Black Christian Colleges in North Carolina
Many HBCUs were originally established with support from religious institutions to educate freedmen and the formerly enslaved. The following Black Christian Colleges in North Carolina still maintain a strong affiliation with their original Christian denomination and support the spiritual development of their students.
Black Christian College #1: Bennett College - Greensboro, North Carolina
Bennett, an all-women's HBCU, began in the basement of Warnersville Methodist Church in 1873. Still affiliated with the United Methodist Church, Bennett is "constantly striving to emphasize the acquisition of moral and spiritual principles to promote faith development."
There are multiple ways for students to develop their faith and religious life on campus through campus ministry programs for various denominations. Students can major in Biology, Computer Science, Africana Women's Studies, and Psychology.
Black Christian College #2: Johnson C. Smith University - Charlotte, North Carolina
This HBCU was founded in the old Charlotte Presbyterian Church by Reverends S.C. Alexander and W.L. Miller as Freedmen's College of North Carolina. JCSU offers students time to develop their spiritual life through leadership and service opportunities through the Spiritual Life Center on campus. Students can choose from 23 undergraduate programs ranging from Biology to Sports Management.
Black Christian College #3: Shaw University - Raleigh, North Carolina
Founded in 1865, Shaw is affiliated with the Baptist church and "stresses character development, which includes religious, cultural, social and ethical values." Undergraduates are able to major in Christian Ministry. The Shaw University Divinity School offers students an opportunity to earn a Master of Divinity (MDiv), Master of Arts in Christian Education (MACE), and Christian Leadership (MACL). The program focuses on "specific aspects of the ministry profession, including Christian heritage, cultural awareness, ministerial identity, and leadership."
The Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee (SNCC) was founded on Shaw's campus in 1960.
Black Christian College #4: St. Augustine's University - Raleigh, North Carolina
St. Augustine's University (SAU) was established as a "Normal School and Collegiate Institute'' in 1867 through the efforts of the Freemen's Commission of the Protestant Episcopal Church and a group of clergy and laymen of the Episcopal Diocese of North Carolina. SAU is one of only two HBCUs affiliated with the Episcopal Church. Students of all denominations and affiliations are encouraged to worship in St. Augustine's Chapel. SAU has five schools ranging from Arts, Social Sciences & Communications to Sciences, Mathematics & Allied Health.