Engineering & Technology

Mechatronics is the combination of mechanical, electrical, and information systems engineering. Mechatronics engineers design, develop, and test automated production systems, transportation and vehicle systems, robotics, computer-machine controls, and other integrated systems. Mechatronics engineers also develop new technologies for use in the automotive and aviation industry, advanced manufacturing operations, and often specialize in areas like robotics, autonomous vehicles, and manufacturing systems.

ACES is housed in the Honors College but is open to all undergraduate students in all majors. This minor takes a multidisciplinary approach to cybersecurity education in that students gain knowledge about many of the fields that intersect in cybersecurity. With an emphasis on hands-on experiences, students will gain practical skills through coursework, seminars, group projects, internships, and research, both on and off campus.

Individual Studies (IVSP) students enjoy broad academic freedom and flexibility to pursue their degrees in ways that best suit their intellectual interests and passions. Under the guidance of a faculty mentor and the IVSP staff, students create their own unique, interdisciplinary majors that approach important issues, questions, and problems from a range of disciplines and perspectives. 

The Minor in Technology Entrepreneurship and Corporate Innovation aims to help students understand the entrepreneurial process and essential skills. Equipped with an entrepreneurial mindset and skill set, aspiring innovators can drive economic growth by launching successful ventures and bringing new products and services to market.

The STEP minor offers you the knowledge and analytical skills to understand and assess the complex interactions among science, technology, ethics and policy. Students in the minor explore the ways that scientific practice and technological development are embedded in social, cultural, humanistic and political systems.

The undergraduate minor in Robotics and Autonomous Systems (RAS) is a cross-disciplinary program administered by the Maryland Robotics Center in the Institute for Systems Research within the A. James Clark School of Engineering. The minor takes a multidisciplinary approach to robotics in which students gain knowledge about the design, control, programming, and integration of robotics and autonomous systems.

Employers increasingly seek candidates whose career preparation includes an understanding of project management fundamentals. Students that complete this minor should have a good understanding of project management concepts, tools, and techniques and be able to be productive on project teams in their first employment after graduation. The minor also aligns students with career paths leading to increased management responsibility.

The minor in Nuclear Engineering provides the engineering student with the understanding of nuclear engineering and its application to many different fields, such as power generation, reactor operation, and industrial uses. Students in the minor will learn the fundamentals of nuclear reactor engineering, radiation interactions and measurement, power plant design concepts, and reactor safety.

To meet the rapidly growing interest of students in nano, and to prepare students for careers in the exciting, rapidly growing field of nanoscale science and technology, we offer an innovative undergraduate program, the Interdisciplinary Minor Program in Nanoscale Science and Technology (NS&T).

The minor in global engineering leadership is designed to develop the skills necessary to lead with a global vision, work effectively with others to address social issues, and engineer solutions that improve communities and organizations.

Mechanical Engineering is a dynamic and expanding field with emphasis in such areas as energy, thermal sciences, and instrumentation. New programs in manufacturing, microelectronics, and nanotechnology prepare our graduates for the emerging technologies of the 21st century.

Many major advances in science and technology, from computer chips to hypersonic aircraft, are attributable to advances in the underlying materials systems. Materials Science and Engineering is a multidisciplinary field focused on developing materials and materials systems for future technological advancements.

Fire Protection Engineering provides graduates with the tools needed to safeguard lives and property from fire. Undergraduate students receive a unique education (see sidebar) that focuses on topics such as fire-related safety, suppression systems, and health and environmental issues.

Electrical engineers create innovative technology solutions in a wide range of areas from handheld communications to solar panels; from cardiac pacemakers to autonomous robots; from wireless networks to bio-engineered sensors that detect dangerous pathogens; and intelligent surveillance systems that perform face and motion recognition.

The overarching goal of the Cyber-Physical Systems Engineering program is to train the workforce in the areas of software, hardware, and applications involving widely deployed smart devices and their interactions with resources in the cloud.

Computer engineers apply the principles and techniques of electrical engineering, computer science, and mathematical analysis to the design, development, testing, and evaluation of the software and hardware systems that enable computers to perform increasingly demanding functions. Computer engineers design robots, develop microprocessors, design supercomputers and smart devices, create integrated circuits for semiconductor fabrication, program computer-vision capabilities, create security/cryptographic systems, and develop software systems and network protocols.

The Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering offers a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering, which is a very diverse field, concerned with such things as planning, design, construction and operation of large systems such as buildings and bridges; water purification and distribution systems; traffic and transportation systems; and water and land pollution treatment.

The Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering offers a Bachelor of Science in Chemical Engineering, which combines chemical, physical and life sciences with engineering to solve a wide variety of problems. The graduate in this major finds interesting and diverse career opportunities in such fields as petroleum, pharmaceuticals, polymers and biotechnologies.

The undergraduate program in Bioengineering is founded in biology, driven by human health issues, and is forward-thinking. Our objective is to marry the principles and applications embedded in engineering with the sciences of biology, medicine, and health.

In the Biocomputational Engineering program, students will develop skills in computation and data science that can be applied to the modeling of complex biological systems and the analysis of complex biological data sets. Even more, students will have the opportunity to impact human health by applying skills in computer modeling, bioinformatics, analysis of large and complex data sets, and other important computational skills.

Understanding flight, exploring space and designing components, vehicles and systems are the abiding interests of the faculty and students at the Clark School's Department of Aerospace Engineering. Specializations include aeronautics, astronautics, rotorcraft and hypersonics.

The world-class faculty in the University of Maryland’s Physics Department teach students to think analytically and empirically about the physical world. Whether you plan to continue to study physics in graduate school or work in fields such as engineering, software development, law, business, or education, a bachelor's degree in physics from Maryland provides an excellent foundation.

The Department of Mathematics educates its majors in a broad range of modern mathematics while instilling in them a strong ability to solve problems, apply mathematics to other areas, and create rigorous mathematical arguments. The program prepares the majors to further their mathematical education in graduate school, or to teach at the secondary school level, or to work in government or business.

The undergraduate minor in Geophysics recognizes concentrated study in this designated field in the College of Computer, Mathematical, and Natural Sciences. The award of a minor will be noted on the student's transcript at the time of graduation.

The undergraduate minor in Earth Material Properties recognizes concentrated study in this designated field in the College of Computer, Mathematical, and Natural Sciences. The award of a minor will be noted on the student's transcript at the time of graduation.

Computer science is the study of computers and computational systems: their application, design, development and theory. A computer scientist is concerned with problem solving. Problems range from abstract questions of what problems can be solved with computers to practical matters such as the design of computer systems that are efficient, secure, and easy for people to use.

Maryland Smith’s Information Systems (IS) major is ranked No. 6 in the country (and the school is No. 11 among publics) by U.S. News & World Report and includes stellar faculty with real-world experience and influential research. The IS major prepares you to effectively plan, use and manage information technologies and systems through a focus on system design and implementation skills, including database and web design.

The GIS minor is designed to give students the technical skills needed to acquire, manage and analyze geographic data. Geographic information science and remote sensing have evolved dramatically in the past few decades. Students in the minor will receive extensive training in digital processing of remote sensing observations and cartographic vector data, spatial analysis, and the display of information products.

The Remote Sensing of Environmental Change minor program (RSEC) is designed to build students’ understanding of global environmental change in order to assess their impacts on the physical and human landscapes, and to use remote sensing as an analytical tool for identifying those impacts.

Immersive Media Design (IMD) allows students to unleash their creativity through technology. Students learn to design, develop, and produce various forms of immersive media—ranging from tactical and audio platforms to virtual and augmented reality. Through IMD courses, students integrate technical and artistic skills by studying digital media and collaborating to design immersive media works and build portfolios.

Undergraduate students wishing to pursue a career in the design or construction of capital projects will have a distinct competitive advantage if they have a working knowledge of the fundamentals of managing construction. The minor, along with completion of your full degree program, will provide you a distinct competitive advantage over other potential job candidates. When completed with the minor, students should have a good understanding of construction project management concepts, tools, and techniques and be able to be productive on project teams in their first employment after graduation. The minor also aligns students with career paths leading to increased management responsibility.

