Are you interested in attending college in the great state of Maryland? Have you completed your high school requirements and are now ready to begin applying to colleges and universities so that you can start working on your post-secondary career? Although the state of Maryland is one of the smallest in our country, this state offers 92 post-secondary learning institutions scattered throughout the state. As with practically any state, there are junior colleges, community colleges, vocational institutes, and traditional four year universities. In addition, recent technological advances may also make it possible for you to pursue at least a portion of your training in an online learning format. In fact, the University of Maryland operates a very large distance education program. However, it is important to note that not all of them offer all levels of degrees; 30 of them make it possible for you to earn an associate’s degree, 39 of them offer bachelor’s level degrees, and 35 of them make it possible to earn a master’s level degree. In a different path, if you would like to pursue a degree through a military type setting you can choose to attend the Naval Academy, which is located in Annapolis.
Maine has five large universities that you can choose from as you plot your educational path. First, you may want to consider the University of Maryland at College Park, which initially began as Maryland Agricultural College. This university offers 110 undergraduate programs and 100 graduate programs for you to choose from, which will make it possible for you to attend one of twelve different colleges. In addition, this university has received recognition for being one of the top twenty research universities in our country. Another school you will want to think about adding to your list of possibilities is the University of Maryland at University College, whose main campus is located in Adelphi. This university will give you the chance to pursue one of over 100 degree or certificate based programs at one of their 21 different campuses. In addition, this university has a very strong distance learning program.
Located in Baltimore, John Hopkins University is well known for its effective link of research and teaching. This university actually encompasses seven well recognized colleges that will make it possible for you to focus on practically any field of study. The fourth choice in Maine that you will want to think about attending is the Towson University. This university offers students over 100 degree programs to choose from at one of eight different colleges; the main campus is located just outside the city of Baltimore. The degree programs that are offered at this university will make it possible for you to pursue an undergraduate degree program, as well as a graduate level degree program. The final option that you will want to consider is the University of Maryland at Baltimore County. This honors university offers 40 undergraduate degree programs and 75 graduate level degrees in approximately eleven areas of study.
Going to college is one of the best experiences you will ever have in your life. It introduces you to a whole new world, full of hopes, dreams, and ambitions. Meeting new people, making new friends, shaping up your future – going to college truly is something you need to make the most out of.
Seeing as it is such a massive decision to make, you should make sure to thoroughly consider all aspects of the state you are going to. You need to take into account the weather, environment, locale, cost of living, and many other factors. You need to be absolutely sure of the research opportunities you will have in the state, and have a good idea of the job market in that particular state.
A great state which offers all round benefits and facilities is Maryland. Despite being the eighth smallest state in the United States, it is fourth amongst the highest educated states, which signifies how rich the quality of education is in this state. It has numerous colleges which offer four year degree programs to students, with varying tuition costs.
Maryland has the highest median household income in the country. The summers can be hot and humid in the coastal regions, while the winters are mild. It has numerous attractions to keep you occupied during your free time, with major attractions including NASA’s Wallops Island Flight Facility, Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge, Fort McHenry, the Walter Art Museum, the National Aquarium, and the Appalachian Mountains.
To help you get familiar with universities in Maryland, we have composed a list of the top universities you can go to in the state:
Johns Hopkins University
Recognized worldwide as one of the best research universities, Johns Hopkins is one of the most famous universities in the world. It has a student population of more than 21,000. All of the academic divisions in this institute are renowned worldwide, with some particularly notable ones being the Krieger School of Arts and Sciences, which offers students the chance to earn a Bachelor’s degree in neuroscience as well as a selection of other academic areas, and the Peabody Institute for Music, which offers a wide range of degrees including a Bachelor’s degree in the business of music. It is ranked number one by the National Science Foundation for its investment in engineering, science, and medical research.
This institute also offers a double degree program, through the Peabody Conservatory in conjunction with either the Whiting School of Engineering, or the Krieger School. The university has a color-coded user interface, which helps students to easily find a degree according to their needs and interests. In addition to all the degree programs, students can also join 24 varsity sports teams, and participate in more than 400 clubs and organizations, including the truly unique Quidditch club.
