About Us

Uniquely among Honors Colleges, our students in these programs live and learn together in small classes and communities in which students share passions and interests of their programs, to which students each bring diverse perspectives and insights. One of the most diverse Honors Colleges in the country, our Honors College community as a whole also brings together students of diverse backgrounds and interests in a collaborative and inclusive environment of friendship, support and home. Working close with distinguished and dedicated faculty across campus who share their interests and teach fascinating courses involving then, students forge bonds that last a lifetime; they expand their perspectives and capacities of leadership; and they create horizons of purpose, profession and world-changing commitment and action that make the most of the college experience and launch students into their futures.

Maryland Honors combines the access and care of a small liberal arts college with the vast resources and opportunities of our leading research university. Students take 15-18 credits in one living-learning program in order to earn an Honors Citation, an academic distinction noted on their transcript. Each program’s unique curriculum is designed to fit into the general education requirements already established as part of students’ degree plans. Additionally, Honors students have access to special Honors versions of traditional courses (“H-versions”) hosted by academic departments, as well as scholarships, study abroad experiences, research experiences with faculty and the opportunity to join upper-level departmental honors programs in their major discipline of study.

The Honors College also complements its friendly and innovative living-learning environments with extraordinary opportunities of learning, leadership and professional development in the nation’s capital area. Honors College students come to Maryland from across the country and world for our special courses offered with Maryland/DC area experts, as well as research and internships opportunities at a wide array of governmental, public service, public health, international, environmental, scientific, media, cultural and business institutions.

Whatever your interests may be, and however you may desire to be a thinker and leader of tomorrow by harnessing the powers of imagination, knowledge and attentiveness to the dignity of other people to make a humane and meaningful difference in the world, we welcome your interest in the University of Maryland Honors College!