Environmental Science and Technology educates and prepares students to work in natural resources management, ecological technology design, soil and watershed science, or ecosystem health. Government agencies, environmental consulting firms, "green"/renewable energy industries, and non-governmental organizations are all potential career paths allowing students to solve grand challenges and contribute to a sustainable future.

Agricultural Science and Technology offers 3 distinct specializations in Agricultural & Extension Education, Agronomy, and Environmental Horticulture. Specific areas of study include crop science, sustainable production, precision agriculture, agriculture education, greenhouses and nurseries, urban agriculture, viticulture, and much more. Graduates enter a wide range of fields including K-12 teacher, specialty crop and greenhouse production, food safety, and Extension educator.

The Sport, Commerce, and Culture minor provides an opportunity for students to study the structure and experience of contemporary sport industry from an interdisciplinary perspective, informed by research, theories, and methods drawn largely–but not exclusively–from anthropology, cultural studies, economics, gender studies, history, race and ethnic studies, urban studies, and sociology.

The Exercise Physiology minor provides an opportunity for students to enhance their learning in a broad range of areas, including whole-body and molecular aspects of cardiovascular physiology, metabolism, aging, health, and disease.

The Global Health major offers rigorous scholarly and applied experiences designed to embolden future leaders to achieve the level of critical thinking, analysis, and application essential to improve worldwide social, environmental, and health outcomes. Specifically, students apply structurally competent, collaborative, multidisciplinary perspectives to the understanding, assessment, and intervention of sustainable strategies necessary to effectively address current and future global health issues within local, national, and global arenas.

The Minor in Computational Finance will provide students with proficiency in applying analytical models and machine learning methods to solve challenging financial tasks. The Minor will introduce students to (pseudo) realistic tasks faced by financial analysts and researchers, as well as the real world datasets that are widely used across the financial industry and by financial regulators (e.g., SEC, FINRA, etc.). Only open to Computer Science majors.

The Data Science minor will offer a rigorous training in this interdisciplinary field, which combines scientific methods, processes, and algorithms to extract knowledge from data and the information it contains.

ACES is housed in the Honors College but is open to all undergraduate students in all majors. This minor takes a multidisciplinary approach to cybersecurity education in that students gain knowledge about many of the fields that intersect in cybersecurity. With an emphasis on hands-on experiences, students will gain practical skills through coursework, seminars, group projects, internships, and research, both on and off campus.

Individual Studies (IVSP) students enjoy broad academic freedom and flexibility to pursue their degrees in ways that best suit their intellectual interests and passions. Under the guidance of a faculty mentor and the IVSP staff, students create their own unique, interdisciplinary majors that approach important issues, questions, and problems from a range of disciplines and perspectives. 

Make an impact on populations using the power of social justice and health equity principles! Students become engaged/effective public health practitioners providing a voice for underrepresented populations by studying health behavior, community health research, biostatistics, epidemiology, grant writing, health communication and professional development. All students become workforce ready through participation in a community-based public health internship during their final semester.

Merrill College offers a flexible, hands-on curriculum combining the best journalism traditions with cutting-edge digital storytelling and engagement skills crucial to numerous professions. Students learn to tell fair and accurate stories through writing, audio, video, data visualization, social media and more. They use the latest tools to uncover wrongdoing, amplify marginalized voices and reveal the human reality behind headlines.

The undergraduate minor in Technology Innovation Leadership prepares students to effectively create and navigate a climate of technological innovation within an organization or team. By combining creative leadership, design thinking, and understanding socio-technical challenges, students will tackle large-scale problems relating to technology innovation. Innovative thinking approaches incorporated into the curriculum will allow students to create new ideas and energy and solve socio-technical challenges through leadership experiences. The coursework will examine the different ways leaders and social entrepreneurs strategically use innovative technologies and information to solve social, cultural, and environmental problems.

The undergraduate minor in Risk Management, Ethics, and Privacy is designed to prepare students to evaluate major information and big data privacy and security issues that businesses and individuals are faced with. The curriculum will examine risks companies face while collecting, storing, and managing information and their existing customers’ and stakeholders’ data. The coursework will focus on practical strategies to mitigate risks and explore the ways emerging technologies benefit in the context of risk management, ethics, and privacy.

