University of Maryland - College Park Reviews

"The program is very competitive and demanding and requires students to read, to think deeply and wisely, to participate actively in class discussion, and to learn for students themselves, not for anyone else. The program is small enough for students to know and interact with each other to learn and share lessons. The program creates many chances for students to meet and talk with professors, faculty, alumni and speakers coming to school. Students have opportunities to develop a broad career network and enhance writing, thinking, analyzing, and constructing arguments to prepare for a future career in public policy field. The program is very expensive and there are very limited chances to get a scholarship or financial aid for an international student. The cost of living in College Park is also very expensive for an international student like me."

"The Smith School of Business is a wonderful program. The faculty is excellent and their focus on executive leadership is exceptional."

"I study at the lab in Western Maryland where it is quiet and less diverse. Although it is far away from the other campuses we still have quite a bit of interaction with the other labs across the state. I have had great experiences already and everyday I feel lucky to be in the position that I am in attending University of Maryland. I study streams in the unique areas of Western Maryland and all the equipment I need is available along with additional help from staff members. I also have a great advisor who is very supportive and encourages creativity. The courses are taught across an Interactive Video Network system that allow me to take courses taught at other campuses and get to know the other students in the program, as well as the professors. As each of us are located in different parts of Maryland we learn about each others research and how it all relates, even though we are hours away. It's a collaborative way to study the Chesapeake Bay watershed and understand how so many factors affect its health. It deeply broadens our understanding and encourages interdisciplinary work."

"Luckily, my graduate program is a continuation of my undergraduate work. I was taking special education classes for the first four years of my undergraduate career and now I will be attending Maryland again for a fifth year for graduate school. It is for my masters in becoming a special education teacher. This is beneficial because I already have been introduced to the professors, school, academics, and a field placement. My undergraduate classes had me in a placement in a classroom as an intern 3 days a week half day, which prepared me for graduate school. This helped ease me into the classroom where I will be teaching 5 days a week. Unfortunately, the issues with my graduate school program is the expensive cost and that I will only be certified in Maryland (when I want to go back home to New York and teach)."

"Can't really speak to affordability or campus safety as a commuter student but I have really appreciated my experience so far. Impressed by the investment the professors and administrators have made in getting us through the program successfully and in helping us pursue our academic interests. There's a tremendous sense of kindness and genuine support but very rigorous expectations as well."

"The pros of my program include the flexibility. The cons include the trial and error approach of the blended format."

"The pros to my graduate education are that it is a rigorous program focused on development of a professional degree. We are being prepared to enter into our field and make an instant impact."