Southeast Ohio’s liberal arts Wilberforce University is the oldest private HBCU in the country. With a mission of preparing students for their chosen purpose and careers, the academic program at Wilberforce University strives to create wholly educated individuals. To that end, the university requires all students to participate in internships that provide practical work experience in addition to academic training. The school also aims to develop each student’s intellectual curiosity, critical thinking, entrepreneurship, problem-solving, and civility, all while encouraging them to advocate for social justice and pride for Black history.
WU is a four-year accredited institution offering Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science degrees across 20 diverse undergraduate programs in areas such as Computer Science and Organizational Management and Marketing. (There’s also a Master of Science (MS) in rehabilitation counseling.) Additionally, Wilberforce offers dual degree programs in Architecture and Aerospace. Students in some of the Bachelor of Science degree programs can participate in a unique course called Credentials for Leadership in Management and Business (CLIMB), offered through the university’s Adult and Continuing Education Program. Students receive experiential credit through internships and physical opportunities to develop structured approaches and solutions to real-world problems.
