Morgan State University
Baltimore, MD
Quick Facts
“Growing the Future and Leading the World”
Data from Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0) & U.S. Dept. of Education
About Morgan State University
Morgan State: A leading HBCU fostering future leaders and driving high-impact research.
Morgan State University, a beacon of excellence in Baltimore, Maryland, stands proudly as a public historically black research university. Founded with a mission to educate and empower, Morgan State is classified among "R2: Doctoral Universities – High research activity," signifying its commitment to groundbreaking research and scholarly pursuit. As the third largest among all Historically Black Colleges or Universities (HBCUs), MSU embraces its motto, "Growing the Future and Leading the World," by providing a dynamic learning environment where students are prepared to address global challenges.
The university's journey began in 1867 as the Centenary Biblical Institute, evolving to broaden its educational scope for both men and women. Renamed Morgan College in 1890 in honor of its first board chairman, Lyttleton Morgan, it later became a state-owned institution, Morgan State College, in 1939. This pivotal transition paved the way for its designation as Morgan State University in 1975, marking its expanded offerings, including doctoral programs. Throughout its history, Morgan State has demonstrated resilience, even moving to its current 143-acre campus in northeast Baltimore despite initial opposition, laying the groundwork for its vibrant future.
Today, Morgan State is celebrated for its robust academic strengths across various disciplines. Its Clarence M. Mitchell Jr. School of Engineering offers ABET-accredited degrees, contributing significantly to Maryland's workforce by graduating a substantial portion of the state's African-American engineers. The Earl G. Graves School of Business and Management, accredited by AACSB, prepares students for leadership in the global economy, while the School of Community Health and Policy boasts an AACN-accredited nursing program, achieving a remarkable 100% pass rate for its 2018 class. Furthermore, the internationally accredited School of Global Journalism and Communication equips students with essential skills for the modern media landscape.
In the 21st century, Morgan State continues its trajectory of growth and innovation, marked by the construction of state-of-the-art facilities like a new student union, research centers, and the Earl S. Richardson Library. The university has also received historic philanthropic support, including record-breaking donations from MacKenzie Scott and Calvin E. Tyler Jr., underscoring its profound impact and bright future. Morgan State University offers an engaging and supportive environment where students thrive, contributing to its legacy as a vital institution dedicated to shaping the leaders and innovators of tomorrow.
Key Highlights
- ✦Classified as an "R2: Doctoral Universities – High research activity" institution.
- ✦Third largest among all Historically Black Colleges or Universities (HBCUs), serving 10,739 students.
- ✦Features nationally accredited programs including engineering (ABET), business (AACSB), nursing (AACN), and journalism (ACEJMC).
- ✦The School of Community Health and Policy's nursing program achieved a perfect 100% pass rate for its entire 2018 class.
- ✦Received record-breaking donations totaling over $120 million in recent years, including $63 million from MacKenzie Scott in 2025 (the largest in institutional history).
- ✦Its School of Engineering graduates provide over two-thirds of Maryland's African-American Civil Engineers and 60% of its African-American Electrical Engineers.
Timeline
Schools & Colleges
4 notable schools within Morgan State University
Clarence M. Mitchell Jr. School of Engineering
Offers Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET) accredited degrees in engineering and is a leading producer of African-American engineers in Maryland.
Earl G. Graves School of Business and Management
Named after alumnus Earl G. Graves, Sr., it offers Bachelor of Science, Master of Science, Master of Business Administration, and PhD degree programs, accredited by The Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB).
School of Community Health and Policy
Offers an American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN) accredited program in nursing, known for its 2018 nursing class achieving a perfect 100% pass rate, along with degrees in nutritional sciences and health education.
School of Global Journalism and Communication
Established in 2013, it is one of only two Maryland-based universities with an internationally accredited (ACEJMC) journalism school, offering programs in journalism, strategic communications, and multiplatform production.
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