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College of Arts and Humanities

Explore ARHU on Maryland Day 2024!

Celebrate Maryland Day with the arts and humanities on Saturday, April 27.

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College of Arts and Humanities, Douglass Center

Legendary Poet, Activist and Educator Nikki Giovanni to Help Inaugurate New Frederick Douglass Center

The center is dedicated to engaging diverse communities—both at the university and well beyond—around issues of social justice and equity.

Art

New Ideas for Used Materials

Art class designs Maryland Day installation from found objects.

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Philosophy

More Than an Observer

Philosophy, politics, and economics major Nikita Kale ’25 takes action to solve big global problems.

What interests you?

learning about...

Undergraduate Programs
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Undergraduate Programs
With a combined total of more than 60 majors, minors and certificates, we encourage you to explore and discover your passion!

Find out more:

Undergraduate Minors

Certificates

Undergraduate Catalog

Dean's Undergraduate Student Advisory Board

ARHU Ambassadors
American Studies (B.A.)

Arabic Studies (B.A.)

Art (Studio Art) (B.A.)

Art History and Archaeology (B.A.)

Chinese (B.A.)

Cinema and Media Studies (B.A.)

Classics (B.A.)

Communication (B.A.)

Dance (B.A.)

English (B.A.)

French Language & Literature (B.A.)

German Studies (B.A.)

History (B.A.)

Immersive Media Design (B.A.)

Italian Language & Literature (B.A.)

Japanese (B.A.)

Jewish Studies (B.A.)

Linguistics (B.A.)

Music (B.A.)

Music (B.M.)

Music (B.M.E.)

Persian Studies (B.A.)

Philosophy (B.A.)

Philosophy, Politics, and Economics (B.A.)

Religions of the Ancient Middle East (B.A.)

Romance Languages (B.A.)

Russian Language, Literature & Culture (B.A.)

Spanish Language, Literature & Cultures (B.A.)

Theatre (B.A.)

Women, Gender, and Sexuality Studies B.A.
Graduate Programs
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Graduate Programs
The college provides boundless opportunities for scholarly exploration and practical experience across nearly 40 graduate programs.

Find out more:

Graduate Catalog

Graduate Directors

Dean's Graduate Student Advisory Board
American Studies (M.A.)

American Studies (Ph.D.)

Art (Studio Art) (M.F.A.)

Art History and Archaeology (M.A.)

Art History and Archaeology (Ph.D.)

Classics (M.A.)

Communication (M.A.)

Communication (Ph.D.)

Comparative Literature (Ph.D.)

Creative Writing (M.F.A.)

Dance (M.F.A.)

Design (M.F.A.)

Dual-Degree M.A. Historic Preservation and American Studies

English (M.A.)

English (Ph.D.)

French Language & Literature (M.A.)

French Language & Literature (Ph.D.)

German Studies (M.A.)

German Studies (Ph.D)

History (M.A.)

History (Ph.D.)

Interpreting (M.P.S.)

Jewish Studies (M.A.)

Linguistics (Ph.D.)

Music (D.M.A.)

Music (M.A.)

Music (M.M.)

Music (Ph.D.)

Philosophy (M.A.)

Philosophy (Ph.D.)

Second Language Acquisition (M.A.)

Second Language Acquisition (Ph.D.)

Spanish Language, Literature & Cultures (M.A.)

Spanish Language, Literature & Cultures (Ph.D.)

Theatre and Performance Studies (M.A.)

Theatre and Performance Studies (Ph.D.)

Women's Studies (Ph.D.)
Certificates
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Certificates
The college offers 11 certificate programs so students can pursue a specialization while obtaining their degree.

Find out more:

Certificate Contacts
Critical Theory

Digital Studies in the Arts and Humanities (DSAH)

East Asian Studies

Interpreting

Jewish Studies

Latin American Studies

LGBTQ Studies

Museum Scholarship & Material Culture

Second Language Acquisition

Women, Gender and Sexuality Studies

a career in...

