Master of Real Estate Development

Degree

The Master of Real Estate Development [MRED] program at the University of Maryland provides a comprehensive graduate level education designed to prepare students for a successful career in real estate development. The MRED Program promotes a multi-disciplinary approach to real estate education. It delivers a comprehensive curriculum with a foundation in the business, finance and entrepreneurial aspects of real estate, paying special attention to the “quadruple bottom line:” economic viability, environmental respect, social responsibility and beautiful design. The program offers a unique mix of elements and a strong finance foundation that prepares students to successfully address industry challenges and become accomplished practitioners. It includes the following components:

• Professors who are active industry professionals, committed to providing the working knowledge of how real estate is being developed and managed under current conditions.
• A location rich with real estate challenges—land development on the Eastern Shore, infill development in Washington, DC, redevelopment of suburban transit corridors, river and harbor
front makeovers in Baltimore and Washington—allowing students to explore classroom concepts with enriching site visits.
• A flexible and personal study program with start dates, course sequences and core requirements tailored specifically to each student’s needs.
• A diverse student body, whose broad mix of academic backgrounds, practical experience, age, gender, ethnicity and culture provide an exceptional setting for learning, ollaboration
and professional connections.
• Involved and connected alumni at top real estate companies, actively support the program, its students and each other. Our graduates are making their marks at such notable companies as Jones Lang LaSalle, JBG, RCLCO, Somerset Development, First Potomac and the Peterson Companies, as well as in public/private development at the federal, state and local level.

In sum, the University of Maryland’s Graduate Programs in Real Estate Development offer an unparalleled combination of realworld knowledge, real estate industry connections and a vibrant,
diverse student body.

File Info Master of Real Estate Development brochure (MRED Brochure 2014.pdf)

Tuition and Fees

The MRED degree is a Non-Standard Tuition program. Please see PDFs below for more info.

File Info Tuition and FEES Academic year 2017-2018.doc (Tuition and FEES Academic year 2017-2018.docx)

Student Testimonials

Ameenah Williams relocated from Florida to Maryland. She has a Bachelors in Interior Design and a Masters in Architecture. She is an active, member of AAREP (African American Real Estate Professionals), ICSC (International Council of Shopping Centers), APX (Alpha Rho Chi – National Fraternity of Architecture and Allied Arts), and a volunteer with Habitat for Humanity. Currently Ameenah is working for The Peterson Companies coordinating Downtown Silver Spring, the Washingtonian in Gaithersburg, MD, and the Milestone in Germantown, MD. During the week, she handles everything from tenant relations, problem solving, billing, and placing work orders. Her goal in pursuing a Master of Real Estate Development is to gain a better understanding of the financial aspect of running a lifestyle center such as Downtown Silver Spring, or The Washingtonian Center. Ameenah says, "the MRED classes, definitely will help to enhance my understanding of my project's budget reports. I must really thank Professor Gomez, who helped me get the concepts of net operating income(NOI), cash flows, income and expenses, down; also kudos to my finance professors Mike Daugard and Jud Ryan now that CAM and lease assumptions are no longer foreign!"

Tatiana Nelson-Joseph is a current MRED student. She is taking classes part-time and hopes to graduate in 2 years. Tatiana is a native of Washington D.C. but spent a few years in New York City, where she earned an Associate Degree in Accessories Design from The Fashion Institute of Technology. Tatiana earned her Bachelor's degree in business from the George Washington University in 2001, and a Masters of Fine Art in Sculpture from Howard University in 2004. Tatiana has worked as a Transaction Analyst at a local utility company and taught art classes at a local college. Having once taught graphic and interior design, Tatiana looks to develop a career that "marries my interests in business and design, while making a difference in the community." She says the reputation of the MRED program brought her to the University of Maryland. Her future goal is to become a successful real estate developer and focus on the mid-atlantic region.

