The University of Maryland is located in College Park, MD, about 7 miles from the center of our nation's capital, Washington, D.C. Many of our students and faculty live in D.C., College Park, Silver Spring, and other surrounding towns.
Washington, D.C.
Washington, D.C. is a profoundly culture-rich, diverse city. Many of our students and faculty live in D.C. or visit it frequently, because:
- There is a Metro stop in College Park, making a commute to D.C. fast and easy.
- Most museums and art galleries in D.C. are free, year-round.
- Some of the best restaurants in the nation are in D.C.
- D.C. has a vibrant and diverse arts and music scene.
UMD is uniquely situated among top computer science programs given its proximity to the nation's capitol and the many groups who affect policy at national and international levels, including the National Science Foundation (NSF), the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), and the major branches of the U.S. government (Judiciary, Congress, and the White House).
College Park
This is a very exciting time to be at College Park, as the city is experiencing a renaissance. Even just over the past several years, there has been a surge of new restaurants, cafes, and modern apartment buildings:
- A new Computer Science building on campus, The Brendan Iribe Center for Computer Science and Engineering.
- A new luxury hotel and conference center directly across the street from the Iribe Center.
- Significant investment and development in the Discovery District is transforming the area around the university.
- The new Purple Line will have five stops on or near campus.
In other words, UMD is an ideal place for a PhD experience that is culture-rich, fun, and full of opportunity for impact.