Howard University School of Continuing Education in Baltimore: Flexible Degree and Certificate Programs for Working Adults
Howard University's School of Continuing Education operates as an extension program designed for adults who cannot attend full-time residential classes, offering bachelor's degrees, master's degrees, and certificates through evening, weekend, and online formats. Located in Baltimore and affiliated with the historically Black university based in Washington, D.C., the school serves regional professionals seeking accredited credentials without pausing their careers.
What the school actually offers
The School of Continuing Education awards degrees and certificates recognized by the same accreditation (Middle States Commission on Higher Education) that validates Howard's main campus programs. Unlike community colleges or for-profit online universities, this program carries the institutional credibility of a Howard degree while structuring coursework around adult schedules. The school operates multiple pathways: students can earn a bachelor's degree in fields including business administration, criminal justice, and information technology; pursue a master's degree in business administration or education; or complete shorter certificate programs in specialized areas. Class formats mix in-person evening sessions with fully online options, allowing students to combine both modalities within a single degree program.
Degree programs and pricing
Tuition for undergraduate programs runs approximately $350 to $400 per credit hour for Baltimore-area students; a typical bachelor's degree requires 120 credits, meaning total cost ranges from $42,000 to $48,000 before financial aid. Graduate programs cost between $450 and $550 per credit hour, with MBA programs requiring roughly 36 credits (total $16,200 to $19,800) and education master's degrees typically 30 to 36 credits. Certificate programs vary widely; most run 12 to 18 credits and cost $4,200 to $7,200. Financial aid, including federal student loans, Pell Grants (for undergraduates meeting income thresholds), and employer tuition reimbursement, can offset these costs. The school does not publish a flat per-semester fee; students pay by credit hour, meaning part-time enrollment costs less upfront but extends time to degree. Verify current tuition with the admissions office, as rates adjust annually.
How it compares to other Baltimore-area options
Towson University's graduate programs and evening classes serve a similar demographic of working adults in the region, though Towson focuses more heavily on in-person evening classes than fully online options. University of Maryland Global Campus (UMGC), which maintains a Baltimore County presence, emphasizes online delivery and lower per-credit costs ($300 to $370 for undergraduates) but lacks the historical prestige and networking ties of a Howard degree. Community College of Baltimore County offers two-year degrees and certificates at roughly half the per-credit cost of Howard ($150 to $180 per credit), making it a bridge option for students who plan to transfer; however, CCBC does not award bachelor's or master's degrees. Choose Howard's program if you prioritize a four-year degree from a historically Black institution with strong professional networks; choose UMGC if online convenience and lower cost are primary; choose CCBC if you're exploring higher education affordably before committing to a bachelor's degree.
Who this program serves and who it doesn't
This program fits professionals with full-time jobs who need schedule flexibility, students already holding bachelor's degrees and seeking a master's credential, career-changers who require accredited degrees to enter new fields, and adult learners returning to education after years away. The evening and weekend class options accommodate people working 9-to-5 jobs; the online component suits those without reliable access to Baltimore-area campuses or managing caregiving responsibilities. The program does not suit students seeking a traditional residential college experience, those requiring intensive in-person lab work (some programs may have lab components requiring campus visits), or students needing extensive hand-holding; the school expects adults to manage their own time and navigate degree requirements with less advising support than traditional undergraduate programs provide.
First visit and admissions process
Prospective students should contact the Baltimore admissions office to request a program brochure and speak with an admissions counselor about their background and degree goals. Most programs require a high school diploma or GED for bachelor's degrees and a bachelor's degree plus relevant work experience for master's programs; some master's programs do not require the GRE or GMAT, though transcripts are always required. The application process typically takes two to three weeks from submission to admission decision. Before enrolling, confirm whether your chosen program is offered in your preferred format (fully online, hybrid, or evening in-person), as not all degree paths use every delivery method.
Hours, location, and logistics
In-person classes meet weekday evenings (typically 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.) and Saturday mornings at the Baltimore campus location. Parking is available; verify the specific address and parking details with the admissions office, as Howard's Baltimore footprint may shift. Online courses operate asynchronously, meaning you access lectures and assignments whenever your schedule permits. The school recommends confirming semester start dates and registration deadlines directly, as these follow the academic calendar and vary by program.
Howard's Baltimore program fills a gap between community college affordability and the prestige and networking of a major university, making it a practical choice for working adults with geographic or schedule constraints who value the Howard institutional brand.