John Hersey, current student, grew up in Beverly, MA and until recently had never lived west of the Connecticut River. He received a B.A. in sustainable urban planning and an Master if Regional Planning from University of Massachusetts - Amherst in 2005 and 2007, respectively. John has worked in sustainable transportation planning for four years and now has experience in creating healthy, equitable, convenient, and attractive places. John believes, "transportation is at the heart of economic development, which underpins much of planning.” His goal at the Colvin Institute is to learn more about the financial mechanisms available and techniques used to build communities today in order to improve our built environment tomorrow. John values the interdisciplinary nature of the MRED program and the school's reputation. He says, "Eventually, I humbly came around to how little I knew about real estate and how important it is to not just referee the game (i.e., planning) but to actually play it (i.e. development)."

The Master of Real Estate Development (RDEV) program is designed as a complete degree for those interested in real estate careers. There are also options to combine the degree with a second (dual) degree with Architecture (ARDV), Planning (CPDV), Historic Preservation (HPDV), or Business Administration (MBRE), or to do a shorter set of real estate courses for a Certificate in Real Estate Development (Z029).

To apply, follow these steps:

Begin your online application by clicking on the Graduate School. (Note, if you get taken to a page that shows the Robert H Smith School of Business, scroll down to and click on “All Other Applications”.)
Select the School of Architecture, Planning & Preservation
A menu will drop down to select the RDEV master program or any of the other dual degrees using its 4 letter code.
For the dual degree with business administration select the Robert H. Smith application to begin and program code MBRE. The Smith application is in a different application system and it is not possible to switch back and forth.

If you have any questions about which application to file, contact the program director at mmcf@umd.edu.

Application Codes in the Graduate School are:

RDEV = Master of Real Estate development

ARDV = Dual degree with Architecture

HPDV = Dual degree with Historic Preservation

CPDV = Dual degree with Urban Planning

Z029 = Certificate Program in Real Estate Development

MBRE = Dual degree with Business Administration

Applicants for the Graduate Certificate in Real Estate Development follow the same steps of deadlines except there is no GRE or GMAT requirement.

Eligibility

Candidates must have earned a Bachelor's Degree from an accredited institution.

Students with no background in business or finance may be required to take additional introductory or leveling courses, such as Market Analysis, Tax Accounting, and Introduction to Real Estate Finance. Additional course requirements are made on a case-by-case basis, and any questions during the application process may be directed to the Director of the MRED program at mmcf@umd.edu.

Application Requirements

Online Graduate Application

Go to the Graduate Application website.

Read the latest instructions. When prompted, put in the four letter code that identifies the program for which you are applying.

The online code for the Master or Real Estate degree is RDEV.

The online code for the Certificate Program is Z029.

Fee

A non-refundable $75 fee is required for each program to which you apply. Payment of your application fee must be made on-line in order for your application to be submitted. Your application will not be processed until you pay your application fee and it is authorized.

Transcripts

Unofficial copies of transcripts from each institution including the University of Maryland must be attached to your application. Applicants who are admitted will be required to request official transcripts be forwarded to the Graduate Admissions Office from each institution where undergraduate or prior graduate work was undertaken. Sealed envelopes of transcripts that meet the requirements below must be submitted.

Transcripts must bear the signature of the registrar and seal of the granting institution and should include the years of attendance, courses taken, grades received, class standing and any degree, certificate or diploma received.

Letters of Recommendation

Three recommendations are required from professors or other unrelated individuals who can assess the applicant’s potential to succeed in this program. The online application provides an electronic recommendation form, which facilitates submission and receipt in most cases.

Statement of Purpose

(1000-2000 words)

Applicants must submit a statement of their goals and objectives in pursuing graduate study using the online application. The statement should address the following two questions:

What are your reasons for undertaking graduate study at the University of Maryland, College Park? Indicate, if appropriate any specific areas of research interest. You may wish to discuss past work in your intended field or allied fields, your plans for a professional career, or how you developed your interest in or knowledge of your chosen subject.
What life experiences have prepared you to pursue a graduate degree at a large and diverse institution such as the University of Maryland? Among the items you might care to include would be your financial, community and family background, or whether you are the first person in your family to pursue higher education or any other factors that you believe would contribute to the diversity of our academic community. You may also wish to give the graduate admissions committee some examples of your determination to purse your goals, your initiative and ability to develop ideas, and/or your capacity for working through problems independently.

