The University of Maryland, College Park (UMD) is a public land-grant research university and the flagship campus of the University System of Maryland, located in College Park, Maryland, United States. Founded in 1856 as the Maryland Agricultural College, it evolved into a comprehensive university and became the flagship institution of the University System of Maryland in 1988. As the largest university in the state by enrollment, UMD serves over 40,000 students and is classified as an R1 Doctoral University with very high research activity and a member of the Association of American Universities (AAU), underscoring its status as one of the nation's premier public research institutions. UMD offers more than 200 degree programs through 11 academic colleges and schools, with particular strengths in fields such as political science, law, engineering, computer science, public policy, international relations, area studies, and business. It is especially renowned for its computer science and engineering programs, as well as its programs in international relations, public policy, and business. The university's proximity to Washington, D.C., facilitates strong connections to federal government agencies, think tanks, and international organizations, enhancing its role in policy research and influence networks. Notable research centers include the Joint Global Change Research Institute and the Center for International and Security Studies at Maryland, which contribute to global discussions on climate, security, and governance. The university's alumni and faculty have significant influence in politics, business, and academia, including former U.S. presidents, Nobel laureates, and leaders in technology and media. UMD's athletic programs, competing in the Big Ten Conference, also bolster its cultural and communal impact. Despite its achievements, the university has faced controversies, such as hazing incidents and campus safety issues, leading to ongoing reforms in student life and administration.