The UMBC Institute of Politics (IoP) produces and supports public-facing and community-engaged research and events on political, policy, and social issues for the betterment of Maryland.

What the institute does:

• Conducts public opinion research on political and policy issues facing the Baltimore region, Maryland, and the United States.
• Facilitates student learning in applied politics through events, internships, and faculty-led scholarly work.
• Encourages and promotes political discussions and the public-facing or community-engaged work of faculty, staff, and students in the College of Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences.
• Elevates UMBC in the local, state, and national media through expert commentary and analysis.
• Promotes the broader mission of the university to integrate teaching, scholarship, and service to benefit the residents of Maryland.
• Bridges activities of local, state, and national policymakers with the academic life of UMBC.
• Enhances the curriculum of the College of Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences.