Howard University: Friend Or Foe Of Non-Traditional Students?

Howard University is a private, federally chartered, historically Black university in Washington, D.C. Founded in 1867, it offers a range of undergraduate, graduate, and professional degrees, including non-traditional programs such as the Non-Traditional Doctor of Pharmacy Program (NTDP). The NTDP is a post-baccalaureate program that provides registered pharmacists with the knowledge and skills to keep up with advancements in the healthcare system. The program involves two years of distance education and has specific application requirements, including a minimum Bachelor of Science Degree in Pharmacy. Howard University's student population is approximately 10,000, with a high percentage of female students and a significant proportion of international students. The university offers various student organizations and housing options and is known for its diverse community and commitment to educating students from diverse backgrounds.

Howard University's Non-Traditional Pharm-D Degree Program (NTDP)

Howard University's College of Pharmacy offers a self-paced, flexible, and interactive Non-Traditional Pharm-D Degree Program (NTDP) designed for practising pharmacists. The program provides registered pharmacists with the knowledge and skills related to current diagnostics methods, treatment modalities, drug delivery systems, therapeutic outcomes, pharmacoeconomics, and pharmacotherapy.

Application Procedure

To be considered for admission, applicants must possess a minimum Bachelor of Science Degree in Pharmacy and complete the Howard University application process, including an interview and submitting all required documents to the NTDP Program Office. The application deadline is February 1 of the year of intended admission.

The required documents for the application are:

• A notarized photocopy of a current pharmacy license
• Two letters of recommendation
• A letter of Career Plan/Statement of Goals (800-1000 typed words)
• Two passport-size photographs (taken in the last 3-6 months)
• A completed Howard University application form
• A non-refundable application fee of $45, payable by money order or cashier's check

Curriculum

The NTDP curriculum involves two years of studies in a distance education format, including both self-paced online courses and an on-campus orientation to educational technology and fundamental clinical concepts. The program can be completed in a minimum of two and a half to three years and does not require any campus visits.

The curriculum is divided into three phases:

• Phase I: A 3-day orientation to educational technology and fundamental clinical concepts, including hands-on workshops on physical assessment, Drug Information Resources, and selected topics in pharmaceutics.
• Phase II: An 18-month course of study divided into three semesters, which includes Integrated Pharmacy Care and Science courses. This phase provides a comprehensive set of modules such as pathophysiology, therapeutics, pharmacology, pharmacoepidemiology, and pharmacoeconomics.
• Phase III: The experiential education component, where students develop, implement, and evaluate various disease states, medication therapy management programs, and other pharmaceutical care activities. Students are required to complete up to 1440 hours of experiential education rotations, including ambulatory care, community, acute care/medicine, and institutional/management experiences, as well as electives.

The University's support for non-traditional students

Howard University is a private, federally chartered, historically Black university in Washington, D.C. It was founded in 1867 and offers undergraduate, graduate, and professional degrees in more than 120 programs. The university is dedicated to educating students from diverse backgrounds and has a high geographic diversity, with 98.28% of students coming from out of state and 9.43% from out of the country.

Howard University offers a range of support services and resources for non-traditional students. Here are some of the key areas where the university provides support:

Academic Programs and Flexibility

Howard University offers a wide range of academic programs to cater to diverse student needs. The university has 13 schools and colleges, including Arts and Sciences, Business, Communications, Dentistry, Divinity, Education, and Engineering. The university also offers a variety of undergraduate, graduate, and professional degrees, providing options for non-traditional students seeking specific programs or those who wish to pursue advanced studies.

Student Organizations and Community

Howard University has over 200 registered student organizations, including academic clubs, fraternities, and sororities. These organizations provide opportunities for non-traditional students to connect with peers, develop leadership skills, and build a sense of community on campus. The university also encourages student involvement in community service and actively participates in local, national, and global service initiatives.

Housing and Transportation

The university offers a range of housing options, including male, female, and co-ed residence halls, both on and off-campus. While freshmen are not eligible for campus parking, the university is accessible by the city's public transportation system, providing flexibility for students with varying commuting needs.

Financial Aid and Scholarships

Howard University provides financial aid to support students from diverse economic backgrounds. In 2020, 82% of first-year students received need-based financial aid. The university also offers scholarships, such as the Tom S. Williamson Jr. Scholarship, to help students finance their education.

Career Services and Internships

Howard University has a strong focus on career development and provides resources to help students pursue internships and employment opportunities. The university's proximity to the U.S. Capitol offers unique advantages, with many students interning and working in national and foreign policy roles. The university's career services likely extend beyond traditional students to support non-traditional students in their career pursuits.

