In the years following World War I, America faced the urgent task of rebuilding not just cities and economies, but the lives of the men returning home. Many of these veterans came back with a clear goal—to build a better life through education. In Oakland, California, one institution stepped forward to meet that need. Founded in 1919, Lincoln University opened its doors with a simple, focused mission: to provide returning soldiers with the education they needed to re-enter civilian life with purpose and skill.
What began as a response to a national moment has since grown into something far larger. Over the past century, Lincoln University has steadily evolved into a respected institution known for delivering career-focused, experience-driven programs. Its approach to education leans heavily on real-world application, a model that prepares students not just to graduate, but to thrive in the workforce.
At the heart of the university’s mission is accessibility. Lincoln believes that high-quality education should not be a luxury—it should be a launchpad available to anyone with the drive to succeed. From undergraduate programs to doctoral degrees, every course is taught by instructors who bring both academic knowledge and practical experience to the classroom. The aim is clear: to equip students, whether from California or across the globe, with the tools they need to step confidently into their chosen careers.
Lincoln’s values, integrity, innovation, inclusivity, and student success, aren’t just words. They show up in how classes are taught, how policies are shaped, and how the community supports its students. And the results speak for themselves. The university has cultivated a strong international student body, achieved consistently high graduate employment rates, and made a mark in the fields of healthcare and business education.
But perhaps most impressive is Lincoln’s ability to adapt. Whether it’s developing new programs, embracing emerging technologies, or forging international partnerships, the school doesn’t just keep up with the times; it plans for what’s next. In that way, Lincoln University remains true to its original mission while always reaching forward.
Leadership with a Global Lens
Behind every strong institution is a leader who not only understands its roots but also sees clearly where it needs to go. At Lincoln University, that guiding presence is Dr. Mikhail Brodsky, the university’s President. A steady voice in a rapidly changing educational landscape, Dr. Brodsky brings more than strategy to the table; he brings heart.
For Dr. Brodsky, Lincoln is a living, growing community. His leadership reflects that belief in every decision made, from curriculum design to student support systems. He sees education as more than a path to employment—it’s a process of shaping people who can think critically, act ethically, and contribute meaningfully to the world around them.
His message to students and families is simple but powerful: “At Lincoln University, we are more than just an institution—we are a community. Our mission is to empower students with the knowledge, values, and global mindset to lead in an interconnected world.” With this, he reinforces a vision that blends academic excellence with personal growth, preparing students not just for jobs, but for life.
Programs Built for the Real World
At Lincoln University, academic programs are designed with one eye on the classroom and the other firmly on the world outside it. Whether a student is just starting out or returning to advance their career, the university offers a clear path forward with programs that reflect the needs of today’s industries—and tomorrow’s opportunities.
The university’s offerings include undergraduate degrees like the Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration and the Bachelor of Science in Diagnostic Imaging, alongside advanced graduate programs such as the MBA, Master of Science in Finance Management, Master of Science in International Business, and the Doctor of Business Administration. Each program is carefully structured to blend academic theory with real-world application.
What truly sets these programs apart is Lincoln’s commitment to practitioner-based learning. Faculty members don’t just teach from textbooks; they bring years of industry experience into the classroom. This allows students to see how concepts play out in actual business settings, making lessons more relevant and applicable. Add to that small class sizes, flexible schedules, and a culture of mentorship, and it becomes clear why Lincoln graduates enter the workforce with more than just a diploma; they graduate with an edge.
A Community That Reflects the World
Walk through the halls of Lincoln University on any given day, and you’ll hear conversations in a dozen languages. Over the years, Lincoln has become a magnet for students from around the globe, drawn by the promise of an American education that doesn’t just open doors but teaches how to walk through them with confidence.
The university currently serves students from over 40 countries, making its classrooms truly international. This diversity isn’t just something Lincoln celebrates—it’s something it sees as essential. In a global economy, learning alongside peers from different backgrounds offers a perspective that textbooks can’t teach.
Enrollment has grown steadily in recent years, especially among international students seeking access to the innovation hub that is the San Francisco Bay Area. Lincoln’s location gives students an unmatched proximity to opportunities in entrepreneurship, healthcare, and tech—industries that define the future of work.
Career outcomes are another strong point. Across programs, especially in business and diagnostic imaging, most graduates find employment or achieve professional certification within six months of graduation. This success isn’t accidental. Lincoln’s strong relationships with local employers and a deeply connected alumni network help ensure students don’t just study for the future, they step right into it.
