1. Understanding a Liberal Arts Education
Ms. Ericka Thompson
Office for Academic and Pre-Professional Advising

2. Topics Welcome, Parents & Family Members!
Why is Academic Advising Important?
Components of the UMBC Degree
Value of a Liberal Arts Education
Special Opportunities at UMBC

3. Advising is… A partnership between student and advisor that supports:
Choice of major & career
Course selection, credit load
Progress toward degree
Adjustment to college/UMBC
Academic enrichment—research, study abroad, internships

4. Advisors at UMBC Most advisors are professors in the student’s major
Some large depts also have
professional advisors
(Psychology, Engineering, Biology)
Exploratory students (no declared major) advised in the Office for Academic Advising
Specialized advising for pre-health professions, Honors College, athletes, students in academic difficulty, intl. students

5. What Parents Need to Know about Advising
Every student is required to
meet with an advisor every
semester. The student makes the appointment!
Students who do not find their initial advisor helpful may request a new advisor.
Students are encouraged to talk to more than one advisor.
Students who use the advising system make better decisions, graduate sooner.

6. UMBC Extra Credit Helps students stay on track to
graduation and beyond
Students receive brief, attention-grabbing s 5-6 times each semester
leads to a site where timely topics are presented:
How to Find a Mentor
Evaluating Grad Schools
Importance of Internships
Effective Resumes
Planning for Graduation
Using Social Media Well

7. UMBC Bachelors Degree

8. Major UMBC offers 45 majors! Depth in one area
Requires from credits
Pre-professional study (pre-med, pre-law) is not an academic major
Recommend declare major by ~45 credits, sooner if ready
Interdisciplinary studies =
design your own major

9. General Education English Composition 1 “Writing Intensive” course
Arts & Humanities (3 courses)
Social Sciences (3 courses)
Math (1 college level course)
Science (2 courses, at least one with lab)
Global Cultures (1-2 courses)
Foreign language proficiency at the intermediate level

10. Other University Requirements
To graduate, every UMBC
student must complete:
At least 120 academic credits
At least 45 credits in 300 & 400
level courses (junior/senior level)
At least 30 credits at UMBC
Two Physical Education courses
A UMBC Grade Point Average of 2.0+

11. Selecting Courses Key On Line Tools: Schedule of Classes
Undergrad Catalog
Student’s Record in myUMBC
UMBC Dept Websites

12. Academic Info On Line Each student has on line
access to his or her own info:
Placement in
English composition
Mathematics
Class schedule
Transfer and AP/IB credit
Progress toward graduation requirements
Unofficial Transcript

13. Benefits of a Liberal Arts Foundation
Informed citizenship
Flexibility of career choice
Ability to integrate information
Cultural literacy
Explore multiple areas of interest
Avoid narrow, technical
education
Function in a global,
multi-cultural society
Develop talents in the arts

14. Benefits of Liberal Arts Education for Pre-Professional Students
Medical & law schools are interested in students with non-traditional majors and minors who bring something “extra”
A broad liberal arts education:
Gives a competitive edge in
admissions
Helps prepare for “Plan B”
Increases effectiveness in the profession--broader perspective and wider range of skills

15. First Year Experiences
“My first year seminar course exposed me to the tools of success for college. It has allowed me to become connected, integrated, and involved in the UMBC community.” --Kristopher de la Cruz
First Year Seminars (3 cr.)
Intro to an Honors Univ (1 cr.)
Transfer Student Seminars (1-2 cr.)
Note: First Year courses may be taken during the 1st or 2nd semester at UMBC

16. Transfer Student Initiative
Transfer students from Maryland community colleges may be able to use credits earned at UMBC to complete their Associate of Arts degrees.
More Info: REVERSEAWARD.UMBC.EDU

17. Studying Abroad! www.umbc.edu/orientation
Achsah Joseph—studied abroad in Uganda and Rwanda

18. (also Service Learning, Co Ops)
Internships
Maryland Governor’s Intern Program
UMBC Shriver Center
(also Service Learning, Co Ops)

19. Undergraduate Research
and Creative
Achievement Day
Undergraduate Research Awards ($ to support research)
Research opportunities in academic departments and labs
Summer lab placements in universities, agencies
(e.g., Johns Hopkins University, NIH, MIT)
MARC program (Minority Access to Research Careers)

20. Pre-Professional Advising Academic Services Building, Room 103
Advising Help After Orientation:
Office for Academic &
Pre-Professional Advising
Academic Services Building, Room 103
Walk In Advising: Mon-Fri 10am-2pm
Call or for Appointments