Humanities Scholars Program

Open for Fall 2025 Incoming Freshmen ONLY

The Humanities Scholars Program at UMBC enables undergraduate humanities scholars to become independent thinkers who examine cultural products and practices from a multitude of perspectives. It provides educational opportunities and strong support for learning, research, and civic engagement to a cohort of particularly talented young people who, over time, will have an impact on the intellectual atmosphere of the campus and will make significant contributions to the humanities in society.

Humanities majors at UMBC include: Africana Studies; American Studies; Ancient Studies; Anthropology; Asian Studies; English; Gender, Women’s & Sexuality Studies; Global Studies; History; Media & Communication Studies; Modern Languages, Linguistics and Intercultural Communication; Philosophy; and Interdisciplinary Studies. Applicants must have at least one of these majors listed as their first or second academic plan to be considered for admission to the program.

Humanities scholars earn the following, and more:

• Support from faculty to help scholars customize their academic schedules and find internship and research opportunities;

• Opportunity to learn about the values of different cultures, about what goes into making a work of art, and about how history is made;

• Two seminar-style interdisciplinary classes to prepare for engagement with a wide variety of social and career settings for the betterment of society;

• A semester studying abroad that matches their academic and career goals;

• A Humanities Scholar scholarship and more!

For additional information, visit the Humanities Scholars Program website.

Fall 2025 Freshmen: Please note that if you are selected as a finalist, you will be invited to attend a Scholar Selection Day on Saturday, February 22. During this program, you will participate in an interview and have a chance to meet other finalists. Please be sure to save this date in your calendar.