Two-year agreement will provide employees, spouses and dependents access to UMUC’s diverse curriculum
Adelphi, Md. — University of Maryland University College (UMUC) announced today that it has signed an agreement with the Smithsonian Institution to offer its 6,000 employees, their spouses and dependents the opportunity to complete degrees or pursue continuing education at UMUC. This new two-year agreement makes UMUC the first university to formalize an education alliance with the Smithsonian.
“UMUC is honored to sign this pioneering agreement with the Smithsonian Institution, an organization with its own proud history as one of the country’s great educational resources,” said UMUC Acting Provost Marie Cini. “This unique alliance fits our mission of providing quality higher education to working adults and continues our long tradition of helping to strengthen the federal workforce across the Washington, D.C., metropolitan region.”
Under the agreement, Smithsonian employees, their spouses and dependents can take individual courses or enroll in any of UMUC’s 95 undergraduate and graduate degree or certificate programs, most of which are available fully online. Students enrolling in UMUC’s Undergraduate School may transfer credits and/or be awarded credit for prior learning if eligible under UMUC’s standard policies and procedures. Program participants who are not Maryland residents and therefore do not qualify for UMUC’s in-state tuition rates may be eligible for a significant discount on out-of-state rates.
“This represents a significant step forward for the Smithsonian and its employees.” said James Douglas, Smithsonian Institution Director of Human Resources. “For the first time, we have a broad-based educational partnership that provides our employees, and their families, the opportunity to continue their education in a wide range of fields, not just a few specific programs.”
About the Smithsonian
Founded in 1846, the Smithsonian is the world’s largest museum and research complex consisting of 19 museums and galleries, the National Zoological Park and nine research facilities. There are 6,000 Smithsonian employees. The Smithsonian’s first national ad campaign with the tagline, “Seriously Amazing,” launched this fall in five cities. More than 30 million people will visit the Smithsonian this year. The total number of objects, works of art and specimens at the Smithsonian is estimated at 137 million.
About University of Maryland University College
University of Maryland University College (UMUC), headquartered in Adelphi, Maryland, is the largest public university in the United States, serving 97,000 students and offering 95 undergraduate and graduate programs online and on-site. In addition, UMUC is one of the largest public providers of online higher education in the nation. UMUC takes pride in its 65-year history of service to the military and currently enrolls an estimated 50,000 military service members, veterans, and their dependents each year. The university offers face-to-face instruction at 20 locations throughout Maryland and educational services in 28 countries and territories and more than 150 locations worldwide, including the Middle East. UMUC is accredited by the Commission on Higher Education of the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools and is a constituent institution of the University System of Maryland, an agency of the State of Maryland.
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