This program supports students in their efforts to use technology in the service of the greater good, to apply and expand their creativity, and to engage in rapid development and prototyping grounded by rapid evaluation and assessment. Students participate in hands-on studio courses in user-centered design, technology development, and cross-disciplinary communication preparing them to become leaders in a range of career fields.

Social data science encompasses all elements of the data life cycle, including measure conceptualization, data gathering, management, manipulation, analysis, presentation, archiving, and re-use. This program combines the expertise of BSOS and INFO faculty members to prepare students to effectively, ethically and efficiently create high quality information products, such as datasets, visualizations, and models, about human activity and behavior.

This curriculum blends theory, practical skills, and hands-on learning with industry professionals, preparing our graduates to apply their skills directly and immediately in their careers. Students learn skills in technical areas such as database design, information architecture, data analytics, and cybersecurity alongside the social sciences, leadership, and the humanities. Graduates are prepared to address the growing and unique needs of information professionals who understand complex social and organizational issues.

The STEP minor offers you the knowledge and analytical skills to understand and assess the complex interactions among science, technology, ethics and policy. Students in the minor explore the ways that scientific practice and technological development are embedded in social, cultural, humanistic and political systems.

The world-class faculty in the University of Maryland’s Physics Department teach students to think analytically and empirically about the physical world. Whether you plan to continue to study physics in graduate school or work in fields such as engineering, software development, law, business, or education, a bachelor's degree in physics from Maryland provides an excellent foundation.

The Neuroscience major exposes students to rigorous training in the interdisciplinary study of brain and behavior through courses in mathematics, biology, chemistry, physics, and psychology. The Neuroscience major prepares students for a broad range of career paths including: scientific research, medicine, clinical psychology, allied health professions, or science-related government, nonprofit, or private sector employment.

The Department of Mathematics offers a Minor in Actuarial Mathematics for students whose majors are not mathematics. The goal of the Minor in Actuarial Mathematics is to provide the student with an introduction to statistics in general and actuarial mathematics in particular. This minor is closely related to the Minor in Statistics, but its focus is on actuarial mathematics.

The Department of Mathematics offers a Minor in Statistics for students whose majors are not mathematics. The goal of the Minor in Statistics is to provide the student with a substantial number of courses that are statistical in nature and involve a substantial amount of mathematics.

The Department of Mathematics educates its majors in a broad range of modern mathematics while instilling in them a strong ability to solve problems, apply mathematics to other areas, and create rigorous mathematical arguments. The program prepares the majors to further their mathematical education in graduate school, or to teach at the secondary school level, or to work in government or business.

This undergraduate minor recognizes concentrated study in Surficial Geology, a designated field in the College of Computer, Mathematical, and Natural Sciences. The award of a minor will be noted on the student's transcript at the time of graduation.

The minor in Paleobiology will provide students with a broad understanding of the application of the methods of biology and geology to the study of the history of life, and develop students’ appreciation of how issues in the study of paleobiology connect with larger trends in those sciences. It is intended for all students with an interest in the study of the history of life, be it professional or avocational.

An undergraduate minor in Hydrology recognizes concentrated study in a designated field in the College of Computer, Mathematical, and Natural Sciences. The award of a minor will be noted on the student's transcript at the time of graduation.

The undergraduate minor in Geophysics recognizes concentrated study in this designated field in the College of Computer, Mathematical, and Natural Sciences. The award of a minor will be noted on the student's transcript at the time of graduation.

The undergraduate minor in Geochemistry recognizes concentrated study in this designated field in the College of Computer, Mathematical, and Natural Sciences. The award of a minor will be noted on the student's transcript at the time of graduation.

The undergraduate minor in Earth Material Properties recognizes concentrated study in this designated field in the College of Computer, Mathematical, and Natural Sciences. The award of a minor will be noted on the student's transcript at the time of graduation.

The undergraduate minor in Earth History recognizes concentrated study in this designated field in the College of Computer, Mathematical, and Natural Sciences. The award of a minor will be noted on the student's transcript at the time of graduation.