Resume

Applicants must attach an up-to-date resume via the online application.

GRE or GMAT

Applicants with undergraduate degree awarded less than 5 years from the date of application, must submit either a GRE or GMAT score. Those who have graduated more than 5 years ago, do NOT have to provide a score.

The Code for the GRE is 5814. You may submit your application prior to taking an exam and scores will be added to the application once received.

The Code for the GMAT is SQT-N8-78. You may submit your application prior to taking an exam and scores will be added to the application once received.

Writing Sample

Applicants must submit a writing sample of 3-5 pages in business style writing, ideally related to real estate. This can be previous individual academic or professional work. Any confidential information should be redacted.

International Applicants

Applicants who are not U.S. citizens or permanent residents must submit additional documents.

Updated information is available on the Graduate School website.

Deadlines

U.S. CITIZENS AND PERMANENT RESIDENT APPLICANTS	FALL	SPRING
Deadlines	July 18	December 15

INTERNATIONAL APPLICANTS
Deadlines	March 15	September 12

Visiting the School

The best way to learn more about the University of Maryland School of Architecture, Planning and Preservation is to visit. Throughout the year, both the School and the University of Maryland invite prospective graduate students to attend our annual Graduate Open House. Whether you choose to visit the official open house day or to arrange a visit on another day, a visit will certainly help you decide if the University of Maryland is the place to start your future. You are welcome to attend classes or come to special lectures or other events.

To make an appointment with the program director contact:

Margaret McFarland
Director, Real Estate Development Program

mmcf@umd.edu

(301) 405-6790

You may also attend a Prospective Students Open House (check for an upcoming open house in the News/Events page).

Contact

For more information about admissions to the MRED degree, contact:

Margaret McFarland
Director, Real Estate Development Program

mmcf@umd.edu

(301) 405-6790

The Master of Real Estate Development (MRED) program is comprised of 11 courses with two foundational core courses in law and finance; a capstone course undertaken as either a project feasibility study or a topical applied research paper; three electives; and 5 cognate courses with students selecting one course from multiple offerings in valuation/market analysis, planning, design, construction and asset management. On a case-by-case basis, the Program Director may accept a substitute course for a required core or cognate course if justified by the student’s prior educational background or work experience. MRED is not a cohort program with a required sequence of courses, although students taking additional levelling courses must do so in their first and second semesters. Thereafter, students go on to take the fundamental courses in Development Law and Foundations of Development Finance. No courses from prior degrees may be transferred for credit towards the MRED degree except for additional leveling courses required for students without a business degree or extensive real estate experience.

Many related electives are available in such focused areas as sustainability, adaptive reuse, finance, affordable housing, planning, and transportation. In addition, students may take relevant courses at the Smith School of Business, the Clark School of Engineering, the Department of Landscape Architecture, and the School of Public Policy.

Program Philosophy: Educating for The Quadruple Bottom Line

The location of the MRED program in the School of Architecture, Planning and Preservation means you will have the opportunity to study with professors and students in highly related, but often overlooked parts of the development process—the broader context of planning and politics, design and construction, and property management—as well as standard finance and investment courses.

We believe here at Maryland that this is not only the best the University and our development partners and sponsors have to offer you, but that it is also a superior preparation for entering or advancing in the development industry. Your professors will provide theoretical and academic materials as well as the practical application of theory. Most of your professors will be practitioners active in the real estate arena.

In sum, your degree from Maryland is about preparing you to build for a sustainable future. Development projects you promote and participate in or undertake yourselves will aim for a rich quadruple bottom line—one that is not only economically viable, but also environmentally respectful, socially responsible and, not to be overlooked, aesthetically pleasing.

Program Pedagogy: Collaborative, Comprehensive, Professional Education

We take an integrated, interdisciplinary and balanced approach to real estate development education. This means you take courses that address all aspects of the real estate business. Yes, real estate is a business, and finance is critical to making it work, but all the other principles and professionals from planning to property managers, are an integral part of successful development. None of those aspects are overlooked in Maryland's Master's degree in Real Estate Development.

