20 Most Affordable Online Master’s-Granting HBCUs 2020

Albany, Georgia

Albany State University (ASU, est. 1903) is a public institution and a member of the University System of Georgia, as well as a member of the Thurgood Marshall College Fund (TMCF). The university serves its predominantly female (71%) students on three campuses, two instructional sites, and online. U.S. News & World Report (USNWR) has ASU in several 2019 college ranking lists: Tier 2; Regional Universities South; Historically Black Colleges and Universities. ASU previously ranked in USNWR’s top 30 HBCUs for undergrad education. Notable alumni includes actress Jo Marie Payton, featured in roles on Will & Grace, Family Matters and other shows.

ASU offers associate’s through master’s level degrees, plus certificate programs. It has four online Master’s degrees, one which has three tracks. They are:

• Master of Science in Criminal Justice (MSCJ, has thesis and non-thesis options);
• Masters in Early Childhood Education (ECE)
• Masters in Special Education
• Masters in Nursing – Family Nurse Practitioner part-time track (six credits or less per semester)
• Masters in Nursing – Family Nurse Practitioner full-time track (nine credits or more per semester)
• Masters in Nursing – Nurse Educator track

Credit requirements are from 30-44, depending on the program selected, and timelines are 2-3 years. Currently, all master’s program tuition is listed at $300/credit-hour (fees extra).

Elizabeth City, North Carolina

Elizabeth City State University (ECSU, est. 1891) is a public institution and a member of the University of North Carolina (UNC) System. It is also a member of the Thurgood Marshall College Fund (TMCF) and had a 69.1% African American student enrollment for Fall 2018. Amongst the rankings and recognition ECSU has received are the following: U.S. News & World Report (2019: Historically Black Colleges and Universities; Regional Universities South; Top Public Schools; Business Programs); Washington Monthly (#1 amongst bachelor’s colleges – multiple years); Victory Media (Military Friendly School – multiple years); Military Times (Best Colleges 2019; Best Bet for Vets); U.S. Veterans Magazine (2018 Best of the Best Veterans-Friendly Schools); Diverse Issues in Higher Education (2014 #1 producer of African American earners of Master’s Degrees in Mathematics). Notable ECSU alumni include YouTube personality Norman Caruso (aka “Gaming Historian”), who makes videos and movies about video game history.

ECSU offers bachelor’s and master’s programs — over 30 in total. Online courses are offered via the Blackboard course management system. The university’s distance programs may be delivered in a variety of ways, including Internet (online), one- or two-way transmissions; fiber optics; audio conferencing; close circuit; and more. The university has one relevant program: an online Master of Education (M.Ed.) in Elementary Education, which offers two concentrations — Teacher Leadership; initial certification (for students seeking an elementary school teacher role). The program starts in January 2019, requires 36 credits for completion and has a research project. The curriculum includes three types of knowledge acquisition: content, professional and pedagogical. Alternatives: a Master of School Administration (MSA) degree program.

Dover, Delaware

Delaware State University (DSU, est. 1891) is a public institution with a unique blend of features/offerings, including its own fleet of planes (unique to HBCUs), an aviation program with 100% grad placement, and its own music label. It serves students at three campuses plus online, and roughly 65% of student population is female. Recognition for DSU includes: U.S. News & World Report (2019: Historically Black Colleges and Universities; Regional Universities North; Business Programs); Princeton Review (Best Business Schools, including DSU’s MBA program); Washington Monthly. Notable DSU alumni include singer and songwriter SZA (Solana Imani Rowe)

DSU offers bachelor’s through doctorate level degrees. It has four relevant online programs:

• Master of Business Administration (MBA, 30 credits)
• Master of Public Administration (MPA, 36 credits)
• Master of Social Work (MSW, 30 or 60 credits, Advanced Generalist concentration; 12 credits for Field Experience capstone)
• Master of Sport Administration (MSA, 30 credits, blended: Monday night meetings)

Some of the above programs may have work experience requirements for admission. Course delivery falls into one of the following modes: Web-enhanced (in-class plus online components); blended (mix of in-class and online activity); online classes, offered through Blackboard.

