if you've been considering a degree or certificate from an Historically Black College or University (HBCU), you're not alone. During the pandemic, applications to these schools increased as much 60% even as most other schools found applications dropping. The reasons vary, but for many, the ongoing discussion of issues of diversity and equity likely play a role. 

Maybe you've dreamed of graduating from a HBCU, but you can't find a way to go full-time right now. Or maybe your preferred school is too far away, and it would be too expensive to relocate or commute.  

You can still earn your degree and participate in the HBCU experience by earning your degree online. With an online degree, you may not have the same on-campus experience, but you'll still enjoy many of the benefits of attending an HBCU, including specialized courses of study, the name recognition of your alma mater, and access to strong alumni networks.

1. Howard University

Howard University, based in Washington DC, is one of the best-known HBCUs. As a research university, Howard is a leader in STEM fields and has several nationally ranked science programs. The school also has noted programs in social work, cinematography, business, and communication sciences and disorders. 

The university offers a wide range of degrees, with a small but significant handful that can be completed online. Those include:

• RN to BSN — This program is for registered nurses (RNs) who have completed their associate degree and want to earn their Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN). The program can be completed in 12 months for students who are able to take a full-time class load. There are also part-time programs available. Learn more here. 

• Online MBA — This program is for early- and mid-career professionals who want to grow as business leaders while completing the MBA program in a flexible way.  Applicants should have at least two years of professional experience and already hold a BA or BS. Learn more about Howard's Online MBA here. 

• Executive MBA — Howard's Executive Master of Business Administration can be completed 100% online in only 18 months. This program is geared toward working professionals with at least seven years of professional experience who want to expand their career prospects to the executive level. Bonus: No GMATs required for admission. Get more details on the EMBA program here.

 

 

 

2. Albany State University

Albany State University, in Albany, GA, is the largest HBCU in Georgia. It was founded by Joseph Winthrop Holley, the son of formerly enslaved people. The school became part of the university system of Georgia in 1932.

ASU has an extremely wide selection of online programs including computer science, health sciences and criminal justice. Depending on your goals, you can choose from professional certificate, undergraduate, or graduate courses of study. 

For a complete list of all the online programs the school has to offer, click here. 

3. Hampton University

4. Spelman College

5. Morgan State University

Morgan State University in Baltimore is the largest HBCU in Maryland. It was founded in 1867 as the Centenary Biblical Institute. In 2017, it was designated as Maryland's preeminent public urban research university. 

Online degree programs range from post-bac certificates to doctoral degrees in the following areas of study: 

• community college L\leadership 

• business administration

• project management 

• sustainable urban communities

• social work 

MSU also has noncredit online programs focusing on business and technology. Learn more about all of MSUs online programs here. 

6. Lincoln University

Lincoln University is located in Jefferson City, MO. According to its website, the school was founded in 1866 by the men of the 62^nd and 65^th United States Colored Infantries and their white officers, for the special benefit of freed African Americans.  

Throughout its history, the school has been known for offering innovative programs that serve a diverse student body. 

It currently has two online MBA programs — one with an emphasis in management; the other with an emphasis in public administration/policy. Learn more here. 

7. Xavier University of Louisiana

Xavier University of Louisiana, in New Orleans, is the only historically Black and Catholic university in the United States. Though small, it's particularly noted for its STEM programs, especially its School of Pharmacy. 

XULA has a flexible approach to online education, with classes available in its schools of biological and applied sciences,  public health sciences, speech pathology, business, education & consulting, and fine arts & humanities. The school even offers a fully online Ed.D in educational leadership. You can learn more about the options or a specific program here. 

8. North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University

North Carolina A&T State University in Greensboro, NC, has one of the largest offerings in terms of online degrees and certificates. It also happens to have one of the largest enrollments among HBCUs.

Students can earn online bachelor's, master's, or doctoral degrees, as well as professional certificates. The school has been particularly noted for its STEM offerings, including electronics technology, information technology, and business information technology. Explore their many program options here.  

9. Tuskegee University

What's your next step?

If you're considering investing in your future with an online degree, learn more about how to pay for college.