Some degree programs offered by Johns Hopkins are:
Applied Mathematics and Statistics
This program provides students with the knowledge needed to tackle questions and problems in today’s data-intensive world. It explores areas such as information security, government and law, medicine, biology, language processing, and finance. Students work alongside their professors and participate in research fit for Ph.D. programs. Graduates use their analytical skills and expertise in data mining to become leaders in the global economy.
Biomedical Engineering
This program teaches students to combine modern theories and approaches from life sciences with theoretical and computational methods from mathematics, engineering, and computer science to come up with solutions to biomedical problems. The Biomedical Engineering program is ranked as the top program in the country by U.S. News and World Report. Students work closely with faculty members who are world leaders in their respective fields, which include bioinformatics, computational biology, medical imaging, biomaterials, imaging science, microsystems, and cell and tissue engineering. Moreover, students participate in research of the highest standards in the School of Medicine. Graduates of this program are actively sought by the top medical institutes.
University of Maryland-College Park
The University of Maryland-College Park is constantly ranked among the very best universities in Maryland. It offers students 90 different degree programs through 11 colleges, and has the largest selection of majors among all colleges in the state. This institution offers a wide range of pre-professional programs, including pre-dentistry, pre-physical therapy, and pre-veterinary medicine. All these programs serve as the perfect preparation for post-graduation advanced studies.
In addition to the world-class academic facilities, students can also get involved with 800 student clubs, Greek life organizations, and sports teams in order to fulfill their curricular or extracurricular interests. Roughly half of the students participate in the living and learning programs, where they take multiple courses together, live in a shared environment, and make the most out of opportunities to connect residential and curricular opportunities, overseen by faculty and resident hall directors.
Some degree programs offered by the University of Maryland-College Park include:
Aerospace Engineering
This program teaches students to be analytical and creative in designing, manufacturing, and operating aerospace vehicles, both within and beyond the boundaries of our planet. Vehicles studied include helicopters, vertical takeoff aircrafts, and spacecraft travelling at thousands of miles per hour. Students also learn about general aviation and commercial aircrafts traveling at speeds close to the speed of sound, and fighters and missiles traveling at supersonic speeds. This program has several sub disciplines, including Aerodynamics, Flight Dynamics and Control, Propulsion, Materials and Structures, and Systems Design.
Economics
This program provides students with a strong fundamental knowledge of the different aspects of the economics discipline. Students also learn about the different methods of analysis used by economists to increase productivity. The basic courses introduces students to the methodology and the fields, which lays the foundation for advanced topics studied later on. Students gain impressive critical thinking skills by the time they graduate, which gives them an advantage over others in the books of employers and graduate programs. Graduates of this program go on to pursue careers in banking, finance, business, law, government, or international relations, while many choose to continue graduate study in a host of disciplines.
St Mary’s College of Maryland
St Mary’s College of Maryland was established in 1840, making it one of the oldest universities in both the state, and the country. Today, it is one of only two public honors colleges in the country. It has one of the smallest student populations in the state – about 1,900 students. This makes the student-faculty ratio just 10:1, which allows for a highly personalized and interactive classroom environment.
This university offers students 30 different majors and minors, allowing them to explore career opportunities in all the areas of society, ranging from anthropology to computer science. Most seniors are required to complete a capstone research project or a creative arts project which must be multi-disciplinary or major-focused.
This university is home to 55 Fulbright Scholars, including alumni and faculty. This represents the commitment and dedication of the scholars to further the boundaries of their expertise in their field of study. Students get the chance to study abroad, and enjoy international internships throughout the Americas, Asia, and Europe. There are also study abroad scholarships on offer, awarded on the basis of academics and merit.
Some degree programs offered by St Mary’s College of Maryland include:
Computer Science
Students of this program follow simple instructions – turn theories into action. They study a variety of fundamental theories and develop critical and abstract thinking skills, problem solving abilities, and communication and teamwork skills. They spend countless hours perfecting their abilities to develop complex software applications, both individually and as part of a team. By the time they complete graduation, they are aptly prepared to become leaders in today’s world of ever developing technology. Graduates pursue careers in a variety of science related fields, in industry, business, or government.
