Best Online Master’s Programs in Maryland 2025

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Key Takeaways

  • Maryland has 15 online colleges and universities that offer master’s degrees that can be completed entirely online.
  • Maryland has a low unemployment rate and a strong GDP, making the state a great location for busy professionals to earn an online master’s degree.
  • Many of the online colleges in Maryland offer in-state tuition regardless of the student’s state of residency.

2025 Ranking Update

Our Influence Ranking Engine™ leverages machine learning to track the real-world influence of colleges and universities over time. Below you’ll see which schools gained or last ground for the 2025 school year.

In 2025, Johns Hopkins University remained in the first ranking position, and Goucher College and Morgan State University climbed five and three respective ranking positions.

online college intern working in an office

Featured Programs

Best Online Master’s Program in Maryland

  1. #1

    Johns Hopkins University

    Baltimore , MD

    Tuition + fees

    $60K

    Acceptance

    7%

    Graduation

    94%

    Student body

    40K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1545/34

    Career Outlook for degree at Johns Hopkins University

    Cost of Degree: $65,956
    Expenses: $22,725
    Starting Salary: $89,300
    Cost Recoup Time: 10 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Johns Hopkins University is a top-rated private research university known for delivering high-quality degree programs through its traditional campus and online learning platform. JHU is among the best online colleges in Maryland to pursue online graduate programs that place a strong focus on research and development.

    Online students at JHU can access various student services, including financial assistance and career services. They’ll also receive support from the university’s dedicated on-campus staff and seasoned faculty members committed to helping students create a realistic plan for their graduate degrees.

    Online Master’s Degrees

    MS in Applied Economics
    • Required Credits: 30
    • Completion time: 1-2 years
    • Format: Online
    MBEE in Biotechnology, Enterprise and Entrepreneurship
    • Required Credits: 30
    • Completion time: 20-36 months
    • Format: Online
    MA in Non-Governmental Organization Management
    • Required Credits: 30
    • Completion time: 12-24 months
    • Format: Online
    MS in Organizational Leadership
    • Required Credits: 30
    • Completion time: 2 years
    • Format: Online
    MS in Regulatory Science
    • Required Credits: 30
    • Completion time: 20-36 months
    • Format: Online
    MS in Data Analytics and Policy
    • Required Credits: 36
    • Completion time: 16-24 months
    • Format: Online
    MS in Applied Economics
    • Required Credits: 45
    • Completion time: 2-3 years
    • Format: Online
    MS in Data Analytics and Policy and Certificate in Intelligence
    • Required Credits: 45
    • Completion time: 2-3 years
    • Format: Online
    MS/MBA in Applied Economics and Business Administration Dual Degree
    • Required Credits: 66
    • Completion time: 2-3 years
    • Format: Online
    MS/MBA in Biotechnology and Business Administration Dual Degree
    • Required Credits: 93
    • Completion time: 2-3 years
    • Format: Online
    MA in Global Risk
    • Required Credits: 36
    • Completion time: 21 months
    • Format: Online
    MA in Global Security Studies
    • Required Credits: 36
    • Completion time: 12-24 months
    • Format: Online
    MA in Government
    • Required Credits: 36
    • Completion time: 16-24 months
    • Format: Online
    MS in Intelligence Analysis
    • Required Credits: 36
    • Completion time: 12-24 months
    • Format: Online
    MA in Global Security Studies and Certificate in Intelligence
    • Required Credits: 45
    • Completion time: 2-3 years
    • Format: Online
    MA in Government and Certificate in Intelligence
    • Required Credits: 45
    • Completion time: 2-3 years
    • Format: Online
    MA/MBA in Government and Business Dual Degree
    • Required Credits: 63
    • Completion time: 2-3 years
    • Format: Online
    MA in Teaching Writing
    • Required Credits: 27
    • Completion time: 2-3 years
    • Format: Online
    MA in Writing
    • Required Credits: 27
    • Completion time: 2-3 years
    • Format: Online
    MA in Cultural Heritage Management
    • Required Credits: 30
    • Completion time: 16-24 months
    • Format: Online
    MS in Geographic Information Systems
    • Required Credits: 30
    • Completion time: 1-2 years
    • Format: Online
    MLA in Liberal Arts
    • Required Credits: 30
    • Completion time: 18-24 months
    • Format: Online
    MA in Museum Studies
    • Required Credits: 30
    • Completion time: 16-24 months
    • Format: Online
    MA in Public Management
    • Required Credits: 36
    • Completion time: 16-24 months
    • Format: Online
    MS in Research Administration
    • Required Credits: 36
    • Completion time: 16-24 months
    • Format: Online
    MA in Cultural Heritage Management and Certificate in Digital Curation
    • Required Credits: 42
    • Completion time: 2-3 years
    • Format: Online
    MA in Cultural Heritage Management and Certificate in Nonprofit Management
    • Required Credits: 42
    • Completion time: 2-3 years
    • Format: Online
    MA in Public Management and Certificate in Intelligence
    • Required Credits: 45
    • Completion time: 2-3 years
    • Format: Online
    MS in Individualized Genomics and Health
    • Required Credits: 30
    • Completion time: 1-2 years
    • Format: Online
    MA in Science Writing
    • Required Credits: 27
    • Completion time: 2-3 years
    • Format: Online
    MS in Biotechnology
    • Required Credits: 30
    • Completion time: 1-3 years
    • Format: Online
    MS in Energy Policy and Climate
    • Required Credits: 30
    • Completion time: 1-2 years
    • Format: Online
    MS in Environmental Sciences and Policy
    • Required Credits: 30
    • Completion time: 1-2 years
    • Format: Online
    MS in Food Safety Regulation
    • Required Credits: 30
    • Completion time: 20-36 months
    • Format: Online
    MS in Bioinformatics
    • Required Credits: 33
    • Completion time: 16-24 months
    • Format: Online
    MS in Geospatial Intelligence
    • Required Credits: 36
    • Completion time: 16-24 months
    • Format: Online
    MS in Environmental Sciences and Policy
    • Required Credits: 39
    • Completion time: 2-3 years
    • Format: Online
    MA in Sustainable Energy
    • Required Credits: 30
    • Completion time: 21 months
    • Format: Online
  2. #2

