Clark Atlanta University

Clark Atlanta University is a private, Methodist, historically black research university in Atlanta, Georgia, United States. It was founded on September 19, 1865, as Atlanta University, as the first HBCU in the Southern United States. In 1988 Atlanta consolidated with Clark College (established 1869) to form CAU.

Clark Atlanta University was formed with the consolidation of Atlanta University and Clark College. Atlanta University, established in 1865 by the American Missionary Association, was the nation’s first institution to award graduate degrees to African-Americans. Clark College, established in 1869, was the nation’s first four-year liberal arts college to serve a primarily African-American student population. Today, with over 4,000 students, it is the largest of the four institutions (CAU, Morehouse College, Spelman College, and Morehouse School of Medicine) that form the Atlanta University Center Consortium.

Atlanta University was founded shortly after the Civil War by the American Missionary Association, with support from the Freedmen’s Bureau. It holds the distinction of being the first institution in the Southern United States to award graduate degrees to African Americans. Notably, W.E.B. Du Bois, a prominent sociologist and civil rights activist, served on its faculty from 1897 to 1910, contributing significantly to the university's academic prestige .
 

Clark College, originally named Clark University, was established by the Freedmen's Aid Society of the Methodist Episcopal Church and named in honor of Bishop Davis Wasgatt Clark. As the nation's first four-year liberal arts college to serve a predominantly African American student body, Clark College played a pivotal role in providing higher education opportunities during the Reconstruction era .
 

The merger of these two institutions in 1988 formed Clark Atlanta University, uniting their shared missions and resources to better serve the educational needs of African American students. Today, CAU offers a comprehensive range of undergraduate, graduate, and professional programs across various disciplines, continuing its commitment to fostering leadership and academic achievement .
 

Situated in the heart of Atlanta, Georgia, CAU is a vital member of the Atlanta University Center Consortium, the world's largest consortium of historically black colleges and universities. Through its enduring dedication to education and social progress, Clark Atlanta University remains a beacon of empowerment and excellence in higher education.

Clark Atlanta University offers diverse undergraduate and graduate programs across its four main schools: Arts & Sciences, Business, Education, and Social Work. These programs are designed to equip students with the knowledge and skills necessary for success in their chosen fields.
 

At the undergraduate level, the School of Arts & Sciences provides a comprehensive liberal arts education, offering majors in areas such as biology, chemistry, mathematics, physics, psychology, sociology, and political science. The School of Business offers a Bachelor of Arts degree in Business Administration with concentrations in accounting, finance, international business, management, marketing, and supply chain management . The School of Education prepares students for careers in early childhood education and child development . The Whitney M. Young Jr. School of Social Work offers programs that focus on preparing students for careers in social work and human services.
 

Graduate programs at CAU are equally robust. The School of Arts & Sciences offers master's degrees in disciplines such as African American Studies, Africana Women's Studies, English, history, and public administration . The School of Business provides a Master of Business Administration (MBA) program with various concentrations. The School of Education offers master's degrees in teaching (mathematics and science) and special education general curriculum . The Whitney M. Young Jr. School of Social Work offers a Master of Social Work (MSW) program, emphasizing culturally competent practice and social justice.
 

CAU's commitment to interdisciplinary learning is evident in its Ph.D. program in Humanities, which allows students to concentrate in African American Studies, Africana Women's Studies, English, and history, with secondary concentrations in public administration, political science, and sociology . This program fosters visionary, informed, culturally sensitive, and socially responsible scholarship.

Clark Atlanta University's School of Business has received recognition for its MBA program, particularly within Georgia. In 2025, the program was ranked ninth among MBA programs in the state, highlighting its regional prominence and commitment to academic excellence. This ranking reflects the university's efforts to provide a robust business education to a diverse student body.
 

On a national scale, the MBA program at Clark Atlanta University holds a position in business education. According to U.S. News & World Report, the program is ranked No. 96 out of 133 in Best Business Schools and falls within the 218-241 range out of 239 for Part-time MBA programs . These rankings indicate a solid national presence, with room for growth and increased recognition.
 

The university's MBA program is designed to offer flexible curricula and applied learning opportunities, aiming to prepare students for the dynamic challenges of the business world. While it may not yet be featured in global MBA rankings, Clark Atlanta University's focus on experiential learning and career development positions its graduates for success in professional arenas.

Clark Atlanta University is committed to equipping its students with the skills and experiences necessary for success in their chosen careers. The Career and Professional Development Office at CAU emphasizes preparing students for the workforce through personalized support. These initiatives include assistance in finding internships, jobs, and other opportunities that help students launch their careers. 

The university's dedication to student success is evident in its efforts to measure student outcomes and ensure that its programs are effective in preparing students for their future careers. CAU's alumni have pursued successful careers in business, education, law, and medicine. The key to success for Clark Atlanta University students lies in the combination of academic rigor, personal growth, leadership development, and access to transformative opportunities, empowering them to thrive in their chosen paths.
 

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