Environmental Studies
This program is perfect for nature lovers, as it explores in detail the study of environmental systems, and its issues, inhabitants, and policies. Students can gain plenty of hands-on experience from the beautiful waterfront campus. They study to understand a range of theories and techniques for monitoring, managing, measuring, and responding to natural environments across diverse cultures on local, regional, and global scales. Students also develop critical thinking skills and strengthen their written and oral communication abilities to interpret, present, debate, and parlay complex environmental issues. Graduates go on to pursue careers in a variety of environment related fields, and show leadership skills to promote a better, humane, and sustainable world.
Towson University
Towson University is regularly ranked among the best colleges in Maryland, and is the second largest university in the University System of Maryland. It is recognized as a leader in curricular engagement and outreach by the Carnegie Foundation. It provides students with a multitude of degree programs in mathematics, the sciences, business and economics, liberal and fine arts, and education. Moreover, there are undergraduate non-degree programs on offer as well, applicable for those who are interested in completing classes for professional or personal reasons, as well as those who are waiting for acceptance into a specific degree program. This university has seven colleges, including an Honors College.
Students of Towson’s Honors College live in the Honors residence hall, and go through plenty of seminar-style classes, experiential learning opportunities, and co-curricular programs invaluable for interdisciplinary research and project experiences. There are plenty of opportunities for student involvement, with more than 200 student groups, student government, NCAA Division I teams, fraternities, sororities, community and political service, and leadership initiatives.
Some degree programs offered by Towson University include:
Accounting
This program provides students with a strong basic knowledge of the different theories and methodologies of the Accounting discipline, which prepares them for a wide array of job options including tax accounting, managerial accounting, cost accounting, public accounting, and auditing.
Nursing
This program prepares students to be leaders in the healthcare field. The curriculum consists of courses in the sciences, nursing, and the liberal arts. Students develop critical thinking skills, a caring attitude, high moral character, and a detail-oriented work ethic. By the time they graduate, students gain plenty of first-hand experiences.
Salisbury University
Salisbury University is a “green” college, and pioneers a wide range of sustainability initiatives. The four buildings on campus have geothermal heating and cooling systems. Moreover, there are electric vehicle charging stations for commuters, and three on-campus gardens which are maintained by students and faculty.
This institution offers students more than 40 bachelor’s degrees, with another 65 optional minors. Some of the more unique degree programs include degrees in English for non-English speakers, information and decision sciences, and conflict analysis and dispute resolution. Students can choose a dual degree in environmental science and biology to complete a “green” major, which is offered in partnership with the Department of Natural Sciences. All students are encouraged to complete internships in order to further their expertise in their respective fields before graduation.
Some degree programs offered by Salisbury University include:
Conflict Analysis and Dispute Resolution
This program is designed to provide students with specialized pre-professional training with its emphasis on practical and analytical skills. It encourages students to explore fields outside the major in order to enrich their skills and further their development. The faculty members are highly accomplished and leaders in their respective fields, and work closely with students – individually, if needed – to help them develop strong practical and analytical skills. Students spend time working in the field with organizations and institutions in need of conflict resolution services. Before graduation, they complete internship and field research in the local community, region, nation, or abroad.
Physics
This program helps students understand and explain the way in which nature works, covering everything from atomic particles to galaxy clusters. Students get plenty of research opportunities in addition to the lectures, as they allow students to apply the techniques to solve real-world problems. Graduates of this program go on to pursue careers in a variety of fields, including engineering, medicine, and teaching, as well as pursuing further education in physics.
All of the universities mentioned above provide students with numerous scholarship opportunities to help them get through their degree programs with minimal student loans and debts.
This scholarship recognizes students with outstanding academic achievements, and is generally awarded to students who rank in the top 15% of their class. Recipients must have a CGPA of more than 3.25, and achieve a combined SAT 1 score of at least 1100. Maryland residents are awarded between $1,000 and $5,500, while non-residents are awarded between $5,000 and $15,000 per academic year.
This scholarship is awarded to incoming transfer students with outstanding grades. Recipients must have a CGPA of more than 3.25. Maryland residents are awarded between $1,000 and $5,000, while non-residents are awarded between $3,000 and $8,000 per academic year.
Brendan Iribe Endowed Scholarship
This scholarship is offered by the Computer Science Department in the University of Maryland, and is endowed by Brendan Iribe, co-founder of the Oculus VR, Inc. This scholarship aims to help students from underrepresented populations, as well as scholars in need of financial aid.
Capital One Scholarship
This scholarship is a joint venture between Capital One and the Computer Science Department in the University of Maryland, and recognizes students who have a track record of excellence.