Fayetteville, North Carolina

Fayetteville State University (FSU, est. 1867) is a public institution and a member of the University of North Carolina (UNC) System — one of the oldest institutions of higher learning in the state. Founded by seven African Americans, it is also a member of the Thurgood Marshall College Fund. It serves students at this campus, three satellite campuses and online. While 60% of enrolled students are female, 25% of students are military personnel (active or veteran), or military family members. Victory Media recognized FSU as Military Friendly School, while U.S. News & World Report ranked them in four 2019 lists: Historically Black Colleges and Universities; Regional Universities South; Top Public Schools; Business Programs — including FSU’s MBA program. The university is also the #1 HBCU Producer of Teachers in the state (#8 nationally). Notable FSU alumni include Sylvester, aka wrestling’s Junkyard Dog, and one-time football player.

FSU offers bachelor’s through doctorate level degrees, plus certificates — over 60 degree programs in total. Note that FSU participates in NC-SARA, meaning that their online students can be from any of the 50 states and the U.S. territories. It has three relevant online programs:

• Master of Business Administration (MBA, 36-39 credits)
• Master of Science in Criminal Justice (MSCJ, 33-36 credits)
• Master of Arts in Psychology (MAP, 36 credits)

The MBA program offers nine concentrations: Business (General Business, International Business, Business Intelligence and Data Analytics); Entrepreneurship; Finance; Management (Management, Healthcare Management, Project Management); Marketing. A number of related Graduate Certificate programs are available as an alternative or milestone. The MSCJ has three options (Thesis, Comprehensive Exam or Enhanced Coursework) and also offers a grad certificate option. Please check the Web site or contact the university for more details on these programs.

Fort Valley, Georgia

Fort Valley State University (FVSU, est. 1895) is a public institution and a member of the University System of Georgia. A member of the Thurgood Marshall College Fund (TMCF), it serves students on campus and online. The university enjoys several rankings from multiple sources, including; being a top producer of African American graduates holding mathematics, statistics or related degrees both in-state and nationally, and similarly in-state for agriculture, engineering and other topics; being a top school for economic mobility, etc. U.S. News & World Report (USNWR) ranked FVSU in several 2019 lists: tier 2; Regional Universities South; Historically Black Colleges and Universities. Notable alumni from FVSU include Larry Rayfield Wright, an NFL Hall of Famer football player.

FVSU offers bachelor’s and master’s degrees, plus certificate programs. It has one relevant program: an online Master of Science (MS) in Clinical Rehabilitation Counseling (CLRC). This MS requires 61 credits for completion and is fully online. Student research for the MS is typically done with a faculty member; however, the option to do independent research is available. Students residing in the FVSU geographical area may be eligible for one of the limited number of graduate assistantship. Contact the university for further details. Graduates of this program may find a career as a Rehabilitation Counselor in one of several environments, including: correctional facilities; educational institutions (high schools, universities); group homes; hospitals; independent living centers; mental health facilities; rehabilitation centers; substance abuse treatment centers; private or public vocational rehabilitation programs.

Winston-Salem, North Carolina

Winston-Salem State University (WSSU, est. 1892) is a public institution and a member of the University of North Carolina (UNC) System. It is also a member of the Thurgood Marshall College Fund (TMCF), and serves students on campus and online. Recognition that the university has received includes from: U.S. News & World Report (2019: Historically Black Colleges and Universities; Top Public Schools; Regional Universities South; Business Programs); Wall Street Journal (#1 public HBCU in the state, 2016); Diverse Issues in Higher Education (#1 in the state (various nationally) for African-American graduates in four subjects: education, health professions, nursing, parks/recreation/fitness); Washington Monthly (Best Bang for the Buck Southwest 2016); Nurse Journal and others. It has been recognized by for its economic mobility for students (Social Mobility Index), and for its military friendliness. Notable WSSU alumni include African-American activist and Nation of Islam religious leader Louis Farrakhan.

FVSU offers bachelor’s through doctorate level degrees, plus certificate programs.

