About the University of the District of Columbia

Hop on the Metro and within minutes you can be touring the White House, kayaking on the Potomac, attending an opening night performance at the Source or exploring the beauty of nature in Rock Creek Park. Washington, DC may be the capital of the United States, but it is also home to the world’s embassies, languages and cuisines; the headquarters of major think tanks, NGOs and non-profits; the heart of American politics and a rich source of inspiration to writers, film-makers, musicians and artists of every genre.

A city of neighborhoods, each with its own history and traditions, there’s always something to do, to see, to try in Washington, DC. That’s extra-credit enrichment you can’t find anywhere else.

The only public university in the nation’s capital and the only urban land-grant university in the United States, the University of the District of Columbia is committed to a broad mission of education, research and community service. Established by abolitionist Myrtilla Miner in 1851, the university offers Associate’s, Bachelor’s, Master’s and Doctoral Degrees, and a host of workplace development services designed to create opportunities for student success. The university comprises a Community College, the Schools of Education and Learning Sciences, Engineering and Applied Sciences, and Business and Public Administration, the Colleges of Arts and Sciences and Agriculture, Urban Sustainability and Environmental Sciences, and the David A. Clarke School of Law.

Embracing its essence as a public historically Black urban-focused land-grant university in the nation’s capital, UDC is dedicated to serving the needs of the community of the District of Columbia and producing lifelong learners who are transformative leaders in the workforce, government, nonprofit sectors and beyond.

More About our History, Mission and Vision

Read Our Strategic Plan