University of Maryland
- Academics

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University of Maryland - 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 2,986
Faculty with Terminal Degree 92%
Average Faculty Salary $103,616
Full-Time Retention Rate 93%
Part-Time Retention Rate 58%
Transfer-Out Rate 6%
Graduation Rate 82%
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

adosmann13

'16

Broadcast Journalism

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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Academics at University of Maryland

adam1992

'12

Bioengineering and Biomedical Engineering

3.5
B

Short Review

I chose the University of Maryland because it has my intended major. Everyone here has been very helpful at making my transition from junior college. I am excited to continue on my journey here.

Feb 08, 2012

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Academics at University of Maryland

Leitmotif

'15

Physics

5.0
A+

To Be a Physics Nerd

Being a physics major is not easy. While the workload is reasonable, the work itself can be very difficult sometimes. In order to successfully pull through such a program, one must have a genuine interest in the subject.

Jan 05, 2012

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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.

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Most Recent Student Author

College Prowler guides are in the hands of students throughout the entire process. Because you can't make student-written guides without the students, we have students at each campus who write, edit, and survey their peers for every guide that we publish. Thanks to our most recent student author at UMCP

Name: Paul Yu

Hometown: Bethesda, MD

Major: Civil and Environmental Engineering

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