    Goucher College

    Baltimore , MD

    Tuition + fees

    $49K

    Acceptance

    80%

    Graduation

    58%

    Student body

    3K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1220/29

    Career Outlook for degree at Goucher College

    Cost of Degree: $15,690
    Expenses: $20,650
    Starting Salary: $55,100
    Cost Recoup Time: 8 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Students who thrive in small and intimate environments should consider Goucher College, a preeminent small private university. Goucher offers online degree programs designed for busy adult students. These online programs allow students to accelerate the program but will require them to enroll full-time and spend more hours completing coursework.

    Online Master’s Degrees

    MEd in Education

    Concentrations

    • At-Risk and Diverse Learners
    • Athletic Program Leadership and Administration
    • ESOL - Teaching English for Speakers of Other Languages
    • Literacy Strategies for Content Learning
    • Reading Instruction (MSDE-approved for Reading Specialist certification)
    • Reducing Student, Classroom, and School Disruption: Prevention and Retention
    • School Improvement Leadership (MSDE-approved program for Administrator 1 Certification)
    • Special Education for Certified Elementary and Secondary Teachers
    • Teacher as Leader in Technology
    • Required Credits: 36
    • Completion time: 2-3 years
    • Format: Online
    MS in Higher Education Policy, Research and Administration
    • Required Credits: 36
    • Completion time: 1 year
    • Format: Online
    MAT in Teaching
    • Required Credits: None Reported
    • Completion time: 2-3 years
    • Format: Online
  3. #3

    Morgan State University

    Baltimore , MD

    Tuition + fees

    $8K

    Acceptance

    85%

    Graduation

    46%

    Student body

    9K

    Median SAT/ACT

    970/18

    Career Outlook for degree at Morgan State University

    Cost of Degree: $9,819
    Expenses: $18,320
    Starting Salary: $42,600
    Cost Recoup Time: 8 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Morgan State University is a member of the Maryland Online Consortium of Schools, which enhances online students’ educational experience by allowing them to pursue online courses in an additional online college. Online students at MSU have access to various student support services dedicated to student success, including career planning services, academic advising, mental health counseling, and tech support.

