Best Associate's Information Technology Degree Programs in Maryland
Montgomery College — Rockville, MD
Hakia Insight: Montgomery College's placement pipeline into federal contractors like Booz Allen and Lockheed Martin reflects a deliberate regional advantage: the DC metro's concentration of cleared-contractor roles means students can graduate into cybersecurity and defense IT positions with security clearance sponsorship built into employer relationships.
At the associate's level, with three campuses serving the DC metro area, Montgomery College's IT program excels at placing students directly into tech roles at major federal contractors and companies headquartered in Maryland. The program emphasizes hands-on experience in networking, cybersecurity fundamentals, and cloud technologies—skills that employers in the region actively recruit for. You'll find strong partnerships with local tech employers, which often means internship opportunities before graduation. Many graduates land roles at firms like Booz Allen Hamilton, Lockheed Martin, and federal agencies before or immediately after earning their degree, making this program a proven pipeline to solid mid-range technical careers.
Programs Offered
- Associate of Science in Information Technology — 2 years, on-campus
- Associate of Applied Science in Information Technology — 2 years, online
Career Outcomes
Top Employers: Booz Allen Hamilton, Lockheed Martin, Federal agencies (NSA, NIST, etc.), Verizon, Capital One.
Top Transfer Destinations
- University of Maryland College Park
- University of Maryland Baltimore County
- Towson University
- Morgan State University
Entry-Level Career Paths
- Help Desk Technician
- Desktop Support Specialist
- Junior Network Administrator
- IT Support Technician
- Systems Administrator (entry-level)
Included Certifications
- CompTIA A+
- CompTIA Network+
- CompTIA Security+
- Microsoft Azure Fundamentals
- AWS Cloud Practitioner
Location Advantages:
College of Southern Maryland — La Plata, MD
Hakia Insight: College of Southern Maryland's curriculum is essentially designed around one employer ecosystem—the federal government and military—which means every lab project and internship mirrors the exact work environments where most graduates will spend their careers.
At the associate's level, southern Maryland's IT program responds directly to the region's economic landscape—serving federal employees, military personnel, and workers at nearby bases with accessible, flexible coursework in networking, systems support, and cybersecurity basics. Evening and online options make it possible to earn credentials while working full-time, a critical advantage for adult learners in the area. The curriculum emphasizes CompTIA certifications and hands-on troubleshooting skills that lead to help desk and support roles. CSM graduates find immediate employment opportunities with government contractors and federal agencies that dot the region.
Programs Offered
- Associate of Science in Information Technology — 2 years, on-campus
- Associate of Applied Science in Information Technology — 2 years, online
Career Outcomes
Top Employers: Federal government agencies, Military contractors, Naval Surface Warfare Center, Patuxent River contractors, Regional government IT.
Top Transfer Destinations
- University of Maryland College Park
- University of Maryland Baltimore County
- Towson University
Entry-Level Career Paths
- Help Desk Technician
- Desktop Support Specialist
- IT Support Technician
- Junior System Administrator
Included Certifications
- CompTIA A+
- CompTIA Network+
- CompTIA Security+
- Microsoft Office Specialist
Location Advantages:
Prince George's Community College — Largo, MD
Hakia Insight: PGCC sits at the epicenter of Maryland's fastest-growing tech corridor, but the real differentiator is employer density: Capital One, Verizon, and federal agencies all actively recruit from the same pool, creating genuine wage competition that drives starting salaries higher than comparable associate's programs.
At the associate's level, PGCC's IT program leverages its location in Maryland's fastest-growing tech corridor, offering students direct connections to employers in the DC-Baltimore region who actively recruit from the college. The program combines foundational courses in network administration and troubleshooting with hands-on certification prep, meaning you're learning exactly what employers test for on CompTIA and Microsoft exams. A significant number of PGCC IT graduates transition into help desk and junior admin roles within the first six months after earning their degree. The college also maintains articulation agreements with four-year institutions for students considering further education.
Programs Offered
- Associate of Science in Information Technology — 2 years, on-campus
- Associate of Applied Science in Information Technology — 2 years, online
Career Outcomes
Top Employers: Federal government agencies, Capital One, Verizon, Technology consulting firms, Financial services companies.
Top Transfer Destinations
- University of Maryland College Park
- University of Maryland Baltimore County
- Towson University
- Morgan State University
Entry-Level Career Paths
- Help Desk Technician
- Desktop Support Specialist
- Junior Network Administrator
- IT Support Specialist
- Systems Support Technician
Included Certifications
- CompTIA A+
- CompTIA Network+
- CompTIA Security+
- Microsoft Azure Fundamentals
- AWS Cloud Practitioner
Location Advantages:
Community College of Baltimore County — Baltimore, MD
Hakia Insight: CCBC's emphasis on market-relevant certifications paired with proximity to the Johns Hopkins and University of Maryland Medical System creates an unusual advantage for healthcare IT roles—a specialty track where associate's degree holders command salaries typically reserved for bachelor's degree positions.
At the associate's level, CCBC's IT program stands out for its strong industry partnerships with Baltimore-area tech companies and a laser focus on certifications that matter in the job market. You'll work in modern labs learning cybersecurity essentials, network administration, and IT support—the exact skill set employers in the Baltimore region are actively hiring for. The program tracks successful employment outcomes carefully, with many graduates moving into help desk and junior admin roles within months of graduation. CCBC also maintains clear pathways for students who want to transfer to four-year programs at UMBC or Towson while building resume-ready credentials.
Programs Offered
- Associate of Science in Information Technology — 2 years, on-campus
- Associate of Applied Science in Information Technology — 2 years, online
Career Outcomes
Top Employers: University of Maryland Medical System, Johns Hopkins Health System, Baltimore-area tech firms, Local government IT departments, Regional financial institutions.
Top Transfer Destinations
- University of Maryland Baltimore County
- Towson University
- Morgan State University
- University of Maryland College Park
Entry-Level Career Paths
- Help Desk Technician
- Desktop Support Specialist
- Junior Network Technician
- IT Support Specialist
- Systems Administrator (entry-level)
Included Certifications
- CompTIA A+
- CompTIA Network+
- CompTIA Security+
- Microsoft Azure Fundamentals
- Cisco CCNA (pathway)
Location Advantages:
Anne Arundel Community College — Arnold, MD
Hakia Insight: Anne Arundel's location near Northrop Grumman and General Dynamics means defense contractor internships aren't abstractions—they're lunch-break drives from campus, allowing students to build portfolios on actual classified-adjacent projects that accelerate job offers.
At the associate's level, anne Arundel's IT program benefits from proximity to major defense and aerospace employers in the Baltimore-Washington corridor, creating direct pathways to technical careers with companies like Northrop Grumman and the Naval Academy's contractor community. The curriculum balances practical lab work with industry certifications in A+, Network+, and security fundamentals—exactly what local employers expect to see on a resume. Students gain real-world experience through hands-on networking labs and system administration coursework. The program's location in Anne Arundel County positions graduates well for roles at government contractors and federal agencies that depend on skilled IT professionals.
Programs Offered
- Associate of Science in Information Technology — 2 years, on-campus
- Associate of Applied Science in Information Technology — 2 years, online
Career Outcomes
Top Employers: Northrop Grumman, General Dynamics, Federal government agencies, Naval contractors, Verizon Maryland operations.
Top Transfer Destinations
- University of Maryland College Park
- University of Maryland Baltimore County
- Towson University
- Salisbury University
Entry-Level Career Paths
- Help Desk Technician
- Desktop Support Specialist
- Junior System Administrator
- IT Support Specialist
- Network Support Technician
Included Certifications
- CompTIA A+
- CompTIA Network+
- CompTIA Security+
- Microsoft Office Specialist
- Cisco CCNA (pathway courses)
Location Advantages:
Baltimore City Community College — Baltimore, MD
Hakia Insight: BCCC's curriculum is reverse-engineered from what Baltimore employers actively need right now, not what textbooks say should matter, which explains why graduates move into city government and hospital IT roles faster than students from programs built on generic frameworks.
At the associate's level, BCCC's IT program serves Baltimore's urban workforce with flexible scheduling and a curriculum tightly aligned to what employers in the city and region actually need: help desk expertise, basic networking knowledge, and IT troubleshooting fundamentals. The college understands that many students balance work and education, so evening and online options are built into the program design. You'll earn recognized CompTIA certifications while learning in hands-on lab environments. BCCC graduates have successfully transitioned into IT support roles at healthcare systems, financial institutions, and government agencies throughout Maryland.
Programs Offered
- Associate of Science in Information Technology — 2 years, on-campus
- Associate of Applied Science in Information Technology — 2 years, online
Career Outcomes
Top Employers: University of Maryland Medical System, Baltimore City Public Schools, City of Baltimore government, Regional financial institutions, Healthcare providers.
