Founded in 1947, University of Maryland University College (UMUC) is one of 11 accredited, degree granting institutions in the University System of Maryland (USM)

Offering a broad range of cutting-edge classes, UMUC has earned a worldwide reputation for excellence as a comprehensive virtual university and for focusing on the unique educational and professional development needs of adult students.

The school's variety of learning formats affords maximum convenience to busy adult students who must balance the demands of full-time jobs, family, and community responsibilities.

Working adults, military personnel, and other students around the globe are achieving their academic goals through UMUC's innovative educational options, including online instruction, accelerated academic programs, and classroom-based courses taught during the daytime, evenings, and weekends.

The mission of University of Maryland University College is to offer top-quality educational opportunities to adult students in Maryland, the nation, and the world, setting the global standard of excellence in adult education. By offering academic programs that are respected, accessible, and affordable, UMUC broadens the range of career opportunities available to students, improves their lives, and maximizes their economic and intellectual contributions to Maryland and the nation.

A UMUC education offers many advantages not found at other institutions. Offering maximum convenience, flexibility, and a broad array of course selections, it's no wonder UMUC is the educational choice for adult students worldwide.

• UMUC's Master of Distance Education (MDE) program recently received EFMD CEL accreditation, the highest international standard of technology-enhanced learning programs in the field of management education.
• UMUC was recognized with the 2006 Sloan Consortium (Sloan-C) Excellence in Faculty Development for Online Teaching award.
• The 2004 Sloan-C Award for Excellence in Institution-Wide Asynchronous Learning Network Programming
• Best Distance Education Course as determined by the Maryland Distance Learning Association.
• One of the top ten colleges and universities serving military students 2007 by KMI Media and Military Advanced Education (MAE)
• Ranked 3rd nationwide in graduating African-Americans with graduate degrees in business - U.S. Department of Education reports 2001.
• The National Security Agency designated UMUC a Center of Academic Excellence in Information Assurance Education for the university's programs in information assurance (internet security)
• UMUC's Web site received Forbes magazine's distinction as being "Best of the Web" in distance education.

University of Maryland University College is accredited by the Commission on Higher Education of the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools, Philadelphia, one of the six regional accrediting agencies recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.

UMUC is governed by the University System of Maryland Board of Regents and certified by the State Council of Higher Education for Virginia.