ST. LOUIS, MO - Harris-Stowe State University (HSSU) is one step closer to offering graduate degrees. The Missouri legislature passed Senate Bill 334, which if signed by Governor Jeremiah "Jay" Nixon, it would allow the city's only Historically Black College and University (HBCU) to offer a range of graduate degree programs.

Harris-Stowe State University (HSSU) is an historically black university located in midtown St. Louis. HSSU is a fully accredited four-year institution that offers 14 degree programs in teacher education, business, and arts & sciences. In 2014, HSSU ranked No. 1 in the state of Missouri and No. 47 in the nation in granting degrees in mathematics and statistics to African-Americans according to Missouri Department of Higher Education and Diverse: issues in Higher Education. The university, which has origins dating back to 1857, offers the most affordable bachelor's degree in the state of Missouri.

Currently, Harris-Stowe is only authorized to offer undergraduate degree program with an emphasis on selected professional skills. In addition to the governor's signature, the Coordinating Board for Higher Education must also approve any new graduate degrees.

"This historic bill puts Harris-Stowe State University on the same level playing field with every other state university," said Dr. Dwaun J. Warmack (President of Harris-Stowe State University. "An advanced degree is increasingly becoming a minimum requirement to build successful career opportunities and this allows HSSU to better meet the higher education needs of the St. Louis region."

The legislation that modifies provisions relating to the boards of regents of state colleges and universities and expands degree-granting authority to Harris-Stowe State University was sponsored by Sen. Jamilah Nasheed, D-St. Louis. The legislation passed in the Higher Education Committee of the Missouri House of Representatives by a unanimous 9-0 vote on April 28.

"Long is the road that brought us to this momentous place in our 158-year history," said Dr. Dwayne Smith (Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs at Harris-Stowe State University). "This is a monumental shift in higher education for our region, state and the countless students who will receive graduate degrees from our great institution. It cannot be overstated how important this is."

Harris-Stowe State University was named the D.J's Music Site HBCU Campaign Fund's October 2015 HBCU of the Month Supported Institution. During those perspective months of our HBCU of the Month Initiative program, the HBCU institution is campaign for socially to bring awareness as well as raising contributions to assist the institution, its students in financial needs and recruit interested students to its institution.

The D.J's Music Site HBCU Campaign Fund is rooting for Harris-Stowe on receiving that step closer into offering graduate degrees at its institution!