20 Best Masters Programs in Baltimore, MD for 2026
Baltimore is home to some of the top masters programs in the country, offering students unmatched opportunities for academic and professional growth. With a vibrant urban environment and access to world-class faculty and facilities, Baltimore provides an ideal setting for graduate students to thrive. This article highlights the 20 best masters programs in Baltimore based on academic excellence, value, reputation, and program offerings.
1. Johns Hopkins University
Founded in 1876, Johns Hopkins University is world renowned for its excellence in research and graduate education. The university offers top-ranked masters programs across disciplines including public health, nursing, business, education, engineering, and international studies.
Key Facts:
- 140+ masters programs offered
- US News top 10 graduate school
- Distinguished faculty includes Nobel laureates, Pulitzer Prize winners
- State-of-the-art research facilities, institutes, and medical campus
- Located in Baltimore with a global network of campuses
With small class sizes and access to faculty research, JHU enables students to make an impact through groundbreaking discoveries and innovations. Its career resources also prepare students for leadership in their chosen fields.
Popular Masters Programs: Public Health, Biotechnology, Data Science & Analytics
2. University of Maryland, Baltimore
As Maryland’s only public academic health and law university, UMB offers highly ranked masters programs focused on healthcare, law, social work, and public policy. Its urban location provides students with clinical, research, and professional experience.
Key Facts:
- 80+ masters degrees offered
- US News top 50 graduate school
- Leaders in healthcare, law, social justice
- Interprofessional education and Research centers
- Located in vibrant downtown Baltimore
UMB provides opportunities to solve real community issues and make an impact through policy, research, patient care, and social innovations. Students benefit from academic medical center and cross-discipline collaborations.
Popular Masters Programs: Nursing, Social Work, Law
3. Loyola University Maryland
Loyola University Maryland is a Jesuit Catholic institution providing value-focused liberal arts and professional graduate education. Highly ranked for its education, business and emerging data science programs, Loyola develops students into ethical leaders.
Key Facts:
- 30+ masters programs offered
- US News top 100 best value school
- Commitment to ethics, service and social justice
- Small class sizes and accessible faculty
- Suburban campus minutes from Baltimore
With mentoring relationships and experiential learning, Loyola enables students to expand their thinking and gain skills to create transformative change. Graduate assistantships make Loyola a high-value choice.
Popular Masters Programs: Education, Business, Data Science
4. Johns Hopkins Carey Business School
The Johns Hopkins Carey Business School offers prestigious masters programs integrating business fundamentals with analytical expertise and leadership development. Its rankings place it among the top business schools nationwide.
Key Facts:
- US News top 10 business analytics program
- Flexible learning options including accelerated and specialized masters
- Dual degree options like MBA/MD and MBA/MA
- Access to Johns Hopkins research and resources
- Located in Harbor East district
Carey’s industry-connected and analytical curriculum equips students as strategic thinkers to innovate business solutions. Students gain access to a powerful global network of alumni and business partners.
Popular Masters Programs: Business Analytics, Finance, Marketing
5. University of Maryland Baltimore County
UMBC offers highly ranked masters programs focused on science, engineering, and technology disciplines. As one of the most diverse universities, UMBC provides an inclusive environment for specialized graduate study.
Key Facts:
- US News top 5 most innovative university
- 100% of Ph.D. grads are placed in field
- Located on suburbs near Baltimore
- Tuition discounts for MS programs
- Internship program placement rate
UMBC prepares technology experts and researchers through immersive training in labs and innovative centers. Students develop expertise for high-demand tech careers with renowned faculty as mentors.
Popular Masters Programs: Cybersecurity, Engineering, Data Science
6. University of Maryland College Park
The University of Maryland’s flagship campus offers over 90 masters programs including highly ranked engineering, education and business graduate studies. Its location provides access to opportunities in D.C. and Baltimore.
Key Facts:
- US News top 25 public university
- Consortium with government agencies like NASA, NSA and NIH
- Many accelerated masters options to complete faster
- Vibrant College Park campus life
- Shuttle bus access to D.C. metro
Maryland delivers quality graduate education integrating real-world experiences through research institutes, internship programs and exchanges. Students become leaders in their fields with expert faculty mentors.