    If you are interested in pursuing a master’s in business administration, you may want to consider the Online MBA Programs at Morgan State University.

    In our interview with Joseph Wells, he reports that the Graves online MBA program at Morgan State University is designed to “help out students develop rigorous analytical capabilities combined with stand-out leadership qualities to help them tackle complex business challenges in a matrixed world.” This online program places a very heavy emphasis on career management and placement via a structured and comprehensive pair of Professional Development courses taken in the first year.

    The program was built to be compatible with working adults as they manage work, family, and school obligations. The MBA consists of 36 credits and is completed over a 2-year term, although with customized course sequencing the program can be completed in a shorter time frame.

    Course topics include accounting, finance, marketing, entrepreneurship and innovation, information systems, human resources management, and our capstone course, strategic management.

    Applicants to the Graves MBA program must have a bachelor’s degree (2.5 GPA minimum for consideration / 3.3 average GPA for admitted students) and three letters of recommendation. The GMAT is optional. Evidence of professional/managerial experience is desirable but not required. Students must maintain a 3.0 GPA to remain in good academic standing and graduate. The cost of the program is $30,000.

    Please visit Graves Masters webpage for more info and admission events

    Online Master’s Degrees

    Master of Business Administration (MBA)
    • Required Credits: None Reported
    • Completion time: 2-3 years
    • Format: Online
    MS in Project Management
    • Required Credits: None Reported
    • Completion time: 2-3 years
    • Format: Online
    MEd in Community College Leadership Program
    • Required Credits: 36
    • Completion time: 2 years
    • Format: Online
    MSW in Social Work
    • Required Credits: 60
    • Completion time: 2 years
    • Format: Online
  4. team of young business professionals walking together in an office

  5. Tuition + fees

    $53K

    Acceptance

    83%

    Graduation

    79%

    Student body

    6K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1270/29

    Career Outlook for degree at Loyola University Maryland

    Cost of Degree: $19,440
    Expenses: $20,110
    Starting Salary: $78,300
    Cost Recoup Time: 6 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Loyola University Maryland is a private institution that offers various online degree programs, from undergraduate to graduate level. The institution prioritizes social justice and whole-person education.

    Online classes at Loyola are taught by the same on-campus faculty, ensuring that its online learners receive the same level of academic excellence as its on-campus students. To ensure students’ success, the school offers several online and on-campus student support services.

    Online Master’s Degrees

    MEd in Literacy/Reading
    • Required Credits: 30
    • Completion time: 2-3 years
    • Format: Online
    MEd in Curriculum and Instruction for Social Justice
    • Required Credits: 33
    • Completion time: 2-3 years
    • Format: Online
    MEd in Educational Technology
    • Required Credits: 36
    • Completion time: 2-3 years
    • Format: Online
    MEd in Educational Leadership
    • Required Credits: 39
    • Completion time: 2-3 years
    • Format: Online
  6. Tuition + fees

    $13K

    Acceptance

    81%

    Graduation

    70%

    Student body

    15K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1300/26

    Career Outlook for degree at University of Maryland, Baltimore County

    Cost of Degree: $15,840
    Expenses: $19,218
    Starting Salary: $59,600
    Cost Recoup Time: 7 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    The University of Maryland at Baltimore is a public research institution that offers a few fully online degrees. Online students at UMD BC benefit from a supportive community, experiential learning opportunities, career center resources, and workshops to enhance their skills and job prospects. These benefits allow UMD BC online students to balance the demands of daily life with the confidence to work toward their academic and professional goals.

