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Howard University brand mark

Howard University

Washington, United States • Founded 1867 • QS 2027 #1001-1200

Updated Oct 2026 · Source: howard.edu

Overview

Acronyms: HU
Founded: 1867
Institution Type: University
Control Type: Private
Entity Type: Non-profit
Rankings:
QS World University Rankings 2027 #1001-1200 Times Higher Education 2024 #801-1000 ARWU (Shanghai) 2020 #901-1000 SCImago 2026 #1312
Motto: Veritas et Utilitas
Colours: Red, white and blue
Mascot: Bison
Howard University brand mark

Established in 1867, the Howard University is a non-profit private higher education institution located in the urban setting of the large city of Washington (population range of 500,000-1,000,000 inhabitants), District of Columbia.

Officially accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education, Howard University (HU) is a medium-sized coeducational US higher education institution. Howard University (HU) offers courses and programs leading to officially recognized higher education degrees such as pre-bachelor's degrees (i.e. certificates, diplomas, associate or foundation), bachelor's degrees, master's degrees and doctorate degrees in several areas of study.

This 156-year-old US higher-education institution has a selective admission policy based on entrance examinations and students' past academic records and grades. The acceptance rate range is 30-39% making this US higher education organization a very selective institution.

International applicants are eligible to apply for enrollment.

HU also provides several academic and non-academic facilities and services to students including a library, housing, sports facilities, financial aids and/or scholarships, study abroad and exchange programs, online courses and distance learning opportunities, as well as administrative services.

Location & Contact

Howard University's physical location and contact details are listed below.

Address: 2400 Sixth Street NW
Postal Code: 20059-0001
Phone: +1 (202) 806 6100
Fax: +1 (202) 806 5934
Email: admission@howard.edu
Social Media:

Academic Details

Scale, staffing, and recognition figures for Howard University are listed below.

Recognition: Middle States Commission on Higher Education
Total Students: 10,108
Academic Staff Range: 1,000-1,499
Campus Setting: Urban
Memberships & Networks
American Association of State Colleges and Universities (AASCU) Oak Ridge Associated Universities (ORAU) National Athletic Association (NAA) National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA)

Academic Structures

Howard University's faculties, schools, and constituent units are listed below.

Unit 14 items
  • Chadwick A. Boseman College of Fine Arts
  • College of Arts and Sciences
  • College of Dentistry
  • College of Engineering, Architecture and Computer Sciences
  • College of Medicine
  • College of Pharmacy, Nursing and Allied Health Sciences
  • Howard University Graduate School
  • John H. Johnson School of Communications
  • Middle School of Mathematics and Science
  • School of Business
  • School of Divinity
  • School of Education
  • School of Law
  • School of Social Work

Programs Offered

All active programmes at Howard University are listed by degree level.

145 programmes on record. Each level below shows a sample. Compare these on the programs page All programs in United States

Bachelor's Degree 54 programmes

Bachelor's Degree in Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions
Biomedical & Laboratory Sciences
Bachelor's Degree in Architecture
Architecture
Bachelor's Degree in Area Studies
Social & Cultural Studies
Bachelor's Degree in Arts, Entertainment, and Media Management
Media Management
Bachelor's Degree in Biology, General
Biological Sciences
Bachelor's Degree in Business, Management, Marketing, and Related Support Services, Other
Business Administration
Bachelor's Degree in Chemistry
Chemistry

Showing 10 of 54.

Master of Business Administration 1 programme

Executive MBA
Business Administration

Programme website (opens in a new tab)

Master's Degree 44 programmes

Master's Degree in Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services
Health Sciences
Master's Degree in Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions
Biomedical & Laboratory Sciences
Master's Degree in Applied Data Science
Data Science & Analytics

Programme website (opens in a new tab)

Master's Degree in Area Studies
Social & Cultural Studies
Master's Degree in Biochemistry, Biophysics and Molecular Biology
Biochemistry
Master's Degree in Biology, General
Biological Sciences

Showing 10 of 44.

