The University of Maryland Eastern Shore (UMES) is a land-grant, historically black college founded in 1886.  Initiated under the auspices of the Delaware Conference of the Methodist Episcopal Church, the Delaware Conference Academy was established in Princess Anne on that date with nine students and one faculty.

Since its beginning, the institution has had several name changes and governing bodies.  It was Maryland State College from 1948 until 1970, when it became one of the five campuses that formed the University of Maryland.  In 1988, it became a member of the then eleven campus (now thirteen) University of Maryland System, now known as the University System of Maryland.  

Today, the University offers major programs leading to the B.A. and B.S. degrees in 26 disciplines in the arts and sciences, professional studies and agricultural sciences. In addition, UMES presents 12 teaching degree programs and eight pre-professional programs, as well as an Honors Program designed in cooperation with the University of Maryland at Baltimore to prepare students for professional school study.

UMES offers graduate degrees in the following fields: Marine-Estuarine and Environmental Sciences at the M.S. and Ph.D. levels; Toxicology at the M.S. and Ph.D. levels, M.S. in Applied Computer Science, Guidance and Counseling, Agricultural and Extension Education, Physical Therapy and Special Education.  Additionally, A Master of Arts in Teaching Degree is offered.

UMES is approved by the state of Maryland and fully accredited by the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools.  Click here for driving directions to UMES.