Online MBA Programs in Maryland
Maryland's numerous public and private sector companies, growing economy, and favorable business climate help to create an optimal environment for MBA graduates seeking employment.
This page highlights AACSB and ACBSP-accredited online MBA programs in Maryland and provides information about job outlook for MBA program graduates in the state.
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Overview How To Choose Careers FAQsOnline MBA Programs in Maryland
| School | Annual Tuition | Recommend Rate | Program Accreditation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Frostburg State University | $12,790 | 100% (1 review) | AACSB |
| Johns Hopkins University | $57,556 | 0% (2 reviews) | AACSB |
| Morgan State University | $17,559 | Add Review | AACSB |
| Strayer University | $15,135 | 58% (218 reviews) | ACBSP |
| University of Maryland - College Park | $30,885 | 50% (4 reviews) | AACSB |
| University of Phoenix | $16,752 | 60% (1156 reviews) | ACBSP |
Maryland MBA Degrees
Many types of Master's of Business Administration (MBA) degrees are available to prospective students in Maryland. You can choose between traditional on-campus and online options and select from a range of specializations. Most of these online MBA programs in Maryland require the completion of 30-36 credit hours, as well as an internship and a capstone project. Full-time MBA students usually complete a program in two years, but part-time students may need additional time.
To apply to a Maryland MBA program, you'll need to hold a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university. However, your undergraduate degree does not necessarily have to be in business. Business schools often seek out candidates with diverse backgrounds and encourage students to combine their expertise in two or more fields. Some schools may also require applicants to have several years of work experience, and some require high GMAT or GRE scores, although fewer schools are relying on entrance exams than in the past.
Types of MBAs
Generally speaking, the curricula of accredited online MBA programs are designed to provide a thorough foundation in business management. However, if you'd like to acquire advanced knowledge in one particular aspect of business or in a specific industry, you may want to select a school that offers a relevant concentration. Some of the more common areas of specialization include the following:
MBA in Accounting: Courses in an MBA in Accounting cover financial and managerial accounting, financial reporting, and strategic financial decision-making in depth. Many students who plan on becoming certified public accountants earn an MBA in Accounting to help meet the certification requirements.
MBA in Finance: An MBA in Finance looks at business with a focus on financial planning, risk management, and investments. This concentration works well for students who want to obtain advanced positions within the finance and banking industries as well as those who are aiming for executive-level finance positions within larger corporations and organizations.
MBA in Healthcare Management: The curriculum for an MBA in Healthcare Management combines essential business administration courses with specialty classes on the U.S. healthcare system, healthcare regulations, and insurance. Graduates who hope to obtain high-level managerial positions in the healthcare industry, including pharmaceutical and insurance companies, will benefit from this dual focus.
MBA in Human Resources: Coursework in an MBA in Human Resources provides in-depth information on professional development, compensation, and employment law. Students also learn how to create the kind of work environment that attracts top talent.
MBA in Information Systems: Information technology (IT) professionals who want to develop their leadership abilities may be interested in earning an MBA in Information Systems. The curriculum usually combines advanced courses in information technology with business management courses to help equip graduates for higher-level managerial roles in IT.
MBA in International Business: An MBA in International Business may particularly attract prospective high-level managers who would benefit from a global perspective on business, economics, and trade. Specialized courses in this program focus on global economics, international marketing, and international finance.
MBA in Management: Perhaps the most versatile concentration of them all, the MBA in Management teaches business fundamentals and leadership skills that can be used in virtually any sector or industry. The program typically includes advanced courses in finance, accounting, and marketing. Additionally, learning activities are designed to develop skills in leading innovation and strategic planning.
MBA in Marketing: An MBA in Marketing is also quite flexible as it prepares graduates for high-level positions in all types of organizations and industries. The curriculum typically covers advanced courses in market research, branding, promotions, sales force management, and selling strategies.
MBA in Organizational Leadership: An MBA in Organizational Leadership looks at business management through the lens of psychology, focusing on such topics as group dynamics and motivation. Some of the more common occupations for graduates with this degree are corporate trainer, sales director, and organizational management consultant.
MBA in Public Administration:In an MBA in Public Administration program, students discover how business concepts may be applied in public sector organizations, such as city governments and social services agencies. This may be a particularly good choice for those who want to assume management roles in state and local government agencies and nonprofit organizations.
MBA in Technology Management: In an MBA in Technology Management, coursework focuses on leading business growth through technological innovations. Some of the more common occupations for graduates with this concentration are chief technology officer and information systems manager.
Depending on your circumstances, an accelerated MBA or executive MBA program may be just right for you.
How To Choose an Online MBA Program in Maryland
If you're planning to earn an online MBA degree in Maryland, you'll want to confirm that your program meets several important criteria. One of the factors that ensures you're getting a quality education is accreditation, which signifies that a school's programs, faculty, facilities, and services exceed independently established standards for rigor and excellence.
When reviewing accredited online programs to make the right choice in MBA program, you may also want to consider the following questions:
- Does the school offer the concentration you're most interested in or can you customize the program through your choice of electives?
- Do MBA faculty members have the experience and credentials you're looking for?
- Does the program feature learning activities designed to develop specific managerial skills?