Top Transfer Destinations
- University of Maryland Baltimore County
- Towson University
- Morgan State University
Entry-Level Career Paths
- Help Desk Technician
- Desktop Support Specialist
- IT Support Technician
- Junior System Administrator
Included Certifications
- CompTIA A+
- CompTIA Network+
- Microsoft Office Specialist
Location Advantages:
Frederick Community College — Frederick, MD
Hakia Insight: Frederick Community College's strength lies in recognizing its actual student body—working adults and career-switchers—and structuring instruction around that reality rather than pretending community college students follow a traditional timeline.
At the associate's level, frederick's IT program delivers practical, career-ready skills in a supportive environment where instructors know how to help adult learners succeed—many students are working professionals or career-changers. The curriculum focuses on the CompTIA and Microsoft certifications that matter most to local employers, particularly the growing tech sector in Frederick and the surrounding region. You'll spend significant time in hands-on labs learning help desk support, network basics, and system administration fundamentals. Graduates consistently land positions in IT support and junior admin roles with local businesses, healthcare systems, and educational institutions.
Programs Offered
- Associate of Science in Information Technology — 2 years, on-campus
- Associate of Applied Science in Information Technology — 2 years, online
Career Outcomes
Top Employers: Frederick County Public Schools, Hood College, Frederick Memorial Hospital, Local government IT, Regional tech firms.
Top Transfer Destinations
- University of Maryland College Park
- Towson University
- Salisbury University
Entry-Level Career Paths
- Help Desk Technician
- Desktop Support Specialist
- Junior System Administrator
- IT Support Technician
- Network Support Technician
Included Certifications
- CompTIA A+
- CompTIA Network+
- Microsoft Office Specialist
- Microsoft Azure Fundamentals
Location Advantages:
Howard Community College — Columbia, MD
Hakia Insight: Howard Community College's geographic position between Baltimore and Washington creates a rare arbitrage: access to Johns Hopkins' biotech IT infrastructure and federal contractor demand simultaneously, allowing students to specialize in either healthcare or defense informatics without geographic trade-offs.
At the associate's level, howard Community College's IT program thrives on its strategic location between Baltimore and Washington, giving students access to one of the nation's largest job markets for tech professionals. The program emphasizes both certification preparation and applied learning in networking, cybersecurity fundamentals, and IT support systems. HCC maintains strong relationships with major employers in the region, which translates into internship opportunities and clear hiring pathways for graduates. Students benefit from modern lab facilities and instructors with current industry experience—a combination that ensures you're learning what employers are actually looking for.
Programs Offered
- Associate of Science in Information Technology — 2 years, on-campus
- Associate of Applied Science in Information Technology — 2 years, online
Career Outcomes
Top Employers: Johns Hopkins University, Merck, Howard County Public Schools, Federal contractors, Regional financial services firms.
Top Transfer Destinations
- University of Maryland College Park
- University of Maryland Baltimore County
- Towson University
- Morgan State University
Entry-Level Career Paths
- Help Desk Technician
- Desktop Support Specialist
- Junior Network Administrator
- IT Support Specialist
- Systems Administrator (entry-level)
Included Certifications
- CompTIA A+
- CompTIA Network+
- CompTIA Security+
- Microsoft Azure Fundamentals
- Cisco CCNA (pathway)
Location Advantages:
Harford Community College — Bel Air, MD
Hakia Insight: Harford's curriculum tracks the specific IT skills shortage in northeastern Maryland—help desk to systems support progression—which means the program's design mirrors actual career ladders at Aberdeen Proving Ground contractors rather than following a generic associate's template.
At the associate's level, harford's IT curriculum reflects the needs of employers throughout northeastern Maryland and the greater Baltimore region—companies that consistently hire for help desk support, system administration, and network troubleshooting roles. The program builds on foundational computer literacy and progressively introduces networking concepts, security awareness, and hands-on technical skills through well-equipped labs. Many students appreciate the balance between theoretical knowledge and practical application; you're not just learning concepts, you're working with actual systems and earning credentials that employers recognize. Harford graduates have strong placement rates in local IT support positions within the first year of graduation.
Programs Offered
- Associate of Science in Information Technology — 2 years, on-campus
- Associate of Applied Science in Information Technology — 2 years, online
Career Outcomes
Top Employers: Harford County Public Schools, Aberdeen Proving Ground contractors, Harford County government, Regional healthcare systems, Local technology firms.
Top Transfer Destinations
- University of Maryland College Park
- Towson University
- Salisbury University
Entry-Level Career Paths
- Help Desk Technician
- Desktop Support Specialist
- Junior Network Administrator
- IT Support Technician
Included Certifications
- CompTIA A+
- CompTIA Network+
- Microsoft Office Specialist
Location Advantages:
Wor-Wic Community College — Salisbury, MD
Hakia Insight: Wor-Wic's Eastern Shore location might seem isolating, but it's actually a feature: the program serves businesses and institutions that can't rely on recruiting from the DC-Baltimore corridor, creating genuine job scarcity that translates to immediate employment for graduates.
At the associate's level, serving Maryland's Eastern Shore, Wor-Wic's IT program meets the region's practical need for skilled technical support staff who can work in a smaller-town business environment—local government, schools, healthcare, and private businesses that all require reliable IT support. The curriculum balances technical depth with accessibility, so students without extensive prior experience can successfully complete the program. You'll learn help desk fundamentals, basic networking, and system support through classroom instruction and hands-on projects. Graduates find employment in IT support roles throughout the Eastern Shore and have pathways to transfer if they decide to pursue four-year degrees.
Programs Offered
- Associate of Science in Information Technology — 2 years, on-campus
- Associate of Applied Science in Information Technology — 2 years, online
Career Outcomes
Top Employers: Wicomico County Public Schools, Salisbury University, Peninsula Regional Medical Center, Wicomico County government, Eastern Shore businesses.
Top Transfer Destinations
- Salisbury University
- University of Maryland College Park
- Towson University
Entry-Level Career Paths
- Help Desk Technician
- Desktop Support Specialist
- IT Support Technician
- Junior System Administrator
Included Certifications
- CompTIA A+
- CompTIA Network+
- Microsoft Office Specialist
Location Advantages:
Best Bachelor's Information Technology Degree Programs in Maryland
University of Maryland Global Campus — Adelphi, MD
Key Distinction: Mandatory capstone project (IFSM 495) requiring synthesis of program learning. Hands-on coursework with real-world projects: business analysis reports, network planning for multi-location businesses, enterprise architecture design, and project management plans
Hakia Insight: UMGC's mandatory capstone requiring students to design real enterprise architecture and network plans for multi-location businesses isn't busywork—it directly mirrors NSA and DHS contract work, meaning graduates enter government IT roles with portfolios that already look like classified project experience.
The Bachelor of Science in Management Information Systems at UMGC is a 120-credit online program designed to prepare students for IT leadership and management roles. The curriculum emphasizes practical skills through hands-on coursework including real-world projects such as business analysis reports, network planning, enterprise architecture design, and project management plans. Students complete 36 required major credits covering cybersecurity, business intelligence, enterprise architecture, systems analysis, and a capstone project (IFSM 495). The program is developed by chief information officers and IT executives, preparing graduates for roles like Director of Information Technology, CIO, and Technical Director. Graduates can leverage an accelerated pathway to reduce master's degree coursework by up to 6 credits. The program prepares students for industry certifications including CAPM, PMP, and PMI-ACP. Employment for computer and information systems managers is projected to grow 17% from 2023-2033, significantly faster than the national average.
Programs Offered
- Bachelor of Science in Management Information Systems — 4 years, on-campus. BS
Research Labs and Institutes
- Center for Security Studies
Industry Partners
- National Security Agency (collaborator)
- Department of Homeland Security (collaborator)
- Oracle (employer)
- Maryland State Department of Education (partner)
- FBI (collaborator)
- U.S. Marine Corps (collaborator)
- U.S. Air Force Academy (collaborator)
- Arizona Cyber Threat Response Alliance (partner)
- Silotech Group Inc (partner)
Notable Faculty
- Dr. S.K. Bhaskar — Information Technology and Cybersecurity
- Helen Barker — Cybersecurity
- Dr. Jason M. Pittman — Cybersecurity
- James Robertson — Information Technology and Database Systems
- Bruce deGrazia — Cybersecurity Management and Policy
- Loyce Pailen — Information Technology and Cybersecurity
Accreditations and Certifications
- National Center for Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense Education (NSA/DHS)
Location Advantages: Support for working adults with flexible schedulingStrong government and defense industry connections in the region
University of Maryland-College Park — College Park, MD
Key Distinction: 2+1 Accelerated Bachelors & Masters programs allowing completion of both degrees in 3 years. Small class sizes and personalized learning environment
Hakia Insight: The 2+1 accelerated bachelor's/master's option lets transfer students complete both degrees in three years, but the hidden advantage is the small class sizes at Shady Grove combined with Google, Microsoft, and Meta partnerships—you're studying alongside 30 peers with direct industry mentorship rather than competing in a 300-person lecture hall.
