University of Maryland College Park - Rankings & Recognition

The University of Maryland, College Park, located in the heart of Prince George's County, Maryland, is one of the premier public research universities in the United States. As the flagship institution of the University System of Maryland, it has earned a national and international reputation for academic excellence, cutting-edge research, and commitment to student success.

Founded in 1856, the university has grown from a small agricultural college into a major institution that offers a wide range of academic programs and degrees across numerous fields of study. With a sprawling campus and a strong focus on research and innovation, the University of Maryland, College Park (UMD) stands as a beacon of higher education, known for its rigorous academic standards and its ability to produce graduates who excel in their chosen fields.

UMD offers an array of programs through a variety of colleges and schools, each with its unique focus and specialties. These include the College of Agriculture and Natural Resources, the School of Architecture, Planning, and Preservation, the College of Arts and Humanities, the College of Behavioral and Social Sciences, the Robert H. Smith School of Business, the College of Chemical and Life Sciences, the College of Computer, Mathematical, and Physical Sciences, the College of Education, the A. James Clark School of Engineering, the Graduate School, the Philip Merrill College of Journalism, the College of Information Studies, the School of Public Health, and the School of Public Policy. This diversity of academic offerings enables students to engage in a multidisciplinary education that prepares them for the challenges of the modern workforce, whether they pursue careers in business, engineering, health, the humanities, or the sciences.

The College of Agriculture and Natural Resources at UMD provides students with the tools to understand and address some of the most pressing issues related to agriculture, environmental sustainability, and natural resources management. The college's programs combine theoretical education with hands-on learning experiences in areas such as plant science, animal science, environmental science, and food safety. Through its research centers and strong connections with governmental and non-governmental organizations, students in this college have the opportunity to participate in cutting-edge research that impacts communities and ecosystems around the world.

The School of Architecture, Planning, and Preservation focuses on the physical, cultural, and economic environments that shape communities and cities. This school equips students with the skills needed to design sustainable buildings, plan for urban development, and preserve historical landmarks. Programs in architecture, urban studies, and planning prepare students to address contemporary challenges in urbanization, preservation, and environmental stewardship. This school is notable for its integration of creativity, technology, and social responsibility in its curriculum.

The College of Arts and Humanities offers a vast range of disciplines, including history, philosophy, English, foreign languages, and the arts. The college promotes intellectual curiosity, critical thinking, and creative expression. Through its programs, students explore diverse cultures, literary traditions, and the arts in a variety of forms. By offering both traditional academic programs and innovative interdisciplinary studies, the College of Arts and Humanities nurtures students who can think critically and contribute meaningfully to societal discourse in a globalized world.

The College of Behavioral and Social Sciences at UMD provides programs that delve into the complexities of human behavior, society, and social structures. It includes disciplines such as psychology, sociology, political science, criminology, and anthropology. Through rigorous training, students learn how to apply social science research to real-world problems, particularly in areas such as public policy, law enforcement, health, and education. The college emphasizes the importance of empirical research, data analysis, and ethical considerations when studying human behavior and societal issues.

One of the standout features of UMD is the Robert H. Smith School of Business, which is consistently ranked among the best business schools in the country. The school offers undergraduate, MBA, and executive education programs that are designed to prepare students for leadership roles in business, finance, marketing, entrepreneurship, and more. Known for its emphasis on innovation, entrepreneurship, and global perspectives, the Robert H. Smith School has garnered recognition for its highly respected faculty, its forward-thinking curriculum, and its strong connections to the business world. The School’s Information Systems Program is particularly notable, ranked 6th in the nation by U.S. News & World Report, demonstrating the school’s leadership in the intersection of business and technology.

The College of Chemical and Life Sciences offers programs in biology, chemistry, biochemistry, molecular biology, and biotechnology. UMD has invested heavily in research within the life sciences, and the college serves as a center for groundbreaking studies on health, disease, and the environment. The interdisciplinary nature of the programs in this college ensures that students not only gain deep knowledge of their specific disciplines but also understand how those disciplines relate to global challenges in medicine, biotechnology, and sustainability.

The College of Computer, Mathematical, and Physical Sciences includes departments in computer science, mathematics, physics, and astronomy. UMD’s programs in these fields are known for their rigor and the opportunities they offer students to engage in research at the frontiers of science and technology. The Computer Science Department is particularly recognized for its work in artificial intelligence, computer systems, and programming languages. In fact, the university ranks 13th in the nation for computer science, with specialized research areas like artificial intelligence and theory of computing ranking even higher. These programs prepare students for leadership roles in tech companies, research labs, and government agencies.

The A. James Clark School of Engineering is another hallmark of the University of Maryland’s academic excellence. Known for its strong engineering programs, particularly in aerospace, bioengineering, and electrical engineering, the school consistently ranks among the top engineering schools in the nation. The Clark School provides students with opportunities for hands-on learning, research in state-of-the-art labs, and collaboration with industry partners. UMD’s aerospace engineering program is ranked 9th in the country, while electrical engineering and mechanical engineering are both ranked in the top 20 nationally. These programs have produced some of the brightest minds in engineering, many of whom have gone on to achieve great success in academia, industry, and government.

The Graduate School at UMD offers a wide range of master’s and doctoral programs across all disciplines, and the university is known for its strong emphasis on graduate research. With access to world-class faculty and cutting-edge research facilities, graduate students at UMD are well-equipped to push the boundaries of knowledge in their respective fields. The university is particularly well-regarded for its graduate programs in physics, computer science, and clinical psychology, all of which rank among the best in the country.

In addition to its strong academic offerings, the University of Maryland is also known for its contributions to sustainability and environmental stewardship. The School of Public Health and School of Public Policy address critical global challenges in health, policy, and governance. Both schools emphasize the importance of interdisciplinary solutions to complex public health issues, including healthcare disparities, climate change, and global health. The university’s Green Rating of 95 demonstrates its commitment to environmental responsibility, with initiatives designed to reduce its carbon footprint, conserve resources, and promote sustainable practices across campus.

Rankings and recognition further reinforce the University of Maryland's place among the nation’s top academic institutions. UMD is ranked 55th among National Universities in the U.S. News & World Report 2012 rankings and is recognized for its world-class faculty, cutting-edge research, and student-focused educational environment. Additionally, it is consistently rated as a top public university, particularly excelling in specialized areas such as engineering, computer science, and business. The university is also recognized for its value, ranked by Kiplinger’s Personal Finance as one of the “Best Values in Public Colleges.”

Moreover, the university’s commitment to research excellence is reflected in its strong performance across various academic fields. In particular, UMD is ranked 13th among the best graduate physics programs, 13th in graduate computer science programs, and 33rd in clinical psychology programs. These rankings underscore the university’s dedication to fostering a culture of innovation and intellectual curiosity across disciplines.

The University of Maryland, College Park, is a leader in higher education, providing students with the academic foundation, research opportunities, and professional skills necessary to thrive in a rapidly changing world. Its commitment to excellence in teaching, research, and community engagement has earned it a reputation as one of the best universities in the nation and a critical player in shaping the future of higher education. Whether through its cutting-edge engineering programs, its leadership in public policy, or its focus on interdisciplinary research, the University of Maryland continues to be a driving force for innovation and academic achievement.