UMBC is constantly evolving its programs and offerings through new courses, a new institute, and through improvements of existing programs.
To read more about these and other campus news stories, visit UMBC news.
UMBC leverages interdisciplinary expertise to launch Quantum Science Institute
Using funding from the National Institute of Standards and Technology, UMBC is planning to organize a new UMBC Quantum Science Institute. The new institute will fund graduate fellowships in quantum technology research, new course and program development focused on quantum, and new technology for UMBC’s quantum labs. One of the goals of the institute is to teach students from a range of backgrounds the skills needed for positions in the rapidly growing quantum industry using an interdisciplinary approach. The institute works with faculty from a variety of disciplines, including faculty in physics, mathematics and statistics, computer science, and information systems.
Read more about the newly launched institute here.
“Teaching them to think”: New course prepares students for success in proof-based mathematics
According to two new papers by UMBC mathematicians and UMBC’s Faculty Development Center, MATH 300: Introduction to Mathematical Reasoning (IMR) is helping students succeed in subsequent proof-based courses. In particular, the new course is helping students in MATH 301: Real Analysis, which is considered to be one of the most difficult courses for math majors across the nation. One of the two published papers found that students who completed weekly reflections in IMR performed much better in Real Analysis, as the students gained the language to understand the gaps in their knowledge. The other published paper found that students who did not perform well in the prerequisite linear algebra course were much more likely to succeed in Real Analysis if they had taken IMR. IMR will now be a required class in the core curriculum for Mathematics, which demonstrates how a collective commitment to student success can foster positive change.
Read more about the two studies here.
U.S. News ranks UMBC’s online master’s in information systems among best in the nation
US News and World Report ranked UMBC’s online master’s degree in information systems as #32 out of 102 of the best online master’s programs in the US in information technology. UMBC ranked two spots higher than last year. UMBC’s online Master’s program in information systems is notable for its flexibility, allowing students to study full-time or part-time. The program also has specialization options, allowing students to focus on a specialization track in data science, cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, or UX design. This semester, the program is seeking to foster a greater sense of community through tailored events and networking opportunities for the online student population.
Read more about UMBC’s new ranking here.
UMBC celebrates another year offering free tax prep services in partnership with the CASH Campaign of Maryland
The CASH Campaign of Maryland, a nonprofit that aims to promote economic advancement for low-to-moderate income people in Maryland, is working together with UMBC student volunteers to offer free tax prep services on the UMBC campus. UMBC has been a site for free tax prep for almost a decade now, and the partnership with CASH has saved clients hundreds of thousands of dollars. Anyone can go to the UMBC site for free tax prep services; qualifying individuals and families include anyone with a household income of $67,000 or less. The tax prep services do more than just save clients tax preparation fees – the goal of the program is also to educate people about tax credits they can qualify for.