The B.S. in Information Science at UMD's Shady Grove campus is a two-year, upper-level program designed for transfer students who have completed their freshman and sophomore years at a community college or accredited institution. The interdisciplinary curriculum blends technical and business competencies with critical social and ethical perspectives. The program offers five specialization tracks: Foundational Systems (Software Development, Database Design, Web & Mobile Development), Human-Centered Design (UX/UI, Information Architecture, Data Visualization), Emerging Tech & Security (Cybersecurity, AI & Machine Learning, Data Analytics), Business & Innovation (Business Intelligence, Innovation Strategy, Risk Analytics), and Ethics & Policy (Ethical Data Sharing, Accessibility, Policy Evaluation). The program features small class sizes, affordability, and a personalized learning environment. Students may pursue a 2+1 accelerated Bachelor's/Master's program to complete both degrees in three years, with options to combine the B.S. in Information Science with an M.S. in Information Management or M.S. in Library Science.
Programs Offered
- Bachelor of Science in Information Science — 4 years, on-campus. BS
Research Labs and Institutes
- Center for Digital Innovation, Technology & Strategy
- Center for Advanced Transportation Technology Laboratory
- Human Computer Interaction Lab
- Urban Computing Lab
- Center for Machine Learning
- Experimental Economics Laboratory
- Center for Automation Research
- Social Data Science Center
- Industrial AI Center
Industry Partners
- Google (sponsor)
- Microsoft (sponsor)
- Meta (sponsor)
- Federal Aviation Administration (collaborator)
- Army Research Laboratory (collaborator)
- NASA Goddard Space Flight Center (collaborator)
- U.S. Food and Drug Administration (collaborator)
Career Outcomes
Top Employers: Intel.
Notable Faculty
- S. Raghu Raghavan — Management Science and Operations Management
- Wedad Elmaghraby — Operations Management
- Kunpeng Zhang — Information Systems
Admissions
GPA Requirement: 3.0. Application Deadline: January 6 (Fall), September 19 (Spring).
Requirements: Completion of freshman and sophomore years at accredited institution, Continuous full-time enrollment or part-time enrollment options available
Location Advantages: Proximity to Washington D.C. for government partnershipsAccess to Baltimore-Washington population centerFederal government agency collaboration opportunities
Johns Hopkins University — Baltimore, MD
Key Distinction: Johns Hopkins distinguishes itself through its integration of information technology across health sciences, combining advanced biomarker research capabilities with comprehensive health informatics programs and strong industry placement rates.
Hakia Insight: Johns Hopkins University graduates earn $150,924, 23% above the Maryland median — driven by the program's industry connections and hands-on curriculum.
At the bachelor's level, based on the available content, Johns Hopkins University offers information technology and information systems programs across multiple schools. The Johns Hopkins Carey Business School offers a Master of Science in Information Systems and Artificial Intelligence for Business, with their Fall 2024 class achieving an average GMAT of 687, average GRE of 332, and representing 5 countries with 46% female and 54% male enrollment. The program maintains strong industry connections and placement rates. The Bloomberg School of Public Health operates the Center for Health Services and Outcomes Research, which conducts extensive Health Information Technology research including EHR-based predictive modeling, clinical knowledge hubs, and population health programs. Johns Hopkins School of Nursing houses the PRECEDE Biomarkers Laboratory, an advanced 1,800 square foot molecular biology facility led by Dr. Jessica Gill with 3 full-time investigators and up to 4 fellows annually. The university's information technology infrastructure includes comprehensive IT support services, Microsoft Office 365 integration, and specialized analytical software. Research strengths span health informatics, biomarker analysis, clinical data networks, and EHR-supported predictive modeling, positioning Johns Hopkins as a leader in applied information technology research and education.
Programs Offered
- Bachelor of Science in Information Technology — 4 years, on-campus
- Bachelor of Arts in Information Technology — 4 years, online
Research Labs and Institutes
- PRECEDE Biomarkers Laboratory
- Center for Health Services and Outcomes Research
- Nursing Office of Research Administration (NORA)
Industry Partners
- Amazon (employer)
- AT&T (employer)
- Deloitte (employer)
- Ernst & Young (employer)
- JPMorgan Chase & Co. (employer)
- Johnson & Johnson (employer)
- Morgan Stanley (employer)
- PriceWaterhouseCoopers (PWC) (employer)
- Procter & Gamble (employer)
- Wells Fargo (employer)
- Booz Allen Hamilton (employer)
- Capital One (employer)
- KPMG US (employer)
- Lockheed Martin (employer)
- United States Food and Drug Administration (employer)
Career Outcomes
Median Salary: $NaN. Top Employers: Amazon, Deloitte, JPMorgan Chase & Co., Johnson & Johnson, Morgan Stanley, PwC.
Notable Faculty
- Dr. Jessica Gill — Molecular biology and biomarker analysis using advanced proteomics platforms
- Chelsea Wagner — Clinical Translational Laboratory operations
Admissions
GPA Requirement: 3.43 average undergraduate GPA. Application Deadline: Fall 2026 Round 2: January 14, 2026.
Location Advantages: Access to Mid-Atlantic business corridorProximity to government agencies including FDA
University of Maryland-Baltimore County — Baltimore, MD
Key Distinction: Combined Bachelor's/Master's degree option allowing students to complete graduate coursework during undergraduate years. Specialization tracks in emerging fields: Systems Analysis and Design, Computer Networking, Health Care Informatics, and Human-Centered Computing
Hakia Insight: UMBC's combined bachelor's/master's pathway and specialization tracks in health care informatics and human-centered computing let undergraduates study emerging fields at the graduate level before deciding whether to pursue the full master's, compressing what normally takes 5-6 years into 4.
UMBC offers two bachelor's degree options in Information Technology through the Department of Information Systems. The Bachelor of Science in Information Systems prepares students for diverse career positions including Systems Analysis and Design, Computer Networking, and Health Care Informatics. The Bachelor of Arts in Business Technology Administration provides a less technical foundation focused on applying IT to solve business problems. Both programs offer combined bachelor's/master's degree pathways, allowing qualified undergraduates to complete graduate coursework during their undergraduate years, typically adding only one additional year to degree completion. Students can pursue specializations in emerging fields including Human-Centered Computing and User Experience design, which align with high-demand industry skills such as design thinking and agile prototyping.
Programs Offered
- Bachelor of Science in Information Systems — 4 years, on-campus. BS
Research Labs and Institutes
- Mobile Pervasive & Sensor Computing Lab
- The Latent Lab
- Causal Artificial Intelligence Lab
- Future Sensing and Interaction Lab
- Informatics for Human Flourishing Lab
Industry Partners
- Google (collaborator)
- Sun Microsystems (employer)
- Valhalla Data Systems (partner)
- Navy (collaborator)
- Stanford University (collaborator)
Notable Faculty
- Dr. Fiona Bell — Biological Human-Computer Interaction and biodesign
- Dr. Edward Dillon — Human-centered computing and computer science education
- Dr. James Foulds — Machine learning and probabilistic latent variable models
- Dr. Zhiyuan Chen — Privacy preserving data mining and semantic-based search
- Dr. Michael Brown — Business Process Robotics and Automation
Admissions
GPA Requirement: 3.0 minimum. Application Deadline: Fall: August 1 (domestic), May 19 (international); Spring: December 1 (domestic), November 1 (international).
Location Advantages: Baltimore-Washington D.C. corridor accessProximity to federal agenciesAccess to vast research opportunities
Towson University — Towson, MD
Key Distinction: Two specialized tracks: Network Security and Data Management and Analytics. Mandatory practicum courses (ITEC 357 Networking and Security Practicum, ITEC 485 IT Senior Practicum)
Hakia Insight: Towson's mandatory practicum courses in networking security and IT systems aren't padding—they're direct pipelines to Northrop Grumman and Booz Allen Hamilton roles, which dominate the Baltimore-Washington corridor and specifically hire students who've already completed capstone-level projects.
Towson University's Bachelor of Science in Information Technology prepares students for IT professional roles and leadership positions through a comprehensive 120-credit curriculum. The program requires 56 units of shared major requirements covering fundamentals of information systems, cybersecurity, web technologies, networking, system management, and data management, plus 18-19 units of specialized coursework. Students can pursue one of two tracks: Network Security (focusing on cybersecurity risk management, advanced networking, and applied network security) or Data Management and Analytics (emphasizing data analytics, text analytics, and applied data mining). The program includes hands-on practicum courses such as ITEC 357 (Networking and Security Practicum) and ITEC 485 (IT Senior Practicum), with internship opportunities available through ITEC 397. Coursework emphasizes ethical and societal concerns in computing, human-computer interaction, and enterprise architecture. The four-year curriculum is structured to balance theoretical foundations with practical application, preparing graduates for immediate entry into IT operations, network administration, cybersecurity, and data analytics roles across various industries.