Arts/Design
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Arts/Design
Our students bring creativity and an eye for design to many industries, including design firms, non-profit organizations, educational and government institutions. Coursework in studio art, communication, illustration, graphic design and digital media can prepare you well. Building a portfolio of your work is critical for success. Seek out internships and volunteer opportunities on and off campus to further develop and document your skills.
American Studies (B.A.)

Art (Studio Art) (B.A.)

Art History and Archaeology (B.A.)

Cinema and Media Studies (B.A.)

Communication (B.A.)

Comparative Literature (Ph.D.)

Creative Writing (M.F.A.)

Dance (B.A.)

Digital Studies in the Arts and Humanities (DSAH)

English (B.A.)

Immersive Media Design (B.A.)

Music (B.A.)

Music (B.M.)

Music (B.M.E.)

Theatre (B.A.)
Communication/PR
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Communication/PR
Our students bring strong written and oral communication skills to many fields, including PR firms, government agencies, non-profit organizations, media organizations and more. Coursework in communication theories, digital media and graphic design can prepare you well to enter these growing industries. Building a strong resume is critical for success. Seek out internships on and off campus to further develop and document your skills.
American Studies (B.A.)

Art (Studio Art) (B.A.)

Cinema and Media Studies (B.A.)

Communication (B.A.)

Comparative Literature (Ph.D.)

Creative Writing (M.F.A.)

English (B.A.)

History (B.A.)
Consulting
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Consulting
Our students bring strong problem solving, teamwork and analytical thinking skills to many fields, including management consulting firms as well as niche/boutique firms that may specialize in healthcare, human resources, education, IT and more. Building a strong resume is critical for success. Seek out internships to further develop and document your skills. Hiring for consulting internships and jobs typically happens predominately in the fall semester.
American Studies (B.A.)

Communication (B.A.)

Comparative Literature (Ph.D.)

Creative Writing (M.F.A.)

Digital Studies in the Arts and Humanities (DSAH)

English (B.A.)

History (B.A.)

Jewish Studies (B.A.)

Philosophy (B.A.)

Women, Gender, and Sexuality Studies B.A.
Education
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Education
Our students bring leadership, public speaking, communication and cultural competency skills to many fields, including public and private K-12 schools, education-focused non-profit organizations, government agencies and within higher education. Seek out internships, student teaching and volunteer opportunities with children to further develop and document your skills. Teaching certification to teach in K-12 public schools can be obtained through a double major in the College of Education.
Arabic Studies (B.A.)

Art (Studio Art) (B.A.)

Art History and Archaeology (B.A.)

Chinese (B.A.)

Classics (B.A.)

Communication (B.A.)

Comparative Literature (Ph.D.)

Creative Writing (M.F.A.)

Dance (B.A.)

Digital Studies in the Arts and Humanities (DSAH)

English (B.A.)

French Language & Literature (B.A.)

German Studies (B.A.)

History (B.A.)

Italian Language & Literature (B.A.)

Japanese (B.A.)

Music (B.A.)

Music (B.M.)

Music (B.M.E.)

Persian Studies (B.A.)

Romance Languages (B.A.)

Russian Language, Literature & Culture (B.A.)

Second Language Acquisition

Second Language Acquisition (M.A.)

Spanish Language, Literature & Cultures (B.A.)

Theatre (B.A.)
Entertainment
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Entertainment
Our students bring creativity, writing, editing, digital media and communication skills to this broad field, which includes opportunities in film, print, radio and television. Build your resume with multiple internship experiences. A digital portfolio and/or video reel may be necessary for certain positions.
American Studies (B.A.)

Cinema and Media Studies (B.A.)

Communication (B.A.)

Comparative Literature (Ph.D.)

Creative Writing (M.F.A.)

Dance (B.A.)

English (B.A.)

Immersive Media Design (B.A.)

Music (B.A.)

Music (B.M.)

Music (B.M.E.)

Persian Studies (B.A.)

Theatre (B.A.)
Environment
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Environment
Our students bring writing, communication and research skills to many fields, including government agencies, non-profit organizations and through sustainability programs in the private sector. Build your resume with multiple internship and volunteer experiences on and off campus. Additional coursework or a double major in environmental science or policy could strengthen your background.
American Studies (B.A.)