It offers two relevant online programs:

• Master of Science (MS) in Rehabilitation Counseling — 60 credits, 700 practicum and internship hours, 10-week summer session, plus two years full-time.
• Nursing Certification — Advanced Nurse Educator (ANE) — 30 credits, 240 supervised practicum hours. This is actually an online certificate for students holding a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) and interested in the skills necessary for a nurse educator role.

Both programs are delivered by departments within the School of Health Sciences.

Prairie View, Texas

Prairie View A & M University (PVAMU, est. 1876) is a public institution and a member of the Texas A and M University (TAMU) System, as well as a member of the Thurgood Marshall College Fund (TMCF). Students, whose undergrad population leans to 61% female, are served on this main campus, branch campuses and learning centers, and online. U.S. News & World Report ranked PVAMU in several of their 2019 lists: Historically Black Colleges and Universities; National Universities; Business Programs; Engineering Programs (with doctorate). Other recognition for the university comes in the form of a recent Intel Grant, providing $4.5M for funding STEM-related programs and events. Notable PVAMU alumni include actor/wrestler Laurence Tureaud, aka Mr T, who was in Rocky III, The A-Team (TV), T and T (TV), and numerous WWF (live wrestling) appearances.

PVAMU offers bachelor’s through doctorate level programs and offers over 1,700 courses at all levels each semester. It has four relevant online, hybrid or blended programs:

• Master of Science degree in Juvenile Justice (MSJJ, 36 credits)
• Master of Business Administration (MBA, 36 credits)
• Executive MBA (EMBA, hybrid, 36 credits)
• Master of Education in Educational Leadership (MEd EL, 36 credits)

The MSJJ offers a choice of Thesis or Comprehensive Examination options, both of which fulfill 24 credits of the total 36 credits required for completion. Delivery modes for PVAMU course content includes: online, hybrid, Web-Assist.

Lorman, Mississippi

Alcorn State University (ASU, est. 1871) is a public institution and a member of the Mississippi Institutions of Higher Learning. A member of the Thurgood Marshall College Fund (TMCF), it is one of the oldest HBCUs in the country. It serves students on several campuses and online. U.S. News & World Report ranked the university on three 2019 lists: Historically Black Colleges and Universities; Top Public Schools; Regional Universities South). Additional recognition for Alcorn includes $20,000 donation (Energy Mississippi) towards their Saturday STEM program. Notable ASU alumni include: civil rights activist Medgar Evers, who was assassinated in front of his home in 1963; author Alex Haley (Roots); actor Michael Clarke Duncan (The Green Mile).

ASU offers associate’s through master’s level degrees, plus certificate programs. It has seven relevant online programs:

• Master of Science in Workforce Education Leadership (MS-WEL, 36 credits, 90% hybrid classes, synchronous)
• Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) – Nurse Educator (NE) option (37 credits, 100% online)
• Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) – Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) option (44-47 credits)
• Master of Business Administration (MBA) with two tracks: Pre-MBA (29-33 credits) and MBA (36 credits)
• Executive Master of Business Administration (EMBA, 30 credits, 80% online courses, Concentrations: Gaming; Hospitality Management
• Master of Science in Biology (MSB, 33 credits, 100% online)
• Master of Arts in History (MAH, 33 credits)

Both MSN program tracks have an online Post-Masters option: NE (17-20 credits); FNP (24-27 credits). Note: Course for the above programs may be either synchronous or asynchronous.

Grambling, Louisiana

Grambling State University (GSU, est. 1901) is a public institution and a member of the University of Louisiana System. Students are served on a campus with no fewer than nine building listed in the National Register of Historic Buildings, plus online. The university is a member of the Thurgood Marshall College Fund (TMCF), and the undergrad population leans to 58% female students. Grambling has earned recognition in the form of college rankings from Washington Monthly and U.S. News & World Report (2019: Historically Black Colleges and Universities; Regional Universities South; Business Programs). Notable GSU alumni include singer/songwriter Erykah Badu.

GSU offers bachelor’s through doctorate level degrees, plus certificate programs. It has one relevant program: an online Master of Science in Criminal Justice (MSCJ) with two tracks: Thesis (36 credits); Non-Thesis (42 credits). Sample core courses include: Writing Seminar for Criminal Justice; Theories of Crime and Delinquency; Methods of Justice Research. The Non-Thesis track affords a more custom degree, with 21 credits of approved CJ electives versus nine credits in the Thesis track.

