University of Maryland, Baltimore (UMB) Rankings & Achievements

The University of Maryland, Baltimore (UMB) stands as one of the foremost public academic institutions in the United States, distinguished by its emphasis on health, law, and professional education. Established in 1807, UMB is Maryland’s first public university and is renowned for its commitment to education, research, and service in the fields of health and law. With an impressive array of graduate, professional, and undergraduate degree programs across a variety of disciplines, the university plays a pivotal role in shaping the future of healthcare and legal education in the country.

University Structure

UMB is structured to focus primarily on professional education in the health and law sectors, offering a wide range of degree programs across seven distinct schools:

The Dental School – As the world’s first dental school, founded in 1840, the University of Maryland Dental School has a rich legacy in dental education and clinical care. It remains a leading institution in oral health, consistently ranked among the best in the nation.

The Graduate School – Offering advanced degrees in a variety of health and law fields, the Graduate School at UMB provides students with the opportunity to engage in research that impacts society on a global scale.

The School of Law – Known for its exceptional part-time law program and strong emphasis on public service and clinical education, UMB’s law school is a top contender in the national rankings.

The School of Medicine – Providing comprehensive medical education, the School of Medicine focuses on research and primary care, ranking among the top medical schools in the country for both medical research and primary care education.

The School of Nursing – The School of Nursing is one of the nation's best, consistently ranked among the top nursing schools for its advanced nursing programs and its dedication to improving healthcare delivery.

The School of Pharmacy – A leading institution in pharmacy education, the School of Pharmacy ranks highly in national rankings and offers a comprehensive curriculum in pharmaceutical sciences, clinical practice, and research.

The School of Social Work – This school is a key player in educating future social workers, especially those focusing on clinical practice, social justice, and the provision of care in underrepresented communities.

Together, these schools form the backbone of UMB’s academic offerings, each contributing to the university’s robust reputation as a hub of knowledge and expertise in healthcare and law.

The Dental School: A Legacy of Excellence

The University of Maryland Dental School holds the distinction of being the first dental school in the world, a title that speaks to its leadership and pioneering spirit in dental education. The school has maintained its prominence over the years, continually evolving to meet the growing needs of both its students and the broader healthcare community. The school offers a comprehensive curriculum that spans all areas of dentistry, including clinical practice, research, and patient care. It is also a center for emergency oral health services, providing care to individuals of all ages. With a rich history of success and leadership in dental education, the school has consistently been ranked among the top dental schools in the U.S., including 4th in NIH funding among the nation’s dental schools.

The School of Law: National Recognition

UMB’s School of Law is well-regarded for its focus on public service and its strong clinical programs. The school offers both full-time and part-time law degree programs, the latter being particularly well-regarded. In the 2010 U.S. News & World Report rankings, the School of Law was ranked 6th in the nation for its part-time program, which is a testament to its commitment to providing flexible education for working professionals. In addition to its focus on legal theory and practice, the school emphasizes social justice, offering a variety of clinics and externships that allow students to gain real-world experience while serving underserved communities.

The School of Medicine: A Hub for Medical Education and Research

The School of Medicine at UMB is one of the leading institutions for medical education and research. It is consistently ranked among the top 30 medical schools in the nation for both primary care and medical research. UMB’s medical school is known for its commitment to training the next generation of healthcare professionals with a focus on providing primary care and engaging in cutting-edge medical research. In the 2008 U.S. News rankings, the School of Medicine was ranked 30th for primary care and 41st for medical research. The school’s faculty are involved in groundbreaking research, and students benefit from exposure to the latest developments in medical science.

The School of Nursing: Top-Ranked for Advanced Nursing Education

UMB’s School of Nursing is a leader in nursing education, consistently ranked among the best nursing schools in the country. In the 2007 U.S. News rankings, the School of Nursing was ranked 7th in the nation, and it has consistently remained in the top tier of nursing schools. The school offers advanced practice degrees, including family nurse practitioner, adult-gerontology nurse practitioner, and clinical nurse specialist programs, all of which prepare students to become leaders in the nursing profession. Additionally, UMB’s nursing faculty conduct influential research, particularly in the areas of patient care and healthcare systems.

The School of Pharmacy: A Leader in Pharmaceutical Education

UMB’s School of Pharmacy is another flagship institution within the university. Ranked 9th in the nation in 2008 by U.S. News & World Report, the School of Pharmacy is known for its exceptional programs in pharmaceutical sciences, pharmacology, and clinical practice. The school’s faculty are deeply involved in research, and students benefit from a curriculum that emphasizes both clinical practice and pharmaceutical research. UMB’s pharmacy program is also highly regarded for its emphasis on interdisciplinary collaboration, providing students with opportunities to work alongside professionals from other health-related fields.

The School of Social Work: A Center for Social Change

The School of Social Work at UMB is dedicated to addressing social issues and improving lives in underserved communities. Ranked 18th among schools of social work in the nation by U.S. News in 2009, the school is recognized for its commitment to social justice, clinical practice, and research in areas such as mental health, addiction, and healthcare access. The school also offers a number of programs for those interested in working with vulnerable populations, including those with substance abuse disorders, child welfare issues, and domestic violence.

University Rankings and Achievements

UMB has consistently been recognized for its academic and research excellence across multiple disciplines. The university's programs in health, law, and social work are ranked among the best in the nation, and UMB continues to be a leader in research funding. In Fiscal Year 2009, UMB received $517.1 million in contracts and grants, underlining its standing as a powerhouse for research and innovation in health and law fields.

The School of Law was ranked 6th for its part-time program by U.S. News & World Report in 2010, reinforcing its reputation for providing high-quality legal education. The university’s School of Pharmacy was ranked 9th for its comprehensive and advanced pharmacy programs, while the School of Medicine ranked in the top 30 for primary care education and 41st for medical research in the same report.

UMB’s reputation for excellence extends to other disciplines as well. For example, the School of Social Work was ranked 18th for its top-tier graduate programs, and the School of Nursing was recognized for being among the top 10 nursing schools in the country.

Conclusion

The University of Maryland, Baltimore stands as a premier institution for health and law education, combining a rich history of academic excellence with a commitment to cutting-edge research and social responsibility. With its exceptional schools of law, medicine, nursing, social work, pharmacy, and dental education, UMB continues to be a leading force in shaping the future of healthcare and legal education. Its faculty and students are deeply engaged in research that impacts society on a global scale, and its programs are consistently ranked among the top in the nation and the world. Through its focus on education, research, and service, UMB remains a cornerstone of excellence in higher education.