    Online Master’s Degrees

    MS in Emergency Health Services
    • Required Credits: None Reported
    • Completion time: 2-3 years
    • Format: Online
    MA in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL)
    • Required Credits: None Reported
    • Completion time: 2-3 years
    • Format: Online
  7. #6

    Towson University

    Towson , MD

    Tuition + fees

    $11K

    Acceptance

    79%

    Graduation

    70%

    Student body

    23K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1120/22

    Career Outlook for degree at Towson University

    Cost of Degree: $12,042
    Expenses: $20,084
    Starting Salary: $55,100
    Cost Recoup Time: 7 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Towson University has strong ties with several community colleges in Maryland. The university is among the best online colleges in Maryland for students seeking to integrate experiential learning, internships, and community service into their online programs. Online students may qualify for financial aid from external organizations offering institutional scholarships and rewards.

    Online Master’s Degrees

    MS in Applied Information Technology
    • Required Credits: 42
    • Completion time: 2-3 years
    • Format: Online
    MS in Integrated Homeland Security Management
    • Required Credits: 74
    • Completion time: 2 years
    • Format: Online
    MS in Instructional Technology
    • Required Credits: 36
    • Completion time: 2-3 years
    • Format: Online
    MS in Transformational Educational Leadership
    • Required Credits: 36
    • Completion time: 2-3 years
    • Format: Online
  8. #7

    University of Baltimore

    Baltimore , MD

    Tuition + fees

    $10K

    Acceptance

    89%

    Graduation

    33%

    Student body

    4K

    Career Outlook for degree at University of Baltimore

    Cost of Degree: $16,232
    Starting Salary: $63,400

    The University of Baltimore is a prominent public university that caters to the needs of working professionals by offering asynchronous online classes. UB’s online programs allow students to choose between part-time and full-time studies. To ensure that its distance learners gain all the necessary abilities to succeed, the university maintains a small online student-to-faculty ratio of 13:1.

    Online Master’s Degrees

    MS in Interaction Design and Information Architecture
    • Required Credits: 66
    • Completion time: 2-3 years
    • Format: Online
    Master of Business Administration (MBA)
    • Required Credits: 36-48
    • Completion time: 2-3 years
    • Format: Online
    MPA in Public Administration
    • Required Credits: 36-39
    • Completion time: 2-3 years
    • Format: Online
  9. #8

    McDaniel College

    Westminster , MD

    Tuition + fees

    $47K

    Acceptance

    82%

    Graduation

    66%

    Student body

    4K

    Career Outlook for degree at McDaniel College

    Cost of Degree: $9,969
    Expenses: $16,498
    Starting Salary: $54,000
    Cost Recoup Time: 6 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Another prominent small private college in Maryland is McDaniel College. With 75% of its graduate students enrolled in online-only degree programs, McDaniel has made education more accessible to those who may not have the flexibility to attend traditional graduate degree programs. Students enrolled in MDC online programs can enroll full- or part-time. Online classes in these online master’s degree programs are conducted in asynchronous formats, giving students maximum control over their schedules.

    Online Master’s Degrees

    MS in Human Resources Management
    • Required Credits: 36
    • Completion time: 2-3 years
    • Format: Online
    MS in Innovations in Teaching and Learning
    • Required Credits: 33
    • Completion time: 2-3 years
    • Format: Online
    MS in Reading Specialist: Literacy Leadership
    • Required Credits: 36
    • Completion time: 2-3 years
    • Format: Online
    MS in Teachers of English to Speakers of Other Languages
    • Required Credits: 36
    • Completion time: 2-3 years
    • Format: Online
    MS in School Librarianship
    • Required Credits: 37
    • Completion time: 2-3 years
    • Format: Online
    MS in Public Administration and Policy
    • Required Credits: 36
    • Completion time: 2-3 years
    • Format: Online
  10. #9

    Salisbury University

    Salisbury , MD

    Tuition + fees

    $10K

    Acceptance

    91%

    Graduation

    69%

    Student body

    8K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1250/24

    Career Outlook for degree at Salisbury University

    Cost of Degree: $10,330
    Expenses: $18,892
    Starting Salary: $54,200
    Cost Recoup Time: 7 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Salisbury University is a public university with various online offerings with a generous transfer credits policy. Online students will receive full guidance from school advisors in maximizing their credit transfer.