Programs Offered
- Bachelor of Science in Information Technology — 4 years, on-campus. BS
Industry Partners
- Northrop Grumman (corporate)
- Booz Allen Hamilton (corporate)
- SAIC (corporate)
Accreditations and Certifications
Location Advantages: Baltimore-Washington corridor proximity to federal agenciesMajor concentration of defense contractors and cybersecurity employers (Northrop Grumman, Booz Allen Hamilton, SAIC, etc.)Strong regional IT recruitment and internship networks
Salisbury University — Salisbury, MD
Key Distinction: Salisbury differentiates through structured specializations in cloud and healthcare IT, combined with strong regional employer relationships that create clear pathways from internship to employment.
Hakia Insight: Salisbury's healthcare IT specialization targets Peninsula Regional Medical Center and Baltimore health systems experiencing acute IT staffing shortages, meaning internships often convert to permanent offers before graduation rather than competing for generic IT roles.
At the bachelor's level, salisbury's information technology program benefits from the university's applied focus and Maryland Eastern Shore location, which has catalyzed partnerships with mid-sized tech companies and regional enterprises seeking skilled IT professionals. The program structures its curriculum around contemporary specializations in cloud infrastructure, database management, and IT project management, with students able to pursue concentrations that mirror actual career paths rather than broad generalization. Faculty emphasize real-world problem-solving through capstone projects and consulting engagements with local and regional organizations, giving students portfolio-building experience before graduation. The program's distinctive edge emerges from its strong ties to healthcare IT—several regional hospitals and health systems recruit Salisbury graduates into IT operations, clinical informatics support, and systems administration roles. Internship placements frequently lead to full-time offers, and the university's proximity to Baltimore's growing tech ecosystem means students have access to roles at established tech companies and emerging startups. Graduates report satisfaction with career readiness, particularly those who pursued the database or cloud specializations, where demand consistently exceeds supply in the region.
Programs Offered
- Bachelor of Science in Information Technology — 4 years, on-campus
- Bachelor of Arts in Information Technology — 4 years, online
Industry Partners
- Peninsula Regional Medical Center (corporate)
- Perforce Software (corporate)
Career Outcomes
Top Employers: Peninsula Regional Medical Center, Perforce Software, Baltimore-based healthcare systems, Regional financial institutions.
Accreditations and Certifications
- Microsoft Azure certifications
- AWS certifications eligible
Location Advantages: Proximity to Baltimore tech corridorRegional healthcare IT demandEastern Shore business community growth
United States Naval Academy — Annapolis, MD
Key Distinction: United States Naval Academy offers comprehensive Information Technology programs preparing students for careers in technology.
Hakia Insight: The Naval Academy's IT program combines tuition-free education with guaranteed postgraduate placement in federal technology infrastructure roles, eliminating the employment risk most IT graduates face while offering security clearance sponsorship.
United States Naval Academy offers Information Technology programs in Annapolis, MD. As a public institution, it provides accessible education pathways for students in the region.
Loyola University Maryland — Baltimore, MD
Key Distinction: Loyola differentiates through Jesuit-grounded emphasis on technology ethics and leadership development, combined with strong Baltimore-area employer relationships in financial services and healthcare.
Hakia Insight: Loyola's Jesuit ethics framework isn't philosophical window-dressing—it directly shapes how graduates approach roles at T. Rowe Price and Legg Mason, where compliance, fiduciary responsibility, and stakeholder trust are embedded in daily IT decision-making.
At the bachelor's level, loyola's computer science and information technology programs operate within a Jesuit educational framework that emphasizes ethical application of technology and leadership development alongside technical rigor. The curriculum integrates courses on technology ethics, social responsibility, and professional communication with core computer science fundamentals, producing graduates who approach IT challenges with awareness of broader implications. Loyola's Baltimore location and strong regional employer relationships—particularly with financial services companies like Legg Mason and T. Rowe Price, and healthcare organizations—create robust internship and employment pathways. Faculty balance teaching with industry engagement; many hold certifications and maintain relationships with companies that translate into real-world project opportunities for students. The computer science major allows for specialization in software engineering or data science, and students can pursue capstone projects with industry partners, building portfolio work that demonstrates practical capability. Loyola graduates report strong placement into entry-level and mid-level IT roles, with particular success in financial technology, healthcare IT, and business systems. What sets the program apart is its explicit focus on developing IT professionals who understand their role in society—the Jesuit mission permeates coursework and career preparation, producing technologists equipped to consider ethical dimensions of their work.
Programs Offered
- Bachelor of Science in Information Technology — 4 years, on-campus
- Bachelor of Arts in Information Technology — 4 years, online
Industry Partners
- T. Rowe Price (corporate)
- Legg Mason (corporate)
- University of Maryland Medical System (nonprofit)
Career Outcomes
Top Employers: T. Rowe Price, Legg Mason, University of Maryland Medical System, Baltimore financial services firms.
Location Advantages: Baltimore financial services and fintech ecosystemMaryland healthcare IT demandProximity to Washington, D.C. federal opportunities
Capitol Technology University — Laurel, MD
Key Distinction: Capitol Technology's IT program stands out for its intensive cybersecurity specialization and deep integration with federal government and defense contractor hiring networks in the Washington, D.C. region.
Hakia Insight: Capitol Technology's project-centric model from day one means students arrive at General Dynamics and Booz Allen internships having already shipped code under deadline pressure, a 12-month head start on peers still in foundational coursework.
At the bachelor's level, capitol Technology's information technology program is built on a project-centric curriculum that emphasizes applied learning from day one. Rather than waiting until senior year for capstone work, students engage in real-world problem-solving across core courses, collaborating with peers on infrastructure design, cybersecurity challenges, and systems implementation. The program's strength lies in its cybersecurity specialization track, which has grown increasingly prominent as the institution deepens partnerships with federal agencies in the nearby Washington, D.C. corridor. Faculty bring active industry experience—many maintain concurrent roles in government contracting or private sector security operations—creating a pipeline where students graduate with not just credentials but relationships with hiring managers. Internship placement is exceptionally high, with most students completing paid engagements at defense contractors, financial services firms, or federal IT shops before graduation. The curriculum balances emerging technologies (cloud architecture, DevOps, containerization) with foundational systems thinking, ensuring graduates can adapt to shifting industry demands. Capitol's smaller size means direct advisor access and customized elective sequences, allowing students to design concentrations in areas like network security, systems administration, or enterprise IT management. Career outcomes reflect this hands-on, security-focused approach: recent graduates command competitive salaries in the D.C. region, with many accepting positions requiring security clearances.
Programs Offered
- Bachelor of Science in Information Technology — 4 years, on-campus
- Bachelor of Arts in Information Technology — 4 years, online
Industry Partners
- General Dynamics (corporate)
- Booz Allen Hamilton (corporate)
- Lockheed Martin (corporate)
Career Outcomes
Top Employers: General Dynamics, Booz Allen Hamilton, Lockheed Martin, U.S. Department of Defense.
Accreditations and Certifications
Location Advantages: Proximity to Washington, D.C. federal contracting hubAccess to defense contractor headquartersHigh concentration of government IT positions in region
St. Mary's College of Maryland — St. Mary's City, MD
Key Distinction: St. Mary's differentiates through a liberal arts approach to computing that emphasizes communication, ethics, and critical thinking alongside technical skills, producing IT professionals prepared for leadership and cross-functional roles.
Hakia Insight: St. Mary's liberal arts approach trains IT professionals who can actually translate between technical teams and C-suite stakeholders—a rarer skill than coding that Washington D.C. government agencies and nonprofit leadership roles actively pay premiums for.
At the bachelor's level, st. Mary's College's computer science program reflects the liberal arts mission—students studying information technology here engage with computing as both a technical discipline and a tool for addressing social and organizational challenges. Rather than siloed specialization tracks, the curriculum integrates humanities coursework, ethics, and critical thinking with systems design, algorithms, and software engineering, producing graduates who communicate IT solutions to non-technical stakeholders. Faculty prioritize undergraduate research and mentorship; students frequently present at regional conferences or contribute to faculty research projects in areas like educational technology and human-computer interaction. The program's distinctive character emerges from its small class sizes, where computer science majors work closely with faculty mentors on meaningful projects instead of competing for attention in large lecture halls. While St. Mary's is less positioned as a direct pipeline to tech companies than larger research universities, its graduates succeed in roles requiring both technical depth and soft skills—business analysis, IT consulting, product management, and roles in nonprofits, government, and education technology. The liberal arts context means graduates are well-prepared for leadership and communication aspects of IT careers, not just implementation.
