Our History

The Coppin State University School of Graduate Studies (SGS) has a rich legacy. We stay committed to excellence and make a continuous effort to keep our programs relevant to the changing needs of students, to the professional communities they serve, and to society.  

Our 50+ Year Legacy

Summer 1968

The School of Graduate Studies started as one graduate program in Special Education. This program was created to meet the growing demand for special educators who were qualified to work with emotionally disturbed and intellectually challenged students in Baltimore and surrounding areas.

1969

We added a master's program in Correctional Education to address the need for programming development and education for incarcerated persons. The need was so great at that time, the program expanded into a Correctional Education Department designed to serve the needs of correctional teachers. Seeing an even greater need to prepare practitioners across the criminal justice profession, Coppin expanded graduate studies and created the Department of Criminal Justice.  

1972

Coppin added a graduate program in Rehabilitation Counseling. This program led to our  Master of Education (M.Ed.) in Rehabilitation Counseling, which focuses on training students to deliver rehabilitation services, particularly to individuals with the most severe disabilities. 

July 1973

The Maryland Higher Education Commission (MHEC) approved a consortium in Criminal Justice between University of Baltimore (UB) and Coppin State College. This consortium has transformed with time, resulting in Coppin getting authorization to offer a Master of Science in Criminal Justice on May 26, 1976. Later that year, Coppin also received authorization to offer the Master of Science in Adult and Continuing Education.  

1975

In conjunction with the state rehabilitation agencies of Maryland, Delaware, Virginia and Washington D.C., Coppin created an innovative and experimental rehabilitation counseling program called "Rehabilitation Counseling Program: a Behavioral Approach". Students who successfully completed this program earned the M.Ed. in Rehabilitation Counseling. The project period expired in 1978, but some of its essential components live on in the current master’s program. 

1992

The Board of Regents of the University System of Maryland (USM) and MHEC approved the Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) program.  

1999

USM and MHEC approved the Master of Education in Curriculum and Instruction (Distance Learning), Master of Science in Family Nurse Practitioner, and Master of Science in Human Services Administration.  

January 2000

USM and MHEC approved the Master of Science in Addiction Counseling. Upon successful completion of the program, persons are prepared for professional careers in Addiction Counseling. 

2010

USM and MHEC approved the Master of Education in Contemporary Educational Leadership.

2011

USM and MHEC approved Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP).

2020

USM and MHEC approved Master of Science in Applied Molecular Biology and Biochemistry as well as the Master of Science in Polymer and Material Science. 

2021

Approved Doctor of Nursing Practice (BSN to DNP).

Invest in Yourself—and Your Career

Designed for busy working professionals, the School of Graduate Studies (SGS) combines a conveniently located, urban campus with the power of a world-class graduate education. We offer graduate degrees and certificates—many of which can be completed in just 2 years—in today’s most in-demand disciplines. Here at SGS, we help you hone leadership and management skills, and give you the tools to do more, earn more, and excel in your field.  

Offering advanced degrees in education, criminal justice, natural sciences, nursing and human services, we go beyond traditional classroom education by offering practical, hands-on experience, personalized attention, small classes and so much more—all in the convenience of your own backyard. 

Our campus is easily accessible by car or public transit, where we offer graduate and doctoral classes on evenings and weekends. Your time is valuable, so our classes are small to ensure that you receive individual attention from instructors and a dynamic network of peers. Take your professional development to the next level without sacrificing your career, family life, or personal responsibilities—it’s possible at Coppin.

Learn how to apply

Why choose a School of Graduate Studies Program?

Our primary goal is to provide a learning environment where our students can thrive. We prepare you to take on leadership and management roles. Earning a graduate certificate, master’s or doctorate at Coppin means you are supported to develop the skills, attitudes, and competencies needed to grow and succeed in urban, professional settings.

Paying for Graduate School

Are you a student interested in or currently enrolled in a graduate degree or certificate program? You may be eligible for federal financial aid! 

Here are your next steps to apply for federal graduate funding:

1. Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)
2. Email the Office of Financial Aid (OFA) from your Coppin email to request federal funding for your current or next semester.

You may also explore scholarship opportunities in the Division of Institutional Advancement.

Still have questions after completing these steps? Email us, visit our office, or give us a call at (410) 951-3090. 

Partnerships that Promote Success

Education shouldn’t exist in a vacuum. We are proud of our longstanding partnerships with some of Baltimore’s most important agencies and corporations. From partnerships with Baltimore’s public education system and criminal justice system to collaborations across private industry, these relationships add immeasurable value to your graduate education.  

In SGS, we understand partnerships are crucial to our students’ success outside of the classroom. These partnerships ensure our curricula are contemporary and relevant, meeting both the current and future needs of our students and the workforce.  

