2021 UMD Virtual Grad Fair and Open House
The University of Maryland cordially invites all undergraduate students from all fields and disciplines and from any institution to participate in a FREE week-long virtual graduate school fair and open house from September 20 through 27, 2021 (dates and times of sessions vary, see full schedule below).
All sessions are listed below with dates/times, descriptions, and registration links.
Please share this announcement widely with your colleagues, scholars, and anyone interested in graduate study at University of Maryland.
What can I get out of attending a free Virtual UMD Graduate School Fair & Open House?
- Connect with dozens of UMD faculty, staff, and graduate students over a full week of virtual sessions.
- Get answers to your questions about graduate school.
- Learn about application deadlines, degree options, funding, future career prospects, and much more.
- Network directly with admissions representatives and directors and coordinators of graduate study.
- Explore dozens of graduate programs and more.
All sessions are Eastern Standard Time, and all students are required to register for these free workshops and sessions.
Register for as many sessions as you would like to attend by clicking on the session title.
Please register for each session separately.
To register, click on the link for any (or all) of the sessions that interest you. After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the session.
Contact The Graduate School with any questions or concerns:
| Day and Time | Session Title | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Sept. 21 - 2:00pm | Writing Your Personal Statement | In this workshop, we'll discuss ways to compose an effective personal statement for your graduate school application. Come with questions and ideas to present to facilitator, Dr. Linda Macri, Director of the Graduate Writing Center! |
| Sept. 22 - 3:00pm | Resumes that Impress Graduate Selection Committees | A CV and/or resume is a typical part of the graduate application process. Learn how to present your qualifications and experiences in a way that stands out to the graduate faculty selection committee. |
| Sept. 25 - 12:00pm | Choose Maryland for Graduate School | Overview of research, funding, facilities, culture, and more that University of Maryland offers graduate students. |
| Sept. 25 - 2:00pm | Funding Opportunities for McNair Scholars | Learn about the McNair Graduate Fellowship, best practices to get nominated, and the Society of McNair Fellows at University of Maryland. |
| Sept. 25 - 4:00pm | Developing a Competitive Application | Graduate applications cannot just be good, they must be competitive. Learn about how to approach your graduate application, create a timeline, and speak with Director in The Office of Graduate Diversity and Inclusion Christopher Pérez in this session to help you develop a competitive application. |
| Sept. 26 - 11:00am | Application Fee Waiver Information, Eligibility, and Requests | Learn how to effectively request an application fee waiver and speak directly with Office of Graduate Diversity and Inclusion Director Christopher Pérez. This session will also cover the Big Ten Academic Alliance FreeApp. |
| Sept. 26 - 1:00pm | Needs Assessment and Support Services Designed for Graduate Students at UMD | Being successful in graduate school requires more than just a good funding package and mentors. This session will help you understand the needs of graduate students, support services at UMD, and will help you develop a "needs assessment" plan to help you be successful as a graduate student. |
| Sept. 26 - 3:00pm | Funding Opportunities for McNair Scholars | Learn about the McNair Graduate Fellowship, best practices to get nominated, and the Society of McNair Fellows at University of Maryland. |
| Day and Time | Session Title | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Sept. 21 - 11:00am | UMD SACNAS - Advancing UMD Chicanos/Hispanics and Native Americans in Science | SACNAS is a national society seeking to promote the advancement of Chicanos/Hispanics and Native Americans in Science. Join us to learn about its wide reach, its presence at UMD, the social and professional events we host, and how to get involved! |
| Sept. 22 - 1:00pm | Black at UMD: The Intersection of the Black Graduate Experience | Join the Black Graduate Student Union (BGSU) for an authentic panel on what it means to be Black at Maryland through the eyes of current Master's and Doctoral students. BGSU is a professional and social support network for Black graduate students across disciplines & programs. If you have questions that you would like to be answered during the panel, please email Christina Sessoms, BGSU Vice President, at csessoms@umd.edu before the session. |
| Date and Time | Session Title | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Sept. 20 - 12:00pm | Urban Design, Ecological Design, Community Design and Creative Design: Exploring Career Pathways in Landscape Architecture | If you want to restore natural ecosystems, improve the quality of life for urban communities, or express your creative ideas through urban design, then Landscape Architecture can set you on a career path to reach these exciting goals. Learn what a design career in landscape architecture is all about, why licensing is important, and the great things our alumni are doing. |
