By Dr. Katina Ward-James, Executive Director, HU Online
When Rashida Jones, former president of MSNBC and trustee of Hampton University, joined the first cohort of Hampton’s one-year online MBA program, it wasn’t just another accomplishment on her résumé. It was a meaningful return to her roots and a nod to the strength and vision behind HU Online.
According to Jones, “joining an MBA program was a personal mission. I had begun an MBA program 10 years ago, but life got in the way. I don’t like leaving big challenges unfinished, so I joined the inaugural class of the one-year MBA at my alma mater, Hampton University.”
“The HU Online experience was intense and challenging, but it was rewarding. Beyond the classroom experience, I was able to gain experience that I hadn’t gotten before. I was amazed at how involved the professors were and how many opportunities I had to work with my peers.”
Jones, a pioneer in media and the first Black woman to lead a major cable news network, recognized something in Hampton’s digital learning environment that millions of others are also beginning to embrace — the ability to grow without stepping away from everything else life demands. And she’s not alone.
In 2023, more than 5.7 million students across the country were enrolled in at least one online course. This isn’t a new direction. This is the norm.
Reimagining Learning on Your Terms
Online education isn’t an alternative plan. It’s a primary choice for people balancing work, family, service, and ambition. It offers a way forward that doesn’t require pausing the rest of your life. According to the National Center for Education Statistics, over 7 million students in the U.S. enrolled in distance education courses in recent years, with the majority being over the age of 25.
For a 39-year-old mother of two, online learning offers a path to career advancement without uprooting her daily responsibilities. Picture her logging into class from her kitchen table after dinner, while her kids finish their homework beside her. She balances work, parenting, and study through flexible asynchronous lectures, weekend discussion boards, and virtual group projects. The convenience of online platforms means she can earn her master’s degree in a year or two—without sacrificing the stability of her home life.
Hampton understood the importance of distance learning early. Long before remote learning became mainstream, the university was laying the foundation. At a time when only a quarter of Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) offered fully online programs, Hampton charted a visionary course, positioning itself as a leader in this burgeoning arena.
By 2013, Hampton had firmly established itself among the pioneers of online education within the HBCU community. Its investment in digital innovation was not just timely; it was transformative, reshaping what access to an elite education could mean.
Additionally, Hampton has been a champion of technological advancements and development around connectivity and online learning. With major improvements to the university’s broadband infrastructure over the years, connecting with distance learners has been enhanced and broadened by the university, offering an improved educational experience for HU Online students.
The Students Behind the Screen
HU Online isn’t just growing. It’s thriving. The average student is 39 years old, and HU Online has a 2:1 female-to-male ratio. Applicants come from across the country, with Virginia leading in enrollment. On average, the program receives 128 applications each year. Many students are professionals, parents, or military service members who are adding “student” back to their identity…not by starting over, but by continuing forward.
Today, HU Online is a hallmark of accessibility and excellence, offering a robust portfolio of programs that cater to a global audience. With two certificate programs, three associate degrees, 10 bachelor’s degrees, five master’s degrees, six doctoral degrees, and one postgraduate degree, HU Online exemplifies Hampton’s dedication to innovation and inclusivity.
A New Way to Continue the Legacy
The one-year online MBA program that Rashida Jones joined is a great example of what sets Hampton apart. It’s designed to be as rigorous and relevant as anything found on campus.
“The program is fully online, offering the flexibility that working professionals need while maintaining high academic standards,” said Dr. Terrance Woods, Director, Business Graduate Programs and Associate Professor, HU Online.
“Small class sizes, personalized faculty support, and real-world case studies ensure that students are not only learning theory but also applying it in meaningful ways.”
Additionally, the program fosters a strong sense of community, even in the virtual environment, making students feel connected to Hampton’s proud tradition and mission no matter where they are. The online format of Hampton University’s one-year MBA program is intentionally designed to meet the needs of working professionals, entrepreneurs, and non-traditional students by offering flexibility, accessibility, and convenience without sacrificing academic rigor.
Students can engage with course materials, participate in discussions, and complete assignments on their own schedules, making it easier to balance work, family, and personal responsibilities. The asynchronous structure allows learners to apply what they’re learning in real time to their careers or business ventures. In addition, the program provides strong faculty support, interactive learning tools, and a sense of community that helps students stay connected and engaged, regardless of their geographic location or daily commitments.
This isn’t just about degrees. It’s about building a community of learners who are deeply invested in their growth and giving back.
Ready Before the Rest
When the pandemic forced colleges and universities to adapt overnight, Hampton didn’t need to start from scratch. With more than a decade of digital learning infrastructure already in place, the transition to fully online instruction went smoothly. That preparation continues to pay off, with strong student retention driven by the university’s commitment to connection.
At Hampton, the virtual experience is intentionally designed to feel personal, engaging, and transformative.
Why It All Matters
For more than 150 years, Hampton University has been shaping leaders — people who go on to challenge norms, build communities, and redefine industries. HU Online carries that mission forward, offering the same excellence and spirit of service in a format that fits the lives of today’s learners.
Whether you’re returning to finish what you started, launching a new chapter, or stepping into leadership in your field, HU Online is built to meet you where you are.
Education doesn’t have to mean choosing between your goals and your responsibilities. At Hampton, it means you can pursue both — fully, and on your own terms.