Itta Bena, Mississippi

Mississippi Valley State University (MVSU, est. 1950) is a public institution and a member of the Mississippi Institutions of Higher Learning. A member of the Thurgood Marshall College Fund (TMCF), it serves students on four campuses/learning centers and online. U.S. News & World Report recognized the university in two of their 2019 college ranking lists: Historically Black Colleges and Universities; Regional Universities South). Notable MVSU alumni include legendary NFL wide receiver and hall-of-famer Jerry Rice.

MVSU offers bachelor’s and master’s degree programs — over 30 in total. It has two relevant online programs:

• Master of Business Administration (MBA, 30 credits – 18 core, 12 elective/concentration, plus 18 foundation credits for students with no business studies completed)
• Master of Science in Criminal Justice (MSCJ, 36 credits, choice of thesis or non-thesis tracks)

Both of these programs are listed by MVSU as being 100% online, with courses delivered through the Blackboard learning management system. The MSCJ has three concentration options: Law Enforcement; Corrections; Criminal Justice Administration. Tuition is the same for both in-state and out-of-state students.

Durham, North Carolina

North Carolina Central University (NCCU, est. 1909) is a public institution and a member of the University of North Carolina (UNC) System. A member of the Thurgood Marshall College Fund, NCCU claims the distinction of being “the first public liberal arts institution for African Americans in the nation.” Rankings recognition for NCCU includes that from: U.S. News & World Report (2019: Historically Black Colleges and Universities; Top Public Schools; Regional Universities South; Business Programs; past: top 10 most popular law schools); Diverse: Issues in Higher Education magazine (top producer of HBCU graduates); Washington Monthly (Best Bang for the Buck – Colleges Southeast); Nurse Journal (top nursing programs). Actress/comedienne Kim Coles (In Living Color, Living Single) is one many notable NCCU alumni.

NCCU offers over 140 program, from bachelor’s through doctorate level degrees, plus certificate programs. It offers eight relevant online programs:

• Master of Arts in Career Counseling (MACC, 48 credits)
• Master of Arts in Educational Technology (MAET, 36 credits)
• Master of Science in Information Science (MSIS, 36 credits)
• Master of Science in Library Science (MLS, 36 credits – Juris Doctor dual degree option)
• Master of Arts in School Administration (MSA, 33-42 credits, full- or part-time, 1st or 2nd master’s)
• Master of Arts in Mental Health Counseling (MA-MHC, 60 credits)
• Master of Arts in School Counseling (MASC, 51 credits)
• Master of Arts in Teacher of Students with Visual Impairment (MA-TSVI, 52 credits)

All of the above degree programs are 100% online. NCCU’s online courses are delivered via the Blackboard learning management system.

Houston, Texas

Texas Southern University (TSU, est. 1927) is a public institution serving students on campus and online. It is a member of the Thurgood Marshall College Fund (TMCF), and has the Thurgood Marshall School of Law. The university has recognition in the form of college rankings from: U.S. News & World Report (2019: Historically Black Colleges and Universities; National Universities; Business Programs; past: most diverse law schools nationally); Forbes Magazine; Washington Monthly. It ranks top in the state for the number of African American graduating students. Notable TSU alumni include Good Morning America co-host Michael Strahan, and co-host of “Kelly (Ripa) and Michael” until 2016.

TSU offers over 100 bachelor’s through doctorate level degree programs (including concentration options). It has five relevant online programs:

• Executive Master of Administration of Justice (eMAJ, 36 credits, 100% online, 1-2 yrs)
• Executive Master of Business Administration (eMBA, 36 credits, two tracks, six semesters)
• Executive Master of Public Administration (eMPA, 36 credits, 16 months full-time; 1-2 in-person orientation sessions/ semester)
• Master of Arts in English (MAE, 30 credits, Thesis or Non-thesis options)
• Master of Educational Administration (MEd, 36-42 credits, three track options including Principal’s certificate)

Online courses for these programs are delivered via either or both of Course Compass or Blackboard software, which may combine online lectures with virtual classrooms, live chats, teleconferencing.