| Sept. 21 - 12:00pm | MS and PhD in Plant Science | Join us to learn more about our Plant Science graduate program in which students are advised and mentored by our world-class faculty recognized for their contributions to Plant Science. The PLSC graduate program provides opportunities for students to receive training and conduct research in a wide range of areas that include Agronomy, Cell Biology, Genetics and Genomics, Molecular Biology, Physiology, Pathology, Food Safety and Security, and Conservation Biology and Ecology, including agroecology. |
| Sept. 21 - 2:00pm | Comparative Biomedical Sciences graduate program | Learn about the Comparative biomedical Sciences graduate program (M.S. and Ph.D.) that provides training in a wide variety of Biomedical Science-related disciplines, including virology, bacteriology, parasitology, immunology, epidemiology, pathology, and vaccinology. There will be a Q&A session following the information presentation about the application/admission process. |
| Sept. 21 - 3:00pm | Extension Education | Discover courses in sharing your research with others, learn about how to design outreach programs to assist the public through a variety of non-formal educational activities and examine your professional goals within the new Master of Extension Education program in the College of Agriculture and Natural Resources. |
| Sept. 22 - 5:00pm | Urban Design, Ecological Design, Community Design and Creative Design: Exploring Career Pathways in Landscape Architecture | If you want to restore natural ecosystems, improve the quality of life for urban communities, or express your creative ideas through urban design, then Landscape Architecture can set you on a career path to reach these exciting goals. Learn what a design career in landscape architecture is all about, why licensing is important, and the great things our alumni are doing. |
| Sept. 24 - 11:00am | Science Focused Summer Research Programs | This session will explore the intricacies of acquiring a summer research internship in varying STEM disciplines. The Big Ten Summer Research Opportunities Program (SROP) requirements and an introduction to faculty and staff participation will be discussed. |
| Day and Time | Session Title | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Sept. 20 - 2:00pm | School of Architecture, Planning and Preservation | This event will include an overview of our graduate programs in the School of Architecture, Planning and Preservation, followed by time for Q&A period. Programs include Architecture, Community Planning, Historic Preservation, Real Estate Development, and more than 17 interdisciplinary dual degrees. |
| Day and Time | Session Title | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Sept. 22 - 9:00am | Graduate Opportunities in UMD's Department of Communication | Learn more about opportunities for graduate study in UMD's Department of Communication. We'll provide a short overview of our department and our three graduate research areas: Communication & Social Cognition, Public Relations & Strategic Communication, and Rhetoric & Political Culture. There will be time for Q&A at the end. |
| Sept. 22 - 2:00pm | University of Maryland's MFA in Design Program: Training in Design for Live Performance | The session is design to discuss the UMD's program which trains students for careers in design and visualization for live performance (theatre, Opera, Dance etc.) as well as prepares them for work in film and television. |
| Sept 22 - 4:00pm | So You're Thinking of Getting a Graduate Degree in American Studies? Top 10 Things You Should Know | In this session you'll learn more details about the MA and PhD program in American Studies and our department's focus on social justice, race and ethnicity, Black cultural studies, and cultures of everyday life. |
| Sept. 24 - 4:00pm | Graduate Opportunities in UMD's Department of Communication | Learn more about opportunities for graduate study in UMD's Department of Communication. We'll provide a short overview of our department and our three graduate research areas: Communication & Social Cognition, Public Relations & Strategic Communication, and Rhetoric & Political Culture. There will be time for Q&A at the end. |
| Day and Time | Session Title | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Sept. 21 - 2:00pm | Government and Politics | Learn about our PhD program in Government and Politics, covering the sub-fields of International Relations, Comparative Politics, and American Politics. |
| Sept. 22 - 12:00pm | Psychology PhD programs | Learn about UMD's PhD programs in Psychology (Clinical, Counseling, Cognitive/Neural Systems, Developmental, and Social/Decision/Organizational), and about our departmental initiatives promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion. This will be a short presentation followed by a Q&A session with faculty and current students. |
