Tech Degrees at HBCU’s: The First of its Kind

Written By: Elainey Bass

HBCUs produce nothing but excellence. Doctors, lawyers, media moguls, the list goes on. As these schools start to gain more traction from other communities, we begin to see major monetary donations that enhance and create programs that are implemented in these institutions. More importantly, it opens the door for new opportunities catered specifically for our African American youth. Having a career in the technology field can be very demanding, but also very rewarding, especially financially. However, it is obviously evident that there is a lack of representation in this space. To bridge this gap, HBCUs have created new degree programs to help minimize this and make the transition for its students a lot easier . While there are over 100 HBCUs, three of them have taken the initiative of preparing their students for this ever-changing field.

Benedict College: E-sports

Benedict College, located in Columbia, South Carolina, is the first HBCU to offer an undergraduate degree in E-sports. Additionally, they are also the first HBCU to have a gaming room catered to E-sports. With a partnership with Blaze Fire Games, the institution also created an E-sports club and regularly hosts tournaments for games like NCAA College Football and Madden. Not only do students have the opportunity to major in this advancing field, students may also choose E-sports as a minor and will be exposed to many sectors of this industry like analytics, marketing, and event management.

Xavier University of Louisiana: Robotics and Mechatronics Engineering

Launched in January of 2022, Xavier University of Louisiana became the first HBCU to instill a program of this kind. After completion of the 120 credit hour program, the students will receive a Bachelor of Science. As if the institution wasn’t passionate enough, Xavier renovated two of their spaces on campus to make room for a robotics and mechatronics laboratory for students to learn hands-on. Xavier also has an active chapter of the National Society of Black Engineers on campus, where students are able to be influenced by their peers and individuals who are already successful in this field.

Spelman College: Cosmetic Chemistry

Although this is more STEM based, it would be a disservice to not acknowledge the number one HBCU that has created something catered specifically for Black women. In March of this year, Spelman College announced that students will now be able to major in cosmetic chemistry and/or minor in cosmetic science. This program seeks to provide students with the opportunity to fully understand the ingredients used in cosmetics and product development, all while hoping to change the world of beauty for Black women. The program will go into effect this upcoming fall semester.

HBCUs have clearly started to adhere to the changing society we live in. While tradition is important, it is also vital that these institutions are giving their students the opportunity to succeed in fields that are often overlooked. As stated earlier, the tech field is constantly evolving, and it is important that our Black students are evolving with it. These three institutions have opened the door for success in this field, and there’s no doubt that other HBCUs will follow suit in the years to come.