Baltimore's oldest university, the University of Maryland Baltimore, came into existence with the founding of the School of Medicine in 1807. The School of Law -- of which Mayor Martin O'Malley is a graduate -- was founded in 1816, followed by the Dental School -- which is the oldest dental college in the world -- in 1840. The School of Pharmacy came a year later and the School of Nursing followed in 1889. The School of Social Work -- of which Senator Barbara Mikulski is an alumna -- was established in 1961.
UMB also has a graduate school, which offers majors in 24 different programs relating to health, medicine, biomedicine and social sciences on the master's and doctoral level. U.S. News and World Report ranked the School of Nursing among the top 10 schools of its kind for three years in a row beginning in 1996. The Schools of Pharmacy, Law and Medicine also received high U.S. News ratings, and the Dental School ranks eighth in the country for funding from the National Institutes of Health. In all, 43 different degrees are offered, all on the professional, master's or doctoral level.
The 32-acre campus is located on the west side of downtown Baltimore, near the Hippodrome Theater. While many of the buildings are fairly new, there are a couple of historical sites. The School of Medicine's Davidge Hall, built in 1812, is designated a National Historic Landmark. Westminster Hall, built in the 19th century, is a former church where Edgar Allen Poe is buried.
Each of UMB's schools has its own academic calendar and administration. Tuition varies from flat fees per semester to per-credit payment, depending on whether the student is attending part- or full-time, and often includes mandatory fees. Out-of-state residents pay about twice as much tuition as Maryland residents. Financial aid is available, usually in the form of loans or scholarships. UMB's Web site estimates that more than 70 percent of its students who receive financial aid get approximately 20 percent from scholarships and 70 percent from loans, with the remainder made up of their own finances.
There are a few drawbacks to the campus. Since each of the schools is run separately, there is very little interaction between students at different schools. This problem is magnified by the fact that many of the students attend classes part-time or in the evenings. Furthermore, on-campus housing is limited to 66 rooms on the upper floors of the Student Union and Pascault Row, a block of row houses with 80 apartments that can accommodate approximately 176 students. Another problem is parking: It tends to be expensive and inconvenient. Students have to use one of the available garages or look for metered street parking.
On the other hand, the campus is fairly safe due to the presence of security desks in each building and an on-campus shuttle. The area streets are never deserted due to the foot traffic created by people associated with the University of Maryland Hospital.
Despite the lack of resident life, there are still many professional organizations and groups students may join. A variety of special events are also offered during the year and plans have been announced for a new student union. In addition to panel discussions and lectures, Founders' Week in October includes a student cookout, a faculty lunch and a black-tie gala. The university also puts on an annual Dr. Seuss Birthday Celebration, which kicks off an annual book drive to benefit area schools.
UMB also has a graduate school, which offers majors in 24 different programs relating to health, medicine, biomedicine and social sciences on the master's and doctoral level. U.S. News and World Report ranked the School of Nursing among the top 10 schools of its kind for three years in a row beginning in 1996. The Schools of Pharmacy, Law and Medicine also received high U.S. News ratings, and the Dental School ranks eighth in the country for funding from the National Institutes of Health. In all, 43 different degrees are offered, all on the professional, master's or doctoral level.
The 32-acre campus is located on the west side of downtown Baltimore, near the Hippodrome Theater. While many of the buildings are fairly new, there are a couple of historical sites. The School of Medicine's Davidge Hall, built in 1812, is designated a National Historic Landmark. Westminster Hall, built in the 19th century, is a former church where Edgar Allen Poe is buried.
Each of UMB's schools has its own academic calendar and administration. Tuition varies from flat fees per semester to per-credit payment, depending on whether the student is attending part- or full-time, and often includes mandatory fees. Out-of-state residents pay about twice as much tuition as Maryland residents. Financial aid is available, usually in the form of loans or scholarships. UMB's Web site estimates that more than 70 percent of its students who receive financial aid get approximately 20 percent from scholarships and 70 percent from loans, with the remainder made up of their own finances.
There are a few drawbacks to the campus. Since each of the schools is run separately, there is very little interaction between students at different schools. This problem is magnified by the fact that many of the students attend classes part-time or in the evenings. Furthermore, on-campus housing is limited to 66 rooms on the upper floors of the Student Union and Pascault Row, a block of row houses with 80 apartments that can accommodate approximately 176 students. Another problem is parking: It tends to be expensive and inconvenient. Students have to use one of the available garages or look for metered street parking.
On the other hand, the campus is fairly safe due to the presence of security desks in each building and an on-campus shuttle. The area streets are never deserted due to the foot traffic created by people associated with the University of Maryland Hospital.
Despite the lack of resident life, there are still many professional organizations and groups students may join. A variety of special events are also offered during the year and plans have been announced for a new student union. In addition to panel discussions and lectures, Founders' Week in October includes a student cookout, a faculty lunch and a black-tie gala. The university also puts on an annual Dr. Seuss Birthday Celebration, which kicks off an annual book drive to benefit area schools.