You will take at least one course in every phase of development, plus two or more cross-cutting courses, such as development law, and at least one or more "skills" classes, such as negotiations. In addition you will have the opportunity to select several narrowly focused electives. If you are keen to start your business you can take a course in entrepreneurship (RDEV688P) to learn business plan skills and hear from local developers about the multiple paths to success.

Your professors and courses will provide both a theoretical and practical knowledge base, with site visits, practice exercises and visiting lecturers who are active in all facets of development. Textbooks, journal articles and theses, are balanced with pro formas, policy memoranda and field studies. Each student is expected to become actively engaged in the local chapter of a real estate trade association, to stay up with current business reporting on real estate in the region, the nation and the world, and to participate in the life of the community they seek to shape going forward.

By the time you complete your capstone project you should be well equipped to understand and communicate with the array of professionals who contribute to a successful real estate project—planners, politicians, policy makers, community advocates, financiers, architects, appraisers, market analysts, engineers, contractors, investment bankers and property and asset managers.

Required Core Courses (R)

RDEV 630 Fundamentals of Development Finance (R1)

RDEV 688A Development Law, Process and Ethics (R2)

RDEV 688I Capstone (R3)

Required Cognate Courses (C)

Choose one per area of study:

VALUATION AND MARKET ANALYSIS – (C1)

RDEV 689M Market Analysis and Valuation

RDEV 688V Valuation and Appraisal

ENTITLEMENTS / PLANNING – (C2)

RDEV 688G Planning Policy, Practice and Politics for Developers

An approved course offered by the Urban Studies and Planning program

DESIGN – (C3)

RDEV 688J Principles of Urban Design

RDEV 689N Construction Methods and Materials

ARCH 654 Urban Design for Architects

CONSTRUCTION MANAGEMENT – (C4)

RDEV 650 Design and Construction Management

RDEV 689N Construction Methods and Materials

PROPERTY AND ASSET MANAGEMENT – (C5)

RDEV 688L Commercial Leasing

RDEV 689L Risk Management for Real Estate Developers

RDEV 689R Retail Development & Asset Management

RDEV 689A Corporate Real Estate Management from a Global Perspective

RDEV 689T Asset Management for Hospitality Properties

Electives (E1, E2, E3)

Choose three or more courses as electives from one or more of the following topic areas:

FINANCE AND INVESTMENTS

RDEV 689M Market Analysis and Valuation

RDEV 635 Capital Markets and Investments

RDEV 688K Tax and Accounting for Real Estate Developers

RDEV 689F Advanced Finance: Financing with LIHTC, Historic and New Market Tax Credits

RDEV 688V Valuation and Appraisal

SUSTAINABLE DESIGN AND DEVELOPMENT

RDEV 688Y Practical Issues in Sustainability for Business, Finance and Real Estate

ARCH 461 Sustainability in Architecture

URSP 640 Growth Management and Environmental Planning

PUAF 742 Environmental Ethics

PUAF 741 Global Environmental Problems

ARCH 418M Measuring Sustainability

PROPERTY AND ASSET MANAGEMENT

RDEV 688L Commercial Leasing

RDEV 689L Risk Management for Real Estate Developers

RDEV 689R Retail Development & Asset Management

RDEV 689A Corporate Real Estate Management from a Global Perspective

RDEV 689T Asset Management for Hospitality Properties

RDEV 689D Principles and Practice of Property and Asset Management for Affordable Housing

AFFORDABLE HOUSING

RDEV 689B Affordable Housing Policy and Practice

RDEV 689D Principles and Practice of Property and Asset Management for Affordable Housing

RDEV 635 Capital Markets

RDEV 689F Advanced Finance: Financing with LIHTC, Historic and New Market Tax Credits

HISTORIC PRESERVATION AND ADAPTIVE REUSE

RDEV 689F Advanced Finance: Financing with LIHTC, Historic and New Market Tax Credits