    The university’s online master degree programs are designed for prospective graduate students with full-time jobs. Maryland residents who enroll at Salisbury University can expect to pay low tuition and receive financial assistance.

    Online Master’s Degrees

    Master of Business Administration (MBA)
    • Required Credits: 30
    • Completion time: 2-3 years
    • Format: Online
    MS in Geographic Information Systems
    • Required Credits: 30
    • Completion time: 1.5 years
    • Format: Online
    MSW in Social Work
    • Required Credits: 62
    • Completion time: 2-3 years
    • Format: Online
  11. Tuition + fees

    $10K

    Acceptance

    88%

    Graduation

    49%

    Student body

    5K

    Career Outlook for degree at Frostburg State University

    Cost of Degree: $11,258
    Expenses: $17,058
    Starting Salary: $47,200
    Cost Recoup Time: 7 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Established as a teacher preparation institution, Frostburg State University has developed into one of the most distinguished public universities in Maryland. Primarily known for its online master of business administration program, FSU offers two distinct master’s degrees that deliver updated and accredited curricula.

    Online students at FSU must meet the same expectations as their on-campus peers. They also have access to student support services, from academic advising to writing centers support.

    Online Master’s Degrees

    Master of Business Administration (MBA)
    • Required Credits: None Reported
    • Completion time: 2-3 years
    • Format: Online
    MS in Recreation, Parks and Sport Management
    • Required Credits: None Reported
    • Completion time: 2-3 years
    • Format: Online
    MSN in Nursing

    Concentrations

    • Leadership and Management
    • Education Track
    • Family Nurse Practitioner
    • Psychiatric and Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
    • Required Credits: 37
    • Completion time: 2 years
    • Format: Online
  12. #11

    Stevenson University

    Owings Mills , MD

    Tuition + fees

    $39K

    Acceptance

    84%

    Graduation

    65%

    Student body

    4K

    Career Outlook for degree at Stevenson University

    Cost of Degree: $8,460
    Expenses: $20,278
    Starting Salary: $54,600
    Cost Recoup Time: 6 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Stevenson University is one of the leaders in distance education in Maryland, with several fully online programs catering to the unique needs of nontraditional students. These online degrees also cater to out-of-state students, providing them with cheaper out-of-state tuition costs. As one of the best career-focused online schools, Stevenson partners with various companies throughout the state to offer tuition savings to their employees.

    Online Master's Degrees

    MS in Business and Technology Management
    • Required Credits: 30-36
    • Completion time: 2-3 years
    • Format: Online
    MS in Communication Studies
    • Required Credits: 30-36
    • Completion time: 2-3 years
    • Format: Online
    MA in Community-Based Education and Leadership
    • Required Credits: 30-36
    • Completion time: 2-3 years
    • Format: Online
    MS in Crime Scene Investigation
    • Required Credits: 30-36
    • Completion time: 2-3 years
    • Format: Online
    MS in Cybersecurity and Digital Forensics
    • Required Credits: 30-36
    • Completion time: 2-3 years
    • Format: Online
    MS in Digital Transformation and Innovation
    • Required Credits: 30-36
    • Completion time: 2-3 years
    • Format: Online
    MS in Forensic Accounting
    • Required Credits: 30-36
    • Completion time: 2-3 years
    • Format: Online
    MS in Forensic Investigation
    • Required Credits: 30-36
    • Completion time: 2-3 years
    • Format: Online
    MS in Forensic Science
    • Required Credits: 30-36
    • Completion time: 2-3 years
    • Format: Online
    MS in Forensic Studies
    • Required Credits: 30-36
    • Completion time: 2-3 years
    • Format: Online
    MS in Healthcare Management
    • Required Credits: 30-36
    • Completion time: 2-3 years
    • Format: Online
    MEd in Integrative Learning
    • Required Credits: 30-36
    • Completion time: 2-3 years
    • Format: Online
    MS in Nursing
    • Required Credits: 30-36
    • Completion time: 2-3 years
    • Format: Online
    MA in Teaching
    • Required Credits: 30-36
    • Completion time: 2-3 years
    • Format: Online
  13. Tuition + fees

    $25K

    Acceptance

    51%

    Graduation

    50%

    Student body

    <1K

    Career Outlook for degree at Washington Adventist University

    Cost of Degree: $11,525
    Expenses: $12,640
    Starting Salary: $46,300
    Cost Recoup Time: 6 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Washington Adventist University is a small private liberal arts college known for being one of the top Christian online schools in the state.

