Founded in the late 1800s to provide good and affordable education to African Americans, Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) have been producing world-class leaders. These schools focus on teaching students core academic knowledge, black culture and values, and skill acquisition.
Over the years, the curriculum of HBCUs have expanded to accommodate the changing times. More courses have been added to ensure students are fit to compete in the professional world. Many HBCUs have been intentional about including more business courses and degrees. In fact, a lot of these shcools have started MBA programs, and others have gotten professors and qualified lecturers in specialised business fields to stay ahead of the growing competition. This is quite impressive, considering most black students had to enroll in regular universities for their MBA programs after obtaining degrees from an HBCU.
Among the HBCUs pulling their weight in business, are some distinct colleges and universities with remarkable business programs. These schools have been ranked based on the availability of MBA programs, qualified professors, tuition rate, enrollment numbers, and quality of graduates produced. The list below sheds some light on the top 5 HBCU school of business and their achievements in the business world.
1. Howard University School of Business
Founded in the year 1866 by General Oliver Howard, Howard University started offering business programs in 1976 and started an MBA program in 1980 upon accreditation by AACSB even though the School of Business was established in 1970. The school’s business programs include full time, part-time, and online courses, with some offering dual degrees. Howard University has an acceptance rate of 39% and tuitionrate is about $36,000 per year. Dr. Anthony D. Wilbon is the Dean of the School of Business and among notable professors in HUSB are William Brent and Sandip Mukherji, both professors in Finance and International Business.
HUSB boasts of over 11,000 alumni with many going on to become successful working in top national and international companies. Schooling at Howard University School of Business opens you up to opportunities in the business world and prepares you for a successful career.
2. Hampton University School of Business
Originally known as Hampton Normal and Agricultural Institute, Hampton University was founded in 1868. Years ago, Hampton University offered mainly vocational courses like blacksmithing, farming, etc. As more and more people enrolled to study, it started to offer courses in business, finance, education, and later changed its name to Howard university in 1984. Howard University has an acceptance rate of 36%, and tuition at the School of Business is approximately $26,198 per year. Howard University School of Business offers BSBA, a 2 year MBA and a Doctor in Business Administration program taken full time on campus. The Dean of the School of Business is Dr. Ziette Hayes who is an associate professor. Ms. Deidra Eure is a professor in the school of business and Dr. Janet Adeyiga is a professor of accounting, investment banking, and finance just to mention a few members of the faculty.
The School of Business has approximately 2700 alumni among which are Fred Anderson, Senior Vice President of Wachovia Bank and General Wallace Arnold, past president of Cheney State University, and former Director of the Technical Development in Hampton University, to mention a few.
3. Morgan State University, Graves School of Business and Management
Morgan State University was established in 1867 as a public research university and currently offers over 130 degree programs. In 1944, the Earl G. Graves School of Business and Management (GSBM) started with an intention to attract more students seeking to pursue careers in the business world. The school covers programs in project management, hospitality management as well as MBA and doctorate courses. The tuition is approximately $8,190 for in-state and $16,000 for out of state students per year. Morgan State University has an acceptance rate of 73% with many applicants becoming enrolled into full-time study. Dr. Fikru Boghossian is the Dean of the School of Business and is assisted by Dr Ali Emdad, an associate dean and professor.
Morgan State University has a very functional alumni association holding regular events including an annual basketball tournament, MAEC, and open days.
4. North Carolina A&T University, Willie A. Deese College of Business and Economics
North Carolina A&T University was established in 1891 and focused its attention on teaching students trade skills . Afterwards, the Willie A. Deese College of Business & Economics was then established in 1967 to teach students the business skills needed to strive in the global economy. The school offers several undergraduate business courses and two main graduate degrees. A master’s in accountancy and a general MBA program as well as a unique MBA program focused on Accounting, supply chain management, and human resources. The tuition for graduate in-state students is approximately $6,600 and $20,00 for out of state students. North Carolina has a student acceptance rate of 56%. Some members of the faculty are Jeffrey Edwards, a professor of economics and Dr. Kevin L. James, CPA, the dean of the college of business.
In addition, the college of business has produced notable alumni like Diane Frost Hill who obtained an MBA in 1977 and has more than 40 years of experience working with IBM Corporation among many others. The school is committed to producing more graduates that will make a positive impact in the business world.
5. Florida A&M School of Business and Industry
This public-funded institution was founded in 1887 and was first known as State Normal College for Colored Students. In 1980, the School of Business and Industry was established and currently offers undergraduate programs as well as accelerated and professional MBA programs and an MBA in supply management. The cost of an MBA for out of state students is approximately $34,850 and the acceptance rate at FAMU is 33%. It enrolls over 10,000 students annually. Shawnta Friday-Stroud, PhD currently serves as the Dean of the school and Bobby Davis, PhD is a professor and the associate dean of the School of Business.
Sylnovia Holt-Rabb is one of the alumni of the FAMU School of Business and Industry, she is the city of Austin’s Director of Economic Development. President and dealer principal at Courtesy Ford Lincoln in Danville, Illinois. Ray Fregia Jr. is also an alumnus of the School of Business and was recently awarded in 2022 Dealer of the Year by TIME.
HBCU’s continue to expand their business degrees in a bid to meet the demands of today’s business world. The Black community is proud of these schools that are making marks in the nation’s business industry.
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