Established as a part of the University System of Maryland in 1966, UMBC combines the emphasis on teaching found at the best liberal arts colleges with the innovation of a research university.

The University of Maryland – Baltimore County is an operating public research university combining teaching, research and service to profit the citizens of Maryland. UMBC offers academically talented students a strong undergraduate liberal arts foundation for graduate and professional study. They are prepared for pursuing career and accomplishing their professional goals.

UMBC focuses on science, engineering, information technology, human services and public policy at the graduate level. UMBC makes a lot to the economic development of the State and the region through entrepreneurial initiatives, workforce training, K-16 partnerships, and technology commercialization together with public agencies and the corporate community.

Online Learning
The University of Maryland – Baltimore Country offers several degree programs and lots of courses totally online. Online learning provides students with high-quality instruction even if they can't attend courses face-to-face due to their busy schedules. Most online classes performed without a physical classroom and without fixed class hours. Free of those limitations, students have the means to overcome geographic distance and can adjust busy work and family schedules with their coursework. Online classes involve a lot of reading, writing, and practical application of what you are learning.

UMBC’s online learning is administered through a campus management system called Blackboard. Students access it through their e-mail accounts they receive when they first become students at UMBC.

Financial Aid
The University of Maryland – Baltimore County offers both need and merit-based aid for prospective freshmen. Additionally to general merit-based awards, specialized scholars programs offer financial awards with special opportunities for advanced research, unique seminars, directed internships, study abroad and more.

Accreditation
UMBC is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education, the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education and the Accrediting Board for Engineering Technology. This accreditation includes the school's online graduate certificates and online master's degree.