University of Maryland University College comes to Philly region

It is extremely heartening to learn that the University of Maryland University College (UMUC) has recently introduced itself through an extensive marketing campaign to the Philadelphia region.

This is especially good news for the working adults in the Delaware County, who now have the option of earning a quality Undergraduate or Graduate degree either completely online or in a hybrid format that combines online classes with face-to-face class meetings at locations in Maryland.

For more than 70 years, UMUC—the only adult-focused institution in the University System of Maryland--has catered to students primarily in the DC-Maryland-Virginia (DMV) areas as well as US military stationed around the globe. As a pioneer in online education, UMUC has more than 90,000 students enrolled worldwide in about 90 academic programs; it is also one of the most affordable institutions in the region. For example, students can complete an MBA or a Masters in Cyber security/Data analytics for less than $25,000. Similarly, the cost of an undergraduate degree is significantly less than most other four-year universities.

I’ve been a professor The Graduate School at UMUC since 2008, even while being a full-time resident at Media, PA. In the past decade, I have witnessed the university make tremendous progress on all fronts, especially in adopting the latest technological tools in education. In recent past, all the courses have been revamped to incorporate career relevant competencies that are also in sync with market requirements.

In 2016, the University eliminated publisher textbooks in most courses, replacing them with no-cost, digital materials. It also redesigned its academic programs to put greater emphasis on experiential learning in which students focus on real-life projects. These changes have been highly appreciated by students, as it has ensured that they have access to a better-quality education, without having to spend thousands of dollars on textbooks over the course of their degree program.

More than 75 percent of our stateside undergraduates have full-time jobs and their feedback indicates that a UMUC degree, adds genuine value to their resume. In an era where the rising costs of tuition and student debt have assumed alarming proportion, UMUC offers an affordable alternative to working adults in the Delaware County, who are keen to improve their career opportunities.

Written by Sandeep Patnaik PhD (resident of Media, Pa.)

Professor and Chair, Marketing, The Graduate School,

University of Maryland University College