Introduction
As a Public Administration graduate student in the state of Maryland, you’ll discover a range of educational opportunities within institutions like the University of Maryland School of Public Policy and Johns Hopkins University’s School of Public Health. These schools provide programs that cater to various interests within the field, ensuring a well-rounded education.
The strategic geographical location of Maryland, with its proximity to Washington, D.C., offers unique advantages for professional development. Students have unparalleled access to government agencies, think tanks, and non-governmental organizations, fostering an environment conducive to networking and internship opportunities.
Key State Takeaways:
- Total MPA Programs Statewide: 7
- NASPAA-Accredited Programs: 3
- Annual Resident Tuition Average: $13,774 (PYR)
- Annual Non-Resident Tuition Average: $26,734 (PYR)
- Program Formats Offered: On-campus, online, hybrid
- Average Starting Salary: $71,500
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- No GRE/GMAT Required
- 100% Online
- HLC Accredited
Walden University
Online Public Policy and Administration Programs
Walden University’s Public Administration programs are taught by a distinguished faculty of scholar-practitioners, many of whom have senior-executive experience in government and public service. Programs include:
- No GRE/GMAT Required
- Top Ranked
- Built for Leaders
Arizona State University
Online Master of Public Administration (MPA)
ASU’s Online Master of Public Administration provides students with a curriculum that covers leadership strategies, ethical decision-making, and effective management across various organizations.
- Transfer Credits Accepted
- Military Friendly
- 100% Online
Purdue Global
Online Master of Public Administration (MPA)
Purdue Global’s Online MPA is designed to help practicing and aspiring administrators develop skills and techniques to provide leadership in a wide variety of public service fields.
- Affordable
- Transfer Credits Accepted
- Accredited Program
Liberty University
Online Master of Public Administration (MPA)
Liberty University’s Master’s Degree in Public Administration Online is designed to equip students with a thorough background in the theories and practices essential for success in government and nonprofit roles. MPA areas of focus include:
- Accredited Programs
- Affordable Degrees
- 100% Online
Southern New Hampshire University
Online Public Administration & Political Science Degrees
Stand up and be counted with a degree in public administration/political science from Southern New Hampshire University—and learn how to facilitate change from within the system. Program offerings include:
NASPAA-Accredited MPA Programs in Maryland
Currently, three institutions in Maryland hold NASPAA accreditation for their MPA programs, demonstrating their commitment to quality education and industry standards. This accreditation serves as a reliable indicator for prospective students, affirming program relevance and providing a strong foundation for a career in public administration. The following is an overview of the three NASPAA-accredited institutions in Maryland. Tuition estimates are calculated on a per credit hour basis:
Bowie State University
- Bowie, MD.
- 36 Credit Hours
- Campus
Program:
Department of Management, Marketing & Public Administration
Program Overview:
Bowie State University’s MPA is offered through the Department of Management, Marketing & Public Administration in the College of Business. The program (first offered in Fall 2003) provides public administration education with strong emphasis on leadership, policy analysis, public/non-profit management, human resources, and analytical skills. It aims to prepare graduates for public service roles in local, state, federal government, and nonprofit sectors. The university is a Historically Black University (HBCU) and the program is NASPAA-accredited. Courses are offered on campus and in the European program for BSU.
Unique Components:
- Flexible Admission Paths: Conditional or provisional admission may be granted for applicants whose undergraduate GPA is below the standard (e.g. between ~2.5-2.74), or who need to complete prerequisite courses/statistics, economics, macro/micro requirements.
- Professional / Experiential Learning Emphasis: The program includes a comprehensive/qualifying exam; certificate options in public management; opportunities for internships, networking, involvement with Pi Alpha Alpha honor society and student public administration association.
Key Data Highlights:
- Format: On-campus
- Accreditation: NASPAA
- Credit Hours: 36
- GRE: Required
- Resident Tuition: $448 (PCH)
- Non-Resident Tuition: $730 (PCH)
- Acceptance Rate: N/A
- Enrollment: 109 students
Other Considerations:
- Prerequisite Courses: Undergraduate microeconomics, macroeconomics, and statistics may be required if not already completed by the applicant.
- European Program Participation: Courses (or some offerings) are also available through Bowie State’s European Program.
University of Baltimore
- Baltimore, MD.
- 36-39 Credit Hours
- Online + Campus
Program:
School of Public & International Affairs
Program Overview:
The University of Baltimore’s MPA is offered through its School of Public & International Affairs in the College of Public Affairs. The program is designed for flexibility, allowing students to complete the degree fully online or in a hybrid/weekend format. It is NASPAA-accredited, combining core public administration theory with applied practice in policy analysis, nonprofit management, internships, and leadership. The online version allows students globally to earn the degree without stepping foot on campus.
