The University of Baltimore is part of a newly announced partnership between the University System of Maryland and Google to offer no-cost certificates to students in a number of career paths with a potential for opportunity, including cybersecurity, data analytics, and project management. A select group of UBalt students will have access to Google Career Certificates in high-growth fields where artificial intelligence is essential to the skillset. Through the partnership, students also will be invited to take AI courses through Google, designed and taught by AI experts to convey foundational skills in this technology.
Officials from the USM, Google and The University of Baltimore announced the initiative on June 17 at the UBalt campus. All 12 of USM’s universities and two of its regional higher education centers will offer this program. The program will be available this fall to members of the UBalt community, including veterans and active-military students as well as faculty and staff. Enrollment details will be forthcoming.
"Google's certificates are a natural complement to UBalt's professional degree programs and certificates," said Dr. Aaron Wachhaus, the University's associate provost. "This partnership lies at the heart of UBalt's mission to provide 'Knowledge That Works' to the citizens of the Baltimore region, to impart cutting-edge professional skills, and to promote social mobility."
The University of Baltimore was among six USM universities named as "Best for Vets" by the Military Times in 2024, in an analysis of student success metrics, the availability of military-specific resources, and financial assistance, among other factors. Only 300 institutions were recognized nationally. UBalt also was included in Niche's 2025 Best Colleges for Veterans in Maryland list. Historically, UBalt has supported its veterans and active-military students through The Bob Parsons Veterans Center and The Bob Parsons Veterans Advocacy Clinic.
"Given UBalt's focus on educating active military and veteran students along with their families, this Google opportunity aligns perfectly with our student success efforts for this important
student population," said Nicole Marano, vice president of student success and chief student affairs officer.
In its announcement about the partnership, the USM noted that it comes as member institutions are making important strides to prepare students for an AI-focused economy.
"Keeping pace with in-demand skills has become a defining factor in workforce readiness," the USM noted.
USM Chancellor Jay Perman said, "We're excited to partner with Google, one of the most trusted leaders in industry certificates. This collaboration will boost the career readiness of our learners across the System and give them an undeniable competitive edge. It supports our vision for the future of higher education and the critical role the USM plays in upskilling and reskilling Maryland's workforce—never more important than right now."