Communication (B.A.)

Comparative Literature (Ph.D.)

Creative Writing (M.F.A.)

English (B.A.)

History (B.A.)

Philosophy (B.A.)

Women, Gender, and Sexuality Studies B.A.
Financial
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Financial
Our students bring research, communication and teamwork skills to many fields, including banks, insurance companies, government agencies and more. Build your resume with multiple internships. Additional coursework, a minor or double major in business or economics could strengthen your background.
History (B.A.)

Philosophy (B.A.)
Government
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Government
Our students bring strategic planning, teamwork, communication and problem solving skills to this broad field, which includes opportunities at the local, state and federal levels. Additional coursework in government or a future graduate degree in public administration or public policy could strengthen your background. Build your resume with multiple internships.
Arabic Studies (B.A.)

Chinese (B.A.)

Classics (B.A.)

Communication (B.A.)

Comparative Literature (Ph.D.)

Creative Writing (M.F.A.)

Digital Studies in the Arts and Humanities (DSAH)

English (B.A.)

French Language & Literature (B.A.)

German Studies (B.A.)

History (B.A.)

Italian Language & Literature (B.A.)

Japanese (B.A.)

Jewish Studies (B.A.)

Linguistics (B.A.)

Philosophy (B.A.)

Religions of the Ancient Middle East (B.A.)

Romance Languages (B.A.)

Russian Language, Literature & Culture (B.A.)

Second Language Acquisition

Second Language Acquisition (M.A.)

Spanish Language, Literature & Cultures (B.A.)

Women, Gender, and Sexuality Studies B.A.
Healthcare
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Healthcare
Our students bring communication, problem solving, critical thinking skills and a humanist perspective to this broad field, which includes opportunities to work directly with patients or in management/administrative positions. Additional coursework or a future graduate degree in a health-related field could strengthen your background. Build your resume with multiple internships and volunteer opportunities, particularly if seeking future patient-centered positions.
American Studies (B.A.)

Art (Studio Art) (B.A.)

Classics (B.A.)

Communication (B.A.)

Comparative Literature (Ph.D.)

Creative Writing (M.F.A.)

English (B.A.)

Immersive Media Design (B.A.)

Philosophy (B.A.)

Spanish Language, Literature & Cultures (B.A.)

Women, Gender, and Sexuality Studies B.A.
Hospitality
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Hospitality
Our students bring problem solving, organizational and communication skills to many fields, including hotels, restaurants, sports teams, entertainment venues and more. Build your resume with multiple internships on and off campus. Additional coursework related to event planning or business could strengthen your background.
American Studies (B.A.)

Cinema and Media Studies (B.A.)

Communication (B.A.)

Comparative Literature (Ph.D.)

Creative Writing (M.F.A.)

Dance (B.A.)

English (B.A.)

Music (B.A.)

Music (B.M.)

Music (B.M.E.)

Persian Studies (B.A.)

Spanish Language, Literature & Cultures (B.A.)

Theatre (B.A.)
Human Resources
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Human Resources
Our students bring interpersonal communication, negotiation, problem solving and conflict resolution skills to this complex field, which can encompass recruiting, learning and development, training, compensation and more. Build your resume with multiple internships. Additional coursework to business or a future certificate or graduate degree in human resources can strengthen your background.
American Studies (B.A.)

Communication (B.A.)

Comparative Literature (Ph.D.)

Creative Writing (M.F.A.)

English (B.A.)

History (B.A.)

Linguistics (B.A.)

Philosophy (B.A.)

Spanish Language, Literature & Cultures (B.A.)

Women, Gender, and Sexuality Studies B.A.
Law
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Law
Our students bring strong writing, research and analytical skills to many fields, including law firms, private companies and with government agencies. Maintain a strong GPA if headed to law school and seek out the services of the pre-law advising office on campus. Some students choose to work as paralegals after graduation, a position that requires a bachelor’s degree.
American Studies (B.A.)

Classics (B.A.)

Communication (B.A.)

Comparative Literature (Ph.D.)

Creative Writing (M.F.A.)

English (B.A.)

History (B.A.)

