Abstract :
To doubt whether or not predominantly black institutions have a role to play in American life is to not understand the pluralistic nature of American society. Engineering education has played an important role in the past development of these universities and will play an even larger role in the years ahead due to the capacity of engineering to penetrate so many other fields. This paper presents a brief history of the predominantly black engineering schools: North Carolina A & T State University, Prairie View University, Southern University, Tennessee State University, Howard University, and Tuskegee Institute. Particular attention is given to the evolution of their curricula and alternative and recommended future roles.
