
1400 Brush Row Rd, Wilberforce, OH 45384, USA


Central State University traces its origins to the Wilberforce University, established in 1856, one of the nation's first historically black colleges. The institution was initially founded through the collaboration of African American leaders and Quakers dedicated to creating educational opportunities for formerly enslaved people and their descendants. Over time, what would become Central State University evolved as a public institution focused on serving the African American community through higher education.
In 1887, the state of Ohio began supporting a separate curriculum for vocational and teacher training under the aegis of Wilberforce University, laying groundwork for a distinct institution. This program eventually became the Dayton State College in 1947 and then was renamed Central State College in 1948 after separating from Wilberforce University. The transition marked the beginning of the university's independent identity with a focus on serving as a public institution.
In 1965, Central State College achieved university status, becoming Central State University. Since then, it has expanded both academically and physically, building a reputation for fostering diverse undergraduate and graduate programs. Throughout its history, Central State University has maintained a commitment to providing access to higher education and supporting the professional advancement of African American students.
Central State University offers a range of academic divisions tailored to meet the diverse interests of prospective students. The institution is organized into several faculties and departments that provide specialized programs of study.
The College of Arts and Sciences encompasses departments covering humanities, natural sciences, and social sciences, providing a broad liberal arts education. Students can pursue disciplines such as English, biology, and sociology within this faculty.
Engineering and Environmental Sciences form another key area of study at Central State University, with programs designed to prepare students for technical and scientific careers. These departments emphasize hands-on learning and research opportunities relevant to modern industry demands.
Business administration and related fields are also well represented, with a faculty focused on developing skills in management, finance, and entrepreneurship. This department aims to equip students for leadership roles in a variety of corporate and organizational settings.
Education remains a strong focus, supported by a dedicated department that prepares future educators through comprehensive coursework and practical training, fostering expertise to meet diverse classroom environments.
Additionally, the university maintains departments dedicated to health sciences, which offer programs geared toward careers in healthcare and wellness, emphasizing both theoretical knowledge and clinical practice.
Central State University is situated in Wilberforce, Ohio, a community in the Midwest region. The university's campus is located at 1400 Brush Row Road, within the 45384 ZIP code area. Wilberforce offers a setting that is accessible yet distinct from the nearby city of Dayton, providing students the opportunity to experience a smaller town atmosphere while remaining close to a larger urban center.
Central State University is dedicated to providing an educational experience that fosters intellectual growth, leadership development, and community engagement. The institution aims to prepare students to excel in both their professional careers and personal lives by offering a diverse curriculum that emphasizes critical thinking, ethical decision-making, and cultural awareness.
The university's vision includes building a dynamic learning environment where innovation and scholarship are encouraged and where students can develop the skills necessary to contribute meaningfully to society. Through a commitment to academic excellence and social responsibility, Central State University seeks to empower its students to become effective leaders and lifelong learners in an ever-changing global context.
Name of the institution
Central State UniversityLevel of institution
Four or more yearsControl of institution
PublicSetting type
Rural: FringeInstitutional Category
Degree - granting, primarily baccalaureate or aboveInstitution size category
1,000 - 4,999School type
Four-year collegeMain student body
CoeducationalCalendar system
SemestersFoundation year
1890
Certificate of at least 1 year, but less than 2 years
Bachelor's degree
Master's degree
Certificate of less than 1 year
Associate's degree
Certificate of at least 2 years, but less than 4 years
Postbaccalaureate certificate
Post-master's certificate
Doctor's degree - research/scholarship
Doctor's degree - professional practice
Doctor's degree - other
Other degreeDegrees
Accounting and Related Services
Data not availableAgricultural Production Operations
Data not availableBiology, General
$22,189Business/Commerce, General
$25,435Chemistry
Data not availableCivil Engineering
Data not availableComputer Science
Data not availableCriminal Justice and Corrections
$31,649Economics
Data not availableEducation, General
Data not availableEnglish Language and Literature, General
Data not availableEnglish Language and Literature/Letters, Other
Data not availableEnvironmental/Environmental Health Engineering
Data not availableFinance and Financial Management Services
Data not availableFine and Studio Arts
Data not availableHealth and Physical Education/Fitness
Data not availableHistory
Data not availableIndustrial Production Technologies/Technicians
Data not availableJournalism
Data not availableManufacturing Engineering
Data not availableMathematics
Data not availableMusic
Data not availableParks, Recreation and Leisure Studies
Data not availablePolitical Science and Government
Data not availablePsychology, General
$20,992Social Work
Data not availableSociology
Data not availableSpecial Education and Teaching
Data not availableTeacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods
Data not availableTeacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas
Data not available