| Sept. 22 - 4:00pm | IO Psychology: Apply your Psychology Degree to the Workplace | In this session, you will learn about how you can utilize psychology to improve employee wellbeing and organizations. We will provide an overview of the IO Master’s (IO MPS) degree program and admissions process followed by a Q&A session with the IO MPS program director and faculty. |
| Sept. 23 - 10:00am | Neuroscience and Cognitive Science Program | Join us to learn about our interdisciplinary NACS PhD program and the application/admissions process. Prospective students will have the opportunity to talk with current NACS students and ask questions. |
| Sept. 23 - 10:00am | Geospatial Information Sciences (GIS) and Geospatial Intelligence (GEOINT) Master of Science and Graduate Certificate programs | This is a 15-20 minute information session followed by a Q&A. Students can ask admissions questions regarding GIS and GEOINT Master of Science and Graduate Certificate programs. |
| Sept. 23 - 3:00 | M.S. in Survey and Data Science | The Joint Program offers a Master of Science in Survey and Data Science from the University of Maryland with three tracks of study namely, Statistical Science, Social and Psychological Science, and Data Science. |
| Sept. 24 - 11:00am | Anthropology Graduate Programs | Learn about the graduate programs in anthropology at UMD (PhD, MAA, MAA/MHP, MPS (CHRM)), as well as general information on graduate training and career paths in anthropology. The Director of Graduate Studies (Dr. Christina Getrich) and the Assistant Director of Graduate Studies (Nadine Dangerfield) will be available to answer your questions. |
| Sept. 24 - 12:00pm | Department of Geographical Sciences PhD Program | This event is structured as a 15 minutes information session followed by a Q&A to answer questions about the Department of Geographical Sciences PhD program and the admissions process to the Department of Geographical Sciences PhD program. |
| Day and Time | Session Title | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Sept. 20 - 11:30am | How to Choose a Business Master's | Join us to learn how to choose the best Business Master's program to fit your career goals. |
| Sept. 21. - 2:00pm | Business Master's for non Business Majors | Afraid of joining a Business Grad Program if you didn't do Business in Undergrad? Don't be! Come learn how a Business Master's can work for you. |
| Sept. 22 - 1:00pm | What is a PhD in Business and Management? | What is a PhD in Business and Management and why pursue a PhD in Business and Management. |
| Sept. 22 -1:00pm | MBA and Business Masters Programs | Learn more about Maryland Smith's MBA (Full Time and Part Time/Flex) and MS programs (Accounting, Business Analytics, Business & Management, Finance, Information Systems, Marketing Analytics, Quantitative Finance, Supply Chain Management). |
| Day and Time | Session Title | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Sept. 23 - 10:00am | The Department of Mathematics (AMSC, Math, Stat/StatBB) | This is an information session for prospective graduate students interested in the Department of Mathematics. Representatives from the Math, Stat, and AMSC program will be presenting. Ample time will be provided for Q&As |
| Sept. 23 - 11:00am | Graduate Study in Entomology | Information session about the Entomology Graduate Program (MS &PhD) and the application/admissions process. There will be a Q&A following the presentation. |
| Sept. 23 - 11:00am | Finding the Right Graduate Program in the Life Sciences | There are many ways to pursue graduate training in the various fields of biology. Prof. Haag will describe how to choose between M.S. and Ph.D tracks, and within the Ph.D how to identify a program and research mentor that will maximize your chances for success. |
| Sept. 23 - 2:30pm | NSF Graduate Research Fellowship Program | Information session about the NSF Graduate Research Fellowship Program (GRFP) and application process. The GRFP helps ensure the vitality of the human resource base of science and engineering in the United States and reinforces its diversity. The GRFP will help you get into the graduate program of your choice. The program recognizes and supports outstanding graduate students in NSF-supported science, technology, engineering, and mathematics disciplines who are pursuing research-based master's and doctoral degrees at US institutions. |
| Sept. 24 - 11:00am | Graduate Study in Entomology | Information session about the Entomology Graduate Program (MS &PhD) and the application/admissions process. There will be a Q&A following the presentation. |
| Day and Time | Session Title | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Sept. 20 - 1:00pm | Why EdTerps Welcome Session | Discover why EdTerps are choosing grad school in the College of Education. This session will cover information about research, diversity/inclusion and equity, and will feature a current student panel. |
| Sept. 20 - 2:00pm | Introduction to TLPL | Join representatives from Teaching, Learning, Policy & Leadership in the College of Education to learn more about our graduate programs. In this informational session, we will share information about the research being done in TLPL as well as opportunities for graduate students and where our alumni go. |
