Since 1934, graduate students from across the country and the globe have chosen Howard – a leading research-intensive, historically Black private university – for its reputation of academic excellence and distinction in STEM, research prominence, and distinct location in the global capital of the world, Washington, D.C.
The Howard University Graduate School commits itself to
producing leaders for America and the international community. Students like
you, across over 40 Howard doctoral, master’s, certificate, and M.D./Ph.D.
degrees and over 100 specializations, turn their graduate education and
research passions into a relentless pursuit of ideas to solve some of the
globe’s toughest challenges and make an impact on the world. Our
institutional motto, Veritas et Utilitas (Truth and Service),
is woven throughout our research, and our faculty and students are driven by a
deep-rooted sense of purpose and inquiry.
Top-Ranked Academics
Consistently ranked among the best, the Howard University
Graduate School has earned national recognition for the quality of its graduate
programs, a number of which are ranked in the top 20 in the country by U.S.
News & World Report, such as graduate programs in African American History,
African American Literature, and Social Work. Ranked 30th among the nation’s
most innovative schools, Howard has been a global leader in innovation for more
than a century, with its high-quality graduate programs, internationally
recognized faculty, and commitment to impactful research. In fact, 98% of
incoming students cite the outstanding reputation of their graduate
program as important in their decision to enroll at Howard, and our academic
offerings are constantly evolving to meet global workforce needs. At Howard’s
Graduate School, you can choose from over 40 degrees and over 100 specializations
that deeply immerse you in your chosen discipline, while encouraging you to
synthesize knowledge across diverse fields of study.
On the Leading Edge of Research
As a leading private research university, Howard is at the
forefront of research, innovation, and global thought leadership. The
University has a distinctive legacy of research excellence across its programs,
centers, and research facilities. You can participate in National Endowment for
the Humanities (NEH), National Institutes of Health (NIH), and National Science
Foundation (NSF) funded research focused on tackling issues at the state,
national, and global levels–from developing novel pathways for disease
prevention and treatment and securing our national cyber systems to building
models for climate resilience. Extensive investments in research, like the
recently announced multi-million dollar funded Center for Applied Data Science
and Analytics, provide unparalleled research opportunities for our students.
Our research impact is wide, informing public policy, promoting environmental
stewardship, strengthening democratic institutions, and powering economic
growth.
A Highly Collaborative Research Culture
Our highly collaborative research culture is a hallmark of
Howard's Graduate School. Alongside faculty, our students pursue research
funded by agencies such as the NIH, the NSF, NASA, and the U.S. Department of
Energy. In addition, our research centers and initiatives provide
opportunities to work on pressing issues at the intersection of multiple
disciplines — like pursuing breakthroughs in cancer treatment that change
patients’ lives at the HU Cancer Center, investigating the health impacts of
environmental changes through the NOAA Center for Atmospheric Sciences,
examining disparities in housing, wealth and economic well-being through the
Center on Race and Wealth, and fortifying our cyber systems against attack at
the Data Science and Cybersecurity Center. Our faculty highly value their role
as mentors and the role graduate students like you play in Howard’s success. As
a Howard alum, you’ll be prepared to conduct collaborative research in
academia, government, and industry.
Nationally Recognized Faculty
You'll work closely with faculty who are committed to
innovative teaching at every level, inspired by your ideas, and invested in
your personal development and professional success. Howard faculty bring years
of experience into the classroom as leading practitioners, industry experts,
policymakers, foreign diplomats, public health officials, economists, and
research scientists. Their access to global research networks and connections
in their industries also means you'll have access to a strong network of research
mentors and real-world clients. Over the years, the research of our faculty has
garnered the highest honors, including membership in prominent organizations
like the American Association for the Advancement of Science, the National
Academy of Engineering, the National Academy of Sciences, and more.
Our faculty have included some 40 National Science Foundation CAREER award
recipients; winners of the Nobel Prize, Pulitzer Prize, Presidential Award for
Excellence in Science, Mathematics, and Engineering Mentoring; MacArthur and
Robert Wood Johnson Fellows, and over 70 Fulbright scholars.
Living & Learning in Washington, D.C.
You'll have the unparalleled advantage of studying, working,
living in the nation's capital, and accessing all D.C. has to offer. Our
location in the global capital city of Washington, D.C., places our students at
the center of policymaking and the most salient and timely dialogues in every
field of study. Consistently named one of the best
cities in the U.S. for young professionals, the D.C. area offers unmatched
networking opportunities and access to a robust entrepreneurial community,
federal agencies, think tanks, professional associations, and the nation's
top employers. Howard's campus is a global convener of diplomats, Capitol
Hill policymakers, award-winning authors, and business executives who spend
time on our campus as guest lecturers. You can check out the Library of
Congress or walk through the African American museum or one of the many nearby
museums. The city's attractive mix of global diversity, vibrant cultural and
arts scene, family-friendly recreation, and wealth of enrichment opportunities make
it an ideal place to pursue your graduate studies.
A Globally Diverse & Inclusive Community
The global diversity of our Graduate School community is
evident the moment you set foot on campus and widely reflects the globe’s
community of scholars. Graduate students enroll at Howard each year from
over 50 countries and represent nearly every continent of the world and state
across the U.S. We respect the profound ways this rich blend of cultures,
customs, and languages enriches our teaching and scholarship. Apart from
the breakthroughs in STEM they help to discover, the impact they make in
communities, or the work they do to advance research within their
respective fields, our students are making a name for themselves; they
are National Science Foundation Graduate Research Fellows, Ford Foundation
Fellows, Fulbright Scholars, industry executives, and company founders. We
are committed to fostering a supportive and inclusive educational environment
for all members of our university community and educating a generation of globally-connected
leaders.
A Supportive Alumni Network
As a graduate of Howard, you have the strength of the Bison network
behind you. The Howard University Graduate Alumni Network offers several
opportunities to enhance your community, research, and professional network
opportunities. Alums of our master’s and doctoral programs include
founders of startup ventures and social impact initiatives, senior-level policy
consultants, research fellows and experts, business CEOS, health sector
executives and consultants, higher education executives, and faculty at
universities and colleges across the U.S. You can connect with them at
professional and networking events offered through the Graduate School or our
various academic departments. We regularly invite our graduate alums back to
campus to meet with current graduate students and provide their advice and
mentorship. Our graduate alums periodically seek ways to give back to the
student experience. So you'll have access to graduate alums interested in your
professional and personal success.
Holistic Support for Graduate Students
The Graduate School's extensive professional development programming and workshops help our graduate students develop the transferable skills they need to succeed in their programs and careers. Our Graduate Student Life programming addresses student well-being through parental support and wellness initiatives like our Week of Wellness and events that help you build connections across the campus community. Our family-friendly policies make our graduate experience attainable for all enrolled students. Our Office of the Chapel Dean nurtures fellowship across diverse faith traditions. The Graduate School also hosts workshops that provide pedagogically-rich instructional and research support to graduate teaching and research assistants. To further prepare students for academic positions at research universities and colleges, we offer a Certificate in College Faculty Preparation. There are several Support Services available to our graduate students.