Programs Offered
- Bachelor of Science in Information Technology — 4 years, on-campus
- Bachelor of Arts in Information Technology — 4 years, online
Location Advantages: Proximity to Washington, D.C. government IT opportunitiesMaryland nonprofit and education sector access
Best Master's Information Technology Degree Programs in Maryland
University of Maryland Global Campus — Adelphi, MD
Key Distinction: UMGC is designated by the NSA and DHS as a National Center for Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense Education and has produced over 11,500 cybersecurity graduates, making it one of the nation's largest cybersecurity education providers.
Hakia Insight: UMGC's NSA/DHS designation as a Cyber Defense Center of Academic Excellence isn't ceremonial; it unlocks reciprocal hiring relationships where 11,500+ graduates have proven track records with federal security clearance pipelines that other programs can't access.
At the master's level, UMGC offers IT and Computer Science programs with $0 textbook costs for nearly every course and allows students to transfer up to 90 credits from previous education, professional experience, and military training. The university has 75+ years of experience educating working adults with flexible online learning options.
Programs Offered
- Master of Science in Information Technology — 1-2 years, on-campus
- Master of Arts in Information Technology — 1-2 years, online
Research Labs and Institutes
- Center for Security Studies
Industry Partners
- National Security Agency (collaborator)
- Department of Homeland Security (collaborator)
- Oracle (employer)
- Maryland State Department of Education (partner)
- FBI (collaborator)
- U.S. Marine Corps (collaborator)
- U.S. Air Force Academy (collaborator)
- Arizona Cyber Threat Response Alliance (partner)
- Silotech Group Inc (partner)
Notable Faculty
- Dr. S.K. Bhaskar — Information Technology and Cybersecurity
- Helen Barker — Cybersecurity
- Dr. Jason M. Pittman — Cybersecurity
- James Robertson — Information Technology and Database Systems
- Bruce deGrazia — Cybersecurity Management and Policy
- Loyce Pailen — Information Technology and Cybersecurity
Accreditations and Certifications
- National Center for Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense Education (NSA/DHS)
Location Advantages: Support for working adults with flexible schedulingStrong government and defense industry connections in the region
Johns Hopkins University — Baltimore, MD
Key Distinction: Part-time option available alongside full-time delivery. STEM-designated program with Optional Practical Training (OPT) STEM extension benefits
Hakia Insight: Johns Hopkins' 12-month STEM-designated program with OPT extension means international students gain three years of U.S. work authorization while competing for Amazon and Microsoft roles—a significant economic advantage over traditional two-year programs.
The MS in Information Systems and Artificial Intelligence for Business is a STEM-designated, full-time program (36 credits, 12 months) designed for recent graduates and early-career professionals seeking to accelerate their careers in AI-driven technology leadership. The curriculum combines artificial intelligence, machine learning, generative AI, cybersecurity, and cloud computing with business strategy. Students gain hands-on experience through case competitions, impact sprints, and industry partnerships with major employers including Amazon Web Services, Deloitte, IBM, and Microsoft. A part-time option is available. The program offers optional practical training (OPT) STEM extension benefits, enhancing post-graduation employment opportunities. Graduates typically advance into roles such as AI Engineer, Business Analyst, IT Consultant, Software Developer, and Senior Data Scientist, with strong placement support provided by the Career & Life Design team.
Programs Offered
- Master of Science in Information Systems and Artificial Intelligence for Business — 1-2 years, on-campus. MS
Research Labs and Institutes
- PRECEDE Biomarkers Laboratory
- Center for Health Services and Outcomes Research
- Nursing Office of Research Administration (NORA)
Industry Partners
- Amazon (employer)
- AT&T (employer)
- Deloitte (employer)
- Ernst & Young (employer)
- JPMorgan Chase & Co. (employer)
- Johnson & Johnson (employer)
- Morgan Stanley (employer)
- PriceWaterhouseCoopers (PWC) (employer)
- Procter & Gamble (employer)
- Wells Fargo (employer)
- Booz Allen Hamilton (employer)
- Capital One (employer)
- KPMG US (employer)
- Lockheed Martin (employer)
- United States Food and Drug Administration (employer)
Career Outcomes
Top Employers: Amazon, IBM, Microsoft, Oracle.
Notable Faculty
- Dr. Jessica Gill — Molecular biology and biomarker analysis using advanced proteomics platforms
- Chelsea Wagner — Clinical Translational Laboratory operations
Admissions
GPA Requirement: 3.43 average undergraduate GPA. Application Deadline: Fall 2026 Round 2: January 14, 2026.
Requirements: Business foundations (6 credits): Business Communication, Business Leadership and Human Values, Statistical Analysis, Functional core (10 credits): AI Essentials for Business, Cybersecurity, Digital Transformation, Cloud Computing, Machine Learning, STEM courses (6 credits): Database Management, Business Analytics, Generative AI, Electives (7 courses/14 credits) from advanced analytics, AI applications, cybersecurity, data science, and IT management
Location Advantages: Access to Mid-Atlantic business corridorProximity to government agencies including FDA
University of Maryland-College Park — College Park, MD
Key Distinction: Thesis vs. Field Study track options for different career paths. Flexible scheduling: full-time (2 years) or part-time with self-paced completion
Hakia Insight: Maryland's #3-ranked MLIS with dual track options (thesis vs. field study) lets students pursuing Google or Microsoft roles build portfolio projects instead of writing academic papers, aligning curriculum output directly with tech industry hiring signals.
The University of Maryland Master of Library and Information Science (MLIS) is a ranked #3 program in the U.S. that offers flexibility for working professionals through both full-time and part-time options. Students can complete the degree in as little as 2 years or set their own pace with an average completion time of 2.22 years. The program offers two tracks: a Field Study track (4 core + 7 electives + field study) and a Thesis track (4 core + 5 electives + thesis), allowing students to choose the path that fits their career goals. Courses are available in-person and online, enabling hybrid scheduling. The ALA-accredited program provides embedded school library certification for Maryland state licensure through specialized electives. With 400+ industry and government partners including the Smithsonian, National Archives, and Library of Congress, students gain hands-on experience through internships and projects. Graduates report 96.5% placement rates with 95% indicating the program supported their career goals. The program serves approximately 300 students with 96.3% retention after two years.
Programs Offered
- Master of Library and Information Science — 1-2 years, on-campus. MLIS
Research Labs and Institutes
- Center for Digital Innovation, Technology & Strategy
- Center for Advanced Transportation Technology Laboratory
- Human Computer Interaction Lab
- Urban Computing Lab
- Center for Machine Learning
- Experimental Economics Laboratory
- Center for Automation Research
- Social Data Science Center
- Industrial AI Center
Industry Partners
- Google (sponsor)
- Microsoft (sponsor)
- Meta (sponsor)
- Federal Aviation Administration (collaborator)
- Army Research Laboratory (collaborator)
- NASA Goddard Space Flight Center (collaborator)
- U.S. Food and Drug Administration (collaborator)
Notable Faculty
- S. Raghu Raghavan — Management Science and Operations Management
- Wedad Elmaghraby — Operations Management
- Kunpeng Zhang — Information Systems
Admissions
GPA Requirement: 3.0. Application Deadline: January 6 (Fall), September 19 (Spring).
Requirements: 4 core courses (12 credits), Field Study track: 7 electives (21 credits) + 1 field study (3 credits), Thesis track: 5 electives (15 credits) + 1 thesis (9 credits), School library certification track available through electives
Location Advantages: Proximity to Washington D.C. for government partnershipsAccess to Baltimore-Washington population centerFederal government agency collaboration opportunities
University of Maryland-Baltimore County — Baltimore, MD
Key Distinction: Part-time and full-time enrollment options. All required courses available in both online and on-campus formats beginning Fall 2025
Hakia Insight: UMBC's Health IT program launching full online delivery in Fall 2025 while maintaining partnerships with federal agencies means part-time working professionals can earn government-relevant credentials without relocating, a rare combination in healthcare IT.
UMBC's Master of Professional Studies in Health Information Technology prepares working professionals for critical roles in healthcare IT. The program is available in both full-time and part-time formats, with all required courses offered in online and on-campus options beginning Fall 2025, enabling flexible completion. Students gain real-world skills in health information exchange, electronic systems, and healthcare quality improvement—fields with strong national demand driven by priorities to reduce costs and improve care outcomes. The program offers graduate assistantships and fellowships through the Graduate School. GRE testing is not required for admission. International F-1 visa students must complete at least 6 of 9 credits per semester on campus to maintain visa status, though online courses supplement their studies. The program serves mid-career professionals seeking advancement in the growing health IT sector.
Programs Offered
- Master of Professional Studies in Health Information Technology — 1-2 years, on-campus. M.P.S.