| Sept. 21 - 12:00pm | Master's Degrees in The College of Education | The world needs innovative educators – individuals who believe in improving educational outcomes for students everywhere. With more than 30 masters programs, The College of Education is where they are made. This session allows prospective students to explore what masters program is the best fit for them. |
| Sept. 21 - 2:00pm | BIPOC in TLPL | Join our virtual session and hear first hand from two current graduate students of Color in TLPL. In this informational session, we will discuss the on-going work being done in the College of Education and TLPL aimed towards anti-racism. We will also provide space for prospective students of Color to ask questions. |
| Sept. 22 - 1:00pm | Doctoral programs in The College of Education | Doctoral students in the College of Education have access to renowned faculty experts and unparalleled research opportunities to facilitate collaborative work to empower your education. This session allows prospective students to explore what Doctoral program is the best fit for them. |
| Sept. 22 - 10:00am | School Psychology Program at UMD | Join faculty and staff for an overview of the Profession and Training Program at University of Maryland, College Park in the College of Education. |
| Sept. 22 - 4:00pm | Off-Campus M.Ed. in Human Development | Cohort based 2 year program in human development with courses taking place online and at Universities at Shady Grove campus.The next cohort begins fall 2022 and we are currently accepting applications on a rolling basis. |
| Sept. 23 - 10:00am | Applying to Graduate School: Student Perspective | Join this virtual and learn helpful tools and tricks to applying to graduate school from two current graduate students. In this informational session, we will share best practices to creating a successful TLPL application as well as tips for choosing a graduate program. |
| Sept. 23 - 4:30pm | M.Ed. Teacher Leadership, Special Studies in STEM Education | Join us to learn more about this dynamic degree program for ES and MS teachers. Join us for an overview of the program, learn about the classes, see artifacts from current teacher participants, learn about scholarship opportunities and more! |
| Sept. 23 - 11:00am | How Do EdTerp Grad Students Pay For School? | The College of Education understands the importance of financial support in your pursuit of a college degree. This session will highlight funding opportunities available to EdTerps to help reduce or remove financial barriers towards your academic and professional goals. |
| Sept. 23 - 1:00pm | Interested in Data Analysis? MS and PhD in the Measurement, Statistics & Evaluation Program | Information session on the Measurement, Statistics & Evaluation Program (MS and PhD) and the application/admissions process. There will be a Q&A session with current faculty and students following the presentation. |
| Sept. 24 - 10:00am | Finding Funding in TLPL | Join us for this virtual session as we share information on securing funding for graduate school. Additionally, we will share information on obtaining funding for prospective TLPL graduate students. |
| Day and Time | Session Title | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Sept. 20 - 11:00am | MS and PhD in Aerospace Engineering | Our department will offer a brief presentation on the Aerospace Engineering MS/PhD programs and our application requirements. There will be time for Q&A following the session and our of our current grad students will be there to share their experience. |
| Sept. 21 - 1:00pm | Department of Materials Science and Engineering | This event will include an overview of our graduate programs in the Department of Materials Science and Engineering, followed by time for Q&A with current graduate students. |
| Sept. 22 - 11:00am | Professional Master of Engineering Graduate Programs (non-thesis only) | The Master of Engineering and Graduate Certificate in Engineering programs are coursework-based graduate engineering programs that do not require a thesis. There will be a 20 minute presentation on the programs and application process followed by a Q&A session. |
| Sept. 22 - 2:00pm | MS and PhD in Civil & Environmental Engineering | This is an information session on the Civil and Environmental Engineering graduate programs (MS and PhD) and the application/admissions process. There will be a 20-minute presentation followed by a Q&A session. |
| Sept. 23 - 11:00am | How to Connect with and Find an Advisor in Graduate School - Mechanical Engineering Programs | Are you wondering how to find an advisor? What the process is and where to even begin? In this session, we’ll talk with Dr. Abhijit Dasgupta, Director of Graduate Studies in Mechanical Engineering, about connecting with faculty during the application process and finding an advisor. |
| Sept. 23 - 1:00pm | A Unique Program with Excellent Job Placement - Come Learn More about Fire Protection Engineering | Fire Protection Engineering has a 100% job placement rate along with a high demand for engineers to fill existing positions in the field. Haven't heard of this program before? Students who are completing any mechanical, civil or aerospace based undergraduate engineering degree are recommended to attend to learn more about this dynamic and engaging program with a focus on designing solutions to protect life from fire. |
