Hello & welcome!

You are about to embark on one of the most exciting and rewarding journeys of your life, and I’m pleased that you’ve chosen to begin that journey in the College of Liberal Arts, or CLA, as you will come to call it.

CLA is the heart of the University. Every student at UMD passes through our door at least once during their academic career, and about 2100 stay and call us home. We are the College that focuses on the roots of our modern civilization, its development and direction, on your ability to think creatively and strategically, on your ability to write well and speak well, and on your responsibility as an engaged citizen of the world.

As a result, we offer you in-depth study in 25 disciplines, including American Indian Studies, Anthropology, Biology, Chemistry, Communication, Criminology, Economics, English, Environmental Studies, Interdisciplinary French Studies, Geography, Geological Sciences, German, History, Interdisciplinary Studies, International Studies, Mathematics, Philosophy, Physics, Political Science, Pre-law, Sociology, Spanish, Urban & Regional Studies, and Women’s Studies. We also offer Master’s level work in Advocacy and Political Leadership, Criminology, English, and Liberal Studies.

Not sure what you want to study? Not to worry, our Learning Community Program for first semester undecided students will provide you with an opportunity to explore several interests.

We also offer a vast array of extracurricular activities, including writing for the UMD Statesman or the Roaring Muse, participating in one of a dozen clubs, attending a lecture organized by the Center for Ethics and Public Policy, the Alworth Institute for International Studies, the Center for Crime and Justice Studies, or the Center for Advocacy and Political Leadership, or working with a professor on an honors or Undergraduate Research Opportunity Project (UROP).

In order to succeed in today’s multi-faceted and global world, you need to know about many different perspectives and to develop many different skills. I am pleased to report that you will learn these perspectives and skills as a CLA student. Campus job recruiters tell me that what they like about CLA students is their broad backgrounds, their learning potential, and their adaptiveness – not to mention their communication skills, critical thinking abilities, and civic-mindedness. In my view, liberal arts students are the “best of the best”: well-prepared for living and working in this new Century.

I wish you well as you embark upon your journey with CLA. Remember that there are many people who can help you make the best of your time. Please don’t forget to ask.

Best wishes, Linda Krug