Professional and research opportunities outside of the classroom allow you to network with peers and leaders in your field, and also add valuable experience that bridges theory and practice. The result is an up-to-the-minute graduate education that, like our students, is always moving in the right direction. 

Innovative Graduate Research

We are proud to prepare global-ready professionals and leaders. When it comes to graduate and professional education, innovative research matters. Not only does it embed instructors in their fields, research keeps our faculty current, strengthens the curriculum, enlivens classroom discussions, and ultimately, enriches our students' futures.

Who's leading graduate research at Coppin?

Our legacy is built on a philosophy of connecting students to the communities where they will ultimately work. Our faculty and staff stay committed to asking the big questions, and working to solve some of the biggest challenges of our time. Current faculty conducting graduate-level research include: 

• Michael Berlin, criminology
• Joan Tilghman, nursing
• Janet Spry, rehabilitation counseling
• Fred Nesbitt, polymer and material science
• Thavamani Rajapandi, molecular biology

Get Financial Aid for Graduate School

Graduate school is often more expensive than your undergraduate college experience, so it's important to research all available types funding to finance your education. There are federal financial aid options to pay for graduate school. Many graduate students seek scholarships, internships, assistantships, as well as federal financial aid options like grants, loans, and Federal Work-Study (FWS).

Apply for Graduate Federal Financial Aid

You must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to be eligible for any federal financial aid, including grants, loans, and Federal Work-Study (FWS). Go to our How to apply for financial aid page and follow the steps to complete your FAFSA before the priority March 1st deadline.

Can I get federal or state financial aid as an international student?

You must be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident of the United States to be eligible for federal and state financial aid. If you have your permanent residency card, you must be prepared to submit it as part of any financial aid application.

Additional Graduate Student Funding Opportunities

Federal financial aid isn't the only type of funding available to graduate students. Coppin offers several ways to help graduate students pay for books and materials, as well as cover certain life emergencies.

Student Emergency Loan Fund (SELF)

SELF is a loan available to cover urgent and emergent needs, including rent evictions, utilities turn off notices, transportation fare, childcare, and food. To be eligible, you must have an expected financial aid refund.

Check Your Eligibility

Coppin Bookstore Charge Authorization

Any student receiving financial aid, can charge up to $500.00 per semester at the Campus Bookstore for books and supplies. To be eligible, you must have an expected financial aid refund after semester charges have been applied.

Visit our Types of Financial Aid page to learn more about federal loans, grants, and Federal Work-Study (FWS) opportunities

Get Financial Aid for Graduate School

Graduate school is often more expensive than your undergraduate college experience, so it's important to research all available types funding to finance your education. There are federal financial aid options to pay for graduate school. Many graduate students seek scholarships, internships, assistantships, as well as federal financial aid options like grants, loans, and Federal Work-Study (FWS).

Apply for Graduate Federal Financial Aid

You must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to be eligible for any federal financial aid, including grants, loans, and Federal Work-Study (FWS). Go to our How to apply for financial aid page and follow the steps to complete your FAFSA before the priority March 1st deadline.

Can I get federal or state financial aid as an international student?

You must be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident of the United States to be eligible for federal and state financial aid. If you have your permanent residency card, you must be prepared to submit it as part of any financial aid application.

Additional Graduate Student Funding Opportunities

Federal financial aid isn't the only type of funding available to graduate students. Coppin offers several ways to help graduate students pay for books and materials, as well as cover certain life emergencies.

Student Emergency Loan Fund (SELF)

SELF is a loan available to cover urgent and emergent needs, including rent evictions, utilities turn off notices, transportation fare, childcare, and food. To be eligible, you must have an expected financial aid refund.

Check Your Eligibility

Coppin Bookstore Charge Authorization

Any student receiving financial aid, can charge up to $500.00 per semester at the Campus Bookstore for books and supplies. To be eligible, you must have an expected financial aid refund after semester charges have been applied.

Visit our Types of Financial Aid page to learn more about federal loans, grants, and Federal Work-Study (FWS) opportunities

Ready for your next career step? Graduate school is your opportunity to master a specific field of study. More focused and intense than undergraduate coursework, the graduate experience allows you to advance your knowledge and career positioning to become an industry leader.

Remember, all graduate programs require you to have earned a bachelor’s degree first.

Apply for Fall 2025

Who makes graduate admissions decisions?

The Graduate Admissions Committee makes admission decisions for master’s and doctoral programs. This Committee consists of the Dean of the School of Graduate Studies, the Graduate Program Coordinator/Chair and the program team.

Admission requirements needed to complete your graduate application:

Application for admission

We encourage you to apply online. After applying you may hand-deliver or mail all supplemental materials to:

Coppin State University
Office of Graduate Admissions
College of Business Building, Suite 320
2500 West North Avenue
Baltimore, Maryland 21216-3698

$50.00 non-refundable application fee

Everyone who submits an application for admission must pay the $50.00 application fee. You will be prompted to pay your non-refundable application fee on your application status page after submission of your application.