Popular Masters Programs: Engineering, Education, Business & Technology
7. Notre Dame of Maryland University
Notre Dame of Maryland University offers personalized graduate education grounded in excellence and ethical leadership. Many programs include an integrated curriculum blending online and campus learning.
Key Facts:
- Small cohorts and mentoring
- Accelerated and 100% online options
- Expert practitioner faculty
- Historic picturesque campus
- Minutes from Baltimore sites
With a commitment to women’s education since 1873, Notre Dame integrates leadership across the curriculum to develop confident graduates prepared to create positive change.
Popular Masters Programs: Leadership, Education and Teaching
8. Johns Hopkins School of Education
The Johns Hopkins University School of Education is dedicated to excellence in teaching, research and policy to advance equity in education. JHU education offers full and part-time masters focused on key issues transforming 21st century learning.
Key Facts:
- US News top 10 education school
- Partnerships with school districts nationwide
- Choose focus in special ed, public policy, etc
- Access to education experts at #1 recipient of research funding
- Baltimore campus integrated with medical institutions
Blending theory with practice, the JHU masters in education develops graduates to guide decisions and model leadership solving complex problems in education.
Popular Masters Programs: Special Education, Education Policy, Teacher Leadership
9. Maryland Institute College of Art
As America’s oldest continuously degree-granting college of art, MICA’s masters programs unleash creative potential. Students gain advanced expertise and professional development for art careers through full or low-residency study.
Key Facts:
- Ranked #3 graduate schools for sculpting
- Located near Baltimore museums and studios
- Immersive printmaking, painting and drawing focus
- Choice of summer or full year intensive study
- Annual art sale to launch student art business
At MICA, emerging artists reach new heights through intensive creative work and access to visiting artists and scholars. Graduates gain skills to sustain lifelong art practices.
Popular Masters Programs: Fine Arts, Curatorial Studies, Art Education
10. Morgan State University
Morgan State offers affordable masters programs focused on excellence and leadership to reflect its status as Maryland’s Preeminent Public Urban Research University. Its institutes tackle real-world problems affecting urban communities.
Key Facts:
- Designated national excellence leader
- Top producer of African American graduates
- Institute partnerships & interdisciplinary research
- Located in culturally rich Baltimore area
- Low tuition rates amongst competitors
Blending academic study with community engagement scholarships, Morgan State masters students gain leadership tools to create meaningful change as ethical global citizens.
Popular Masters Programs: Public Health, Community College Leadership, Project Management
11. Coppin State University
Coppin State provides affordable, career-focused masters studies empowering professionals with expertise to address urban community challenges. Its personalized approach supports underserved students with 74% enrolled part-time.
Key Facts:
- Top 10 US social mobility ranking
- Designated national model institution
- Faculty mentors and small class size
- Convenient evening/weekend courses
- Minutes from downtown Baltimore
Preparing ethical graduates committed to service, Coppin State enables professionals to advance their careers while making an impact.
Popular Masters Programs: Nursing, Criminal Justice, Social Work
12. University of Baltimore
With a practical focus on career advancement and community problem-solving, UB offers affordable masters programs primarily through part-time study catering to working professionals.
Key Facts:
- 88% enrolled part-time
- Downtown Baltimore location by light rail
- Practitioner faculty mentors
- Evening flexible scheduling
- Competitive tuition rates
Preparing graduates to guide organizational success and civic progress, UB combines classroom and experiential learning so students gain expertise to contribute responsibly as industry leaders.
Popular Masters Programs: Public Administration, Legal Studies, Digital Communication
13. Towson University
Towson masters studies blend immersive classroom learning with practical experiences through strong university partnerships and faculty engaged in their professions. Graduates gain skills to advance careers or transition fields.
Key Facts:
- 30+ masters specializations
- Direct entry nursing masters option
- State-of-art media center and radio station
- Career focused curriculum and institutes
- Vibrant campus life and D.C. access
With research and hands-on opportunities available, Towson empowers graduates with expertise to make an impact in their chosen career field.
