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What Can You Do With an MBA in Maryland

If you’re interested in pursuing a professional career in management, finance, entrepreneurship, or any other business-related field in Maryland, you may be considering your next steps. Choosing to pursue a master of business administration (MBA) is a big choice. You’ll need to search for the right business school program, find all the info you can on their courses and class content, figure out what you’ll need in terms of what’s required for admission, and decide if the costs and the return on investment are worth it.

You’ll often find that, in today’s competitive landscape, a general MBA can be a stepping stone toward a rewarding and lucrative career. MBA holders graduate with a wider array of opportunities than those who completed only an undergraduate degree. And, unlike degrees with highly specialized learning and academic focus, you can work in roles across many fields. MBA graduates often pursue work in accounting, IT, operations, health administration, or human resources.

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Top 10 Best MBA Programs in Maryland

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1

Johns Hopkins University

Score: 85.15

  • Graduate Tuition
    • In-State: $62,840
    • Out-of-State:$62,840
  • Net Price: $24,034
  • Acceptance Rate: 7%
  • Retention Rate: 97%
  • Graduation Rate: 94%
  • Total Enrollment: 31,275
  • Undergrad Students: 6,044
  • Graduate Students: 25,231
  • Grads Salary: $94,000
  • Student-to-faculty: 6:1
  • Johns Hopkins University
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2

University of Maryland

Score: 82.04

  • Graduate Tuition
    • In-State: $16,560
    • Out-of-State:$36,100
  • Net Price: $16,210
  • Acceptance Rate: 45%
  • Retention Rate: 95%
  • Graduation Rate: 89%
  • Total Enrollment: 40,792
  • Undergrad Students: 30,353
  • Graduate Students: 10,439
  • Grads Salary: $83,000
  • Student-to-faculty: 18:1
  • University of Maryland
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3

Washington Adventist University

Score: 80.22

  • Graduate Tuition
    • In-State: $11,250
    • Out-of-State:$11,250
  • Net Price: $17,088
  • Acceptance Rate: 51%
  • Retention Rate: 86%
  • Graduation Rate: 50%
  • Total Enrollment: 671
  • Undergrad Students: 582
  • Graduate Students: 89
  • Grads Salary: $108,000
  • Student-to-faculty: 6:1
  • Washington Adventist University
4

Capitol Technology University

Score: 74.73

  • Graduate Tuition
    • In-State: $11,340
    • Out-of-State:$11,340
  • Net Price: $25,445
  • Acceptance Rate: 64%
  • Retention Rate: 73%
  • Graduation Rate: 55%
  • Total Enrollment: 823
  • Undergrad Students: 301
  • Graduate Students: 522
  • Grads Salary: $114,000
  • Student-to-faculty: 9:1
  • Capitol Technology University
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5

Towson University

Score: 71.05

  • Graduate Tuition
    • In-State: $9,108
    • Out-of-State:$18,846
  • Net Price: $14,443
  • Acceptance Rate: 79%
  • Retention Rate: 82%
  • Graduation Rate: 70%
  • Total Enrollment: 19,793
  • Undergrad Students: 16,861
  • Graduate Students: 2,932
  • Grads Salary: $70,000
  • Student-to-faculty: 15:1
  • Towson University
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6

Morgan State University

Score: 66.41

  • Graduate Tuition
    • In-State: $8,352
    • Out-of-State:$16,416
  • Net Price: $13,956
  • Acceptance Rate: 85%
  • Retention Rate: 74%
  • Graduation Rate: 46%
  • Total Enrollment: 9,101
  • Undergrad Students: 7,609
  • Graduate Students: 1,492
  • Grads Salary: $78,000
  • Student-to-faculty: 17:1
  • Morgan State University
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7

Salisbury University

Score: 65.7

  • Graduate Tuition
    • In-State: $8,260
    • Out-of-State:$13,525
  • Net Price: $19,756
  • Acceptance Rate: 91%
  • Retention Rate: 76%
  • Graduation Rate: 69%
  • Total Enrollment: 7,123
  • Undergrad Students: 6,378
  • Graduate Students: 745
  • Grads Salary: $70,000
  • Student-to-faculty: 13:1
  • Salisbury University
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8

Frostburg State University

Score: 63.79

  • Graduate Tuition
    • In-State: $8,370
    • Out-of-State:$10,800
  • Net Price: $16,114
  • Acceptance Rate: 88%
  • Retention Rate: 72%
  • Graduation Rate: 49%
  • Total Enrollment: 4,067
  • Undergrad Students: 3,263
  • Graduate Students: 804
  • Grads Salary: $72,000
  • Student-to-faculty: 12:1
  • Frostburg State University
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9

