MORGAN STATE UNIVERSITY

ORIGIN & FUNCTIONS

Morgan State University originated in 1867 as the Centenary Biblical Institute under the auspices of the Methodist Episcopal Church. Classes for the Institute were held first at the Sharp Street Methodist Episcopal Church in Baltimore. In 1890, the Institute was renamed Morgan College in honor of Dr. Lyttleton F. Morgan, whose support enabled the school to offer academic work at the college level. The College remained under church jurisdiction until purchased by the State in 1939. In 1975, Morgan State College was granted university status (Chapter 550, Acts of 1975).

A public university, Morgan includes the College of Arts and Sciences and the Schools of Business and Management, Education and Urban Studies, Engineering, and Graduate Studies. The undergraduate program is built upon the liberal arts. Baccalaureate degrees are conferred in many disciplines, including preprofessional programs. The University's School of Graduate Studies first offered advanced degrees in education in 1964. Since then, the scope of graduate studies has broadened to include a wide range of degrees in the arts and sciences, and professional fields.

With thirty departments, Morgan State University offers 34 baccalaureate-degree programs and 19 master-degree programs, as well as doctoral programs in Engineering, History, and Urban Educational Leadership. All academic programs are approved by the faculty.

The University is governed by an independent Board of Regents. The Board's thirteen members are appointed by the Governor with Senate advice and consent. Twelve members serve six-year terms; a student member serves a one-year term (Code Education Article, secs. 14-101 through 14-107).

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