Popular Masters Programs: Education, Nursing, Business Administration
14. University of Maryland Global Campus
Offering affordable and flexible online masters programs, UMGC enables professionals anywhere to advance their qualifications and skills around work and life demands.
Key Facts:
- US News top 20 online programs
- Month-long course sessions
- 80%+ classes fully online
- Books & materials included
- Dedicated online library services
Through relevant curriculum connecting concepts to practice, UMGC online masters graduates gain expertise to guide decisions and strategic change in their organizations and fields.
Popular Masters Programs: Data Analytics, Management, Cybersecurity
15. Johns Hopkins Zanvyl Krieger School of Arts and Sciences
The Krieger School offers internationally-recognized masters and Ph.D. programs spanning natural sciences, humanities, and social sciences. Students work alongside expert faculty driving discovery.
Key Facts:
- 30+ masters specializations
- Access to 10 cross-discipline research centers
- Outperform Ivy League in PhD output
- Located on renowned Homewood campus
- Partnerships with affiliated institutions
Through advanced graduate study with research veterans, students reach new heights expanding and applying knowledge.
Popular Masters Programs: Writing, Biotechnology, Energy Policy
16. Maryland University of Integrative Health
The nation’s premier academic institution for integrative health and wellness, MUIH offers graduate holistic studies blending modern and traditional approaches to transform health.
Key Facts:
- Regionally accredited grad school
- Nationally ranked #2 CAM school
- Mix of online/on campus options
- Clinically trained faculty
- Community clinics and herb garden
MUIH graduates gain expertise to guide whole-person health and wellness through integrative medicine techniques merging modern and ancient wisdom.
Popular Masters Programs: Yoga Therapy, Nutrition & Integrative Health, Health Promotion
17. McDaniel College
McDaniel College provides personalized graduate education honing leadership and expertise through critical thinking skill-building and faculty mentorships. Many programs offer accelerated options.
Key Facts:
- US News top 10 regional university
- Historical quad walking distance shops
- Safe small town experience
- Guaranteed scholarships for grad students
- Accelerated paths to complete faster
Developing expertise for career growth with a collaborative community focus, McDaniel College’s affordable programs advance qualifications on your timeline.
Popular Masters Programs: Counseling Psychology, Educator Leadership
18. Notre Dame of Maryland University
Notre Dame of Maryland University offers affordable and convenient masters programs primarily through online delivery. Graduates gain ethical leadership foundations for career growth in nonprofit, education or integrative fields.
Key Facts:
- Specialized tracks in Education masters
- RN to Masters accelerated option
- Online and low residency formats
- Competitive tuition rates
- Historical women’s college
Blending online learning with research and field experiences, Notre Dame’s programs develop expertise to guide decisions tackling complex social issues.
Popular Masters Programs: Leadership in Teaching, Instructional Technology
19. University of Baltimore School of Law
University of Baltimore School of Law provides affordable JD and post-graduate masters of law degrees advancing legal expertise. Its experiential advantage clinic develops skills employers and communities demand.
Key Facts:
- Clinical law program working with nonprofits
- Flexible day & evening classes
- Placements at government agencies and courts
- Scholarships offset half of tuition
- Recognized litigation skills education
With a practice-focused approach, UB Law builds expertise and judgement preparing graduates committed to justice and professional ethics as industry leaders.
Popular Masters Programs: Tax Law, Law & Health Care
20. College of Notre Dame of Maryland
The College of Notre Dame of Maryland offers affordable, career-focused masters advancing expertise for fields tackling social issues. Students blend online learning with community engagement through service learning.
Key Facts:
- Mercy service ethic guides community work
- Under $500 per credit hour
- RN to Masters accelerated program
- Online, evening and weekend options
- 30+ academic partnerships
Empowering ethical change leaders, the College of Notre Dame’s affordable programs uniquely fuse community engagement with career skills.
Popular Masters Programs: Leadership in Teaching, Social Justice