Provost Scholarships
These scholarships are awarded by Towson University to the most competitive freshman applicants. The amounts awarded vary based on the strength of the applicant and the tuition rates.
In addition to the world-class education and huge scholarships offers, students studying in Maryland can also enjoy lots of career opportunities right after completing graduation. Some of the best career opportunities Maryland has to offer include:
Accountant
This career path requires applicants to graduate from a business oriented discipline. It is a highly popular career option in Maryland, with more than 26,500 employments in this position in 2016. The annual mean wage is more than $82,000.
Accountants are required to prepare and examine financial records and statements. They compute the amount of taxes owed, and prepare tax returns. Moreover, accountants examine and analyze business costs, financial commitments, revenues, and financial obligations. Furthermore, development, analysis, and maintenance of budgets is also looked after by accountants.
Applicants need to have a bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Business Administration, or other related fields. They must possess strong computer, communication, organizational, and time management skills, in addition to the ability to work in team projects.
Registered Nurse
This career option is also highly popular in Maryland, with more than 53,000 employments being made in 2016. Registered Nurses earn an annual mean wage of almost $75,000. Their primary responsibilities include promoting self-care, monitoring and updating reports on patient conditions on a daily basis, evaluating diagnostic test reports, and operating different healthcare equipment.
Requirements for successfully applying for a Registered Nursing option include having a bachelor’s degree in Nursing, a strong knowledge of major health behavior, strong communicational skills, leadership skills, and confidence in self-ability to handle stressful situations.
Business Operations Specialist
With an annual mean wage of almost $89,000, this career option is both high paying and popular in Maryland – more than 21,000 employments were made in 2016. The duties of a Business Operations Specialist include utilizing data generated from operations, programs, supply chains, and engineering in order to improve and upgrade cost and schedule. They must also coordinate with multiple teams to increase productivity, and meet business objectives and achievements within set deadlines.
Qualifications for this career path include having a bachelor’s degree in a business discipline. Business Operations Specialists are also required to have a strong background in business fields, and a strong knowledge of business planning, financial management, manufacturing operations, and applied analytics, in addition to having highly developed organizational, communicational, and interpersonal skills. Experience with analysis tools, programming languages, and data mining are also appreciated.
Environmental Engineer
This career option is a bit less popular than the aforementioned ones, with about 1,400 employments being made in 2016. The annual mean wage is almost $95,000. The duties of an Environmental Engineer include sampling soil and groundwater, characterizing soil, and conducting research and analysis to improve and develop ways to tackle pollution. They are also required to inspect sites and use the data obtained to prepare reports.
The required qualifications include having a bachelor’s degree in Environmental Science or other related disciplines, as well as having strong computer and communicational skills.
Electrical Engineer
This career path was chosen by more than 4,500 candidates in 2016, with the annual mean wage being more than $106,000. An Electrical Engineer is required to design and develop systems in perfect conjunction with client requirements, following design specifications and technical details. They must test prototypes to check for malfunctions, and record and analyze the test results to develop solutions to problems. Electrical Engineers are also required to maintain databases by writing programs and entering data.
The qualifications for an Electrical Engineer include having a bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, a strong fundamental knowledge of different theories and principles, and strong organizational and communicational skills.
Software Developer
This career path is both popular and high paying – there were almost 13,000 employments made in 2016, with an annual mean wage of more than $103,000. Software developers are required to review and improve existing systems, and design, develop, and maintain new systems – all within a budget. They must also present ideas on how to improve systems within reasonable costs, and prepare training manuals for users.
The qualifications for this career option include having a bachelor’s degree in Computer Engineering, expert knowledge on computer hardware and software, proficiency in multiple programming languages, expert troubleshooting and diagnostic skills, and the ability to work in a team. This in turn also requires them to have good communicational and interpersonal skills, as well as the ability to present ideas and details to colleagues and superiors.
In short, Maryland has everything that university students could possibly need. The environment is enjoyable, and there are plenty of scopes for outdoor activities. The world-class institutes provide top quality education, offer numerous scholarship opportunities, and fantastic student services and facilities. Moreover, there are job opportunities in almost every area of interest for students, with good salaries. In other words, going to Maryland for higher education will prove to be one of the best decisions you ever make.