    WAU offers two master’s degrees online with asynchronous delivery of lectures and homework. These online programs aim to give students greater flexibility in meeting curricular requirements. However, online students may be required to report on campus for an orientation.

    Online Master’s Degrees

    Master of Business Administration (MBA)
    • Required Credits: 37
    • Completion time: 2-3 years
    • Format: Online
    MA in Public Administration
    • Required Credits: 37
    • Completion time: 2-3 years
    • Format: Online
  14. Tuition + fees

    $41K

    Acceptance

    70%

    Graduation

    60%

    Student body

    3K

    Career Outlook for degree at Notre Dame of Maryland University

    Cost of Degree: $12,705
    Expenses: $18,635
    Starting Salary: $56,400
    Cost Recoup Time: 7 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Notre Dame of Maryland University, a private Catholic university, delivers a holistic education within the context of the Catholic faith. The university promotes a blend of faith, values, and ethical principles in academic and personal growth within its online and on-campus programs.

    NDMU’s online students can access a personal success coach and tech assistance. On-campus tutoring programs are also available to Maryland students.

    Online Master’s Degrees

    MS in Risk Management
    • Required Credits: 30
    • Completion time: 2-3 years
    • Format: Online
    MS in Analytics
    • Required Credits: 36
    • Completion time: 2-3 years
    • Format: Online
    MA in Higher Education Leadership for Changing Populations
    • Required Credits: 30-36
    • Completion time: 2-3 years
    • Format: Online
    MA in Contemporary Communications
    • Required Credits: 30
    • Completion time: 2-3 years
    • Format: Online
  15. Tuition + fees

    $27K

    Acceptance

    64%

    Graduation

    55%

    Student body

    1K

    Career Outlook for degree at Capitol Technology University

    Cost of Degree: $12,042
    Expenses: $18,476
    Starting Salary: $68,100
    Cost Recoup Time: 6 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Capitol Technology University, one of Maryland’s most prominent private schools, offers several comprehensive online undergraduate and graduate programs. CTU allows online students to combine online courses and on-campus meetings.

    This online school is usually preferred by students who have STEM backgrounds. In addition to government support, online learners are qualified for several school-sponsored grants and scholarships.

    Online Master’s Degrees

    TMBA in Business Analytics and Data Science
    • Required Credits: 24-27
    • Completion time: 2-3 years
    • Format: Online
    MS in Business Administration
    • Required Credits: 36-39
    • Completion time: 2-3 years
    • Format: Online
    MS in Computer Science
    • Required Credits: 30
    • Completion time: 2-3 years
    • Format: Online
    TMBA in Cybersecurity
    • Required Credits: 24-27
    • Completion time: 2-3 years
    • Format: Online
    MS in Critical Infrastructure
    • Required Credits: 30-36
    • Completion time: 2-3 years
    • Format: Online
    MS in Cyber Analytics
    • Required Credits: 36-39
    • Completion time: 2-3 years
    • Format: Online
    MS in Cybersecurity
    • Required Credits: 36-39
    • Completion time: 2-3 years
    • Format: Online
    MS in Unmanned and Autonomous Systems
    • Required Credits: 33
    • Completion time: 2-3 years
    • Format: Online
    MS in Engineering Technology
    • Required Credits: 30
    • Completion time: 2-3 years
    • Format: Online
    MS in Aviation
    • Required Credits: 36
    • Completion time: 2-3 years
    • Format: Online
    MS in Construction Safety
    • Required Credits: 36
    • Completion time: 2-3 years
    • Format: Online
    MS in Construction Cybersecurity
    • Required Credits: 30-36
    • Completion time: 2-3 years
    • Format: Online
    MS in Aviation Cybersecurity
    • Required Credits: 33-36
    • Completion time: 2-3 years
    • Format: Online
  16. Student body

    1K

    Students who want to gain advanced competencies in integrative health and wellness education should consider the Maryland University of Integrative Health. This private graduate school offers programs combining conventional and complementary healthcare approaches.