Online Learning and Distance Education

Howard University recognizes the need for flexible learning options and offers distance education formats for certain programs. For example, the Non-Traditional Post-Baccalaureate Pharm.D. degree program involves two years of studies in a distance education format, providing an accessible option for students who may have geographical or scheduling constraints.

The University's stance on non-traditional students

Howard University is a private, federally chartered, historically Black research university in Washington, D.C. The university was founded in 1867 and has a current undergraduate enrollment of around 10,000 students. Howard offers a wide range of undergraduate, graduate, and professional degree programs across various fields, including the arts, sciences, humanities, and several specialized disciplines.

Howard University has a strong commitment to diversity and educating students from diverse backgrounds. The university's student body is predominantly female, with a high percentage of racial and ethnic minorities, including a significant number of African American students. The university also attracts students from a variety of geographic locations, with a large proportion of out-of-state and international students.

In terms of catering to non-traditional students, Howard University demonstrates some flexibility in its admission policies and program structures. The university has a Non-Traditional Pharm-D Degree Program (NTDP) designed for registered pharmacists seeking advanced knowledge and skills in current diagnostics, treatment modalities, and health care system changes. This program involves a distance education format, indicating a consideration for non-traditional students who may have work or family commitments that prevent them from attending on-campus classes.

Additionally, Howard University offers a variety of undergraduate, graduate, and professional programs with multiple areas of study. This breadth of academic options can accommodate students with diverse interests and goals, including those who may be returning to school after a gap or pursuing a career change.

The university also provides a range of student housing options, including male, female, and co-ed residences, both on and off-campus. This flexibility in housing choices can be beneficial for non-traditional students who may have specific needs or preferences.

Moreover, Howard University has a vibrant community of student organizations, fraternities, sororities, and academic clubs. These extracurricular opportunities can enhance the university experience for non-traditional students, allowing them to connect with peers who share similar interests.

While the information specifically targeting non-traditional students is limited, Howard University's dedication to diversity, innovation, and a broad range of academic programs suggests a willingness to cater to a diverse student body, including those who may not fit the traditional student profile. However, further exploration of the university's website and contacting their admissions office may reveal more detailed information about their stance and accommodations for non-traditional students.

The application process for non-traditional students

Howard University is a private, federally chartered, historically Black research university in Washington, D.C. It offers undergraduate, graduate, and professional degrees in more than 120 programs. The university is dedicated to educating students from diverse backgrounds and has a history of championing equal rights and social justice.

• The applicant must possess a minimum Bachelor of Science Degree in Pharmacy.
• Complete the Howard University application form and gather all required documents.
• Submit a notarized photocopy of their current pharmacy license.
• Provide two letters of recommendation using the enclosed forms.
• Include a letter of Career Plan/Statement of Goals (800-1000 typed words).
• Submit two passport-size photographs taken in the past 3-6 months.
• Successfully complete an interview.
• Pay the application fee of $45 by money order or cashier's check made payable to Howard University.

The complete application packet must be received by February 1 of the year the student is seeking admission. Only completed application packets will be considered. It is the applicant's responsibility to ensure that their application is received by the NTDP Program Office. Services such as registered mail or an overnight delivery service with tracking are recommended to ensure the safe delivery of the application.

The demographics of non-traditional students at Howard University

Howard University is a private, historically black, federally chartered research university in Washington, D.C. It was founded in 1867 and has a current total enrollment of approximately 10,859 students, with 7,497 undergraduates and 2,553 graduate students. The undergraduate population is made up of 72% women and 28% men, while the graduate student population is 66% women and 34% men. The university has a high geographic diversity score, with 98.28% of students coming from out of state and 9.43% from out of the country. The undergraduate student body is spread across 33 states.

In terms of racial demographics, the enrolled student population at Howard is 66.6% Black or African American, 6.34% Hispanic or Latino, 4.51% Two or More Races, 3.44% Asian, 1.09% White, 0.908% American Indian or Alaska Native, and 0.14% Native Hawaiian or Other Pacific Islanders. Additionally, 12.3% of students did not report their race. The racial/ethnic breakdown of undergraduates is similar, with Black or African American, Native Hawaiian or Pacific Islander being the two reported groups.

While I cannot find a definition of "non-traditional students", if we assume that non-traditional students are those who do not fit the "traditional college age", then Howard University does cater to non-traditional students, as only 55.54% of students fall into the 18-21 age category, compared to the national average of 60%.

Frequently asked questions