The Department of Geology offers three major tracks addressing key aspects of Geology - the science of Earth. In its broadest sense, geology focuses on the formation and subsequent modification of the planets, emphasizing planet Earth. Geologists study Earth's internal and surface structure and materials, history, and the chemical and physical processes acting within and on it using the principles of mathematics, physics, chemistry, and biology.

Computer science is the study of computers and computational systems: their application, design, development and theory. A computer scientist is concerned with problem solving. Problems range from abstract questions of what problems can be solved with computers to practical matters such as the design of computer systems that are efficient, secure, and easy for people to use.

Chemists seek to understand how molecules (organic, inorganic, organometallic) interconvert and can be interconverted, how they behave under various conditions, and design new molecules that perform specific tasks (such as pharmaceuticals or for energy transfer or light harvesting). There are also theoretical chemists who use computers and calculations to better understand molecular behavior.

Biological Sciences students learn the foundations and applications of biology across multiple levels of organization: molecules, genomes, cells, organisms, and ecosystems. Students participate in research, learn modern experimental techniques, and become active learners to address real-world challenges. Students choose between five tracks: Cell Biology and Genetics, Ecology and Evolution, Microbiology, Physiology and Neurobiology, and General Biology (integrating all areas).

Biochemists are concerned with the structural and energy changes that occur during physiological process such as metabolism and catabolism - in a global sense, they are concerned with how one molecule is converted into another (and the sequence of these events) in living organisms. Understanding the process can pave the way for the development of new drugs.

This minor will provide the students with a general background in meteorology as offered by the lower level required courses, and a background on issues in atmospheric chemistry. This minor track is intended for students who might pursue careers where background in atmospheric chemistry is needed, such as air pollution, atmospheric chemistry, and environmental issues.

This minor will provide a general background in meteorology as offered by the lower level courses, and a solid background in atmospheric physics (AOSC431) and atmospheric dynamics (AOSC432), as offered by two required courses. It is aimed at non-majors who might consider graduate work in meteorology, or prepare them for the very favorable job market in the Washington, D.C. area, where a background in meteorology can be an important asset.

This minor will provide the students with a general background in meteorology as offered by the lower level courses, a broader background on a wide range of sub-fields in meteorology, and on current issues in climate research, as provided by the two required courses. This minor is aimed at students who wish to be informed about this field, who may not intend to pursue graduate work in this field, but who might pursue careers where a background in meteorology is important, such as environmental policy, government, and industry.

The Atmospheric and Oceanic Science B.S. program seeks to educate majors in the basic principles that control our weather and the interactions between atmosphere and ocean that regulate Earth’s climate. Students will be provided with practical experience as researchers and creators of knowledge, and equipped with the requirements for a full range of careers in Atmospheric and Oceanic Science, as well as for related areas in secondary education, graduate school, industry, and public service.

The minor in Planetary Sciences will provide students with a broad understanding of the application of the methods of astronomy and geology to the study of the Solar System, and develop the students' appreciation of how issues in the study of planets connect with larger issues in those sciences. It is intended for all students with an interest in the study of the Solar System, be it professional or avocational.

Astronomers study the mysteries of the universe, applying physics, math, and technology to understanding black holes, gravitational waves, exoplanets, stars, galaxies, and the formation of the universe. Students with degrees in astronomy often go on to fulfilling careers as researchers, educators, or a combination of the two. Many others work for the government, in industry, at observatories, museums, newspapers, and other careers including data science. A B.S. in Astronomy gives you a very solid foundation in mathematics and physics, and you normally gain hands-on experience with computer programming and statistics as well.

The availability of massive amounts of data has created the need for business analytics professionals who can analyze such data and obtain the insight needed for informed decision-making. This allows an organization to gain a competitive edge in today’s dynamic business environment. The minor integrates technology with statistical and quantitative modeling techniques to provide students with the foundation needed for data-driven decision-making.

The OMBA major will equip you with the knowledge and skills to apply quantitative and statistically based modeling techniques to data. With world-class faculty at the helm, you’ll be able to drive and influence decision-making at all levels of business. These skills are in high demand and provide career opportunities in the public and private sectors.