Official transcripts from all community colleges, colleges, and/or universities attended

An undergraduate degree from an accredited college or university is required. Official transcripts can be sent electronically or in paper form. For your transcript to be considered official, it must be sent directly from your institution, approved transcript service (e.g. Parchment) or delivered in an envelope sealed with an official seal, stamp, signature from your institution.

All transcripts can be sent to:

Coppin State University
Office of Graduate Admissions
College of Business Building, Suite 320
2500 West North Avenue
Baltimore, Maryland 21216-3698

or

graduatestudies@coppin.edu

International students only

Transcripts from institutions outside of the U.S. and related territories must also include a course-by-course evaluation completed by a member of the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES). Visit our resources for international students to learn more about additional admission requirements.

3 letters of recommendation

A letter of recommendation is a document provided by someone who is familiar with your character, integrity, and academic capabilities. It is advisable to request such a letter from individuals who can attest to your professional qualifications, such as current employers, instructors, or community leaders. When you are completing your application, you will need to provide the contact details of your recommenders, and they will receive a request to submit their recommendation on your behalf.

Official GRE or PRAXIS score, if required

Certain graduate programs may require official standardized test scores for the Graduate Admissions Committee to reference when making admission decisions.

If your program requires GRE or PRAXIS scores, Coppin State University’s school codes are:

• GRE: 5122 Coppin State College
• PRAXIS: RA5122 Coppin State University

Readmission to Graduate School

If you have been absent from the university for more than one semester, you may be required to complete the application for readmission to the university.

Where should I send my graduate application and supporting documents?

The graduate application is available online and also as a PDF document. If your desired program requires additional documentation, please send it to:

Coppin State University
Office of Graduate Admissions
College of Business Building, Suite 320
2500 West North Avenue
Baltimore, Maryland 21216-3698

Ready for your next career step? Graduate school is your opportunity to master a specific field of study. More focused and intense than undergraduate coursework, the graduate experience allows you to advance your knowledge and career positioning to become an industry leader.

Remember, all graduate programs require you to have earned a bachelor’s degree first.

Apply for Fall 2025

Who makes graduate admissions decisions?

The Graduate Admissions Committee makes admission decisions for master’s and doctoral programs. This Committee consists of the Dean of the School of Graduate Studies, the Graduate Program Coordinator/Chair and the program team.

Admission requirements needed to complete your graduate application:

Application for admission

We encourage you to apply online. After applying you may hand-deliver or mail all supplemental materials to:

Coppin State University
Office of Graduate Admissions
College of Business Building, Suite 320
2500 West North Avenue
Baltimore, Maryland 21216-3698

$50.00 non-refundable application fee

Everyone who submits an application for admission must pay the $50.00 application fee. You will be prompted to pay your non-refundable application fee on your application status page after submission of your application.

Official transcripts from all community colleges, colleges, and/or universities attended

An undergraduate degree from an accredited college or university is required. Official transcripts can be sent electronically or in paper form. For your transcript to be considered official, it must be sent directly from your institution, approved transcript service (e.g. Parchment) or delivered in an envelope sealed with an official seal, stamp, signature from your institution.

All transcripts can be sent to:

Coppin State University
Office of Graduate Admissions
College of Business Building, Suite 320
2500 West North Avenue
Baltimore, Maryland 21216-3698

or

graduatestudies@coppin.edu

International students only

Transcripts from institutions outside of the U.S. and related territories must also include a course-by-course evaluation completed by a member of the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES). Visit our resources for international students to learn more about additional admission requirements.

3 letters of recommendation

A letter of recommendation is a document provided by someone who is familiar with your character, integrity, and academic capabilities. It is advisable to request such a letter from individuals who can attest to your professional qualifications, such as current employers, instructors, or community leaders. When you are completing your application, you will need to provide the contact details of your recommenders, and they will receive a request to submit their recommendation on your behalf.

Official GRE or PRAXIS score, if required

Certain graduate programs may require official standardized test scores for the Graduate Admissions Committee to reference when making admission decisions.

If your program requires GRE or PRAXIS scores, Coppin State University’s school codes are:

• GRE: 5122 Coppin State College
• PRAXIS: RA5122 Coppin State University

Readmission to Graduate School

If you have been absent from the university for more than one semester, you may be required to complete the application for readmission to the university.

Where should I send my graduate application and supporting documents?

The graduate application is available online and also as a PDF document. If your desired program requires additional documentation, please send it to:

Coppin State University
Office of Graduate Admissions
College of Business Building, Suite 320
2500 West North Avenue
Baltimore, Maryland 21216-3698