Legacy Meets Innovation.
120 years of transformation, reimagined for tomorrow.
We honor the past by daring to build the future. Bethune-Cookman University carries a century of excellence into the careers of tomorrow.
120+
Years of Excellence
3,000+
Current Students
25,000+
Alumni Worldwide
8
Future-Ready Programs
Our Foundation
The Vision of Dr. Mary McLeod Bethune
In 1904, Dr. Mary McLeod Bethune founded the Daytona Literary and Industrial Training School for Negro Girls with $1.50, faith, and an unshakeable belief in the power of education to liberate.
Her institution grew into what is now Bethune-Cookman University — a storied HBCU that has educated generations of leaders, professionals, and change-makers.
Her legacy is not merely history. It is the living mission that animates every program, every classroom, and every graduate of B-CU Futures.
"The whole world opened to me when I learned to read."
— Dr. Mary McLeod Bethune
Our Heritage
The Values That Guide Us
Faith & Service
Rooted in a tradition of service, B-CU graduates are called to lead with compassion and purpose.
Educational Excellence
We hold our students to the highest academic standards, preparing them for the most demanding careers.
Empowerment
Education is the ultimate equalizer. We empower students from every background to reach their full potential.
Global Vision
Our graduates enter a connected world with the global perspective needed to lead across borders and industries.
Our Journey
120 Years of Impact
1904
The Beginning
Dr. Mary McLeod Bethune founds the Daytona Literary and Industrial Training School with $1.50 and a vision for Black educational excellence.
1923
A Merger
The Daytona Normal and Industrial Institute merges with Cookman Institute to form Bethune-Cookman College.
2007
University Status
Bethune-Cookman College is elevated to Bethune-Cookman University, reflecting its expanded academic offerings and graduate programs.
2026
B-CU Futures Launches
Bethune-Cookman University launches B-CU Futures in Spring 2026 — eight career-defining programs built for tomorrow's economy.
1904
The Beginning
Dr. Mary McLeod Bethune founds the Daytona Literary and Industrial Training School with $1.50 and a vision for Black educational excellence.
1923
A Merger
The Daytona Normal and Industrial Institute merges with Cookman Institute to form Bethune-Cookman College.
2007
University Status
Bethune-Cookman College is elevated to Bethune-Cookman University, reflecting its expanded academic offerings and graduate programs.
2026
B-CU Futures Launches
Bethune-Cookman University launches B-CU Futures in Spring 2026 — eight career-defining programs built for tomorrow's economy.
The Next Chapter
Introducing B-CU Futures
B-CU Futures represents BCU's bold commitment to ensuring our students are ready not just for today's economy, but for the industries that will define the next 50 years.
We launched eight programs in the fields experiencing the fastest growth, highest demand, and most transformative impact — from AI to healthcare, esports to actuarial science.
Each program is industry-designed, career-focused, and built on the 120-year tradition of excellence that defines Bethune-Cookman University.
Explore Our Programs →
How We Work
The B-CU Futures Difference
Innovation-Driven
Every curriculum is built around emerging technologies and forward-looking industry trends.
Career-Focused
Our programs are designed in partnership with employers who hire our graduates directly.
Results-Oriented
We measure our success by your career outcomes — not just your graduation.
Excellence Always
We hold every student to the highest standards because excellence is B-CU's 120-year tradition.
"We continue the legacy."
Every student who walks through our doors carries the spirit of Dr. Bethune forward — building a future worthy of her sacrifice and vision.
Become Part of Our Legacy
Join the next generation of Wildcats shaping the world's most important industries.
Get Started Today