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College of Computer, Mathematical, & Natural Sciences

Where current and future scientific leaders learn, collaborate and innovate to build a better world for all of us.

Two students in lab coats examine a petri dish in a laboratory. One wears safety goggles, and the other wears glasses and blue gloves while holding up the dish for closer inspection.

Why CMNS

At the University of Maryland’s College of Computer, Mathematical, and Natural Sciences (CMNS), discovery is more than just research—it is a calling to do good in the world.

 Here in CMNS, more than 10,000 students, 1,100 faculty and 300 staff members form a community defined by academic excellence, productivity and dependability. Together, we discover and disseminate scientific knowledge and educate students and support them in achieving their goals. 

 Our location in the Baltimore-Washington corridor enhances our success. As the largest college at the largest university in the D.C. metro area, we leverage our location to form prestigious partnerships, provide opportunities for students and facilitate research collaborations that deliver positive societal impact.

Our Momentum

13

Top-20 ranked programs and specialties

U.S. News & World Report Best Colleges and Best Graduate Programs

30+

CMNS faculty members in the national academies

10K+

CMNS students

Why now

The challenges and opportunities humanity faces today are urgent, complex and interconnectedand many of them depend on solutions from the sciences and mathematics, including:

  • Improving health and fighting disease
  • Shaping the future of artificial intelligence and quantum computing
  • Deepening our understanding of Earth and space

Bold ideas need more than talentthey need resources, infrastructure and sustained investment. 

With your support, we will continue to pioneer research discoveries that advance the frontiers of science, generate new knowledge and deliver impactful solutions to these grand challenges.

Developing Future Leaders

Your support expands access to a world-class education, enhancing students’ academic and personal growth and preparing them to launch their careers.

Junior computer science and mathematics double major Vivian Howe received a scholarship that transformed her undergraduate experience in the College of Computer, Mathematical, and Natural Sciences at the University of Maryland.
A wide shot of a full arena with graduating students wearing black and red regalia.

Discovery and innovation have always been driving forces for CMNS—in our classrooms, research labs and community. Philanthropy helps propel us forward, and we are profoundly grateful to our incredible donors who support our vision and values. Together, we are changing the world.

Amitabh Varshney

Dean, College of Computer, Mathematical, and Natural Sciences

Our Priorities

Defining the Next Era of Discovery

With your philanthropic support, we can continue to transform ambition into action, expand opportunities for students and faculty, empower leaders and make scientific discoveries that benefit communities everywhere.

Students in a lab working with computers and virtual reality goggles.

Unlock discoveries in artificial intelligence, health computing and quantum computing that drive Maryland’s economy, enhance national security and advance the common good.

Shaping AI & Computing for Tomorrow

The moon in space, captured from an angle above the clouds, which are seen below.

Our astronomers, physicists, atmospheric and oceanic scientists and geologists conduct groundbreaking research, ranging from the deepest depths of our planet to the farthest reaches of space.

Exploring Earth & Space

Five people holding up various science-related objects, like an x-ray, a beaker, slides, and more.

Tackle the dynamics of health and disease at all scales—from complex multispecies conditions like malaria to the flu with its organ-specific infection pathway and the submicroscopic structure of viruses and antibodies.

Improving Health & Fighting Disease

Hundreds of students wearing red t-shirts pose while standing next to and behind the dean of the University of Maryland College of Computer, Mathematical, and Natural Sciences.

Invest in the people, programs and facilities that foster a living ecosystem where curiosity, innovation and collaboration converge and thrive.

Sustaining CMNS

Leaders & Champions

Two people stand side by side, smiling for a photo.

Susan Murphy, B.S., ’75, established the Maryland Promise scholarship to support students achieving their career goals

One of the best things I ever did.

A person wearing a purple shirt and khaki pants smiles while using chalk to write out complex mathematical equations on a chalkboard.

Abba Gumel, the Michael and Eugenia Brin Endowed Chair in Mathematics, uses mathematics to understand how human diseases spread and how to effectively control them. 

Fighting Disease with Mathematics

A man holds two toddlers while a woman wraps her arms around him in a loving embrace from behind.

Leon Herreid’s family honored his memory by supporting graduate and undergraduate students.

Blessing the World With More Leons

A person wearing a blue button up shirt smiles with his arm crossing his chest, a computer screen is behind him.

Vadim Karatayev, William J. Higgins Assistant Professor of Biology

There are tremendous challenges, but also very exciting opportunities and a lot of really fun teamwork.