As a Maryland Smith marketing major, you’ll learn how to be successful at all levels of an organization by ensuring that quality goods and services are provided at fair prices and in a way that benefits the community and society. And you’ll learn from faculty like Rebecca Ratner, whose research about solitude has made a huge impact in consumer studies.

Maryland Smith’s Information Systems (IS) major is ranked No. 6 in the country (and the school is No. 11 among publics) by U.S. News & World Report and includes stellar faculty with real-world experience and influential research. The IS major prepares you to effectively plan, use and manage information technologies and systems through a focus on system design and implementation skills, including database and web design.

Smith’s Finance majors learn from faculty with real-world experience, like Professor Lemma Senbet, whose international finance career has influenced policy in Africa and the careers of the students he’s mentored, who include a bank president and a chief economist at the SEC. This curriculum will familiarize you with the institutions, theory and practice involved in the allocation of financial resources within the private sector.

With Accounting at Smith you’ll learn from faculty who influence how companies choose to invest in cybersecurity and network with alumni who hold CEO and managing partner positions in numerous public accounting firms. This curriculum includes financial planning, budgeting, accounting systems, financial management controls, financial analysis of performance, financial reporting, internal and external auditing, and taxation.

The minor in Survey Methodology explores the theoretical foundations of survey design and survey data collection, together with the practical application of this theoretical material. The minor prepares students for careers in the federal government numerous private sector firms that collect survey data to inform decision-making, or for further graduate study in the field of survey methodology.

Demography is the interdisciplinary study of human populations. Changes in population processes have helped to shape many of the most pressing problems facing the world today. Demographic processes are fundamentally linked to the lives of individuals, families, communities, and nations. Training in demographic analysis provides students with important tools and perspectives for understanding social and economic changes locally and globally.

Sociology is the study of social order and the causes and impacts of social change on society and its institutions, organizations, and groups. The major prepares students for graduate programs and eventual careers as sociologists in teaching, research, and policy development or as a basis for careers in fields including law, social work, public policy, and human resource management.

The psychology major provides an introduction to the study of human behavior, including an understanding of the neurobiological, developmental, social, and evolutionary factors influencing our thought and behavior. The program emphasizes a strong foundation in quantitative and research methods. Beyond coursework, students will have opportunities to assist with and conduct research, an important advantage in any career path.

The GIS minor is designed to give students the technical skills needed to acquire, manage and analyze geographic data. Geographic information science and remote sensing have evolved dramatically in the past few decades. Students in the minor will receive extensive training in digital processing of remote sensing observations and cartographic vector data, spatial analysis, and the display of information products.

The Remote Sensing of Environmental Change minor program (RSEC) is designed to build students’ understanding of global environmental change in order to assess their impacts on the physical and human landscapes, and to use remote sensing as an analytical tool for identifying those impacts.

Geography concerns the relations between people and the natural world, the effects of ecosystems on human beings and vice versa, the choices people make, the effects of past actions on people today, and the effects of today’s choices on future generations. Students specializing in Geographical Sciences will be exposed to a diversity of coursework that will focus on human-environmental interactions.

Economists analyze how people make choices. and use empirical tools to test theory, analyze data, and inform ongoing decision-making. Economics students learn about the methods of analysis that economists use and about the various fields of inquiry where economists have been most productive. Majors often pursue careers or graduate degrees in business, banking and finance, government, law, or international relations.

African-American Studies majors examine a range of historical and contemporary issues relevant to people of African descent and contribute to the development of meaningful social policy. Our faculty conduct research on women and labor, social inequalities and health, educational inequalities and policy, incarceration and victimization, and family dynamics and health in sub-Saharan Africa.

The Linguistics program offers an interdisciplinary education with research labs and a focus on critical thinking. The program explores language structure, native speaker knowledge and scientific analysis. Graduates can apply their skills in fields like speech therapy, psychology, education, cognitive science and computer science or pursue graduate school. The curriculum offers the Grammars and Cognition track and the Language track.

Agricultural & Resource Economics (AREC) is widely regarded as one of the top departments of its kind in the world, offering students outstanding education and training in applied economics and business. Majors focus on the economics of the environment, natural resources, agriculture, and international development. Graduates proudly work for federal agencies, financial institutions, agricultural businesses, environmental non-profits, and private firms.