Jackson, Mississippi

Jackson State University (JSU, est. 1877) is a public institution and a member of Mississippi Institutions of Higher Learning. Once a seminary, it is a member of the Thurgood Marshall College Fund (TMCF) and one of the largest HBCUs. Jackson has earned recognition in the form of college review rankings from Forbes Magazine, Washington Monthly, and U.S. News & World Report (2019: Historically Black Colleges and Universities; National Universities; Business Programs; Engineering Programs (schools with engineering doctorate)). For its sustainability initiatives, it earned a Tree Campus USA designation, and is an Apple Distinguished School for innovation and leadership excellence in education. Notable JSU alumni include singer Cassandra Wilson and former Secretary of Education Rod Paige.

JSU offers bachelor’s through doctorate level degrees, plus certificate programs. It has 10 relevant online/hybrid programs:

• Master of Business Administration (MBA, 30-33 credits)
• Master of Arts in History (MAH, 36 credits, Thesis or Project tracks)
• Master of Arts in Teaching – Elementary and Secondary Education Concentration (MAT)
• Master of Science and Mathematics in Teaching (Biology Concentration) (MSMT)
• Master of Science in Education — Early Childhood Education (MSEd-ECE, min’m 30 credits)
• Master of Science in Education Administration and Supervision (MS-EAS, 39 credits)
• Master of Science in Education — Health, Physical Education and Recreation (MSEd-PE, 36 credits)
• Master of Science in Reading Education (MSRE, 30 credits)
• Master of Science in Education — Special Education (MSEd-SE, 30 credits)
• Master of Science in Sport Science (MSSS, 36 credits)

Most of these programs acknowledge that students may be working professionals and are designed to accommodate such schedules. Note that some of these programs have required internships.

Greensboro, North Carolina

North Carolina A and T State University (NCAT, est. 1891) is a public institution and a member of the University of North Carolina (UNC) System. A member of Thurgood Marshall College Fund (TMCF), the university is reputedly the largest HBCU in the country (by student population) and one of the oldest public institutions of higher education. Recognition for NCAT includes college review rankings from: Forbes Magazine; Washington Monthly; U.S. News & World Report (2019: #7 Historically Black Colleges and Universities (#2 in 2017; National Universities; Business Programs; Engineering Programs (schools with engineering doctorate); previous: Best Online Graduate Computer Information Technology Programs); MONEY magazine (top public universities for early career earnings). Notable NCAT alumni include the civil rights activists the Greensboro Four, and astronaut/physicist Ronald McNair, who lost his life with six other astronauts on the January 1986 Space Shuttle Challenger explosion.

NCAT offers bachelor’s through doctorate level degrees, plus certificates — over 20 programs online alone. It has eight relevant online programs, several of which offer concentration options:

• Master of Science in Agricultural Education (MSAE, 30 credits)
• Master of Science in Business Administration (MSBA, 36 credits incl. 12 for concentration)
• Master of Science in Information Technology (MSIT, 30 credits, thesis or non-thesis option)
• Master of Arts in Teaching – Business Education (MAT-BE, 39 credits including 12 for teaching license work)
• Master of Arts in Teaching – Elementary Education (MAT-EE, 30 credits)
• Master of Arts in Teaching – Family and Consumer Sciences (MAT-FCS, 40 credits)
• Master of Arts in Teaching – Technology Education (MAT-TE, 30 credits)
• Master of Science in Technology Management (MSTM, 30 credits, thesis or non-thesis option)

NCAT’s online courses are delivered using the Blackboard learning management software. Online course tuition varies based on whether a student is taking on any on-campus credits or not.

New Orleans, Louisiana

Southern University at New Orleans (SUNO, est. 1956) is a public institution and a member of the Southern University System — the only HBCU system in the country (consisting of five institutions). A member of the Thurgood Marshall College Fund (TMCF), the university serves students on two campuses and online. It has a commitment to its eligible candidate students to provide an affordable education through a variety of means, including work-study opportunities. Southern has recognition from college ranking publishers such as Washington Monthly and U.S. News & World Report (2019: Historically Black Colleges and Universities; Regional Universities South; Business Programs). The university’s notable alumni include a number of civil rights activists such as Oretha Castle Haley and Reverend Avery Alexander (both deceased).

