Academics
Coppin State University is a coeducational liberal arts college in Baltimore that seeks to mold its student “Eagles” into responsible leaders. The school values community engagement, celebrates diverse cultural heritages, and seeks those who wish to use their experiences to affect positive societal change. Originally founded as a local training school for Black teachers, CSU promotes lifelong learning and a penchant for civic engagement. In keeping with its vision of responsive citizenship, CSU offers a cocurricular Nonprofit Leadership Certification Program to encourage students to work in the nonprofit sector. Small classes (most have fewer than 20 students) and a teacher-student ratio of 12 to 1 foster CSU’s core value of providing quality instruction to meet every individual’s unique educational needs. Students can choose from a wide variety of 53 majors ranging from Chemistry to Sports Management to Urban Arts, although Nursing, Psychology, and Criminal Justice are among the most popular courses of study. The Helene Fuld School of Nursing is prominent on campus and in the wider community, offering not only a BS in nursing, but also several graduate programs, including a DNP (Doctor of Nursing Practice). The university is regionally accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE).
Career
CSU offers the benefits of Baltimore city life as well as the amenities of a sprawling 65-acre campus. CSU is conveniently located across the street from MTA subway and bus service, so students can easily explore attractions such as The Baltimore Museum of Art and the Washington Monument. Back on campus, there are tennis courts, a softball field, and an Olympic-sized pool, as well as a spacious dormitory complex for resident students. Groups of Eagles are frequently seen relaxing amid the lush grass and tranquil fountains of “The Quad” as they enjoy organized concerts, an occasional lecture in the outdoor classroom, or a simple impromptu game of frisbee. The CSU community fosters a strong sense of camaraderie and solidarity. Eighty-two percent of students are Black and 77% are female, with an average age of 26. Students who are parents receive support from the James E. McDonald Child Development Center, which provides care and educational services for preschool children. CSU is a dry school, which means it prohibits alcohol entirely; the social scene found in the thriving dormitory and Greek life finds other entertainments. Every fall, the Eagles all join together for a twilight candle-lighting ceremony to warmly welcome the incoming freshmen to their CSU family.
Culture
Intent upon producing graduates who will better society in impactful ways, the CSU Career Services Center orchestrates job fairs, coaching sessions, and mock interviews to thoroughly prepare students for the practical realities of the job market. The Cooperative Education program helps students work in their desired fields prior to graduation. Popular career paths include nursing, business development, and education. According to Payscale.com, on average, CSU graduates earn a base annual salary of $66,000. Prominent alumni include Verda Welcome, the first Black female state senator in American history, and Bishop Lee Robinson, the first Black police commissioner of Baltimore.