The University of Maryland (UMD) is a public research university located in College Park, Maryland. It is the flagship institution of the University System of Maryland and is one of the largest universities in the state, with a student population of over 41,000. UMD offers a wide range of undergraduate, graduate, and professional programs across 12 colleges and schools, including the A. James Clark School of Engineering, the Robert H. Smith School of Business, and the Philip Merrill College of Journalism. The university is known for its strong programs in fields such as computer science, engineering, and business.
Research is a major focus at UMD, with over 200 research centers and institutes, including the Institute for Systems Research, the Maryland Robotics Center, and the Joint Quantum Institute. The university is also a member of the Association of American Universities, a prestigious organization of leading research universities in North America. UMD has a diverse student body and is committed to promoting diversity and inclusion on campus. In addition to its academic offerings, UMD has a thriving student life and offers numerous opportunities for extracurricular involvement, including over 800 student organizations, NCAA Division I athletics, and a vibrant arts scene.
University of Maryland, College Park
Let’s take a look at these 33 interesting facts about the University of Maryland to know more about this university.
- The University of Maryland was founded in 1856 as the Maryland Agricultural College.
- UMD is the flagship institution of the University System of Maryland.
- The university’s mascot is a diamondback terrapin named Testudo.
- UMD has over 41,000 students from all 50 states and over 130 countries.
- The university has a 1,250-acre campus in College Park, Maryland.
- The University of Maryland has produced three Nobel laureates and 17 Pulitzer Prize winners.
- The university is home to the National Archives at College Park, which houses over 11 billion pages of records.
- UMD is a member of the Big Ten Conference and has 20 NCAA Division I athletic teams.
- The university has a strong focus on sustainability and is home to the first LEED Platinum certified dining hall in the country.
- UMD is ranked as one of the top public universities in the country by U.S. News & World Report.
- The university’s Robert H. Smith School of Business is consistently ranked among the top 25 business schools in the country by Bloomberg Businessweek.
- UMD’s College of Education is ranked as the best graduate education program in Maryland and among the top 20 public education schools in the country by U.S. News & World Report.
- The university’s Philip Merrill College of Journalism is consistently ranked as one of the top journalism schools in the country.
- The University of Maryland has a strong commitment to community service and is ranked as one of the top 20 public service programs in the country by U.S. News & World Report.
- UMD has a vibrant arts scene, with numerous performing arts groups, galleries, and museums.
- The university’s Clarice Smith Performing Arts Center is a state-of-the-art facility that hosts over 1,000 performances and events each year.
- The university has over 800 student organizations, including academic, cultural, and athletic clubs.
- UMD has a strong focus on entrepreneurship and innovation, with numerous resources and programs for student entrepreneurs.
- The university’s Maryland Industrial Partnerships program helps connect businesses with faculty and student researchers to develop new technologies.
- UMD has a strong partnership with the National Institutes of Health, which is located just a few miles from campus.
- The university is home to the largest public university supercomputer center in the state.
- UMD has over 200 research centers and institutes, including the Institute for Systems Research, the Maryland Robotics Center, and the Joint Quantum Institute.
- UMD’s College Park campus is home to several museums, including the Art Gallery and the Maryland Museum of National History.
- The university’s Stamp Student Union is one of the largest student centers in the country and offers numerous resources and services for students.
- The University of Maryland has a strong commitment to international education and offers numerous study abroad programs in over 60 countries.
- UMD has a strong commitment to sustainability and has implemented numerous green initiatives, such as a bike-sharing program and a campus-wide recycling program.
- The university’s A. James Clark School of Engineering is ranked among the top 25 engineering schools in the country by U.S. News & World Report.
- UMD’s Terrapin Club is a booster organization that supports the university’s athletics programs.
- The university’s Department of Astronomy is home to the largest public telescope in the mid-Atlantic region.
- UMD has a strong commitment to public service and is home to the Center for Global Sustainability, which focuses on addressing global environmental challenges.
- The university’s School of Public Policy is ranked among the top 25 public affairs programs in the country by U.S. News & World Report.
- UMD has a strong commitment to social justice and is home to the Critical Race Initiative, which focuses on research and education related to racial justice.
- The university’s Dingman Center for Entrepreneurship is a hub for innovation and provides resources and support for student entrepreneurs.
The University of Maryland is a top-tier public research university with a strong commitment to sustainability, diversity and inclusion, entrepreneurship, and public service. With a large and diverse student body, a wide range of academic programs, and a strong focus on research and innovation, UMD offers students a world-class education and numerous opportunities for personal and professional growth.