HISP 680 Preservation Economics

HISP 640 Preservation Law, Advocacy and Public Policy

PLANNING AND URBAN ECONOMICS

URSP 603 Land Use Planning Concepts and Techniques

URSP 606 Microeconomics of Planning and Public Policy

URSP 660 Function and Structure of Metropolitan Areas

URSP 661 City and Regional Economic Development Planning

URSP 640 Growth Management and Environmental Planning

URSP 631 Transportation and Land Use

ADDITIONAL ELECTIVE OFFERINGS

RDEV 689K International Development Issues

RDEV 688P Entrepreneurship for Real Estate Developers

RDEV 689I Development Competition Projects

Leveling Courses (L)

Some students may be required to take one or more of the following courses during their first two semesters:

RDEV 688T Introduction to Real Estate Development Principles (L1)

RDEV 688Z Introduction to Real Estate Development Finance (L2)

RDEV 688K Tax and Accounting for Real Estate Developers (L3)

Curriculum/Schedule

Completion of a 33-credit/hour program culminates in an MRED degree awarded by the Graduate School of the University of Maryland. Students may elect (or be advised) to follow one of the following paths:

Full-Time (21 months)
Full-Time with Levelling (21 months)
Part-Time (24-36 months)
Accelerated (12 months)

Students are admitted in both the Fall (August) and Spring (January) semesters. In certain circumstances, students may take a course in the summer or winter prior to their official admission. Students may be required or advised to take up to 9 credits of additional leveling courses that would add time to complete the MRED degree. Students may take an accounting course at the undergraduate level at the University or an approved community college with prior permission. Applicants must produce a capstone project or research thesis to complete the degree. The program is not a cohort program and not all courses will be offered every term.

The program is tailored to each student’s background and interest; for example, a student with a strong background in—or pursuing another graduate degree in—an area such as architecture or finance, would have the core courses (but not credits) in those areas waived. Additional electives or more advanced courses will be substituted with the advice and approval of the Director. Graduate courses taken at other institutions may not be transferred for credit toward the degree. Up to nine credits may be transferred from approved programs at the University of Maryland for elective credit. Application fees and tuition costs are fixed per course hour according to in-state or out-of-state status.

SAMPLE SCHEDULES

The following sample schedules are assuming a Fall start date. However, students may start in the Spring term and be able to complete the program in the same number of semesters. R1, R2, L1 and L2 are offered every term.

Full Time (4 Semesters; 21 Months; 33 Credits)

Fall

1st Semester

(9 Credits)

Spring

2nd Semester

(9 Credits)

Fall

3rd Semester

(9 Credits)

Spring

4th Semester

(6 Credits)

R3 (Capstone)

Note: Students who wish to complete the program in 15 months must take 2 courses offered in the summer/winter terms.

Full Time With Levelling (6 Semesters; 21 Months; 42 Credits)

Fall

1st Semester

(9 Credits)

Winter

2nd Semester

(3 Credits)

Spring

3rd Semester

(9 Credits)

Summer

4th Semester

(6 Credits)

Fall

5th Semester

(9 Credits)

Spring

5th Semester

(6 Credits)

R3 (Capstone)

Part Time (6 Semesters, 24 Months; 33 Credits)

Winter

1st Semester

(3 Credits)

Spring

2nd Semester

(6 Credits)

Summer

3rd Semester

(6 Credits)

Fall

4th Semester

(6 Credits)

Spring

5th Semester

(6 Credits)

Fall

6th Semester

(6 Credits)

R3 (Capstone)

Note: Students may decide to take courses in winter or summer term and finish in 24 months with no leveling courses. Leveling courses would add to the number of courses or terms to complete the degree. The part time course sequence may be extended up to a maximum of 5 years.

Expedited (4 Semesters, 12 Months; 33 Credits)

Fall

1st Semester

(12 Credits)

Winter

2nd Semester

(3 Credits)

Spring

3rd Semester

(12 Credits)

R3 (Capstone)

Summer

4th Semester

(6 Credits)

On behalf of the faculty, staff, and students we want to welcome you to the University of Maryland School of Architecture, Planning and Preservation. We are happy that you will be joining us and hope that your experience is productive, rewarding, and enjoyable. We have assembled some information to aid you in your transition into our classroom environment. Should you find that there are items that are not addressed, please let us know so that we can help you get the answer to your question as well as include that information for future generations. Feel free to contact us to discuss your concerns.

