Two schools currently offer online Master of Public Administration (MPA) programs in the state of Maryland. Through the programs offered by Johns Hopkins University (JHU) and the University of Baltimore (UBalt), students can focus their course of study in one of the following areas: Public Administration and Leadership, Public and Nonprofit Management, Public Policy Evaluation, or Public Financial Management and Budgeting. Each of the programs can be completed fully online with no on-campus or residency requirements.
JHU and UBalt are both regionally accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE). Learn more about the MPA program offered by Johns Hopkins University and the University of Baltimore, as well as additional out-of-state online MPA programs accessible to Maryland residents.
Schools in Maryland with Online MPA Programs
Johns Hopkins University (JHU) offers an online Master of Arts (MA) in Public Management degree program through the Zanvyl Krieger School of Arts and Sciences’ Advanced Academic Programs division. The program requires the completion of 36 graduate credit hours of study, including six core courses and six elective courses. The curriculum emphasizes the fundamentals of public management, covering topics such as policy analysis, economics, financial management, as well as the enhancement of leadership and strategic management skills. Elective coursework may be concentrated in Public Administration and Leadership, Public Policy Evaluation, or Public Financial Management and Budgeting. Online students may choose to pursue an additional graduate certificate in Intelligence or Data Analytics and Policy. The certificates require the completion of an additional three elective courses. While the degree can be completed in 12 months, students typically enroll part-time and graduate in two years.
JHU uses the learning management system Canvas to conduct its online MA in Public Management. Courses are taught via asynchronous instruction, meaning students independently access readings, assignments, and other course materials. Students are also expected to take part in group activities and contribute to faculty-guided discussions. Some courses may include optional synchronous components, where students can interact in real-time. Online students gain virtual access to the Sheridan Library; career guidance and networking opportunities through the Life Design Lab; as well as virtual career coaching services such as resume and cover letter review, interview prep, and job search assistance through Tutor.com. Online students can also connect with classmates and alumni via the university’s proprietary networking database, OneHop.
The University of Baltimore’s (UBalt) offers an online MPA degree program through its School of Public and International Affairs and has attained programmatic accreditation through the Network of Schools of Public Policy, Affairs, and Administration (NASPAA). The curriculum includes 36 to 39 credit hours of graduate coursework depending on a student’s level of professional experience. Preservice students are required to complete an additional three-credit internship as part of their core curriculum. The 27 credits of core coursework are divided into four categories and include nine credits focused on the fundamental principles of public administration, six credits emphasizing managerial skills, nine credits of analytical emphasis, and a final three-credit capstone course. Specialization or elective classes in the area of Public and Nonprofit Management account for the remaining nine graduate credit hours.
Web-based courses at UBalt are conducted using asynchronous instruction via the online course management system Sakai, though online students based locally can elect to take courses on campus as well. Online students also gain access to the same resources as their on-campus counterparts, such as virtual career coaching that includes resume review and interview preparation through the university’s Career and Internship Center.
Additional Online MPA Programs for Residents of Maryland
Prospective students residing in the state of Maryland who wish to pursue a specialization other than those offered by Johns Hopkins University and the University of Baltimore should research online MPA programs offered by out-of-state colleges that accept online students from Maryland. (Note: While the majority of online MPA programs accept students from all 50 states, out-of-state applicants should always confirm with a program that they accept students from their state of residence before applying.) Many MPA programs allow students to complete their degree requirements fully online, without on-campus or in-person requirements. It is essential that interested applicants research all program requirements, including potential travel, prior to applying to an out-of-state program. Most schools have an admissions advisor on-hand to field questions related to online degree programs.
A comprehensive listing of online MPA programs can be found on our General Online MPA Programs page. All of the schools included on OnlineMPAPrograms.com require less than three on-campus visits per year; however, the majority of programs can be completed fully online.