SUNO offers associate’s through master’s level degrees, plus certificate programs — over 50 programs in total. It has one relevant online program: a Master of Arts in Museum Studies (MAMS) — unique in the state. This is a 36 credit program, with a selection of 12 courses from a catalog of 17, all focused on Museology, covering various aspects of museums. A local/regional (to each student) in-person internship is required. No GRE score is required for admission. Typical careers include roles at campus and non-campus museums, “private galleries and historical associations.”

Jefferson City, Missouri

Lincoln University (LU, est. 1866) is a public institution founded by African-American Infantry men. It is partnered with, but not part of, the University of Missouri System, although it is a member of the Thurgood Marshall College Fund (TMCF). U.S. News & World Report (USNWR) recognizes Lincoln on two of their 2019 college review ranking lists: Historically Black Colleges and Universities; Regional Universities Midwest. Notable Lincoln alumni includes: jazz saxophonists/composers Julius Hemphill and Oliver Lake, co-founders with two other musicians of the World Saxophone Quartet; Carey Means (voices Aqua Teen Hunger Force’s Frylock character); Dorothy Butler Gilliam, who co-founded NABJ (National Association of Black Journalists) and a reporter at Washington Post; as well as many graduates who earned milestones as “first” in their various professions: sports, politics, law, education, entertainment, military and more.

Lincoln offers associate’s through master’s level degrees, plus certificate programs — nearly 80 degree programs alone. It has one relevant online degree (with more in development): Master of Business Administration (MBA) with a choice of two Emphasis options (Management; Public Administration/Policy). (Two additional Emphasis options are available only on-campus.) Example core courses include: Managerial Accounting; International Business; Managerial Economics. Typical careers (depending on the Emphasis selected) include:

• Budget and Fiscal Management
• E-Business
• General Management
• Human Resource Management
• Human Resources
• Law Enforcement
• Parks and Recreation Management
• Public Affairs and Communications
• Purchasing
• Small Business Ownership

Online courses are delivered using the Canvas learning software.

Baltimore, Maryland

Originally founded as a men’s bible institute, Morgan State University (MSU, est. 1867) is currently a public institution (since 1939) and a member of the Thurgood Marshall College Fund (TMCF). U.S. News & World Report ranked the university on four of their 2019 college review lists: Historically Black Colleges and Universities; National Universities; Business Programs; Engineering Programs (for schools with an engineering doctorate). It is a top university nationally for the number of applications received from African-American high school students , as well as tops for number of bachelor’s degrees granted to African-American students in the state. Its initiatives to improve student success have also earned it recognition from APLU (Association of Public Land-grant Universities) and IHEP (Institute for Higher Education Policy). Notable MSU alumni include: comedienne/actress/TV host Monique Angela Hicks (aka Mo’Nique), who was a Queens of Comedy member and appeared on the TV series “The Parkers;” actor Robert Chew, who played drug lord on HBO’s “The Wire” TV series.

MSU offers bachelor’s through doctorate level degrees, plus certificate programs — over 100 programs in total. It has six relevant online programs, offered via Morgan Online, which is part of the Division of Academic Outreach and Engagement:

• Master of Education in Community College Administration and Instruction (MEd-CCAI, 30 credits)
• Master of Science in Electrical Engineering (MSEE, 29-33 credits depending on thesis or non-thesis track; four concentrations)
• Master of Business Administration (MBA, 36 credits)
• Master of Science in Project Management (MSPM, 30 credits; online certificate option)
• Master of Public Health (MPH, 42 credits)
• Master of Social Work (MSW, 60 credits including 12 for an in-person apprenticeship)

A number of these programs may offer a choice of concentration or emphasis options, and some may have an in-person internship requirement.

