Where Did MLK Go to College?

Martin Luther King Jr. is one of the most prominent figures in American history, celebrated for his leadership in the Civil Rights Movement and his advocacy for racial equality through nonviolent resistance. His speeches, writings, and actions continue to impact our society today.

King was also a highly educated individual who pursued higher education at several prestigious institutions. He attended Morehouse College, Crozer Seminary, and Boston University.

Morehouse College

MLK began his higher education at Morehouse College, an HBCU in Atlanta, GA, in 1944, when he was 15 years old. Morehouse College is a historically Black men's college and is renowned for its rigorous academic programs and emphasis on developing leaders who are committed to social justice.

MLK decided to attend Morehouse because his father, Martin Luther King Sr., and his grandfather had both attended college there. His father had trained to become a minister, but MLK initially didn't want to follow in his footsteps.

However, under the mentorship of Dr. Benjamin Mays, the president of Morehouse College and a significant figure in the Civil Rights Movement, King began to develop a deep interest in social justice and theology. Dr. Mays taught about the importance of racial equality and nonviolent protest, both of which are key beliefs that MLK would come to hold.

In 1948, King graduated from Morehouse College with a Bachelor of Arts degree in sociology. His time at Morehouse was crucial in shaping his intellectual outlook and commitment to social justice.

Crozer Theological Seminary

After graduating from Morehouse College, Martin Luther King Jr. enrolled at Crozer Theological Seminary in Chester, PA, to further his education in theology. Crozer was a predominantly white institution, and King's experience there exposed him to new perspectives and ideas that broadened his understanding of theology, philosophy, and social ethics.

During his time at Crozer, King learned about the works of prominent theologians and philosophers, including Reinhold Niebuhr and Paul Tillich, as well as the nonviolent teachings of Mahatma Gandhi. He graduated with a Bachelor of Divinity degree as valedictorian of his class in 1951 and was also elected student body president.

His time at Crozer further solidified his commitment to social justice, blending his Christian beliefs with a commitment to nonviolent activism. His experiences refined his theological beliefs and provided him with a strong foundation for his future work as a pastor and civil rights leader.

Boston University

Following his time at Crozer Theological Seminary, MLK earned a PhD in systematic theology at Boston University in 1955. Boston University was known for its liberal and progressive environment, which allowed King to explore various philosophical and theological ideas.

His dissertation, titled ''A Comparison of the Conceptions of God in the Thinking of Paul Tillich and Henry Nelson Wieman,'' focused on the intersection of theology and social justice, and he continued to develop his ideas around nonviolence and social reform.

This period of study was crucial for King's intellectual development, as it helped him to articulate a coherent philosophy that would later confirm his leadership in the Civil Rights Movement.

The Role of Education in MLK's Activism

MLK's degrees from Morehouse College, Crozer Theological Seminary, and Boston University were all instrumental in shaping his worldview and his approach to civil rights and social justice. Each institution provided a unique environment that influenced King's intellectual and spiritual development.

• Morehouse College instilled in him a commitment to leadership and social justice.
• Crozer Theological Seminary refined his theological beliefs and introduced him to nonviolent resistance.
• Boston University further developed his intellectual framework and provided him with the tools to articulate his vision for a just society.