Cost & earnings at Howard University What students borrow here, and what they go on to earn
The Bachelor in Business (Commerce) at Howard University is an undergraduate programme that combines core business disciplines with practical experience, suitable for students aiming for careers in management, finance, marketing, entrepreneurship or public sector roles. It suits applicants who want a broad commercial foundation with opportunities for specialisation and hands‑on learning in Washington, D.C.
The programme provides a balanced mix of foundational business theory, quantitative skills and applied practice. In the first years you study core subjects such as microeconomics and macroeconomics, financial and managerial accounting, business statistics, business law, and organisational behaviour. As you progress you choose a major or concentration—common options include finance, marketing, management, accounting and international business—and take intermediate and advanced modules aligned to that route.
Typical modules and components include:
The degree emphasises experiential learning: case studies, group projects, internships, and opportunities to engage with local firms, federal agencies and entrepreneurial initiatives in the Washington, D.C. area.
Successful applicants typically present a secondary school diploma or equivalent with strong academic performance and solid preparation in mathematics and English. Admissions will consider your overall academic record, personal statement, and recommendation letters. For applicants from the United States, standardised test scores (SAT or ACT) may be submitted where required by the admissions office; international applicants must demonstrate secondary credentials equivalent to a US high school diploma and provide proof of English proficiency if English is not their first language.
Typical expectations include:
Graduates enter a wide range of commercial and public-sector roles. Common entry-level positions include business analyst, financial analyst, marketing coordinator, sales representative, operations analyst and junior accountant. The degree also prepares students for careers in consulting, human resources, supply chain management, and entrepreneurship.
Because of Howard's location and partnerships, many students secure internships and roles with federal agencies, non-profit organisations, multinational corporations and financial institutions in Washington, D.C. Graduates also frequently pursue professional certifications (for example in accounting or finance) or continue to postgraduate study such as an MBA to advance into senior management or specialised careers.
Howard University is a globally recognised historically Black university with a long tradition of educating leaders across business, public service and the professions. Studying business at Howard offers close faculty mentoring, an active alumni network, and opportunities to engage with policy, international organisations and industry in the nation’s capital.
Students benefit from career services, employer recruitment events, entrepreneurship support and community partnerships that help convert classroom learning into practical experience. The university’s focus on leadership, civic engagement and professional development creates a supportive environment for students seeking both commercial skills and a values-driven approach to business.
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