Extended Studies

2205 Artemesia Building
Email: exst@umd.edu
Website: exst.umd.edu

Director, Programs & Marketing/Communications: Matthew Nessan

In partnership with colleges and departments, Extended Studies advances University of Maryland’s mission by delivering innovative, accessible learning opportunities that serve diverse populations locally and worldwide. Strategic collaboration, flexible formats, and online delivery create pathways for lifelong learners - from high school to professionals and beyond.

Summer and Winter Programs

Summer Session and Winter Session provide hundreds of undergraduate and graduate courses in accelerated formats, with the majority offered online, to support flexibility and timely degree completion. These sessions are open to current UMD students as well as visiting students, professionals, and lifelong learners.

Within Summer Session, the Terp Young Scholars pre-college program offers a credit-bearing summer experience for high school students, introducing them to university academics and campus life.

Undergraduate, Post-Baccalaureate, and Graduate Programs

Extended Studies also strengthens academic and professional pathways through undergraduate, post-baccalaureate, and graduate programs. 

For spring-admitted freshmen, Freshmen Connection expands access to the University of Maryland by enabling students to begin coursework in the fall, live on campus, and fully engage in university life while earning credits toward their degree.

Administrative support is provided for offsite undergraduate and graduate programs at the Universities at Shady Grove and the University System of Maryland at Southern Maryland, helping students complete upper-level coursework to earn a bachelor’s degree and advance their careers. 

Post-Baccalaureate Programs offer prerequisite coursework for entry into graduate programs, while more than 70 Professional Graduate Programs (certificates, master’s, and doctoral degrees) serve working professionals through evening, online, and accelerated formats.

Continuing Education Programs

Beyond degree programs, Extended Studies expands educational access through continuing education initiatives.

In collaboration with academic units, Extended Studies delivers a wide range of skills-based learning opportunities, including Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCs), Open Learning courses, and Executive Education Programs. Together, these initiatives extend the university’s impact, support lifelong learning, and respond strategically to evolving workforce and industry needs.