As a premier public research university and land grant institution, the University of Maryland advances two graduate missions: our research mission creates new knowledge and prepares the next generation of knowledge producers; and our professional mission translates research into applied knowledge and provides current and future professionals with invaluable skills. 

Here in the College of Computer, Mathematical, and Natural Sciences, we offer both research and professional degrees:

• The Ph.D., the signature degree of a research university, and M.S. and M.A. (master's degrees) aim to create new knowledge.
• The M.P.S. (professional master's degree) and graduate certificates aim to apply new and existing knowledge.