    MUIH also provides continuing education and professional development programs for current integrative health practitioners to stay updated on the latest trends, research, and practices.

    Online Master’s Degrees

    MA in Health and Wellness Coaching
    • Required Credits: 30
    • Completion time: 2 years
    • Format: Online
    MS in Nutrition and Integrative Health
    • Required Credits: 30
    • Completion time: 2 years
    • Format: Online

Busy working adult students who want to pursue an advanced degree for career advancement can pursue an accredited online master’s degree in Maryland. These online programs provide distance learners with high-quality education without disrupting their current commitments.

Even better, most of these colleges offers an in-state tuition rate regardless of a student’s state of residency. So out-of-state students still pay in-state tuition.

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Colleges and Universities in Maryland

The Old Line State has 46 colleges and universities, 30 of which are public and 16 of which are private.

The largest private institution, Johns Hopkins University, has just over 24,000 students and a tuition rate of $54,000. Located in Baltimore, this research university is known for its science and medical discoveries.

Find college admissions consultants in Maryland.

The University of Maryland in College Park boasts over 35,000 students with a price tag of $11,000. The school has 15 campuses, and students can choose from areas of study like criminal justice, communications, physics, and sociology.

Maryland provides loan forgiveness programs for its residents, including programs for dentists and public servants. Students can also check out the Maryland SmartBuy Home Buyer Assistance and Forgiveness Program, where eligible applicants can receive up to 15% of the home purchase price toward outstanding student loan, to be paid off as part of closing.


What are Maryland’s Colleges & Universities?

Maryland’s Best Overall

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Why pursue an online master’s degree in Maryland?

Higher Education is Valued in Maryland

Maryland offers numerous choices for some of the best online programs in the United States. According to Forbes, Maryland has one of the highest population of residents with a bachelor’s degree, while Data Commons reports that the state has over 570K master’s degree holders.

Financial Obstacles are Removed in Maryland

Students who are concerned about the rising costs of higher education will be interested to know that the Maryland Higher Education Commission (MHEC) has a mission of providing all students access to high-quality education. MHEC encourages inclusion and the democratization of education by removing financial obstacles.

MHEC actively manages both state and federal funds to ensure that all prospective students, especially those enrolled in state-funded institutions, can receive some form of financial assistance to reduce academic costs.

Low Unemployment Rates in Maryland

Maryland’s unemployment rate is 3.2%, lower than the national average of 3.9%. A lower unemployment rate suggests that Maryland has a robust labor market, with employers actively looking to hire qualified individuals. Better benefits and increased pay may result for job searchers in the state due to this prosperous economic environment.

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Most Thriving Industries in Maryland

Choosing a master’s degree that aligns with your interests is important. However, considering if your interests will align with the state’s economic demand is equally important.

This is especially necessary if you’re pursuing a career in Maryland and want to maximize the potential ROI of your master’s degree. Additionally, pursuing an online master’s degree that aligns with the state’s top GDP contributors will give you access to a better network of professionals.

Maryland’s GDP has reached $367.3 billion, and the state’s top industry sectors and related online master’s programs include:

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Frequently Asked Questions About Online Master’s Degrees in Maryland

How much does an online master’s degree in Maryland cost?

An online master’s degree in the United States costs about $40,000 for the average grad student. However, the cost of your online master’s degree in Maryland will depend on the type of grad school you attend.

In 2020-2021, the average cost in the United States for a year of tuition in a public grad school was $12,394. The average cost for a year of tuition in private, nonprofit grad school was $28,445.

There are a number of top-ranked colleges and universities in Maryland that offer online graduate programs and have a tuition rate that is well below $20,000. Some of the most affordable online colleges in Maryland in this ranking include:

An online master’s degree will usually cost about the same as a traditional master’s degree. Some schools will charge 5-10% more for online courses. This added cost pays for the technology and specialized training needed for online instruction.

