Philander Smith College

Founded in 1877, Philander Smith College is a small, privately supported, historically Black, four-year liberal arts institution related to the Board of Higher Education and Ministry of the United Methodist Church.

The College offers four degrees: the Bachelor of Arts, the Bachelor of Science, the Bachelor of Business Administration, and the Bachelor of Social Work.

The College's mission is to graduate academically accomplished students, grounded as advocates for social justice, determined to change the world for the better.

Philander Smith College, the only United Negro College Fund member institution in Arkansas, strives to provide a quality education for all regardless of race, religion, gender, national origin or ethnic background.

Our aim at Philander Smith College is to strengthen and maintain enthusiasm for academic rigor and excellence, to inspire and educate the next generation of leaders, and to share a desire to do things that will positively impact our community, state, nation and world. Those who depend on PSC for quality talent to help drive our local and state economic engine should know that we will continue to prepare our students to become the leaders of tomorrow. They will be the resolute innovators in their fields who are prepared for the 21st century global economy. We are committed to continue making a difference in every single life in our sphere of influence.

We are improving and expanding our offerings and resources that our students and faculty need in order to be the very best they can be by employing creative strategies that attract talented students and increase our enrollment.

We are committed to fulfilling our mission to not only serve those on campus, but also those in the larger community as well. As an urban institution of higher education, we play a significant role in solving many of the problems plaguing the Greater Little Rock Metro area and humankind in general.

The Philander Smith experience extends far beyond the classroom. Joining a student organization not only contributes to your social skills and personality development, but can also offer your experience in organizational and management skills, teamwork, networking, and strategic planning. These skills will put you ahead in life and in your career. With over 30 student organizations on campus, PSC offers something for every level of interest and background.

The Center for Student Services assists Philander Smith College in addressing the needs of students through a variety of student services such as: Career/Volunteer Services; Disability Support Services; First-Year Experience Peer Mentoring; New Student Orientation; Living/Learning Initiatives; and Transition Programs.

Information and learning experiences will be provided for students through a series of activities that include workshops, career and graduate school fairs, volunteer/community service projects, assessment and internships. This activity will offer programming that provides leadership development and personal growth experiences for students.

Philander Smith College is a private, residential, co-educational, four-year undergraduate liberal arts college affiliated with the United Methodist church and a founding member of the United Negro College Fund (UNCF).

Philander is classified as a baccalaureate (liberal arts) college by the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching. Updated in 2007, the College's mission is to graduate academically accomplished students who are grounded as advocates for social justice, determined to intentionally change the world for the better. The College is nestled near the progressive epicenter of downtown Little Rock which encompasses the thriving cultural and business River Market District and the William J. Clinton Presidential Center. Little Rock is the state capital of Arkansas, and is located at the foothills of the beautiful Ozark Mountains and on the south bank of the Arkansas River. The city is served by airlines, trains, bus lines and both interstate and state highways. Philander Smith College is accredited by the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools, National Council for the Accreditation of Teacher Education, Association for Collegiate and Business Schools and Programs, and the Council on Social Work Education and currently offers four degrees: the Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Science, Bachelor of Business Administration, and the Bachelor of Social Work.

In the past the College’s mission has been to grant access to higher education to individuals who are, or who have the potential to be, academically talented, regardless of social, economic, or educational background. Although many of our students have stellar academic backgrounds, Philander Smith Collegealso has the ability to nurture students who have been overlooked by other colleges. Many of our students come from low-income families and it is not uncommon that they are the first in their family to attend college. Some may also enter the college as average high school students, but emerge later with the capacity and motivation to pursue graduate and professional degrees and excel in their fields.