Jewish Studies (B.A.)

Linguistics (B.A.)

Women, Gender, and Sexuality Studies B.A.
Libraries/Museums
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Libraries/Museums
Our students bring research, customer service, organizational and communication skills to these fields, which offer positions ranging from curator to archivist and librarian, among others. Most positions with a library and many in a museum will require a graduate degree. Strengthen your resume through internships and volunteer work in a museum or library setting.
American Studies (B.A.)

Art (Studio Art) (B.A.)

Art History and Archaeology (B.A.)

Classics (B.A.)

Communication (B.A.)

Comparative Literature (Ph.D.)

Creative Writing (M.F.A.)

Digital Studies in the Arts and Humanities (DSAH)

English (B.A.)

History (B.A.)

Jewish Studies (B.A.)

Linguistics (B.A.)

Philosophy (B.A.)

Religions of the Ancient Middle East (B.A.)

Women, Gender, and Sexuality Studies B.A.
Management
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Management
Our students bring leadership, strategic planning and communication skills to this field. Additional coursework, a minor or a double major in business can strengthen your background. Some graduates will go on to pursue an MBA after graduation. Add to your resume with multiple internships. Management training programs with companies can be a nice pipeline into the field. Recruiting for internships and full-time positions often happens predominately in the fall semester.
American Studies (B.A.)

Communication (B.A.)

Comparative Literature (Ph.D.)

Creative Writing (M.F.A.)

English (B.A.)

History (B.A.)

Philosophy (B.A.)

Women, Gender, and Sexuality Studies B.A.
Marketing/Sales
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Marketing/Sales
Our students bring creativity, teamwork, communication and digital media skills to these broad fields, which can encompass market research, advertising, brand management, public relations, sales and more. Additional coursework, a minor or a double major in business or communication can strengthen your background. Add to your resume with multiple internships.
American Studies (B.A.)

Communication (B.A.)

Comparative Literature (Ph.D.)

Creative Writing (M.F.A.)

English (B.A.)

Spanish Language, Literature & Cultures (B.A.)
Media
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Media
Our students bring communication, digital media, writing and editing skills to many fields, including media companies of all sizes, as well as in media relations positions with government agencies, sports teams, healthcare organizations, schools and more. Additional coursework, a minor or a double major in communication can strengthen your background. Add to your resume with multiple internships.
American Studies (B.A.)

Art (Studio Art) (B.A.)

Art History and Archaeology (B.A.)

Cinema and Media Studies (B.A.)

Communication (B.A.)

Comparative Literature (Ph.D.)

Creative Writing (M.F.A.)

Digital Studies in the Arts and Humanities (DSAH)

English (B.A.)
Non-Profit
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Non-Profit
Our students bring compassion, communication, creativity, writing and language skills to non-profit organizations of all sizes and missions. Enhance your resume through internships and volunteer work on and off campus, especially with the populations you hope to one day serve. Specific skills in grant writing and fundraising may make you even more competitive.
American Studies (B.A.)

Arabic Studies (B.A.)

Art (Studio Art) (B.A.)

Art History and Archaeology (B.A.)

Chinese (B.A.)

Cinema and Media Studies (B.A.)

Classics (B.A.)

Communication (B.A.)

Comparative Literature (Ph.D.)

Creative Writing (M.F.A.)

Dance (B.A.)

English (B.A.)

French Language & Literature (B.A.)

German Studies (B.A.)

History (B.A.)

Italian Language & Literature (B.A.)

Japanese (B.A.)

Jewish Studies (B.A.)

Linguistics (B.A.)

Music (B.A.)

Music (B.M.)

Music (B.M.E.)

Persian Studies (B.A.)

Philosophy (B.A.)

Religions of the Ancient Middle East (B.A.)

Romance Languages (B.A.)

Russian Language, Literature & Culture (B.A.)

Second Language Acquisition

Second Language Acquisition (M.A.)

Spanish Language, Literature & Cultures (B.A.)

