The name Martin Luther King Jr. resonates as a beacon of hope and justice for millions around the world. However, his role as an influential civil rights leader often overshadows his academic journey. This post aims to delve into King’s educational life, particularly focusing on his college years.
Martin Luther King Jr.’s higher education began at Morehouse College in Atlanta, Georgia, a private historically black men’s college. At the age of just 15, King enrolled in Morehouse in 1944, following a path previously trodden by both his father and grandfather.
At Morehouse, under the mentorship of college president and theologian Benjamin Mays, King honed his passion for racial equality. Mays, a strong advocate for racial equality himself, influenced King greatly. He guided King’s exploration of social justice, which later became the backbone of his civil rights work.
After graduating from Morehouse with a degree in Sociology in 1948, King moved on to Crozer Theological Seminary in Chester, Pennsylvania, for his postgraduate studies. King excelled at Crozer and was elected class president in his final year. In 1951, he graduated with a Bachelor of Divinity degree.
King wasn’t done with his education yet. He was granted a fellowship for graduate study and set off for Boston University’s School of Theology, where he earned a Ph.D. in Systematic Theology in 1955. King’s doctoral studies at Boston University allowed him to delve deeper into his interests in theology and philosophy, shaping his nonviolent approach to civil rights activism.
FAQs
What college did Martin Luther King Jr. attend for his undergraduate studies?
Martin Luther King Jr. attended Morehouse College for his undergraduate studies.
What did Martin Luther King Jr. study in college?
King pursued a degree in Sociology at Morehouse College.
Where did Martin Luther King Jr. earn his Ph.D.?
King earned his Ph.D. from Boston University’s School of Theology.
It’s fascinating to explore the academic life of this iconic figure. King’s educational journey illuminates how he built the foundation for his transformative work in civil rights. Undoubtedly, the institutions he attended, the degrees he pursued, and the mentors he found significantly influenced his approach and dedication to the pursuit of racial equality and justice.