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The University of Maryland’s School of Architecture, Planning and Preservation combines world-class resources, hands-on interdisciplinary opportunities and close-knit learning environments—all just minutes from the energy and opportunity of Washington, D.C., Baltimore, and Annapolis. We drive innovation in design, research and community engagement to build a better future.
Design Excellence
From stunning skylines to walkable neighborhoods, our students, faculty and alumni set the bar for creativity, impact and innovation.
World-Class Faculty
Learn from leaders. Our faculty are acclaimed scholars, award-winning practitioners and forward-thinkers shaping the future of the built environment.
Campus to Capitol
Just minutes from D.C., Baltimore and Annapolis, our students learn in a living laboratory of history, design and development—connecting them to the people and places shaping the future of the built environment.
Get to Know Us
By combining hands-on learning with groundbreaking research, we empower students and scholars to shape thriving, just and resilient places.
Undergraduate Programs
UMD’s undergraduate degrees in architecture and real estate development are interdisciplinary, engaging and give students the tools to shape the cities and communities of the future.
Graduate Programs
From designing city skylines to driving neighborhood revitalization, our competitive, professional graduate programs in architecture, planning, preservation and real estate prepare students for careers that shape vibrant, just places.
Research Centers & Institutes
Our research centers and institutes forward groundbreaking research within the built environment that advances dynamic, sustainable and just places.
Student Work
See our students’ ideas come to life—bold designs, thoughtful planning and creative solutions shaping our communities. From concept to creation, explore the innovative work of our students across architecture, planning, preservation and real estate.
Julio Miguel T. Alumbro won the Spring 2025 Thesis Prize Award for his project “The “Church” in the Diaspora.”
Deisy Valasquez's housing development for Antigua, Guatemala won the Fall 2024 Thesis Prize Award.
"The Jacquelynn Residences at Uptown Place," Master of Real Estate Development student, Jack Tintle's independent senior living development. Winner of the Fall 2024 Colvin capstone competition.
Historic preservation students designed a Zine for the sounds of Prince George’s County.
A model created by an ARCH403 Design Studio student for their final project, focusing on the design of an observatory at Monocacy Battlefield.
News
UMD AI Study Aims to Ensure Transit Options Don’t Create One-Way Ticket to Rising Rents
Written by Katherine ShaverAs construction on the light-rail Purple Line continues between Montgomery and Prince George’s counties, University of Maryland researchers are helping to ensure that lower-income renters can continue living close enough to share in its benefits.View Article Details for UMD AI Study Aims to Ensure Transit Options Don’t Create One-Way Ticket to Rising Rents 
University of Maryland Launches Forward: The University of Maryland Campaign for the Fearless
The largest fundraising campaign in the university’s history aims to elevate interdisciplinary initiatives and build on momentum as a Top 20 public institution. The $2.5 billion initiative advances the university’s vision and values by expanding access to its world-class education, accelerating groundbreaking research, and uniting a global community committed to excellence and a mission to Do Good.View Article Details for University of Maryland Launches Forward: The University of Maryland Campaign for the Fearless 
Hidden Histories—Revealed!
How did a seashell bankroll an ancient civilization? Why does Spain’s most famous Catholic cathedral contain an Islamic mihrab? Did renderings of a 16th century Italian palace overlook an intentional optical illusion? Answers to some of history’s perplexing questions will be the subject of a TED-talk style event November 14 at the University of Maryland, highlighting breakthrough research from UMD faculty and students on the mysteries of the ancient world.View Article Details for Hidden Histories—Revealed!
Events
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Kibel Gallery Opening & Talk: STABIAE and the Visual Preservation of Architecture
Kibel Gallery Opening and TalkSTABIAE and the Visual Preservation of ArchitectureCurated by Joseph C. Williams, Lindsey May, and Lauren McNamaraOctober 3, 2025December 22, 2025View Event Details for Kibel Gallery Opening & Talk: STABIAE and the Visual Preservation of Architecture -
SIRJ Lab Presents: Let It Flow Lecture Series
This event is open to the MAPP and UMD CommunityNovember 6, 2025November 6, 2025View Event Details for SIRJ Lab Presents: Let It Flow Lecture Series -
MAPP Food Drive for the UMD Community
Help support Terps and their families in need this holiday season by stocking the shelves of the Campus Pantry! Bring donations to MAPP's admin offices by mid-day, November 19. Items in need include:November 6, 2025November 19, 2025View Event Details for MAPP Food Drive for the UMD Community