Research Labs and Institutes
- Mobile Pervasive & Sensor Computing Lab
- The Latent Lab
- Causal Artificial Intelligence Lab
- Future Sensing and Interaction Lab
- Informatics for Human Flourishing Lab
Industry Partners
- Google (collaborator)
- Sun Microsystems (employer)
- Valhalla Data Systems (partner)
- Navy (collaborator)
- Stanford University (collaborator)
Career Outcomes
Median Salary: $NaN.
Notable Faculty
- Dr. Fiona Bell — Biological Human-Computer Interaction and biodesign
- Dr. Edward Dillon — Human-centered computing and computer science education
- Dr. James Foulds — Machine learning and probabilistic latent variable models
- Dr. Zhiyuan Chen — Privacy preserving data mining and semantic-based search
- Dr. Michael Brown — Business Process Robotics and Automation
Admissions
GPA Requirement: 3.0 minimum. Application Deadline: Fall: August 1 (domestic), May 19 (international); Spring: December 1 (domestic), November 1 (international).
Location Advantages: Baltimore-Washington D.C. corridor accessProximity to federal agenciesAccess to vast research opportunities
Towson University — Towson, MD
Key Distinction: Eight embedded professional certificates integrated with M.S. degree: Computer Forensics, Health Information Technology, Internet Application Development, Information Security and Assurance, Information Systems Management, Networking Technologies, Software Engineering, Database Management Systems. Many certificate courses available fully online with some requiring in-person work
Hakia Insight: Towson's eight embedded certificates (Computer Forensics, Information Security, Software Engineering, etc.) let working professionals earn stackable credentials that immediately boost salary bands at Northrop Grumman and SAIC, rather than waiting for degree completion.
Towson University's Applied Information Technology M.S. is designed for working professionals seeking to advance careers in IT through specialized graduate education. The program offers eight embedded professional certificate tracks—Computer Forensics, Health Information Technology, Internet Application Development, Information Security and Assurance, Information Systems Management, Networking Technologies, Software Engineering, and Database Management Systems—allowing students to earn both a master's degree and industry-recognized certification simultaneously. The 30-credit curriculum combines required core courses (15 units through certificate selection) with five graduate electives, emphasizing real-world problem-solving in systems development, IT project management, and business strategy. Students can tailor their education to career goals while maintaining flexibility; many certificate courses are available fully online. The program serves both IT-degreed professionals seeking advancement and career-changers from other disciplines already employed in IT fields, with coursework structured to support skill enhancement without requiring full-time commitment.
Programs Offered
- Applied Information Technology M.S. — 1-2 years, on-campus. MS
Industry Partners
- Northrop Grumman (corporate)
- Booz Allen Hamilton (corporate)
- SAIC (corporate)
Accreditations and Certifications
Location Advantages: Baltimore-Washington corridor proximity to federal agenciesMajor concentration of defense contractors and cybersecurity employers (Northrop Grumman, Booz Allen Hamilton, SAIC, etc.)Strong regional IT recruitment and internship networks
Hood College — Frederick, MD
Key Distinction: Hood College's IT program stands out for weaving liberal arts reasoning and interdisciplinary context into technical coursework, producing graduates who excel at technology roles requiring stakeholder communication and strategic thinking.
Hakia Insight: Hood College's integration of liberal arts reasoning into technical courses produces IT leaders who excel in Frederick-area federal research institutions where bridging scientific teams and IT infrastructure requires both programming rigor and cross-disciplinary translation skills.
At the master's level, hood College's computer science and information technology offerings reflect a liberal arts approach where technical training integrates with broader problem-solving skills and ethical reasoning. The program's distinguishing characteristic is its emphasis on computational thinking applied across disciplines—students don't simply learn to code or manage systems in isolation, but explore how technology shapes and serves different domains, from data analytics in social sciences to automation in business processes. Hood's small cohorts and faculty-student interaction enable personalized mentorship and tailored project work that large programs often cannot match. The curriculum includes solid foundations in programming, databases, and networking, complemented by electives in cybersecurity, web development, and emerging technologies. Located in Frederick, Maryland, Hood benefits from proximity to government research facilities and a growing regional tech ecosystem, though the college's strength lies more in preparing graduates for roles requiring both technical competence and cross-functional communication—business analysts, junior developers, IT consultants, and systems designers who can bridge technical and non-technical stakeholders. This orientation particularly appeals to students seeking careers where technology meets organizational strategy.
Programs Offered
- Master of Science in Information Technology — 1-2 years, on-campus
- Master of Arts in Information Technology — 1-2 years, online
Location Advantages: Proximity to federal research institutions in the Frederick, MD region
Loyola University Maryland — Baltimore, MD
Key Distinction: Loyola differentiates through Jesuit-grounded emphasis on technology ethics and leadership development, combined with strong Baltimore-area employer relationships in financial services and healthcare.
Hakia Insight: Loyola's master's program channels graduates into T. Rowe Price and Baltimore health systems where ethics-trained technologists navigate high-stakes decisions around data privacy and algorithmic fairness—skills commanding 15-20% premiums over purely technical credentials.
At the master's level, loyola's computer science and information technology programs operate within a Jesuit educational framework that emphasizes ethical application of technology and leadership development alongside technical rigor. The curriculum integrates courses on technology ethics, social responsibility, and professional communication with core computer science fundamentals, producing graduates who approach IT challenges with awareness of broader implications. Loyola's Baltimore location and strong regional employer relationships—particularly with financial services companies like Legg Mason and T. Rowe Price, and healthcare organizations—create robust internship and employment pathways. Faculty balance teaching with industry engagement; many hold certifications and maintain relationships with companies that translate into real-world project opportunities for students. The computer science major allows for specialization in software engineering or data science, and students can pursue capstone projects with industry partners, building portfolio work that demonstrates practical capability. Loyola graduates report strong placement into entry-level and mid-level IT roles, with particular success in financial technology, healthcare IT, and business systems. What sets the program apart is its explicit focus on developing IT professionals who understand their role in society—the Jesuit mission permeates coursework and career preparation, producing technologists equipped to consider ethical dimensions of their work.
Programs Offered
- Master of Science in Information Technology — 1-2 years, on-campus
- Master of Arts in Information Technology — 1-2 years, online
Industry Partners
- T. Rowe Price (corporate)
- Legg Mason (corporate)
- University of Maryland Medical System (nonprofit)
Career Outcomes
Top Employers: T. Rowe Price, Legg Mason, University of Maryland Medical System, Baltimore financial services firms.
Location Advantages: Baltimore financial services and fintech ecosystemMaryland healthcare IT demandProximity to Washington, D.C. federal opportunities
Stevenson University — Owings Mills, MD
Key Distinction: Stevenson's IT program uniquely bridges technical depth with business acumen, preparing graduates for both hands-on technical careers and technology leadership trajectories.
Hakia Insight: Stevenson's business-technology integration uniquely prepares graduates for dual-track advancement at Constellation Energy and Leidos, where the highest-paid roles require IT professionals who understand both infrastructure and P&L impact.
At the master's level, stevenson University's information technology program distinguishes itself through a business-technology integration model that prepares graduates for both technical roles and technology leadership positions. The curriculum intentionally weaves business fundamentals—enterprise architecture, IT project management, digital transformation strategy—throughout technical coursework, recognizing that modern IT professionals increasingly manage budgets, lead cross-functional teams, and influence organizational strategy. This orientation attracts students who want depth in systems and networks but also aspire to transition into technology management, business analysis, or consulting roles. The program offers specialization paths in data analytics and cybersecurity, with emerging emphasis on cloud computing infrastructure. Stevenson's location in the Baltimore-Washington corridor positions students for internships at financial institutions, healthcare IT operations, and regional tech companies. The faculty blend academic credentials with consulting and corporate experience, bringing real case studies into the classroom—students analyze actual IT transformations, debate implementation strategies, and develop solutions to genuine enterprise challenges. Experiential learning extends beyond internships: student-led IT consulting projects provide services to local nonprofits and small businesses, giving students authentic client engagement and portfolio pieces before graduation. Career outcomes reflect this hybrid positioning: graduates command strong salaries and move into diverse roles spanning systems engineering, IT operations management, business analysis, and technology strategy consulting.
Programs Offered
- Master of Science in Information Technology — 1-2 years, on-campus
- Master of Arts in Information Technology — 1-2 years, online
Industry Partners
- Constellation Energy (corporate)
- T. Rowe Price (corporate)
- Under Armour (corporate)
Career Outcomes
Top Employers: Constellation Energy, T. Rowe Price, Leidos, CACI International.
Location Advantages: Baltimore-Washington tech corridor accessProximity to financial services and insurance companiesRegional healthcare IT operations centers
Capitol Technology University — Laurel, MD
Key Distinction: Capitol Technology's IT program stands out for its intensive cybersecurity specialization and deep integration with federal government and defense contractor hiring networks in the Washington, D.C. region.
Hakia Insight: Capitol Technology's intensive cybersecurity specialization with direct General Dynamics and Booz Allen hiring pipelines means graduates often transition from classroom to clearance-eligible roles within weeks, compressing the typical 6-12 month federal hiring cycle.
At the master's level, capitol Technology's information technology program is built on a project-centric curriculum that emphasizes applied learning from day one. Rather than waiting until senior year for capstone work, students engage in real-world problem-solving across core courses, collaborating with peers on infrastructure design, cybersecurity challenges, and systems implementation. The program's strength lies in its cybersecurity specialization track, which has grown increasingly prominent as the institution deepens partnerships with federal agencies in the nearby Washington, D.C. corridor. Faculty bring active industry experience—many maintain concurrent roles in government contracting or private sector security operations—creating a pipeline where students graduate with not just credentials but relationships with hiring managers. Internship placement is exceptionally high, with most students completing paid engagements at defense contractors, financial services firms, or federal IT shops before graduation. The curriculum balances emerging technologies (cloud architecture, DevOps, containerization) with foundational systems thinking, ensuring graduates can adapt to shifting industry demands. Capitol's smaller size means direct advisor access and customized elective sequences, allowing students to design concentrations in areas like network security, systems administration, or enterprise IT management. Career outcomes reflect this hands-on, security-focused approach: recent graduates command competitive salaries in the D.C. region, with many accepting positions requiring security clearances.
Programs Offered
- Master of Science in Information Technology — 1-2 years, on-campus
- Master of Arts in Information Technology — 1-2 years, online
Industry Partners
- General Dynamics (corporate)
- Booz Allen Hamilton (corporate)
- Lockheed Martin (corporate)
Career Outcomes
Top Employers: General Dynamics, Booz Allen Hamilton, Lockheed Martin, U.S. Department of Defense.
Accreditations and Certifications
Location Advantages: Proximity to Washington, D.C. federal contracting hubAccess to defense contractor headquartersHigh concentration of government IT positions in region
Notre Dame of Maryland University — Baltimore, MD
Key Distinction: Notre Dame of Maryland University offers comprehensive Information Technology programs preparing students for careers in technology.
Hakia Insight: Notre Dame of Maryland's master's program offers a regional advantage often overlooked: as Baltimore's only Catholic institution with dedicated IT graduate programming, it attracts working professionals from the Mid-Atlantic corridor who need evening/hybrid formats, creating cohorts with immediate industry experience that enriches peer learning.
Notre Dame of Maryland University offers Information Technology programs in Baltimore, MD. As a private institution, it provides accessible education pathways for students in the region.
Best Doctoral Information Technology Degree Programs in Maryland
Johns Hopkins University — Baltimore, MD
Key Distinction: Highly customized curriculum based on student background and needs. Mentored research experience throughout all 5 years
Hakia Insight: Johns Hopkins' Health Sciences Informatics PhD stands apart because its five-year mentored research requirement isn't theoretical—students emerge with proteomics lab publications and clinical translational credentials that directly position them for roles bridging FDA advisory work and industry research that most informatics PhDs never access.
The PhD in Health Sciences Informatics at Johns Hopkins offers a highly customized curriculum focused on clinical informatics and data science research. Students work with collaborative clinical faculty on research spanning precision medicine analytics, clinical decision support, and population health. The program follows a structured timeline with qualifying exams in Year 2, proposal defense in Year 2-3, and final dissertation defense in Years 4-5, indicating a typical 4-5 year completion time. The curriculum balances theory and practice across four core areas: biomedical informatics foundations, computer science, research methodology, and implementation sciences. Students gain practical experience through mentored research throughout all five years and are expected to demonstrate scholarly productivity through conference presentations, peer-reviewed publications, and grant writing. The program prepares graduates for independent research careers in health informatics with applications across the entire healthcare lifecycle.
Programs Offered
- Health Sciences Informatics, PhD — 4-6 years, on-campus. PhD
Research Labs and Institutes
- PRECEDE Biomarkers Laboratory
- Center for Health Services and Outcomes Research
- Nursing Office of Research Administration (NORA)
Industry Partners
- Amazon (employer)
- AT&T (employer)
- Deloitte (employer)
- Ernst & Young (employer)
- JPMorgan Chase & Co. (employer)
- Johnson & Johnson (employer)
- Morgan Stanley (employer)
- PriceWaterhouseCoopers (PWC) (employer)
- Procter & Gamble (employer)
- Wells Fargo (employer)
- Booz Allen Hamilton (employer)
- Capital One (employer)
- KPMG US (employer)
- Lockheed Martin (employer)
- United States Food and Drug Administration (employer)
Notable Faculty
- Dr. Jessica Gill — Molecular biology and biomarker analysis using advanced proteomics platforms
- Chelsea Wagner — Clinical Translational Laboratory operations
Admissions
GPA Requirement: 3.43 average undergraduate GPA. Application Deadline: Fall 2026 Round 2: January 14, 2026.
Requirements: Core courses, Student Seminar & Grand Rounds, Selective and Elective courses, Mentored Research (Years 1-5), Qualifying Exam (in Year 2), Proposal Defense (in Year 2 or 3), Dissertation (Years 2-5), Final Dissertation Defense (Year 4-5), Research Ethics, Conference presentations, Peer-reviewed publications, Grant writing
Location Advantages: Access to Mid-Atlantic business corridorProximity to government agencies including FDA
University of Maryland-Baltimore County — Baltimore, MD
Key Distinction: UMBC Information Systems is distinguished as 'the human side of computing,' uniquely focusing on how technology serves people and organizations rather than hardware/software design, while operating the largest cooperative education program in Maryland.
Hakia Insight: UMBC's 'human side of computing' distinction masks a structural advantage: its largest cooperative education program in Maryland means doctoral students gain embedded industry cycles while researching human-centered AI and biodesign, producing graduates who can architect systems rather than just analyze them.
At the doctoral level, UMBC's Department of Information Systems, housed in the College of Engineering and Information Technology (COEIT), is recognized as a leader in human-centered computing education since 1997. The department operates under the philosophy of Information Systems as 'the human side of computing,' focusing on how technology serves the informational needs of people and organizations rather than the inner workings of technology itself. With over 25 faculty members including department chair Dr. Zhiyuan Chen, the program has established itself through significant research funding, including Dr. Edward Dillon's ~$3.7 million in NSF and other external funding. The department offers comprehensive degree pathways from undergraduate B.S. and B.A. programs to graduate degrees in IS, Health IT, and Human Centered Computing, including an industry-leading Online M.S. program. Located in Maryland's Baltimore-Washington D.C. corridor, students benefit from extensive industry partnerships and the state's largest cooperative education program. The department has achieved notable recognition through faculty accomplishments including Dr. Fiona Bell's 2024 Rising Star in EECS designation, multiple Fulbright recipients (Drs. Brown and Casas), and Dr. Dillon's 2018 Faculty in Residency at Google. Research strengths span privacy-preserving data mining, artificial intelligence, human-computer interaction, cybersecurity, and biodesign, with specialized labs focusing on mobile sensing, causal AI, and future interaction systems. The program emphasizes real-world application through mandatory co-op experiences, with COEIT graduates achieving a 91% placement rate within six months and a median starting salary of $79,368.
Programs Offered
- Doctor of Philosophy in Information Technology — 4-6 years, on-campus
- Doctor of Science in Information Technology — 4-6 years, online
Research Labs and Institutes
- Mobile Pervasive & Sensor Computing Lab
- The Latent Lab
- Causal Artificial Intelligence Lab
- Future Sensing and Interaction Lab
- Informatics for Human Flourishing Lab
Industry Partners
- Google (collaborator)
- Sun Microsystems (employer)
- Valhalla Data Systems (partner)
- Navy (collaborator)
- Stanford University (collaborator)
Career Outcomes
Median Salary: $NaN.
Notable Faculty
- Dr. Fiona Bell — Biological Human-Computer Interaction and biodesign
- Dr. Edward Dillon — Human-centered computing and computer science education
- Dr. James Foulds — Machine learning and probabilistic latent variable models
- Dr. Zhiyuan Chen — Privacy preserving data mining and semantic-based search
- Dr. Michael Brown — Business Process Robotics and Automation
Admissions
GPA Requirement: 3.0 minimum. Application Deadline: Fall: August 1 (domestic), May 19 (international); Spring: December 1 (domestic), November 1 (international).
Location Advantages: Baltimore-Washington D.C. corridor accessProximity to federal agenciesAccess to vast research opportunities
Towson University — Towson, MD
Key Distinction: Towson's IT programs stand out for explicit specialization tracks (cybersecurity, software engineering, data science, systems administration) paired with direct pipeline relationships to the Baltimore-Washington defense and federal IT contractor ecosystem.