Princess Anne, Maryland

University of Maryland Eastern Shore (UMES, est. 1886) is a member of the University System of Maryland and the Thurgood Marshall College Fund (TMCF). It was originally founded as a United Methodist Church institution but later became public. U.S. News & World Report ranks the university in several of its 2019 college review lists: Historically Black Colleges and Universities; National Universities; Engineering Programs (for schools with no engineering doctorate). The National Science Foundation recognized it as a Top 10 HBCU for awarding PhDs. Notable UMES alumni include saxophonist and actor Clarence Clemons (deceased), probably best known for being part of Bruce Springsteen’s E Street Band.

UMES offers bachelor’s through doctorate level degrees — over 60 programs (excluding concentration options). It has one relevant online program: a Master of Science in Cybersecurity Engineering Technology (MS-CET). This is a 34-credit program designed for working adults and allowing 21 credits of electives. Areas of focus are: Cybersecurity Administration; Mobile Wireless Networking and Security; Network Security; System Integrity for Cybersecurity. There are three entry points yearly and sample courses include: Legal and Ethical Issues in Cybersecurity; System Integrity for Cybersecurity; Network Intrusion, Detection and Incidence Response. A bachelor’s degree in a relevant tech field is typically an admission, but work experience in Cybersecurity may be considered as an alternative. At present, only Maryland residents are being considered into this program.

Normal, Alabama

Alabama A and M University (AAMU) is a public institution and a member of the Thurgood Marshall College Fund (TMCF). Established in 1875, the campus has many campus buildings that are registered as national historic places. It’s academic offering has been ranked in numerous college review publications, including from: U.S. News & World Report (2019: Historically Black Colleges and Universities; Regional Universities South; Engineering Programs (schools with no engineering doctorate)); Washington Monthly (Master’s Universities; top HBCUs; social mobility); Diverse: Issues in Higher Education (multiple top-5/ top-10/ top-15 rankings for producer of minority graduates in STEM, education, agriculture, natural resources and other topics). Notable AAMU alumni include Grammy-Award-nominated singer Ruben Studdard, an American Idol TV show winner.

AAMU offers bachelor’s through doctorate level degrees, plus certificate programs. It has one relevant online program: a Master of Science in Computer Science (MSCS), delivered by the Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science (EECS). The program is 33 credits for the Thesis option and 36 credits for the Non-Thesis option (has comprehensive exam). Sample courses include: Design and Analysis of Algorithms; Object-oriented Programming and Design; Computer Architecture. Elective courses cover a wide range of CS-related topics, including cybersecurity, compiler design, computer communications, artificial intelligence, image processing and several more, which increases the range of potential careers for graduates.

Tallahassee, Florida

Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University (FAMU, est. 1887) is a public institution and a member of the State University System of Florida. Founded with only 15 students, it is today one of the largest HBCUs and a member of the Thurgood Marshall College Fund (TMCF).

The university has a long list of accomplishments and accolades, including those from: U.S. News & World Report (2019: Historically Black Colleges and Universities (#9, with #1 in the past); National Universities; Engineering Programs (for schools with an engineering doctorate)); Princeton Review (Best Colleges: Best in the Southeast; Green Colleges); Forbes Magazine (Best Colleges); Building Green Initiative (2015 #2 greenest public HBCU); Washington Monthly (Top 100 National Universities 2011); National Academies (#1 in the USA for the number of African American doctoral graduates in natural science and engineering); Diverse: Issues in Higher Education (top producer of African American bachelor’s program graduates – #1 2011); PayScale Social Mobility Index (top college/university for social and economic opportunity for graduates).

Notable FAMU alumni include jazz saxophonist Cannonball Adderly, his trumpeter brother Nat Adderley, and Harlem Globetrotters basketball player Meadowlark Lemon.

FAMU offers associate’s through doctoral level degrees, plus certificate programs — nearly 100 degree programs alone. It has three relevant online degrees:

• Master of Business Administration (MBA, 43 credits)
• Master of Public Health (MPH, 42-50 credits)
• Master of Science in Nursing (MSN, 42 credits)

FAMU claims that their MPH degree is the first such MPH program offered online from an HBCU. While courses are delivered online (via the Blackboard learning management software), some of the above programs have in-person clinical requirements. Short-term residencies for some programs may be required. Concentration options may also be available.