Arts
Creative practice as personal expression and social commentary
Introduction
Art—in its infinite forms, functions and implications—is the most accessible and universal way of constructing meaning out of the world we inhabit.
The Arts Scholars program helps students gain a deeper understanding and appreciation of the role that art plays in society and in history. Through a mix of lectures, discussions, demonstrations, collaborative art-making and interactions with guest artists, students consider:
- How art can help us uncover our past and more readily imagine the possibilities of the future;
- How and why art may be used to make an impact or send a message; and
- What different works of art, and personal reactions to them, may signify.
Students will be challenged to conceptualize, articulate and present original ideas through a variety of methods, getting firsthand experience in creative problem-solving and project execution. Ultimately, students will strengthen their personal artistic skill and learn to appreciate a broad spectrum of art disciplines.
The Arts Scholars program attracts a diverse student population from a range of academic disciplines. No matter their area of artistic interest or skill level, students will find themselves immersed in a collaborative learning environment.
Colloquium and Lecture Topics
- What is art? What is “good” art? Understanding social definitions of art and their influence on artistic taste.
- How can we leverage the influence of artistic practice to constructively comment on the depth of our differences, our shared commonalities, and the nuances of identity as individuals and community members?
- What does research look like in the arts? Exploring common methods of creative and artistic research in the professional world.
- In what ways can we embrace creative approaches to identify, address and bring clarity to the societal challenges faced by “you,” “us,” “them” or “other”?
- How can art reshape or recontextualize understanding of our (individual and societal) learned history, biases and beliefs? How can it make visible the invisible?
- West African djembe: Exploring the role of music in community building, storytelling and cultural understanding
I have been challenged to think differently, work cooperatively, embrace creativity and, most importantly, go beyond the limits I have set for myself. Because of this program, I can confidently say I feel infinitely more prepared for the “real world,” and for that confidence and growth, I could never be more grateful.
Other Learning Opportunities
A variety of learning opportunities supplements the Arts curriculum. As an Arts Scholar, you will be introduced to artists, professional ensembles and world-class institutions each semester, through workshops led by guest artists; attendance at live performances in Washington, DC, New York City and on campus; and visits to the Smithsonian's renowned art and history museums.
In addition, you will get a chance to:
- Conceptualize, execute and present a capstone project of your choosing during your second year;
- Participate in service-learning with local schools and arts nonprofit organizations; and
- Cultivate valuable leadership and communication skills through peer mentoring and peer teaching opportunities.
Curriculum Overview
Over the two-year program experience (four semesters), students will complete up to 6 credits of supporting courses that will count toward your Arts Scholars citation. In most cases, these will also fulfill General Education requirements. Note that your Scholars courses—colloquiums, capstone practicum and supporting courses—will generally be in addition to any courses you take to satisfy major requirements.
The following represents a typical two-year curriculum, but individual schedules may vary. Details about courses and requirements can be found on the Arts Citation Checklist.
| SEMESTER | COURSE | CREDITS |
|---|---|---|
| Freshman Fall | Scholars Colloquium | 1 credit |
| Academic Writing (can be taken either Freshman Fall or Spring semesters) | 3 credits | |
| Arts Service Learning (Optional) | 2 credits | |
| 2–4 courses toward degree and major requirements (including possible supporting course) | 6–12 credits | |
| Freshman Spring | Scholars Colloquium | 1 credit |
| Arts Service Learning (Optional) | 2 credits | |
| 3–5 courses toward degree and major requirements (including possible supporting course) | 9–15 credits | |
| Sophomore Fall | Scholars Colloquium | 1 credit |
| 4–5 courses toward degree and major requirements (including possible supporting course) | 12–15 credits | |
| Sophomore Spring | Scholars Colloquium | 1 credit |
| Scholars Capstone | 2 credits | |
| 4–5 courses toward degree and major requirements (including possible supporting course if not already completed) | 12–15 credits |
Sponsoring College
Residence Hall
Bel Air Hall
Faculty
Social Media, Etc.
The Diamondback: UMD students' dance workshop highlights Japanese Butoh style, May 2022
Arts News
Students Share Service Projects at CESG Showcase
Nearly 60 freshmen presented posters outlining service projects and discussed their experience with a crowd of faculty, staff, peers and supporters on April 24 at the Civic Engagement for Social Good (CESG) First-Year Student Service Showcase. Held in the Edward St. John Learning and Teaching Center, the event featured lively discussions and the opportunity to collaborate on future work.
Showering the Community With Support
In the parking lot of the First United Methodist Church in Hyattsville, Md., on a pleasant April morning, one vehicle stood out among the usual cars and SUVs. One of the two doors on a small silver trailer, with the slogan “Serve humbly. Encourage faithfully. Renew dignity” emblazoned on the back, swung open, and a man stepped outside.Founded by Public Leadership Scholars and UMD alum Omolayo Adebayo ’11, the Neighborhood Well sets up at the church from 9 a.m.-noon every second and fourth Saturday of the month, weather permitting, to offer not only showers, but also food, clothes, toiletries and a welcoming environment.
University of Maryland students transform the campus golf course into a living environmental laboratory
The University of Maryland Golf Course is transforming into a living laboratory, providing students with hands-on experience in environmental science and conservation.Environment, Technology and Economy Scholars Mario Dajani, a sophomore studying physics and math, and Preston Jackman, a second-year environmental science and policy student, took on the challenge of fixing a rain garden on the course.Watch the video below for the full story from WMAR2:
Historic Gift Fuels Record-Breaking Giving Day for College Park Scholars
COLLEGE PARK, MD. — On March 4, 2026, the University of Maryland united its entire community—faculty, staff, parents, friends, alumni, and students—for its annual campus-wide Giving Day, the largest single day of giving in support of the university’s mission.For College Park Scholars, the day became one for the record books: nearly $182,000 raised from over 100 donors, the most successful fundraising effort in the program’s history. Powering that milestone was a transformational $50,000 matching gift and endowment from alumni Melissa and Hart Rossman—a contribution that doubled every dollar donated and permanently established a new program fund to support future generations of Scholars.
Where Beauty Meets Science
For as long as she can remember, Kaia Ungerer (B.S. ’23, chemistry) has been obsessed with beauty products, from skin creams and serums to shampoos and conditioners, each with its own unique combination of ingredients, textures and fragrances.
UNWIND Magazine Returns to Highlight Media Scholars and Terp Life at UMD–Expanded Spring 2026 Edition
COLLEGE PARK, MD – Following its successful relaunch in Spring 2025, UNWIND Magazine continues its momentum with the Spring 2026 issue, further amplifying the voices of students in the Media, Self and Society Scholars program at the University of Maryland. Building on last year’s return, the new edition expands the magazine’s storytelling with deeper reporting, fresh visual features and new perspectives on traditions and communities that shape campus life.Written, edited, and produced entirely by students, UNWIND remains a platform for emerging media professionals to explore the Terp experience–from untold campus stories to cultural touchstones to the evolving identity of Maryland today.