Doctorate 29 programmes

Doctorate in Area Studies
Social & Cultural Studies
Doctorate in Atmospheric Sciences and Meteorology
Climate Studies & Meteorology
Doctorate in Cell/Cellular Biology and Anatomical Sciences
Molecular Biology
Doctorate in Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology
Clinical Psychology
Doctorate in Communication and Media Studies
Communication Studies

Showing 10 of 29.

Professional Doctorate 6 programmes

Professional Doctorate in Dentistry
Dentistry
Professional Doctorate in Law
Law
Professional Doctorate in Medicine
Medicine
Professional Doctorate in Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Sciences, and Administration
Pharmacy
Professional Doctorate in Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions
Rehabilitation Sciences
Professional Doctorate in Theological and Ministerial Studies
Religious Studies

Certificate 2 programmes

Certificate in Dental Support Services and Allied Professions
Dentistry
Certificate in Fundamentals of Artificial Intelligence
Computer Sciences

Programme website (opens in a new tab)

Postgraduate Certificate 9 programmes

Advanced/Graduate Dentistry and Oral Sciences
Prosthodontics & Dental Specialties
Postgraduate Certificate in Area Studies
Social & Cultural Studies
Postgraduate Certificate in Area, Ethnic, Cultural, Gender, and Group Studies, Other
Social & Cultural Studies
Postgraduate Certificate in Business Administration, Management and Operations
Business Administration
Postgraduate Certificate in Computer Science
Computer Sciences
Postgraduate Certificate in Educational Administration and Supervision
Educational Leadership
Postgraduate Certificate in Ethnic, Cultural Minority, Gender, and Group Studies
Social & Cultural Studies
Postgraduate Certificate in International/Globalization Studies
Liberal Arts
Postgraduate Certificate in Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing
Nursing

How to apply to Howard University

What applying to Howard University involves, in five steps.

  1. 1
    Find a programme that fits your goals

    Howard University's catalogue includes 145 programmes. Browse by level, identify candidates matching your prior qualifications, and note their entry requirements for the next step.

  2. 2
    Confirm you meet the requirements

    Entry requirements vary by programme and degree level. Verify academic minimums, language tests (if international), and any additional documents required for Howard University's admissions process.

  3. 3
    Assemble your application package

    Typical documents include academic transcripts, identity proof (passport or national ID), language proficiency test scores, a personal statement or motivation letter, and recommendation letters. International applicants should account for translation and notarisation time.

  4. 4
    Submit your application

    Submit your completed application through Howard University's official website at howard.edu. Most institutions use an online portal — register an account, complete the application form, and upload your prepared documents. Keep copies of all submissions and confirmation receipts.

  5. 5
    Contact admissions and follow up

    Follow up to confirm your application was received and is being processed. You can reach the institution by email at admission@howard.edu or by phone at +1 (202) 806 6100. Admissions teams may request interviews or additional documents — respond promptly to keep your application active.

Frequently Asked Questions about Howard University

Frequently asked questions about Howard University.

How old is Howard University?

The institution opened in 1867 (approximately 159 years ago).

What city is Howard University in?

Howard University operates from Washington, United States.

Is Howard University a public or private institution?

Howard University operates as a private institution.

How big is Howard University's student body?

Howard University serves approximately 10,108 students.

How is Howard University ranked?

It ranks QS 2027 #1001-1200.

What is Howard University's academic structure?

Howard University has 14 academic units.

Is Howard University accredited?

The institution holds recognition from Middle States Commission on Higher Education.

What is Howard University's official website?

You can find Howard University online at howard.edu.

Top-Ranked Universities in the United States

A quick benchmark: here are the top-ranked universities in the United States. Useful for understanding how Howard University compares against the national reference points in higher education, and what alternatives exist if reach institutions are part of your strategy.

Members of National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA)

Howard University and the universities below are both members of National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA).

Faculties at nearby universities

Below are universities in the same area as Howard University.

Where Else to Study Social & Cultural Studies

Other institutions in the United States teaching Social & Cultural Studies are listed below for comparison with Howard University.

Universities Compared with Howard University

The institutions below are of a similar academic scale to Howard University.

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