Morgan State University

Morgan State University Summary

Morgan State University, formerly Centenary Biblical Institute (1867-1890), Morgan College (1890 -1975), is located in residential Baltimore, Maryland. The Morgan State University Choir, was led for more than three decades by the late Dr. Nathan Carter, celebrated conductor, composer, and arranger, is one of the nation’s most prestigious university choral ensembles. The groups that are subdivisions of the critically-acclaimed choir include the University Choir, which is over 140 voices strong, and The Morgan Singers (approximately 40 voices). The Morgan State University Choir has performed for audiences throughout the United States and all over the world - including the Bahamas, Virgin Islands, Canary Islands, Canada, Africa, Asia and Europe. Known for their consistency of performances, the Choir probably does more annual appearances with major orchestras of the United States than any other university choir. The Choir reprised “All Rise” in Prague, in October 2000 and recorded it with the Lincoln Center Jazz Orchestra, the Los Angeles Philharmonic and, in 2003, the Choir recorded the piece in Paris. In their May 2004 issue, Reader’s Digest named the Morgan State University Choir “The Best College Choir in the U.S.’ in its list of “America’s 100 Best.” In January 2005, under the leadership of Dr. Eric Conway, the choir performed Felix Mendelssohn’s Symphony #2, “Lobgesang,” with the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra, as well as performing at the State Department at the personal invitation of Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice, to wide acclaim. Most recently, the Morgan State University Choir performed for the service honoring Rosa Parks, the unassuming matriarch of the civil rights movement, who became the first woman to lie in state at our nation’s Capitol Rotunda. The Morgan State University Choir has shared its musical gifts on many grand stages all over the world -– with numerous dignitaries and celebrated performers -– making them cultural ambassadors for Morgan State University, the City of Baltimore, the State of Maryland.

Summary content courtesy of Wikipedia.

Morgan State University History

Morgan State was founded in 1867 as Centenary Biblical Institute. The Baltimore Conference of the Methodist Episcopal Church founded the institution to educate young men as ministers. It gained the name Morgan College to honor the first Board Chairman, who donated land to the College. It’s first degree was awarded in 1895, and in 1915 the central academic building was constructed. Until 1939 Morgan State remained a private university, but was purchased by the state as an institution of opportunity for its black population.

Morgan State University became a public institution in 1939, and received university status in 1975. It is an historically black university and has been designated as “Maryland’s Public Urban University.” It is accredited by the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools. Its vision statement characterizes its mission as “that of providing an excellent undergraduate education to a broad segment of the population, including many of the best prepared as well as some who might not otherwise enroll in college but who have the potential to complete a degree.” It is classed as a Master’s College and University I by the Carnegie Institute.

Morgan State University Academics

Morgan State’s curriculum is comprehensive, but retains an emphasis on liberal arts and sciences. Degrees are offered in the professional fields including, education, engineering and business. Morgan is a historically black institution and awards more bachelor’s degree to African-American students than any college in Maryland. Five schools offer Morgan’s undergraduate degrees, including the College of Liberal Arts, School of Business & Management, School of Computer, Mathematical & Natural Sciences, School of Education & Urban Studies, and the School of Engineering.

Morgan State University has academic programs at both the undergraduate and graduate level. There are 6 colleges: the College of Liberal Arts, the School of Business and Management, the School of Computer, Mathematical and Natural Sciences, the School of Education and Urban Studies, the School of Engineering, and the School of Graduate Studies. It is also home to the Institute of Architecture and Planning.

Bachelor’s degrees are offered in a variety of fields within the various academic colleges. Degrees at the bachelor’s level can be received in such areas as accounting, architecture & environmental design, English, marketing, music, theatre arts, engineering, finance, education, and mental health technology.

Graduate programs are offered in approximately 30 areas. These include master’s level programs in African-American studies, architecture, city and regional planning, English, history, education, science, public health, and transportation. Doctoral degrees are offered in bio-environmental sciences, business administration, engineering, English, higher education administration, community college leadership, history, mathematics education, public health, science education, and urban educational leadership.

