’s page on campus safety for additional resources: http://www.princetonreview.com/safety
The Princeton Review publishes links directly to each school's Campus Security Reports where available. Applicants can also access all school-specific campus safety information using the Campus Safety and Security Data Analysis Cutting Tool provided by the Office of Postsecondary Education of the U.S. Department of Education: http://ope.ed.gov/security
Other Information
Campus Visits Contact
Assistant Vice Provost Undergraduate Adm
1000 Hilltop Cir
Baltimore, MD 21250
Experience College Life
The Commons (Student Center)
Perfoming Arts and Humanities Building
Howard Hughes Medical Institute Lab
Retriever Activities Center
Students attend, and take part in, a world of excellent theatre, music and dance performances on campus. They go to art openings and lectures, start clubs and exchange ideas through the campus paper and literary magazines.
Washington D.C.
Patapsco State Park
Historic Ellicott City
Annapolis
UMBC is located 10 miles southwest of downtown Baltimore which provides easy access to entertainment, cultural activities and a wealth of opportunities for research, cooperative education and internship in a diversity of public and private organizations in the Baltimore-Washington area.
Campus Tours
Dates: Year-round
Times: Varies
Average Length: 2 hours