| Sept. 23 - 7:00pm | Make an Impact with a Graduate Degree in Bioengineering | This session will present the graduate program opportunities (MS, PhD, dual degrees with UM School of Medicine) and application process within the Fischell Department of Bioengineering. Ample time will be left for Q&A from participants. |
| Sept. 24 - 11:00am | MS and PhD Degrees in Chemical Engineering | We will present details about the MS/PhD programs in Chemical Engineering and out application requirements. There will be time for Q&A following the session. |
| Day and Time | Session Title | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Sept. 22 - 12:00pm | Graduate Programs in Public Safety Leadership and Administration (PLA) - Information Session | Public safety professionals are facing daunting challenges related to COVID-19, climate change, and social unrest. Naturally, public safety work must adapt to this "new normal," and UMD's online professional degree program in Public Safety Leadership and Administration (PLA) is poised to lead the way. In this information session, PLA program director, Lester Andrist, will briefly review the PLA program curriculum. He will discuss how the program helps students achieve their career goals, and he will outline the application requirements. Attendees will have an opportunity to ask questions. |
| Day and Time | Session Title | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Sept. 21 - 11:00am | An Introduction to MLIS Professional Careers | A Master of Library and Information Science (MLIS) degree prepares graduates for jobs in libraries, archives, museums, school libraries, government organizations, and special libraries. This session will introduce you to the many careers available to MLIS grads. |
| Day and Time | Session Title | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Sept. 27. - 11:00am | Merrill College of Journalism Master's and PhD Programs | We will talk about our master's programs and/or PhD programs , the application process and answer questions with Serap Rada, Assistant Director of Graduate Programs. |
| Day and Time | Session Title | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Sept. 20 - 2:00pm | Department of Health Policy & Management | The Department of Health Policy Analysis & Evaluation has several programs that includes Master of Health Administration, MPH in Health Equity, and MPH in Health Policy Analysis & Evaluation. We wil discuss program criteria and answer any questions or concerns. |
| Sept. 21 - 12:00pm | Online MPH in Practice and Policy and Online MHA | This session will include admission criteria and program overviews. The session will also discuss challenges and best practices in navigating and completing an online graduate program. |
| Sept. 22 - 12:00pm | UMD School of Public Health - PhD Programs | Join the University of Maryland School of Public Health admissions team to learn more about our PhD programs, UMD SPH community and the application process. This session also has ample time for Q&A. |
| Sept. 24. - 10:00am | UMD School of Public Health - Master’s Degree Programs | Interested in pursuing a graduate education in public health or interested to learn about what this field is about? Join the University of Maryland School of Public Health admissions team to learn about the UMD SPH community, our master’s programs, and tips about the application process. |
| Sept. 24 - 12:00pm | Admissions Session for MPH in Epidemiology/Biostatistics and PhD in Epidemiology | Admissions Information Session for the MPH in Epidemiology, MPH in Biostatistics, and PhD in Epidemiology programs with Dr. Xin He, Director of Graduate Studies, Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics. |
| Sept. 25 - 11:30am | UMD School of Public Health - Graduate Degree Programs | Interested in pursuing a graduate education in public health? Don't miss this opportunity to have your questions answered. Join the University of Maryland School of Public Health admissions team to learn about the UMD SPH community, our academic graduate programs, and the application process. |
| Sept. 25 - 1:00pm | Have a passion for physical activity and health equity? Join us! | Come learn about the Master of Public Health (MPH) in Physical Activity in the Department of Kinesiology. This event is structured as a 15 minutes information session followed by a Q&A. The Graduate Director, Dr. Shannon Jette, and the Graduate Coordinator, Andrea Liberto, will answer questions about the MPH in Physical Activity Program and the admissions process to the University of Maryland School of Public Health. |
| Day and Time | Session Title | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Sept. 22 - 1:00pm | A Degree for Today and Tomorrow's Challenges - A Master's Degree in Public Administration | Learn the art of public administration and government management and establish yourself as an effective and impactful public sector leader. |