UMBC is part of one of the greatest concentrations of commercial, cultural and scientific activity in the nation. Nearby federal and state government agencies, national research centers, libraries and museums are resources for scholarly activity. Research is a critical component of the Department of Public Policy’s mission, linking education with public service.
Students have the opportunity, and are in fact encouraged, to work with faculty members on research projects.
Research activities of faculty and our research centers are supported by federal agencies, private foundations and state and local governments.
Social Science Research Centers
Three research centers on campus focus on public policy, with an emphasis on interdisciplinary approaches to research. Each of these centers provides opportunities for faculty and graduate student research and employment.
CARAT is the Creative Achievement and Research Administration Team in the College of Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences. CARAT assists CAHSS faculty, departments, and centers in all stages of the funding process, from identifying funders and developing proposals, to administering awards and reporting to sponsors. They help ensure that applications and awards are compliant with UMBC’s policies and procedures, sponsor guidelines, and Uniform Guidance. With extensive experience in developing and administering awards in the arts, humanities, and social sciences, CARAT supports faculty and graduate students in realizing their creative achievement and research project goals.
The Hilltop Institute is Maryland’s premier research center for health policy. Hilltop is dedicated to improving the health and social outcomes of vulnerable populations. Hilltop conducts research, analysis, and evaluation on behalf of government agencies, foundations, and other non-profit organizations at the national, state, and local levels. Hilltop has expertise in Medicaid and in improving publicly funded health care systems to increase access and positive outcomes for vulnerable populations.
Center for Urban Environmental Research and Education (CUERE) was created with initial support from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. The Center’s mission is to advance the understanding of the environmental, social, and economic consequences of transformation of the urban landscape. CUERE performs its mission through cooperative research projects, conferences and symposia, and support of University teaching programs.