Women, Gender, and Sexuality Studies B.A.
Public Policy
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Public Policy
Our students bring writing, public speaking, research, analytical thinking and language skills to this field, which can encompass education, environmental, health, international development and non-profit policy, among others. Enhance your resume through multiple internships. A future graduate degree in public policy may make you the most competitive. Some professionals also seek law degrees.
American Studies (B.A.)

Arabic Studies (B.A.)

Chinese (B.A.)

Communication (B.A.)

Comparative Literature (Ph.D.)

Creative Writing (M.F.A.)

English (B.A.)

French Language & Literature (B.A.)

German Studies (B.A.)

History (B.A.)

Italian Language & Literature (B.A.)

Japanese (B.A.)

Jewish Studies (B.A.)

Linguistics (B.A.)

Religions of the Ancient Middle East (B.A.)

Romance Languages (B.A.)

Russian Language, Literature & Culture (B.A.)

Second Language Acquisition

Second Language Acquisition (M.A.)

Spanish Language, Literature & Cultures (B.A.)

Women, Gender, and Sexuality Studies B.A.
Research
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Research
Our students bring writing, research, teamwork and curiosity to many fields, including think tanks, local, state and federal government agencies and within higher education. Enhance your resume through internships and research with faculty members. Additional coursework involving quantitative data analysis may be helpful for some positions. A future graduate degree in your field of interest may make you the most competitive.
Classics (B.A.)

Communication (B.A.)

Comparative Literature (Ph.D.)

Creative Writing (M.F.A.)

English (B.A.)

History (B.A.)

Philosophy (B.A.)

Women, Gender, and Sexuality Studies B.A.
Sciences
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Sciences
Our students bring writing, research and communication skills to many fields, including government agencies, contractors, media and more . There is a need in the sciences for professionals who can clearly and concisely explain scientific terms and processes. Enhance your resume through internships. Additional coursework, a minor or a double major in the sciences and/or technical writing may be helpful for some positions.
Classics (B.A.)

Communication (B.A.)

Comparative Literature (Ph.D.)

Creative Writing (M.F.A.)

English (B.A.)

History (B.A.)

Philosophy (B.A.)
Technology
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Technology
American Studies (B.A.)

Art (Studio Art) (B.A.)

German Studies (B.A.)

Immersive Media Design (B.A.)

Linguistics (B.A.)

Second Language Acquisition (M.A.)
Unsure/Other

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Unsure/Other

Whatever your interests and aspirations, ARHU is committed to providing the knowledge, skills and opportunities all our students need to write their own stories and chart their own paths.

Learn more about our curricular-career initiative.

"In ARHU, you’re learning about how people interact with the world and each other. My goal is to build things that people are going to use. Just technology knowledge can only go so far. You have to understand how people are going to use them to be truly successful."

Ozzie Fallick '14, Software Engineer, Google

Linguistics

"Cross-cultural communication is one of the most important skills that I learned at ARHU, and I use it to engage and inform the community in Barbados and the Eastern Caribbean about our events, exchanges and any other information that supports our key policy priorities in the region. ARHU gave me the tools to understand why in diplomacy, it’s as much about what you say as how you say it."

Krystle Norman '08, Foreign Service Officer, U.S. Department of State

Spanish and Portuguese

"I had always loved art, but I never knew you could make a career out of it until I studied abroad in Rome. There, I took a full course load of art courses and learned all about the factors of being an art professional. It was life-changing. Now I feel lucky that I’m doing something that I’m so passionate about."

Laura Sheridan Raiffe '09, Regional Account Manager, Christie's Fine Arts

Art History and Archaeology

"One of the most important things I got out of my ARHU experience is my ability to parse arguments, think critically and see multiple sides of an issue. Being in law school, it’s important to do that—it’s a skill I use every day. Not a class goes by, not a case gets read that this skill doesn’t come into play."

AJ Clayborne '13, Student, Harvard Law School

English

GRAND CHALLENGES

DEMAND FEARLESS IDEAS

The research and creative works of our faculty, students and alumni are setting the agenda for transformative dialogue about the value of the arts and the humanities in the world today.

Art, English, School of Music

Student Works Awarded in Expanded Sadat Arts for Justice and Peace Program

Music, poetry added to competition; entries centered on freedom of speech.

