霍华德最初是由一所小型私立本科学院创建的，如今已转变为一所大型私立大学。化学大学于1923年首次提供化学硕士学位，当时大学尚未设立研究生院，化学成为第一个授予博士学位的系。1958年在大学获得博士学位。作为第一所主要提供博士学位的黑人大学。拥有化学博士学位，霍华德培养的非裔美国人化学家比世界上任何其他化学系都要多，并且拥有哥伦比亚特区最大的化学系之一。总共必须获得30个学期的研究生学分。
The Chemistry Department offers a Master of Science degree in addition to a dual degree BS/MS degree. This flexible program is designed for recent graduates and those holding positions in chemical industry, high schools and community colleges who seek advancement through further professional training. Attempts will be made to arrange schedules for those who must study part time. For students who are intent upon continuing their studies in a research-oriented graduate program, the curriculum offers the opportunity for both extensive coursework and high impact chemistry research project.. The master's program allows students to focus on a particular research area: Biological Chemistry, Green Chemistry, Inorganic Chemistry, Organic Chemistry, Physical/Analytical Chemistry, or Chemistry Education.