UMUC was founded in 1947 as the College of Special and Continuation Studies, a branch of the University of Maryland's College of Education, with locations in College Park and around the state. In 1949, UMUC was the first university to send faculty overseas to educate active-duty military personnel in Europe.
University of Maryland University College. Two "universities" and a "college" … what's up with that? Well, it may be a mouthful, but our name has a special meaning, and there's the history behind it.
The "University of Maryland" part signifies that we are part of the University System of Maryland. "University College" is a British term that captures what we do: Take courses and programs from all academic departments and offer them outside of the university's walls and regular class times.
Today, although our name may not make sense when you first hear it, we are proud of the mission it signifies and what we have been doing for more than 65 years.
UMUC's Core Values reflect our central and enduring tenets—a set of principles to guide institutional and individual professional behaviors. At UMUC, the way we do things is as important as the things we do.
At the University of Maryland University College, students come first in everything we do. We are a university designed around the needs of busy professionals. We understand that you'll be balancing work and family life with your education. We know that pursuing your degree will be an investment both of your time and your finances. That's why UMUC strives to make earning your degree as convenient, flexible, and affordable as possible.
You won't have to wait for graduation to start seeing the impact of your education. At UMUC, we specialize in helping students like you gain knowledge to increase your professional value, giving you the confidence you need to move your career forward. It starts with your very first class. And as one of the largest public universities in the country, we are proud to have an expansive network of accomplished alumni.
UMUC keeps its undergraduate and graduates tuition rates affordable so your military benefits can go farther. We offer a unique undergraduate military quality for active-duty military service members and members of the National Guard and Reserves, so Tuition Assistance covers up to 100 percent of tuition. Plus, we've outlined a straightforward process for you to get started on your education, whether you're in the Air Force, Army, Coast Guard, Marines, National Guard, Navy, or Reserves.
UMUC designates scholarships for active-duty military, veterans, and military spouses and families. University of Maryland University College offers undergraduate and graduate students a wide range of merit- and need-based scholarships, many of which are explicitly stated for military personnel, veterans, spouses, and family members.
UMUC-administered scholarships are available to current students based on merit and financial need and earned through our foundational scholarship process. If you meet the specific eligibility criteria for one or more of these scholarships, you will be sent an invitation to complete and submit an application form. The Office of Financial Aid then matches students with one or more scholarships that align with their specific criteria.
Scholarships are awarded based on merit, financial need, military affiliation, study program, and many other considerations.
Miyares has maintained a singular focus on quality, access, and affordability for Maryland's adult learners and members of the U.S. military around the world. The Maryland Completion Scholarship enables Maryland community college graduates to earn a bachelor's degree from UMUC for a total cost of $20,000—including their community college tuition. Through a partnership with Prince George's Community College and Prince George's County Public Schools, UMUC has also created the Prince George's 3D Scholarship pilot program that allows high-achieving students to earn college credit while still in high school and ultimately complete a bachelor's degree for $10,000 or less.
Miyares has also committed his support to the university's evolving learning model, which focuses on personalized learning experience for students at scale, emphasizing competence, and confidence as students prepare to enter professional positions.
Miyares worked closely with and received the University System of Maryland Board of Regents' unanimous approval in creating a new business model that serves to keep tuition low and allows for innovative approaches to fulfilling UMUC's public mission. UMUC Ventures, a nonprofit supporting organization, now serves as a holding company for commercial enterprises to provide the university with additional revenue streams.
UMUC's online library is available 24/7 to students around the globe. Most printed materials can be mailed at no cost to students in the continental United States, or you can request electronic delivery for journal articles and book chapters. To access research databases and the library catalog or view tutorials on conducting research, visit the UMUC Library.
Visitors should park in the garage at the intersection of University Boulevard, Adelphi Road, and Campus Drive. To access the College Park Marriott Hotel & Conference Center, exit the visitor parking garage and walk to the right. To access the Administration Building, walk to the left!
VIDEOS