School of Theatre, Dance, and Performance Studies

With Terps’ Captioning System, a Silent Revolution Could Take Center Stage

Theatre designers seek to improve deaf community’s access to live performances.

School of Music

Low-Cost Lessons Raise Musical Bar for Local Teens

Terrapin Community Music School matches grad students with youths to expand access.

Experience the tight-knit feel of a small liberal arts college with all the perks of a national research university.

14 Departments

31 Academic Majors

8:1 Student/Faculty Ratio

Research Highlights

Explore Our Research

History

Historian Drafts Supreme Court Brief Contesting Trump’s Immunity Claims

U.S. founders’ writings show presidents have been subject to law throughout U.S. history, researchers argue.

The Harriet Tubman Department of Women, Gender, and Sexuality Studies

UMD Launches Institute Focused on Ethical AI Development

Neda Atanasoski, professor and chair of the Harriet Tubman Department of Women, Gender, and Sexuality Studies, is appointed associate director of education of the institute.

American Studies

Janelle Wong Honored by American Academy of Political and Social Science

The UMD professor is one of eight scholars inducted into the prestigious academy this year.

Happening at ARHU

News

April 22, 2024 Announcement, Honors and Awards

Dylan Lewis Named to Andrew W. Mellon Society of Fellows in Critical Bibliography

April 22, 2024 Exhibitions and Performances, Feature

New Outreach Program Strikes Chords of Connection

April 15, 2024 Obituary

English Professor Elizabeth Arnold Dies at 65

March 29, 2024 Exhibitions and Performances, Feature, In the News

A Celebration of David C. Driskell’s Sweeping Influence on the Art World

More News

Upcoming Events

More Events

Repost from @theclariceumd • Quality time with your little ones looks like fun on #MarylandDay! Join us at the Hatchling Community Music Program event, hosted by @terpsmusic , where you’ll learn how to engage your children musically both in-class and at home. It’s a fun and interactive way to bond with your little ones. See you at The Clarice Courtyard! #ArtsForAll

#MarylandDay is tomorrow from 10 a.m to 4 p.m! ARHU is represented across campus with dozens of events in the performing and visual arts, history, languages, literatures and cultures. Check out our exciting schedule of events by neighborhood. Admission and parking are free. https://arhu.umd.edu/events/explore-arhu-maryland-day-2024

Join us tomorrow at #MarylandDay for the Community LOVE mural project. Artist @lisamariestudio is taping out the L-O-V-E now! #ArtsForAll

University of Maryland College of Arts & Humanities Home

Explore ARHU on Maryland Day 2024!

Legendary Poet, Activist and Educator Nikki Giovanni to Help Inaugurate New Frederick Douglass Center

New Ideas for Used Materials

More Than an Observer

What interests you?

learning about...

Undergraduate Programs

Find out more:

Graduate Programs

Find out more:

Certificates

Find out more:

a career in...

Arts/Design

Communication/PR

Consulting

Education

Entertainment

Environment

Financial

Government

Healthcare

Hospitality

Human Resources

Law

Libraries/Museums

Management

Marketing/Sales

Media

Non-Profit

Public Policy

Research

Sciences

Technology

Unsure/Other

GRAND CHALLENGES

DEMAND FEARLESS IDEAS

Student Works Awarded in Expanded Sadat Arts for Justice and Peace Program

With Terps’ Captioning System, a Silent Revolution Could Take Center Stage

Low-Cost Lessons Raise Musical Bar for Local Teens

We Are ARHU

Academic Units

Institutes, Centers & Galleries

Research Highlights

New Scholarship from The College of Arts and Humanities

Historian Drafts Supreme Court Brief Contesting Trump’s Immunity Claims

UMD Launches Institute Focused on Ethical AI Development

Janelle Wong Honored by American Academy of Political and Social Science

Happening at ARHU

News

Dylan Lewis Named to Andrew W. Mellon Society of Fellows in Critical Bibliography

New Outreach Program Strikes Chords of Connection

English Professor Elizabeth Arnold Dies at 65

A Celebration of David C. Driskell’s Sweeping Influence on the Art World

Upcoming Events

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