- Does the school provide career development services, such as resume writing, interview coaching, and job placement assistance?
- Is there a supportive alumni association that you can rely on for networking and mentorship opportunities?
MBA Jobs in Maryland
Maryland is proud to say that it has one of the best-educated workforces in the country. More than 40% of its residents have earned bachelor's degrees, and nearly 20% have earned graduate degrees, making the state an attractive home for MBA graduates.
Recent reports from the state government show that Maryland's economy has remained strong throughout the pandemic, which suggests that there may be more opportunities for MBA holders here. The primary industries in the state are federal government-related organizations, technology, and medical research and innovation — three service-oriented industries that are essential to modern life. Financial services is also a growing sector in Maryland.
Based on these strengths, Maryland MBAs can follow several different career paths. Some may find employment opportunities at one of the four Fortune 500 companies headquartered here — Marriott International, Black and Decker, Host Hotels and Resorts, and Lockheed Martin, one of the top recruiters of recent MBA grads in 2021. Other graduates may go to work at one of the state's other top employers, which include McCormick, Under Armour, DAP, and T. Rowe Price. Those who are particularly interested in healthcare may want to consider employment at The Johns Hopkins Hospital and Health System.
ProjectionsCentral provides job growth projections for 2020 through 2030 that may interest MBA graduates in Maryland. Although many of the following occupations in the state do not necessarily require an MBA, employers may prefer to hire job applicants with the pertinent skills and knowledge that come from earning this advanced degree.
| Occupation | Projected Number of Jobs in 2030 | Total Job Growth 2020-2030 |
|---|---|---|
| General and Operations Managers | 59,680 | 10.6% |
| Computer and Systems Information Managers | 15,400 | 11.8% |
| Social and Community Service Managers | 5,560 | 21.9% |
| Human Resources Managers | 3,920 | 14.3% |
| Transportation, Storage, and Distribution Managers | 3,230 | 15.4% |
MBA Salary in Maryland
Current data from the BLS shows that managerial salaries in Maryland are fairly consistent with managerial salaries across the nation. However, Maryland's cost of living score is 111.8, which is somewhat higher than the national index of 100. MBA salaries in Maryland may not stretch quite as far due to the state's higher housing and transportation costs.
| Occupation | Mean Annual Salary in Maryland | Mean Annual Salary in the U.S. |
|---|---|---|
| General and Operations Managers | $120,090 | $115,250 |
| Computer and Systems Information Managers | $155,830 | $162,930 |
| Transportation, Storage, and Distribution Managers | $103,910 | $105,580 |
| Human Resources Managers | $137,430 | $136,590 |
| Education Administrators, Kindergarten Through Secondary | $117,000 | $102,650 |
Several high-level managerial occupations are listed on the Maryland Department of Labor's Hot Jobs list, including administrative services manager, management analyst, and purchasing manager. Here again, these roles do not specifically require an advanced degree, but you may be in a better position to land one of these jobs and negotiate a higher salary if you have an MBA. Additional opportunities include the following:
Medical and Health Services Manager
Often found working in hospitals, doctors' offices, and other healthcare facilities, medical and health services managers perform typical managerial roles, such as supervising staff, creating schedules, and monitoring budgets. To perform their jobs well, they also need to be knowledgeable about medical practices and procedures, health insurance, and healthcare regulations. Although it's not required, an MBA in Healthcare Management may help prepare you for a career as a medical and health services manager.
Computer and Information Systems Manager
Information systems managers are needed in virtually every industry, and they often find work in larger organizations that have extensive technology networks and systems. These managers identify technology needs, install appropriate hardware and software, and manage IT staff. Another important element of their role is to establish security protocols. An MBA in Information Systems may help prepare you for a management position in IT.
Postsecondary Education Administrator
Postsecondary education administrators can be found on college campuses, performing typical managerial functions, like budgeting, scheduling, and analyzing data. These administrators manage the various offices and departments within a university, such as admissions, the registrar's office, deans' offices, and student affairs. To obtain one of these jobs, you will most likely need an advanced degree in business, education, or the social sciences.
FAQs About Maryland MBAs
How Much Is an MBA in Maryland?
The annual tuition fees for MBA programs in Maryland vary widely. In some cases, however, schools charge lower tuition fees for their online programs than they do for their on-campus programs. Applying for various forms of financial aid, such as fellowships, grants, student loans, and employer tuition reimbursement, may help you reduce the overall cost of earning an MBA.
Is an MBA in Maryland Worth It?
When you consider how much time, energy, and money you'll invest in earning an MBA, you're smart to question whether this degree will be worth it. One way to establish the value of an MBA is to consider the degree's return on investment, meaning the total financial cost, including student loan interest, as compared to your estimated lifetime earnings. You may also want to factor in how an MBA will help you fulfill your personal and career goals.
Can I Get an MBA Online in Maryland?
Yes, you can get an MBA online at a handful of accredited MBA programs in Maryland. By adding online degree programs to your selection of college options, you may find the ideal program that meets your professional goals without having to relocate. You may also be interested in online Master's in Business Administration programs in nearby Virginia and Washington, D.C.
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By OnlineU Staff Writers | 5/1/2023