University of Maryland - College Park
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University of Maryland - College Park - Academics - Academics - College ProwlerCollege Prowler4.24

Academics

Quick Stats

Student-Faculty Ratio 18:1
Full-Time Student Population 31,679
Part-Time Student Population 5,516
Full-Time Instructional Faculty 1,618
Part-Time Instructional Faculty 631
Total FT Faculty 3,083
Faculty with Terminal Degree 92%
Average Faculty Salary $102,890
Full-Time Retention Rate 95%
Part-Time Retention Rate 100%
Transfer-Out Rate 8%
Graduation Rate 81%
Programs/Majors Offered 152
Average Course Load 12–16 credits (4–5 courses) a semester
Academic/Career Counseling? Yes
Remedial Services? Yes
Class Sizes
  • Fewer than 20 students: 34%
  • 20 to 49 students: 51%
  • 50 or more students: 15%

Student Author OverviewWhat's This?

Most students enjoy their academic experiences and pursuits at Maryland, regardless of whether their professors give them the tender, loving care they feel they deserve. Class sizes will vary, and interest levels of professors will fluctuate, but students who wish to make the most of their academic life at UMCP will attempt to excel in their classes—even if it means getting their professors’ attention. There tends to be a good amount of interaction between teachers and students, through small lectures or office hours. Because of this, students’ satisfaction levels are pretty high when it comes to learning. Otherwise, who would know that courses about human sexuality and death would be so popular? These two courses are known for having waiting lists because they are applicable to students’ lives and are actually pretty interesting and fun. As for required CORE courses (which introduce students to things like African art, astronomy, and dramatic literature), many students tend to appreciate them even more than the courses required for their major.

Academics at Maryland are delightful when students are committed to their work and have a sincere interest in the subject matter. However, there are the classes where some UMCP students "appreciate" academics so much that they enroll in the very same class a second time to pass the class, and there are horror stories of professors who refuse to curve the class. Then, there are the students who lack time-management skills and motivation levels.

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Maryland Student ReviewsWhat's This?

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Academics at University of Maryland - College Park

jpcannon

Biology '13

4.2
A-

Science in the Evening

This program is a great program for post-baccalaurette students

Mar 19, 2012

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Academics at University of Maryland - College Park

Slynott

English '12

4.6
A

Very Nice

I have enjoyed the high quality of teaching I have experienced

Mar 06, 2012

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Academics at University of Maryland - College Park

adosmann13

Broadcast Journalism '16

4.2
A-

Ok

Nothing is really too challenging and people take their classes pretty seriously most of the time. There is a vast array of different types of classes you can take so that's pretty sweet.

Feb 10, 2012

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User rating for University of Maryland - College Park - Academics is 4.6 out of 5 based on 96 user reviews.

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Student Survey Poll ResultsWhat's This?

Rate your school’s professors on the following topics

Rate your school’s academic environment on the following topics

Facts

Instructional Programs Occupational: No
Academic: Yes
Continuing Professional: No
Recreational/Avocational: No
Adult Basic Remedial: No
Secondary (High School): No
Special Credit Opportunities Advanced Placement (AP) Credits: Yes
Dual Credit: Yes
Life Experience Credits: No
AP Test Score Requirements Possible credit for scores of 3, 4, or 5
IB Test Score Requirements Possible credit for scores of 3, 4, or 5
Undergraduate Schools/Divisions
  • A. James Clark School of Engineering
  • College of Agriculture and Natural Resources
  • College of Arts and Humanities
  • College of Behavioral and Social Sciences
  • College of Computer, Mathematical, and Natural Sciences
  • College of Education
  • College of Information Studies
  • The Graduate School
  • Philip Merrill College of Journalism
  • Robert H. Smith School of Business
  • School of Architecture, Planning, and Preservation
  • School of Public Health
  • School of Public Policy
Degrees Awarded
  • Bachelor's degree
  • Certificate
  • Doctorate - Professional practice
  • Doctorate - Research/scholarship
  • Master's degree
  • Post-bachelor's certificate
  • Post-master's certificate
Most Popular Majors
  • Biology and Biological Sciences: 3%
  • Business Administration and Management: 3%
  • Criminology: 3%
  • Economics and Econometrics: 2%
Graduation Requirements
  • Arts/fine arts
  • English (including composition)
  • Humanities
  • Mathematics
  • Sciences (biological or physical)
Special Study Options
  • Distance learning opportunities
  • Study abroad
  • Teacher certification (below the postsecondary level)
Other Academic Offerings
  • Accelerated program
  • Cooperative education program
  • Double major
  • Honors program
  • Independent study
  • Internships
  • Student-designed major
Best Places to Study
  • Depending on the building, classrooms can be empty during finals.
  • McKeldin Library: the East Asia wing is quiet, and there are plenty of desks.
  • Stamp Student Union has a separate study lounge that sits nicely in the middle of campus; students can also rent out laptops for the day if they don't have their own.
  • When the weather's nice, you can tan and study for finals at the mall.

Online Courses

Most online courses at Maryland are asynchronous so that the student can log in and complete the course requirements at his/her own schedule and pace. However, there are also many classes that require students to log in at a specific time listed within the course description or specified meeting time.

Did You Know?
  • You can also register for summer classes as a high school student. College students can also sign up for winter and summer courses. Check out: www.ysp.umd.edu/index.php.
  • UMCP’s online system “Testudo” offers students and alumni interactive Web services that allow them to access records and registration, transcript requests, and tons more.
  • The health course "Controlling Stress and Tension" is one of the most life-applicable and life-changing courses on campus.
  • The health course "Human Sexuality" is one of the most popular courses and is the first class to get completely filled every term.
  • The University allows undergraduate students to take graduate-level courses if they wish to do so, usually through a specific department’s honors program.

Become a Contributing Author Learn more »

Most Recent Student Author View all

Name
Paul Yu
Hometown
Bethesda, MD
Major
Civil and Environmental Engineering

College Prowler is seeking talented student authors to assist with writing and updating the College Prowler guides to their schools. This is a great opportunity for a student to gain experience and tremendous exposure, utilize new media techniques, and share advice with high school students about what life is really like at your college.

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