Unique Components:
- Specialization / Elective Options: The program includes specialization tracks (e.g. in Public & Nonprofit Management).
- Dual Degree Option (JD/MPA): There’s a dual-degree option allowing students to earn both JD and MPA in reduced total credits versus doing both separately.
- Fully Online & Hybrid/Weekend Formats: Students may take the MPA fully online or via weekend/on-campus/hybrid offerings.
Key Data Highlights:
- Format: On-campus, online
- Accreditation: NASPAA
- Credit Hours: 36-39
- GRE: Not required
- Resident Tuition: $848 (PCH)
- Non-Resident Tuition: $1,229 (PCH)
- Acceptance Rate: 85%
- Enrollment: N/A
Other Considerations:
- Weekend and hybrid formats may make this program more feasible for working professionals who cannot commit to full-time or daily schedules.
- UBalt’s online MPA offering allows students anywhere to enroll and pay in-state tuition (for the online program) regardless of location.
University of Maryland – College Park
- College Park, MD.
- 30-36 Credit Hours
- Campus
Program:
University of Maryland School of Public Policy
Program Overview:
The University of Maryland’s School of Public Policy offers a Master of Professional Studies in Public Administration (MPS-PA), which is a professional degree designed for individuals aiming to lead and manage in public, nonprofit, or governmental sectors. The program emphasizes analytic, decision-making, and management skills, drawing on UMD’s location in the National Capital Region for real-world exposure. It can be completed full-time (in ~12 months) or part-time (~21 months). Additionally, UMD offers an Executive Master of Public Management (EMPM) option for experienced practitioners.
Unique Components:
- Flexible / accelerated format: The MPS-PA is offered in both full-time accelerated (12 months) and part-time (~21 months) modes.
- Executive option: A separate Executive Master of Public Management (EMPM), delivered online, 30 credits, accelerated for professionals.
- Cohort-based learning: MPS-PA is cohort oriented, designed to move through with peers.
Key Data Highlights:
- Format: On-campus
- Accreditation: NASPAA
- Credit Hours: 30-36
- GRE: Not required
- Resident Tuition: $995 (PCH)
- Non-Resident Tuition: $2,044 (PCH)
- Acceptance Rate: N/A
- Enrollment: N/A
Other Considerations:
- Given the location, there may be additional opportunities for internships, networking, real-world engagements with federal/state/non-profit agencies.
- Applicants from non-English instruction backgrounds need to meet UMD’s English language proficiency requirements via TOEFL/IELTS/PTE.
ADVERTISEMENT
- No GRE/GMAT Required
- 100% Online
- HLC Accredited
Walden University
Online Public Policy and Administration Programs
Walden University’s Public Administration programs are taught by a distinguished faculty of scholar-practitioners, many of whom have senior-executive experience in government and public service. Programs include:
- No GRE/GMAT Required
- Top Ranked
- Built for Leaders
Arizona State University
Online Master of Public Administration (MPA)
ASU’s Online Master of Public Administration provides students with a curriculum that covers leadership strategies, ethical decision-making, and effective management across various organizations.
- Transfer Credits Accepted
- Military Friendly
- 100% Online
Purdue Global
Online Master of Public Administration (MPA)
Purdue Global’s Online MPA is designed to help practicing and aspiring administrators develop skills and techniques to provide leadership in a wide variety of public service fields.
- Affordable
- Transfer Credits Accepted
- Accredited Program
Liberty University
Online Master of Public Administration (MPA)
Liberty University’s Master’s Degree in Public Administration Online is designed to equip students with a thorough background in the theories and practices essential for success in government and nonprofit roles. MPA areas of focus include:
- Accredited Programs
- Affordable Degrees
- 100% Online
Southern New Hampshire University
Online Public Administration & Political Science Degrees
Stand up and be counted with a degree in public administration/political science from Southern New Hampshire University—and learn how to facilitate change from within the system. Program offerings include:
Non-Accredited Schools
Non-accredited MPA options in the state are also worth a look. Schools like Bowie State University and University of Maryland Global Campus offer programs that emphasize flexibility, affordability, and accessibility, often through online or hybrid formats:
| Institution | Location | Accreditation | Credit Hours | Modality |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Strayer University – Maryland | Suitland, MD | MSCHE | 30 | Online/On- Campus |
| John Hopkins University | Baltimore, MD | MSCHE | 36 | Online/On- Campus |
| Washington Adventist University | Takoma Park, MD | MSCHE | 37 | Online |
| McDaniel College | Westminster, MD | MSCHE | 33 | Online |
Career Outlook
An MPA degree in Maryland opens doors to a broad spectrum of careers, including roles in government, environmental policy, nonprofit management, and community development. The state’s unique administrative landscape, coupled with its proximity to influential institutions, provides MPA graduates with distinctive opportunities to make a meaningful difference in both local and broader contexts.
