Clark Atlanta University

What is the history of Clark Atlanta University?

Clark Atlanta University (CAU) was established in 1988 through the consolidation of Atlanta University and Clark College. The merger brought together two historically Black institutions with roots in the years immediately after the Civil War.

Atlanta University was founded in 1865 and became an important center for the education of Black students, particularly at the graduate level. Clark College traces its founding to 1869 and developed as an undergraduate institution. Their combined history helps explain why CAU offers both undergraduate and graduate education and remains part of the Atlanta University Center, a group of neighboring historically Black colleges and universities.

What are the faculties and departments at Clark Atlanta University?

Clark Atlanta University offers bachelor's, master's, and doctoral study across the arts and sciences, business, education, and social work. Applicants should use the university's current academic catalog to check the degree requirements for a particular major, since similarly named programs can have different admissions and course requirements.

The School of Arts and Sciences covers fields including biology, psychology, communication, criminal justice, computer science, and the humanities. Other academic units include the School of Business Administration, the School of Education, and the Whitney M. Young Jr. School of Social Work. Graduate options extend beyond the undergraduate majors and may require a separate application, prerequisite coursework, or professional experience.

Students comparing majors should look at the courses required to enter and complete each program - not just the university-wide admissions criteria. This is especially relevant for students planning teacher certification, social work practice, or another occupation with requirements set by a state or professional body.

What is the location of Clark Atlanta University?

Clark Atlanta University is in Atlanta, Georgia, within the Atlanta University Center southwest of downtown. Its urban setting places students near other historically Black institutions as well as the workplaces, cultural organizations, and public services of a major metropolitan area.

Location can matter differently for residential and commuting students. Campus data indicate that about 47% of students commute, so travel time and transportation costs deserve a place in an enrollment budget. Students planning to rely on transit should check the route between their intended residence and their classes rather than assuming every part of Atlanta is equally accessible. Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport is the region's principal airport for students traveling from farther away.

What is the mission and vision of Clark Atlanta University?

Clark Atlanta University identifies itself as a historically Black university committed to undergraduate and graduate education, research, and service. Its stated educational purpose includes developing students for leadership and engagement with communities beyond campus.

That mission reflects the histories of both founding institutions. Prospective students can assess how it appears in practice by examining a department's curriculum, research opportunities, service activities, and student support - not by treating an institutional mission statement as evidence that every student will have the same experience.