Bowie State University

Score: 63.54

  • Graduate Tuition
    • In-State: $8,064
    • Out-of-State:$13,140
  • Net Price: $13,886
  • Acceptance Rate: 87%
  • Retention Rate: 73%
  • Graduation Rate: 40%
  • Total Enrollment: 6,275
  • Undergrad Students: 5,378
  • Graduate Students: 897
  • Grads Salary: $74,000
  • Student-to-faculty: 15:1
  • Bowie State University
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10

Hood College

Score: 61.61

  • Graduate Tuition
    • In-State: $9,000
    • Out-of-State:$9,000
  • Net Price: $23,624
  • Acceptance Rate: 78%
  • Retention Rate: 73%
  • Graduation Rate: 61%
  • Total Enrollment: 2,056
  • Undergrad Students: 1,202
  • Graduate Students: 854
  • Grads Salary: $71,000
  • Student-to-faculty: 11:1
  • Hood College

Why Consider an Online MBA?

Not only do online MBAs provide the same level of rigor as their traditional campus-based counterparts, but they also have some distinct advantages. Whether you’re caring for a family, working full-time, or live far away from a suitable program, there are many reasons to take to the web for your next big career move.

MBAs are a popular choice for working professionals who wish to boost their earning potential. That said, attending classes in person isn’t always feasible. Online MBAs allow you to keep working while you level up your skillsets with courses in innovation, communication, or analytics. You still won’t want to skip classes, but attending is as simple as logging into their site and earning your credit hours one day at a time.

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Not all employers require an MBA, and its ability to boost your earning potential has a lot to do with your industry. Financial professionals, for example, benefit a great deal from having the credential, as do those pursuing their dreams of the C-suites. Marketers and entrepreneurs can also get a lot of value from an MBA program but, in many cases, these professionals earnings increases center on their ability to get results. Still, an MBA provides a strong background in business basics, management, finance, and strategy, which come into play no matter what you pursue.

Maryland MBA holders are also bound to see some edge in a competitive job market, especially if they want to leap to mid or upper management. In some cases, having an MBA allows you to bypass years of experience or training that someone with a bachelor’s degree would need to qualify for job offers. Professionals with an MBA typically make more money than their counterparts without one. In some cases, companies require master’s level degrees for those employees who wish to advance. Or, a company might cap earning potential.

For this reason, current professionals interested in applying for leadership roles or changing their careers should strongly consider enrolling in an online MBA. This type of degree makes graduates extremely marketable because it covers basic business, finance, and management techniques. The knowledge and skills developed throughout the program will be useful regardless of your specific career plans and goals.

Many people also pursue an online degree because they want to keep working full-time, are taking care of children, or simply prefer the self-guided nature of online coursework. Of course, earning an MBA doesn’t necessarily mean you’re on the fast track for top-tier earning potential. An MBA may make you more attractive to employers, but you’ll still need to bring hard work, leadership skills, and a flexible management style to the table to succeed in the long run.

Percentage of Students Enrolled By Distance Education

Typical MBA Concentrations

  • Healthcare Management
    Healthcare is one of the biggest industries in Maryland—and the US. As such, this MBA stands to be a worthwhile investment. This program will look at healthcare from a business perspective and will include coursework focused on managing health organizations, marketing, strategy, policy, and more. Again, students can expect all the traditional core MBA coursework – but will learn to apply those business concepts to this highly specialized field.
  • Supply Chain Management
    An online MBA in supply chain management combines broad business foundations like economics and finance with a detailed knowledge of purchasing, logistics, and vendor management. MBA graduates will leave this program prepared for management positions in areas like purchasing, quality control, and warehouse management.
  • Finance
    Finance is a practical MBA concentration in just about any state. Here, you’ll learn more about economics, management, and leadership, while diving deeper into the world of finance. Finance MBAs leave school prepared to work in any industry in a range of roles. Job prospects include controller, financial analyst, CFO, finance manager, and more.
  • Accounting
    An accounting MBA provides a foundation in accounting, as well as a solid business knowledge you can take just about anywhere. Along with coursework in subjects like marketing, finance, and economics, accounting concentration students will dive deeper into things like tax planning, business strategy, financial reporting, and managerial accounting.

Accreditation in Maryland

Unfortunately, one of the hardest parts about starting your research for the right MBA program for you is accreditation. This means that a school must meet certain criteria, demonstrating that the degree and the coursework follow established guidelines.

There are a few organizations that handle the accreditation process in Maryland. The most notable is the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB), which is an international organization that awards accreditation to schools that meet their rigorous standards. Not all Maryland MBA programs are AACSB accredited, and while it is the gold standard, it’s not the only marker of a quality program.

Your MBA should also have regional accreditation. Maryland schools are accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education, which is one of six regional organizations recognized by the US Department of Education. Approval from this organization means you’re looking at a quality education from a reputable program—and credit hours can be transferred to other schools should you wish to relocate.

