Explore Career Opportunities with Career Dreamer

Career Dreamer is an experimental tool from Grow with Google that uses AI to help learners uncover their skills and explore new career possibilities in a simple and playful way. It leverages their unique experiences and interests to help them draft a professional story, explore potential career paths, and take the first steps toward their career goals, such as workshop a cover letter or resume. Visit Google's Career Dreamer page to explore career possibilities.

See Career Dreamer

Obtain a Google Professional Certificate at No Cost

Through a special alliance with Google and the National Association of Higher Education Systems (NASH), UMGC is offering Google Professional Certificates at no cost. These industry-recognized credentials are delivered through Coursera and are entirely online and self-paced, allowing you to learn whenever and wherever it works best for you. 

As a an added benefit, these certificates can translate into UMGC college credit, giving you a head start if you choose to pursue a degree or certificate with us in the future. Whether you’re exploring new career paths or strengthening existing skills, this opportunity provides a meaningful way to invest in yourself — and your next step. 

Licenses are limited and available on a first-come, first-served basis.  This opportunity expires on December 31, 2027, so we encourage you to apply early.  

To apply:

  1. Complete and submit the Google Nash selection form.
  2. Applications are processed within three weeks — please check your spam folder just in case messages are sent there.
  3. If selected, you’ll receive an enrollment email from Coursera with access to your chosen certificate. 

Apply for a Scholarship for Former Federal Employees 

At UMGC, we pride ourselves on being a flexible university that can adapt to the latest market trends and circumstances. We understand that right now is a challenging time for former federal employees, and we’re determined to help. Federal employees who were laid off on or after January 24, 2025, may be eligible to receive a scholarship* from UMGC that waives your application fee and offers you

  • a 25 percent discount on out-of-state tuition for standard undergraduate programs 
  • an up to 25 percent discount on out-of-state tuition for standard graduate programs (effective rate is equivalent to the in-state rate) 
  • a 5 percent discount on in state and out-of-state tuition for graduate specialty programs 

This scholarship opportunity is effective starting in the summer 2025 term.  

* This scholarship cannot be combined with certain scholarships or discount programs, including the Maryland Completion Scholarship, the Military New Graduate Student Savings Program, and the discount for out-of-state community college alliances. 

Learn About Scholarship Eligibility & Apply Today

To be eligible for this scholarship, you must be a displaced federal worker who was laid off on or after January 24, 2025. Individuals with a future layoff date are not eligible until their actual layoff has occurred. Please note: Spouses and dependents of displaced federal workers are not eligible for the scholarship.

You must complete a scholarship application form attesting that you meet the eligibility criteria for this scholarship. 

 

Benefit from Additional Financial Resources

As part of our efforts to make college education more affordable, UMGC offers multiple options designed to lighten the financial burden of our learners.

Financing & Payment Options
Explore UMGC's full range of financing and payment options, including scholarships, grants, loans, and financial aid opportunities.
Financial Solutions Advisors
Set an appointment with our financial solutions advisors, who are ready to assist you with personalized financial guidance.
Professional Judgment
These appeals may be an option if you submitted a FAFSA but have had special and/or unusual circumstances occur that are not reflected in that year’s document.

Get Career-Focused Learner Support

UMGC has made a commitment to provide a full-suite of career services to our learners—at no cost, and for the rest of your life. From job fairs to professional development events, we are determined to give you access to tools and materials that can help you navigate your employment journey.

Our Career Connection blog and UMGC Blog are great resources for current learners or alumni interested in getting expert advice from our specialists in the department of Career Services or who want to read about the latest market trends and career opportunities.

Recap of the New Horizons: Career Expo

On June 16, 2025, UMGC hosted a career expo designed specifically for former federal employees. In all, the expo featured more than 20 employers and more than 300 attendees. UMGC representatives were also on hand to discuss career services and support, workforce development courses, and academic programs.

 

View Our Online Programs & Certificates

UMGC also offers more than 135 degrees and certificates, the vast majority of which are available online. Choose an undergraduate degree or certificate in a market-relevant field such as business administration and management; cybersecurity technology; or public safety administration. Thanks to our flexible transfer credit policy, it’s never been easier to gain credit for the skills you already have and get a head start on a bachelor's degree.

Already have a bachelor’s degree? Advance your career and expand your knowledge base with a graduate degree or certificate. Earn your MBA with coursework in a number of career-focused specializations or pursue a degree in an area like data analytics or cybersecurity technology.