As you scroll down this page, please click on the topic of interest to you in order to expand the window.

To schedule a meeting with the Program Director contact:

Margaret McFarland

Director

mmcf@umd.edu

(301) 405-6790

Gérard Boulin

Program Assistant
gboulin@umd.edu
(301) 405-9415

Keep up to date on what's happening in the school and be informed about important deadlines by visiting the MAPP calendar.

Prospective Students

The Real Estate Development Program at the University of Maryland embraces a comprehensive and multi-disciplinary approach to real estate education addressing all facets of the industry from planning to property management, finance to construction. We educate our real estate students to develop for a Quadruple Bottom Line concerned not only for the old-fashioned financial bottom line, but more broadly for Economic Viability, Environmental Respect, Social Responsibility and Beautiful Design.

Besides undertaking the work in your courses, you will find multiple opportunities to interact with industry professionals, many of whom will come to lecture in your classes or work with you on your capstone project. In addition, we encourage early and frequent involvement with one of the many development trade associations located in this region.

To learn more, please visit our Prospective Students page.

Newly Admitted Students

Now that you received admission to the Master of Real Estate Development Program you are no doubt asking, “What’s next?” We have prepared this checklist for you so that your transition to graduate school is as smooth and effortless as possible. Keep in mind if you encounter problems we’re here to help you. Please reach out to us and we will try to get you the information you need.

New Student Checklist: Pre-Arrival

Below you will find several activities that you will need to engage in prior to arriving in College Park. As soon as you have decided to enroll at the University of Maryland, you should begin to address the items below.

Accept your offer of admission. You can do this by following the information provided to you in the official letter of admission from the Graduate School that was emailed to you. Visit the online applicant portal, select “accept” offer of admission, and make a $300.00 non-refundable deposit. These funds will be applied to your bursar account.

Set up your Directory ID and email address. Your access to University of Maryland email and use of your Directory ID is absolutely essential. Visit http://it.umd.edu/new/student.html to set up your access to these important tools. Your Directory ID and password is used to access University of Maryland resources, such as the registration system (Testudo) and your university email account (email.umd.edu). Please note that your university e-mail account will use your directory id as your email address.

Check and carefully read your email at least three times a week. The School uses University email and the School of Architecture, Planning, and Preservation website as the primary means of communication to students. Checking your email infrequently could result in missing important information. You are still responsible for knowing information sent to your university e-mail even if it is not your primary e-mail address.

Find a place to live. Priority for residence hall housing is given to full-time undergraduate students. Graduate students at the University of Maryland can request residence hall housing. However, there are no facilities within the residence hall system exclusively for graduate students or for spouses, partners or family members of students. Information about additional housing options in nearby communities is available from the University's Off-Campus Housing Services and Graduate Student Life staff members. To search for housing options, please start by visiting Off-Campus Housing Services, where an online database can be used to match housing criteria you select, such as type of housing and price range, to currently listed/available rental housing in College Park and surrounding communities.

Apply for financial aid. The Office of Financial Aid assists students with securing federal, state, and institutional financial aid. Early applications are recommended. Visit the Office of Financial Aid website to find out how to apply. Please note: International students are not eligible to apply for financial aid.

Complete immunization requirements. If you have not done so already, turn in the required immunization records to the University Health Center. You can find the required form here. If you have any questions regarding immunization, please call (301) 314-8114.

Graduate Assistantships and Teaching Assistantships. We endeavor to inform applicants to GA and TA positions of the status of their application prior to April 15th. Notification will be via email from the Real Estate Development Program Director. If you receive a GA or TA position, you will be notified of your actual assignment in July. The Director will provide you with a contract outlining your duties and responsibilities. It is important for you to review the contract thoroughly as it is a legal document and when you sign it you are legally bound to the terms outlined therein. Prior to the beginning of the semester there will be a GA and TA orientation conducted by Ms. Monica Herrera, the School of Architecture, Planning, and Preservation’s HR representative. Attendance at this meeting is mandatory.