The value of your degree depends on whether your school is accredited. Programs that haven’t met certain standards are a waste of money, as most employers will not recognize this degree as valid. As such, this may be the most important part of your research. This ensures—and signals to employers that you have the appropriate skill set for the role

Career and Job Outlook for MBA Graduates

According to the Maryland Department of Labor, Maryland has gained a total of 56,800 new jobs from Jan 1, 2021 through August of 2021.

"The Professional and Business Services sector experienced the most growth with an increase of 5,700 jobs from the Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services (2,900), Administrative and Support and Waste Management and Remediation Services (2,700), and Management of Companies and Enterprises (100) subsectors."

"Other sectors that experienced growth include: Trade, Transportation, and Utilities (2,300); Leisure and Hospitality (1,900); Manufacturing (1,800); Financial Activities (1,200); and Mining, Logging, and Construction (500)."

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Average Degree Salary Ranges Potential

MBA grads in Maryland should do better, compared to their peers with bachelor’s degrees or less or those with a non-MBA master’s degree. Because coursework prepares students for leadership roles, MBA grads are desirable candidates who bring decision-making skills, management know-how, and an analytical mindset to the table.

On average, MBA degree holders earn a median income of $75,896, though this number accounts for the full spectrum of occupations and career stages. An MBA can help you boost your income significantly, but you’ll need to look into various professions to learn which career path both aligns with your interests and promises the ROI you’re looking for.

That said, according to the Maryland Department of Labor, Licensing, and Regulation, mid-career business and management professionals earn a median income of about $158,000 per year. So, that initial figure may well be a starting point.

  • Earnings with Associates - $46,124
  • Earnings with Bachelors - $64,896
  • Earnings with MBA - $77,844

Top Employers in the State by Number of Employees

Company Industry Headquarters City Number of Employees
Mariott International Hospitality Bethesda 226,500
Lockheed Martin Defense Bethesda 97,000
Social Security Administration Government Baltimore 65,000
Laureate International Universities Education Baltimore 54,500
MedStar Health Healthcare Columbia 28,060

Careers and Salaries for MBA Graduates in Maryland

As we mentioned in the above section, an MBA presents a wealth of options to Maryland degree holders. The degree is applicable to a broad range of positions that fall under the finance and management umbrella, but again, the degree presents a range of leadership opportunities that work just about anywhere.

  • Human Resources Manager
    This position is responsible for the employee recruitment process, hiring, and retention. In this role, you’ll develop policy and coordinate activities related to compensation, job performance, and budgeting within the department. An HR manager provides direction and counsel to management and supervises clerical staff and temporary employees.
  • Healthcare Manager
    Healthcare managers and administrators are responsible for managing finances and operations within a healthcare facility. In this role, you’ll manage employee schedules, budgeting, and work to ensure all services are carried out so that patients receive top-quality care. Additionally, this position requires keeping up with the latest compliance and regulatory requirements and finding ways to save money and increase satisfaction.
  • Chief Executive Officer
    The CEO is responsible for providing strategic leadership for the entire company. They’ll work closely with a board of directors and the rest of the executive management team to establish long-term strategies for growth. This person is held accountable for a company’s success and as such will need to manage revenue, policy, finance, and motivate the entire staff from top to bottom.
  • Financial Analyst
    A financial analyst can find employment in a variety of settings – the banking industry, in a top company, or as an independent consultant. Job duties typically consist of analyzing data sets to determine financial performance. They’ll provide companies with guidance for making purchasing and investment decisions and assess the performance of stocks, bonds, and other assets. Additionally, a financial analyst will spend a good deal of time creating plans and forecasts, then analyzing actual results against those predictions.
  • Business Development Manager
    Business development managers oversee business operations from the client side. They’ll work closely with marketing, sales, and customer service to identify opportunities for new business, as well as how to maintain relationships with existing clients. These professionals will be tasked with coming up with strategies that drive revenue, retention, and growth.

How to Choose & FAQ's

  • Make sure the classes work with your schedule
    One of the main reasons a student would seek out an online MBA is scheduling. Many online programs are self-paced, allowing students to complete coursework as needed. Other programs require meetings with faculty, events, and occasional on-site activity. Additional considerations are things like, whether the program will allow you to continue working full-time or take a break from your studies.

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  • Make sure your program is accredited
    As we mentioned, you absolutely need to look at your prospective school’s accreditation status. A school with no accreditation will not help you accomplish your goals, as the degree doesn’t mean anything except that you’ve met some criteria that isn’t widely understood.
  • What kind of resources are available to students?
    The best online MBA programs offer the same resources to their remote students as their on-campus counterparts. Don’t enroll in a program that treats their online students as less than. Instead, make sure you have access to job fairs, MDntoring, career counseling, and opportunities to connect with alumni and peers.
  • How is the support technology?
    See if there’s a way to check out the school’s digital interface before you enroll. Your ability to turn in quality work depends on working technology and if the website is buggy, hard to use, or outdated, it might affect your performance.

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