Morgan State University Unique Programs

The Institute of Architecture and Planning offers a Bachelor of Science degree in architecture and environmental design. The Institute was founded in 1977 to educate students in the technical aspects of design but also educate them in the cultural aspects of urban architecture. The Institute is very much dedicated to the revitalization of the Baltimore area.

The Center for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Education (CEMSE) was founded in 1988 to increase the number and quality of science teachers in Maryland and strengthen the quality of scientific education. In addition to opportunities for students, the CEMSE offers professional development activities for teachers and monthly seminars for the local community.

Morgan State University has an undergraduate Honors Program. Students are automatically considered when they apply to the university, and scholarships are awarded to approximately 200 high-achieving students. Students in the Honors Program can take special Honors Sections of General Education Requirements.

There are a number of special pre-college programs that Morgan State is involved with to help students advance to the college level. There are also special academic programs for MSU students, including ones in mental health, biomedical research, and engineering. Morgan State is home to a number of centers, including the National Center for Health Behavioral Change, the Institute for Urban Research, and the Connect Program, which collaborates with community colleges.

Morgan State University Financial Aid

Morgan State provides access to Federal Pell Grants, the Federal Supplementary Opportunity Grant, Federal Direct Loans, Alternative Loans, Federal Parent Loans, and Federal Work-Study, in addition to University scholarships. Institutional scholarships can vary in size and eligibility. Some of the more significant and popular awards are the Honors Scholarship, averaging as much as $14,000 annually; the Institutional Scholarships; Diversity Grants, ranging up to $5000 annually; Athletic Grants, which are determined by the Athletic Department; and Maryland State Scholarships, offered through the Maryland State Scholarship Administration. Applicants are also encouraged to contact the appropriate school or department for awards related to their specific area of study.

Tuition at Morgan State University is $2,140 per semester for the 2005-2006 academic year for in-state, undergraduate students attending full-time. Mandatory fees total $915. Students applying from out of state and graduate students have higher costs.

Financial aid is available in the form of grants, scholarships, and loans. Students should contact the financial aid office directly to get information about many of them, including diversity grants. Work-study programs are also available. Students who seek financial aid will need to fill out the Federal Student Financial Aid Form, available on-line.

Graduate students may also receive financial aid in the form of teaching or research assistantships, including a stipend and a waiver of some or all of the tuition and other fees. Graduate students should consult with their individual department about what sort of assistantships or fellowships are available and about the details of the application process.

Morgan State University Students

Morgan State is home to a number of student organizations, including the Caribbean Students Association, Minority Association of Pre-Health Students, the Pre-Medical Chapter of the American Medical Student Association, and seven different Greek letter organizations. The McKeldin Center is the hub of all social activity on the Morgan State campus, and offers students a place to convene and relax outside of the classroom. The Center offers meeting facilities, lectures, and other public gatherings.

Student life at Morgan State University includes opportunities in a diverse range of activities and organizations. There is a choir, a student newspaper and yearbook; organizations include several fraternities and sororities, the Caribbean Students Association, and academic and professional groups.

Morgan State University Traditions

The Morgan State Marching Band, better known as the “Magnificent Marching Machine,” performs for audiences in New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Delaware, Ohio, and Washington D.C. on a regular basis. The band has performed at NFL games and championships, as well as Presidential Inaugurations.

Morgan State University Local Community

Morgan State University is located in a residential section of the city of Baltimore, Maryland. Philadelphia and Washington, D.C. are both within driving distance. Baltimore is located on the Chesapeake Bay, and is home to a major league baseball team and a professional football team, and has many historical and cultural attractions.

Baltimore, dubbed the Greatest City in America, is home to a seemingly infinite number of attractions, sources of culture, and civic pride. The city is home to the Baltimore Ravens NFL team and the Baltimore Orioles of Major League Baseball. It is also home to the Babe Ruth Museum, Baltimore Museum of Art, Edgar Allan Poe House, the Great Blacks in Wax Museum, and the National Aquarium.