Register for courses. Once you have been accepted and have your University ID number you will be able to register for courses. Students should be familiar with the deadlines for adding and dropping courses. Adjusting class schedules after the deadlines will incur additional financial charges. You can register for classes through Testudo, the site for interactive Web services for students.

We encourage all new graduate students to wait until late June to register for courses. The Real Estate Development Program Assistant, Gérard Boulin, will prompt you to register when we are ready on our end. Generally, the initial semester of each graduate program is prescribed in the curriculum attached to your letter of admission that was sent to you by the Director of the Real Estate Development Program. Usually the initial semester requires little advising.

Most courses have “blocks” that limit enrollment to Master of Real Estate Development students only. When you are ready to register, you will need to be in touch with Gérard Boulin so he may remove the “blocks” so that you can register. We recommend that you register within 24-48 hours so that your access to courses is guaranteed.

If you are a dual degree student, you will need to coordinate your registration process with both the Real Estate Development Program Assistant and the other program in which you are enrolled. The Architecture and Preservation programs also have “blocks” associated with their courses that can only be removed by their advising teams.

Architecture

Brian Kelly, Director

Alysia Simpson, Program Assistant

Historic Preservation

Donald Linebaugh, PhD, Director

Ruth Davis-Rogers, Program Assistant

Apply for a parking permit. Campus parking at the University of Maryland is managed by the Department of Transportation Service (DOTS). Students can purchase permits by the semester or the year through their office or via their website. For students who aren't interested in a regular parking pass, there are some limited meter, hourly parking, and special passes available.

Better yet, sell your car and Metro, bike, and/or walk to school. Save money, improve your health, and help to ensure a greener world for all.

The Washington, DC metropolitan area is home to the comprehensive Metro transportation system. You can plan your trips at (http://www.wmata.com) on MetroRail and/or MetroBus. We are excited that the University of Maryland’s campus in several years’ time will become an active hub of the Purple Line light rail, that is in the final stages of planning.

Zagster (http://zagster.com/mbike/) puts bicycles right at your fingertips. You can choose any of the over 25 stations right in College Park. Have your own bike? Welcome to one of the most rapidly growing bicycle friendly environments in the nation! Bike Washington (http://bikewashington.org) offers insights as to how to get around our growing network of bike friendly trails and rights-of-way.

College Park is a pedestrian friendly campus. If you elect to live close by the campus, you can walk to just about anywhere in a safe and beautiful pedestrian environment.

Pay tuition and fees. The Bursar's Office, located in the Lee Building, is your resource center for checking your balance, paying your bills, receiving refunds, making payment and more. Please note that Paper Bills are not sent to students registered for current or upcoming terms. Log into your Testudo account to view and pay your bill.

New Student Checklist: Post-Arrival

Many of the items below are activities that can only be completed once you’ve settled in area.

Get your university photo ID. Student IDs are required to withdraw books from libraries; ride the UM Shuttle buses; gain admission to most athletic, social, and cultural events; as a UMD prepaid debit card for food establishments and printing services and as a general form of identification on campus. Student IDs are available in the Mitchell Building. To obtain an ID, you must be registered for classes and you must have proof of identity, such as a valid driver’s license or passport.

Final Transcripts. If you applied to the University using an in-progress transcript, please have a final transcript with the degree posted sent to the university. If you failed to turn in these required documents by the start of your first semester, you will be blocked from registering for the next semester.

Immunization Records. If you have not done so already, turn in the required immunization records to the University Health Center. You can find the required form here. If you have any questions regarding immunization, please call (301) 314-8114.

If you fail to turn in these required documents by the start of your first semester, you will be blocked from registering for the next semester.

Get involved! To get involved and be a part of the UMD community, consider joining a student organization, academic student organization, or other group of students/peers.

Current Students

Detailed information for current students is coming soon.