The HBCU Masters Degree Program provides grants to eligible institutions determined by the Secretary of Education to be making a substantial contribution to graduate education opportunities at the masters level in the following areas: mathematics; engineering; the physical or natural sciences; computer science; information technology; nursing; allied health; or other scientific disciplines in which African Americans are underrepresented. The program provides grants for up to six years to establish or strengthen qualified master's degree programs in these fields at eligible institutions.

"This is truly great news for Fayetteville State University," said Chancellor James A. Anderson. "We have always held the belief that our master's programs provide a valuable need and service to the citizens of this city, region, and state. Receiving this grant solidifies our status as a major player in the awarding of master's degrees. This grant will go a long way toward continued enhancement of these degree programs."

Each eligible institution will receive a grant of no less than $500,000 for any fiscal year, unless the amount appropriated is not sufficient to pay the minimum grant awards to all eligible institutions. In this event, the amount paid to each eligible institution will be ratably reduced. Chancellor Anderson will decide which master's degree program will receive funds under the grant in any one fiscal year.

FSU offers seven master's degrees with concentrations and specializations in the following areas: Master of School Administration, Master of Arts, Master of Arts in Teaching, Master of Education, Master of Business Administration, Master of Science, and Master of Social Work. Concentrations and specializations are offered in areas such as education, sociology, psychology, biology, mathematics, and criminal justice. Fayetteville State University is accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (1866 Southern Lane, Decatur, Georgia 30033-4097, 404-679-4501) to award bachelor's, master's, and doctorate degrees.

FSU is the second-oldest public institution in North Carolina. A member of the University of North Carolina System, FSU has more than 6,300 students and offers degrees in 67 undergraduate and graduate degree programs. On June 8, 2008, Chancellor Anderson was named the university's 11th chief executive officer.

For more information, please call (910) 672-1474.