Howard University School of Business: Programs and Courses

Founded in 1970, the Howard University School of Business has established a strong reputation for excellence in both academic and business circles, becoming the second largest school within the University. The school holds accreditations in Accounting and was the first in Washington, D.C. to achieve accreditation from the American Assembly of Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB) for its undergraduate program in 1976 and its MBA program in 1980. Howard University's mission emphasizes providing high-quality education at a reasonable cost, especially for African-American men and women and other historically disenfranchised groups. The university is committed to fostering a faculty dedicated to producing graduates who can solve human and social problems globally.

Degree Programs Offered

The Howard University School of Business offers a range of undergraduate and graduate degree programs:

Undergraduate: Accounting, Management, Marketing, Information Systems, International Business, Insurance, and Finance.
Graduate: Master of Business Administration (MBA), Master of Science in Finance (MSF), and Master of Accountancy (MAcc). The MBA is also available online, along with an Executive MBA (EMBA) program.

Undergraduate Programs

The undergraduate programs build upon a broad-based liberal education, providing a foundation in the general education core. Courses related to the major allow students to explore various business disciplines and skills, learn technology common in the business environment, and focus on areas such as accounting, international business, economics, business ethics, and entrepreneurship.

Students planning to transfer to the University of Maryland Robert H. Smith School of Business or those interested in international business should consult with an advisor early to ensure they meet all course, grade level, and World Language requirements.

Graduate Programs

Master of Business Administration (MBA)

The Howard University MBA Program prepares students for leadership careers in business, government, and nonprofit organizations. The program is known for attracting top talent and equipping them for career advancement.

Read also: Tuition and Fees at Howard

Full-Time MBA Program: This program offers management education in an intellectually stimulating environment, preparing graduates to be effective leaders, planners, and managers in the global economy. The curriculum consists of 48 credit hours.

Master of Accountancy (MAcc)

The Master of Accountancy (MAcc) program is a specialized graduate program designed to prepare graduates for careers in corporate, governmental, and non-profit accounting, as well as auditing, advisory, and consulting services. The curriculum prepares students for the Certified Public Accounting (CPA) examination through intensive coursework in the 30-hour program.

Master of Science in Finance (MSF)

The Master of Science in Finance (MSF) Degree Program equips students with the knowledge and skills necessary to succeed in business and advance careers in Finance. Students learn to analyze and solve complex finance and investment problems, addressing practical issues in corporate finance, financial markets and institutions, financial modeling, investment analysis and portfolio management, derivatives and risk management, financial engineering, and financial policy and strategy.

Executive MBA (EMBA)

The Executive MBA (EMBA) program is designed to provide experienced professionals with the framework to conduct data-based business analyses, make informed financial decisions, and lead high-performing teams in a global marketplace. The curriculum is taught by award-winning staff and is delivered completely online.

Dual Degree Programs

The Howard University MBA program partners with other professional schools and the College of Engineering, Architecture, and Computer Sciences (CEACS) to offer dual degree programs:

JD/MBA (School of Law)
MD/MBA (School of Medicine)
PharmD/MBA (School of Pharmacy)
MSW/MBA (School of Social Work)
MDiv/MBA (School of Divinity)
BSE/MBA (CEACS)

Students seeking a dual degree must meet the admission requirements of both the MBA Program and the respective school. The Bachelor of Science in Engineering degree must be completed at Howard University to pursue the dual degree option.

Admissions Criteria and Application Materials

To apply to the Howard University School of Business, prospective students must submit the following:

Howard University Online Application with a non-refundable application fee of $93.
Unofficial transcript(s)
Letters of recommendation
Employee verification
Standardized Test Scores (Code: 5297)
Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) results for international students (minimum score of 550 on the written exam and 213 on the computer-based exam) or International English Language Testing System (IELTS) (minimum score of 6.0-6.5)
Personal Statement describing the applicant’s uniqueness, abilities, issues of diversity, academic history, community service activities, and professional experience. The statement should also discuss the applicant’s interest in the Howard University MBA program and how it will help realize their aspirations.
Two letters of recommendation that address a candidate’s intellectual and personal capabilities, personal integrity, ability to work with others, leadership qualities, oral and written communication skills, and community involvement. Letters must be on letterhead, signed, and placed in individually sealed envelopes, with the recommender's signature on the seal.
Current Resume (a minimum of two years of relevant work experience after completion of the undergraduate degree is required)
Documentation from employer(s) indicating two years of full-time relevant work experience.

All credentials must be sent to:

Howard University Graduate SchoolOffice of Graduate Recruitment and Admissions4th and College Streets, N.W.Washington, D.C.

Application materials become the confidential property of the MBA Admissions Office and cannot be returned. Applications are reviewed once all materials are received.

Additional Requirements

Foreign Language Requirement: All students (except International Business majors) must complete two semester courses of the same modern foreign language. International Business majors are required to take at least four semester courses and reach fluency in the same modern foreign language. Credit towards fulfilling the foreign language requirement begins at Level 2.
Course Restrictions: Courses required in the Business Core, Major Core, and Major Electives cannot count as an elective. No course may fulfill more than one type of major degree requirement, and students must meet the minimum required total credits per program.
Residence Requirements: Students may transfer a maximum of six graduate semester hours from other AACSB-International accredited Schools of Business. Students are expected to complete the MBA degree within six years of their initial enrollment.

Assurance of Learning

The HU School of Business follows a comprehensive assurance of learning process in accordance with AACSB standards. All degree programs are assessed by direct measures on the “Business School Core Competencies” and respective “program learning goals” created by Department faculty. Assessment questions are created by faculty and distributed by the Office of the Associate Dean to seniors at the end of their matriculation. The Office of the Associate Dean then reports the data to the Department faculty, who review and identify improvement strategies based on the desired target. After implementation, the Office of the Associate Dean sends the original assessment questions to seniors at the end of their matriculation.

Rankings and Distinctions

Howard School of Business Rankings:

#1 Greatest School for Minority Students (Princeton Review 2004-2025)
#2 Historically Black Colleges & Universities (US News and World Report, 2025)
#44 Best MBA Programs (Fortune, 2025)
Only HBCU with R1 Designation

Why Choose Howard University School of Business?

Howard University's MBA program offers a transformative experience that extends beyond the classroom. Small class sizes ensure personalized attention from professors who invest in student growth, and peers who encourage deeper thinking and bold leadership. The program boasts a strong alumni network, with graduates becoming leaders across various sectors.

According to Verna K. Supel, Howard University's MBA program distinguishes itself through its commitment to preparing graduates to be global business leaders and social servants. Howard University provides not just a business education, but a journey of purpose, leadership, and legacy.

Academic Integrity

Howard University emphasizes the importance of accurate and complete credentials and information from applicants. Failure to provide accurate information may result in denial of admission or dismissal.

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