- State Department Administrator: MPA graduates in Maryland can pursue roles as administrators within state departments, managing programs, overseeing budgets, and ensuring efficient operations at the state level. With Annapolis being the state capital, there are unique opportunities to engage in state policy making and implementation.
- Environmental Policy Analyst: Given Maryland’s commitment to environmental sustainability, MPA graduates can find roles as policy analysts focused on environmental issues. This may involve working with state agencies to develop and implement policies related to conservation, pollution control, and sustainable development, especially around the Chesapeake Bay region.
- Urban Development Planner: In urban centers like Baltimore, there are opportunities for MPA graduates to work as urban development planners. This involves collaborating with local governments, communities, and stakeholders to design and implement initiatives for urban revitalization, affordable housing, and community development.
- Intergovernmental Relations Specialist: Given Maryland’s proximity to Washington, D.C., MPA graduates can explore opportunities as intergovernmental relations specialists. They may work for state agencies or local governments to liaise with federal counterparts, facilitating collaboration on policies and programs.
- Transportation Policy Analyst: Maryland’s transportation infrastructure is a critical aspect of its economy. MPA graduates can work as policy analysts in transportation departments, focusing on improving public transit, addressing traffic congestion, and ensuring sustainable transportation solutions.
- Public-Private Partnership Coordinator: With Maryland’s emphasis on collaboration between the public and private sectors, MPA graduates can explore roles as coordinators for public-private partnerships. These positions involve fostering relationships between government entities and private businesses to address shared goals and challenges.
All MPA Programs in Maryland
| School Name | Degree Program Name | State | City | NASPAA Accredited | Online Degree | Program Link |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bowie State University | Master Of Public Administration | Maryland | Bowie | No | Yes | https://www.bowiestate.edu/academics/colleges/college-of-business/departments/management-marketing-and-public-administration/graduate-programs/public-administration/ |
| Johns Hopkins University | Master Of Public Policy | Maryland | Baltimore | No | No | https://e-catalogue.jhu.edu/advanced-international-studies/programs/international-public-policy-master-mipp/ |
| University of Baltimore | Master Of Public Administration | Maryland | Baltimore | Yes | Yes | https://www.ubalt.edu/cpa/graduate-programs-and-certificates/degree-programs/master-of-public-administration/ |
| University of Maryland, Baltimore County | Master Of Public Policy | Maryland | Baltimore | No | No | https://publicpolicy.umbc.edu/curriculum-mpp/ |
| University of Maryland, College Park | Master Of Public Policy | Maryland | College Park | No | Yes | https://spp.umd.edu/your-education/masters/master-public-policy |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: How do Maryland MPA programs connect with federal government opportunities?
A: Maryland’s proximity to Washington, D.C. offers unparalleled access to federal agencies, think tanks, and national nonprofits. Students frequently secure internships or fellowships in federal offices, blending academic study with hands-on public service experience.
Q: Are there online MPA programs in Maryland?
A: Yes. The University of Baltimore offers a fully online MPA program, making it possible for students anywhere in Maryland—or beyond—to complete the degree. Hybrid options are also available for those who prefer a mix of in-person and remote learning.
Q: What areas of specialization can students pursue in Maryland MPA programs?
A: Concentrations vary, but common tracks include public financial management, nonprofit leadership, environmental policy, urban governance, and international development. College Park, in particular, emphasizes policy analysis and global affairs alongside traditional public administration.
Q: Do Maryland programs highlight public service at the state and local level too, or mostly federal?
A: While federal opportunities are a draw, Maryland MPA programs also have strong partnerships with local governments (like Baltimore City and Montgomery County), state agencies in Annapolis, and nonprofits across the state, ensuring graduates can pursue careers at multiple levels.
Q: What is the career outlook for MPA graduates in Maryland?
A: Graduates work as policy analysts, city managers, nonprofit executives, program directors, and consultants. Many build careers in federal agencies or D.C.-based organizations, while others take leadership roles in Maryland’s state government, county systems, and urban policy networks.
Q: Are there executive or accelerated MPA options in Maryland?
A: Yes. Some universities, including the University of Baltimore, offer flexible or executive-style formats tailored to mid-career professionals. Undergraduates at certain institutions may also qualify for accelerated “4+1” programs to complete a bachelor’s and MPA in about five years.
