University of the District of Columbia

University of the District of Columbia Overview

Established in 1851, the University of the District of Columbia (UDC) stands as a pioneering public historically black land-grant institution in the heart of Washington, D.C. It holds the distinction of being the sole public university in the city, with a proud affiliation as a member school of the Thurgood Marshall College Fund.

Multifaceted Academic Offerings

UDC's academic landscape encompasses an array of educational avenues. Its diverse portfolio spans Associate, Baccalaureate, Master's, professional, and Doctoral degrees, along with workforce and certificate programs. The university is home to several renowned schools and programs, including the UDC Community College, College of Arts and Sciences, School of Engineering and Applied Sciences, School of Business and Public Administration, Colleges of Agriculture, Urban Sustainability & Environmental Sciences, and the David A. Clarke School of Law.

Expansive Campus Network

The flagship campus of UDC resides at Van Ness, adorning the Northwest quadrant of Washington, D.C. Beyond this central hub, the university extends its influence across the city with additional branch campuses and sites, showcasing a commitment to community involvement. Notably, these locations include the Lamond-Riggs Campus, Congress Heights Campus, aviation facilities at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport, and the UDC Firebird Farm Research Farm in Beltsville, Maryland.

Evolution and Consolidation

The trajectory of UDC's evolution is marked by significant milestones, notably the consolidation of D.C. Teachers College, Federal City College, and Washington Technical Institute in 1977. This monumental merger, initiated post the District of Columbia Home Rule Act, culminated in the establishment of the University of the District of Columbia. This transformative phase saw the institution's growth under the leadership of its inaugural president, Lisle C. Carter.

Academic Restructuring and Strategic Initiatives

In recent years, UDC underwent a paradigm shift in its academic programs, bifurcating into two distinct institutions. The Community College (UDC-CC) was created to focus on associate's degree, certificate, continuing education, and workforce development programs. Simultaneously, the UDC Flagship campus continued its commitment to bachelor's and graduate degree programs. Notably, the institution, led by President Ronald Mason since 2015, embraced strategic expansions and community outreach, propelling its resurgence in academia.

Commitment to Social Equity and Innovative Initiatives

UDC's dedication to societal progress materializes through strategic endeavors like the Institute of Politics Policy and History established in 2019. Responding to societal upheavals, the university launched the Institute for the Study and Elimination of White Supremacy, underscoring its commitment to addressing critical issues. With a comprehensive array of 81 undergraduate and graduate degree programs, UDC champions practical, nonacademic educational programs through its Workforce Development Program.

Academic Excellence and Cultural Contributions

Renowned for its accreditation by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education, UDC takes pride in relaunching doctoral programs in key areas like Computer Science & Engineering and Urban Leadership & Entrepreneurship. Notably, its David A. Clarke School of Law adds to the rich tapestry of historically black law schools in the United States. The university also houses the esteemed Felix Grant Jazz Archives within its Jazz Studies Program, preserving a rich heritage of sound recordings and cultural materials.

A Citywide Campus

UDC transcends being merely a campus—it embraces the city itself as its expansive learning ground. With a pervasive presence across all wards of Washington, D.C., the university impacts the lives of students, residents, and stakeholders alike, providing a quality education and fostering community enrichment.

Embark on a journey with the University of the District of Columbia, an institution committed to academic excellence, societal progress, and community enrichment across the vibrant landscape of Washington, D.C.