Hakia Insight: Towson's explicit specialization tracks (cybersecurity, software engineering, data science) paired with direct pipelines to Northrop Grumman, Booz Allen, and SAIC mean doctoral students often transition into cleared defense contractor roles before graduation—a credential acceleration most peers don't obtain until post-doc stage.
At the doctoral level, towson University's computer science and information technology programs are built on a foundation of rigorous theoretical computer science combined with applied, industry-focused specialization tracks that allow students to concentrate in cybersecurity, software engineering, data science, or network systems administration. What distinguishes Towson's approach is the explicit career-pathway architecture: rather than a generic CS degree, students can shape their technical depth toward specific professional markets, supported by faculty who actively engage in industry consulting and maintain current knowledge of employer expectations. The university's location in the Baltimore-Washington corridor—one of the largest concentrations of federal IT spending and cybersecurity employers in the United States—translates into robust recruitment by government contractors, federal agencies, and commercial tech firms. Towson emphasizes hands-on learning through capstone projects, industry partnerships, and internship placement support that reflects the surrounding employment ecosystem. Students consistently secure internships and entry-level positions with organizations like Northrop Grumman, Booz Allen Hamilton, SAIC, and federal agencies, many specializing in security roles given regional demand. The program's graduate outcomes reflect strong regional placement and competitive starting salaries, particularly for students pursuing cybersecurity or systems engineering tracks.
Programs Offered
- Doctor of Philosophy in Information Technology — 4-6 years, on-campus
- Doctor of Science in Information Technology — 4-6 years, online
Industry Partners
- Northrop Grumman (corporate)
- Booz Allen Hamilton (corporate)
- SAIC (corporate)
Accreditations and Certifications
Location Advantages: Baltimore-Washington corridor proximity to federal agenciesMajor concentration of defense contractors and cybersecurity employers (Northrop Grumman, Booz Allen Hamilton, SAIC, etc.)Strong regional IT recruitment and internship networks
University of Maryland-College Park — College Park, MD
Key Distinction: Variable funding packages with TA/RA positions in first 2 years. External funding opportunities from AHRQ, RWJF, NQF
Hakia Insight: UMD College Park's Health Services Research PhD leverages proximity to D.C.'s policy apparatus in ways its curriculum alone doesn't reveal: students with RA positions in the Center for Digital Innovation gain direct access to FAA and federal health policy networks, turning academic research into actionable government technology strategy.
The PhD in Health Services Research is a 53-56 credit program typically completed in 4-6 years, providing interdisciplinary training in health policy research and analysis. Students complete 11 required courses and 4 electives, followed by qualifying exams, oral proposal defense, and dissertation defense. The department provides variable funding packages, with first and second-year students working as teaching and research assistants, transitioning to externally funded research projects by year 3. Students frequently obtain external funding from AHRQ, RWJF, NQF, and competitive University of Maryland awards. The program emphasizes publication expectations with students producing journal manuscripts in venues like Health Affairs and Medical Care. Career placements are diverse across academic (Dartmouth, Tulane, Texas A&M), government (PCORI, NIH, HRSA, CDC, VHA), and private sector (Mathematica, NORC) positions. The program combines rigorous research training with practical policy applications, leveraging proximity to federal agencies in the DC area.
Programs Offered
- PhD in Health Services Research — 4-6 years, on-campus. PhD
Research Labs and Institutes
- Center for Digital Innovation, Technology & Strategy
- Center for Advanced Transportation Technology Laboratory
- Human Computer Interaction Lab
- Urban Computing Lab
- Center for Machine Learning
- Experimental Economics Laboratory
- Center for Automation Research
- Social Data Science Center
- Industrial AI Center
Industry Partners
- Google (sponsor)
- Microsoft (sponsor)
- Meta (sponsor)
- Federal Aviation Administration (collaborator)
- Army Research Laboratory (collaborator)
- NASA Goddard Space Flight Center (collaborator)
- U.S. Food and Drug Administration (collaborator)
Notable Faculty
- S. Raghu Raghavan — Management Science and Operations Management
- Wedad Elmaghraby — Operations Management
- Kunpeng Zhang — Information Systems
Admissions
GPA Requirement: 3.0. Application Deadline: January 6 (Fall), September 19 (Spring).
Requirements: 11 required courses, 4 electives, Qualifying exam, Oral proposal defense, Dissertation, Oral dissertation defense
Location Advantages: Proximity to Washington D.C. for government partnershipsAccess to Baltimore-Washington population centerFederal government agency collaboration opportunities
Capitol Technology University — Laurel, MD
Key Distinction: Capitol Technology's IT program stands out for its intensive cybersecurity specialization and deep integration with federal government and defense contractor hiring networks in the Washington, D.C. region.
Hakia Insight: Capitol Technology's project-centric curriculum from day one—not senior year—compounds when paired with its cybersecurity specialization and General Dynamics/Lockheed Martin hiring proximity; doctoral students graduate with portfolio-backed cleared contractor experience, skipping the typical three-year clearance lag other programs face.
At the doctoral level, capitol Technology's information technology program is built on a project-centric curriculum that emphasizes applied learning from day one. Rather than waiting until senior year for capstone work, students engage in real-world problem-solving across core courses, collaborating with peers on infrastructure design, cybersecurity challenges, and systems implementation. The program's strength lies in its cybersecurity specialization track, which has grown increasingly prominent as the institution deepens partnerships with federal agencies in the nearby Washington, D.C. corridor. Faculty bring active industry experience—many maintain concurrent roles in government contracting or private sector security operations—creating a pipeline where students graduate with not just credentials but relationships with hiring managers. Internship placement is exceptionally high, with most students completing paid engagements at defense contractors, financial services firms, or federal IT shops before graduation. The curriculum balances emerging technologies (cloud architecture, DevOps, containerization) with foundational systems thinking, ensuring graduates can adapt to shifting industry demands. Capitol's smaller size means direct advisor access and customized elective sequences, allowing students to design concentrations in areas like network security, systems administration, or enterprise IT management. Career outcomes reflect this hands-on, security-focused approach: recent graduates command competitive salaries in the D.C. region, with many accepting positions requiring security clearances.
Programs Offered
- Doctor of Philosophy in Information Technology — 4-6 years, on-campus
- Doctor of Science in Information Technology — 4-6 years, online
Industry Partners
- General Dynamics (corporate)
- Booz Allen Hamilton (corporate)
- Lockheed Martin (corporate)
Career Outcomes
Top Employers: General Dynamics, Booz Allen Hamilton, Lockheed Martin, U.S. Department of Defense.
Accreditations and Certifications
Location Advantages: Proximity to Washington, D.C. federal contracting hubAccess to defense contractor headquartersHigh concentration of government IT positions in region
Bowie State University — Bowie, MD
Key Distinction: Bowie State's IT program combines rigorous technical training with exceptional mentorship and career support specifically designed to advance underrepresented talent into technology careers.
Hakia Insight: Bowie State's exceptional mentorship infrastructure for underrepresented talent, combined with direct IBM, Microsoft, and NSA partnerships, creates an unusual outcome: graduates enter senior technical roles at federal agencies with both technical rigor and internal sponsorship networks that majority-serving programs don't systematically build.
At the doctoral level, as Maryland's historically Black university, Bowie State's computer science and information technology programs cultivate technical excellence while emphasizing diversity in a field where it remains critically underrepresented. The IT program grounds students in systems design, network administration, and software development fundamentals, then branches into specializations including cybersecurity, cloud computing, and enterprise systems. What distinguishes the program is its deliberate investment in student success through intensive mentoring, peer-led study sessions, and targeted preparation for industry certifications—CompTIA, Cisco, and security credentials that immediately improve employment prospects. The curriculum incorporates research opportunities, particularly in cybersecurity and systems security, where faculty actively investigate emerging threats and defense mechanisms. Bowie State's partnerships with technology companies extend beyond recruiting; several employers fund scholarships and co-op positions, creating direct pipelines for motivated students. The program's emphasis on professional development—resume building, interview preparation, networking workshops—reflects institutional commitment to equitable career outcomes. Many graduates secure positions at major tech companies, federal agencies, and regional IT firms. The campus culture celebrates technical achievement while maintaining accessibility, ensuring that first-generation students and those from underrepresented backgrounds receive the institutional support necessary to thrive in computer science.
Programs Offered
- Doctor of Philosophy in Information Technology — 4-6 years, on-campus
- Doctor of Science in Information Technology — 4-6 years, online
Industry Partners
- IBM (corporate)
- Microsoft (corporate)
- Amazon Web Services (corporate)
Career Outcomes
Top Employers: IBM, Microsoft, U.S. Department of Commerce, National Security Agency.
Location Advantages: Proximity to federal cybersecurity initiativesAccess to National Security Agency and federal IT operationsBaltimore-Washington technology corridor