But getting a master’s degree online can also help you save money. The costs above don’t include expenses like housing, transportation, or certain campus fees. As an online grad student, you can save a lot of money by avoiding these added expenses.

Many online master’s degree programs are also accelerated. Most master’s degree programs are designed to be completed in two years. But you may be able to earn your online master’s degree in as little as 12-18 months. Earning an accelerated online master’s degree can save you money on tuition.

Is it easier to gain admission into an online master’s degree program than into a traditional master’s program?

The answer depends on where you’re applying. Like traditional programs, gaining admission to schools with open admission policies is easier. If you’re applying for an online program in a competitive and selective institution, you should expect to have a demanding admissions process.

In essence, admissions requirements for online master’s degrees are the same as their on-campus counterparts. Online bachelor degree holders must meet GPA requirements, show high standardized test scores, and submit letters of recommendation and personal essays.

However, online programs may allow phone interviews instead of in-person interviews, making the interview process easier. While not all online programs require GRE or other standardized test scores, many do for consideration.

What can I expect from an online course at one the top-ranked online programs in Maryland?

If this is your first time taking an online course, the experience may require some adjustment. While you’ll generally learn the same content and take the same exams as your on-campus peers, the medium will likely require you to manage much of this experience independently.

You’ll be accountable for your own time management, your ability to harness the technology at your fingertips, and your ability to focus on the lectures, lessons, and assignments at hand. This means you’ll need to create a suitable workspace for yourself, maintain a realistic schedule, and take it upon yourself to build relationships with your instructors and classmates. With online college, your goal is to find a balance between independence and engagement.

Do online master’s programs in Maryland require on-campus visits?

Online master’s programs frequently do not require students to physically visit the campus since they are tailored to those who prefer a distant learning environment. It’s important to remember, too, that some of these programs can have specific criteria, such as in-person orientations. However, many institutions have realized how important it is to offer choices to meet the requirements and desires of online learners.

Because of this, an increasing number of online programs provide the ease of call-in or online orientations, guaranteeing that students may participate in their education without being limited by the need to attend in person. With this flexibility, students may start their online master’s degree immediately and get to know their teachers, classmates, and program from the comfort of their homes.

Will employers respect my online degree?

In most cases, as long you graduate from a well-regarded, regionally accredited online college, prospective employers won’t look sideways at your degree. In fact, unless you attend an exclusively online college or university, there will likely be no specific indicator on your degree, transcript or resume differentiating your school from its brick-and-mortar counterpart. This means that your employer will likely only differentiate between an online and in-person degree if you mention this distinction.

While some employers may express concern about adjusting online education to in-person workplace collaboration, many other employers will view your online degree as evidence of valuable professional skills such as independence, self-motivation, time management, and tech-savvy.

What are the advantages of online classes?

The advantages of online classes are many. First and foremost, online courses give you the freedom and flexibility to attend class from anywhere that works for you, whether you’re at home, in a coffee shop, or a quiet conference room at work. In many cases, you’ll also enjoy the convenience of asynchronous learning opportunities and educational experiences that you can complete on your schedule. This may include pre-taped lectures, ongoing chat-board discussions, and 24/7 access to digital materials.

And, of course, just as some learners prefer the energy of a live classroom, some learn best when working in their personal space, free from distractions. If this sounds like you, you might find the solitude of online learning to be a major advantage.

What are the disadvantages of online classes?

If you are a student who thrives on the dynamic energy of in-person discussion, who requires the physical surroundings of a classroom to feel engaged, or who considers the social aspects of education to be of equal importance to the actual content of your courses, online education will require some adjustment.

While there is much that can be supplanted or simulated through the online learning, some students may find that there is nothing that can replace the conversation, collaboration, and motivation that occur in an actual classroom setting. As you adjust to online education, one of the biggest challenges you will likely face is overcoming this difference in order to get the most out of your classes. Fortunately, we’ve got some great Tips for Online Education Beginners.

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Maryland’s Best Grad Programs in Your Area Interest

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