Opening Doors, Not Raising Barriers
At Lincoln University, the admissions process is built on a simple belief: potential comes in many forms. Instead of relying strictly on grades and test scores, the university looks at the full picture. Applications are reviewed with care, taking into account academic achievements, letters of recommendation, personal statements, and professional experience. This approach allows the admissions team to recognize drive and determination, even when a student’s path hasn’t followed a straight line.
Lincoln’s commitment to inclusion doesn’t stop at the application. The university understands that talent isn’t limited by income, and financial support plays a key role in creating equal opportunity. To that end, Lincoln offers a range of scholarships, both merit-based and need-based, to help students cover tuition costs. For those still needing extra support, on-campus employment opportunities offer students a way to earn while they learn.
The goal is clear: to remove unnecessary barriers and give motivated students, regardless of background, the chance to thrive. At Lincoln, admissions aren’t just about who a student has been; they’re about who they can become.
Behind the Scenes, Driving the Vision
A university is only as strong as the people who keep it moving forward—and at Lincoln, every department plays a part in making the student experience feel intentional, seamless, and deeply human. Under the leadership of Dr. Mikhail Brodsky, Lincoln University has embraced a model that balances academic rigor with cross-cultural awareness and modern innovation.
The university’s structure is thoughtfully organized to support both operations and outcomes. Admissions and Registration handle the first and final steps of a student’s academic journey, ensuring a smooth entry and a successful exit. Academic Affairs keeps the educational programs sharp, relevant, and aligned with industry needs. Student Services acts as the everyday lifeline for learners—offering support, resources, and guidance when it’s needed most.
Meanwhile, departments like Applications and Marketing help share Lincoln’s story with the world, and Institutional Research provides the data insights that drive better decision-making at every level. Across these units, the common thread is a team of faculty and staff known not just for their expertise, but for their approachability and deep care for student success.
What makes this structure work is its intention. Every role is designed with the student at the center, creating a university where operations and heart go hand in hand.
City Campus, Big Energy
Student life at Lincoln University reflects the rhythm of its surroundings; dynamic, diverse, and full of possibility. Though the campus is modest in size, it punches well above its weight when it comes to energy and engagement. Here, community is a feeling you notice the moment you walk through the doors.
Students enjoy access to modern classrooms, computer labs, and quiet study lounges, but life at Lincoln goes far beyond the books. The university regularly hosts community events that bring students together, creating space for cultural exchange, connection, and celebration. Whether it’s a shared meal, a speaker series, or a student-led initiative, there’s always something happening that helps transform classmates into collaborators, and friends.
What sets Lincoln apart even further is its location. Situated in the heart of the San Francisco Bay Area, the campus is surrounded by opportunity. Students are just minutes away from tech startups, corporate giants, incubators, and industry events that most only read about. This urban backdrop gives them a front-row seat to innovation—and often, a direct path into it.
A Campus That Speaks Every Language
At Lincoln University, diversity is the foundation. Walk through the student commons or sit in on a class, and you’ll see a community that brings together voices from Asia, Africa, Europe, Latin America, and beyond. This mix of cultures isn’t just welcomed—it’s woven into the fabric of the university’s daily life.
The campus atmosphere is built on mutual respect and intercultural understanding, and the university takes real steps to make sure every student feels seen and supported. For international students, Lincoln provides a full suite of services that go far beyond academics. From visa assistance and orientation programs to English language tutoring and cultural integration activities, the university ensures that students from abroad have what they need to settle in and succeed.
But it’s not just about logistics. Through multicultural events, leadership workshops, and peer mentoring, Lincoln creates space for every student to grow and contribute. Here, inclusion is more than a value—it’s an experience, one that prepares students to lead in a world that looks a lot like Lincoln’s campus: broad, diverse, and full of possibility.
Beyond the Degree
At Lincoln University, the focus on student success doesn’t end at graduation—it starts long before. From the moment students enroll, they’re met with a network of support built to guide them toward meaningful careers. The goal isn’t just academic achievement; it’s real-world readiness.
Career development at Lincoln is woven into the student journey through a set of practical, hands-on services. Career counseling and job placement support help students identify their strengths and map out clear goals. Resume writing and interview prep workshops sharpen the tools needed to stand out in competitive job markets. And thanks to strong ties between faculty, alumni, and local industry leaders, students benefit from mentorship that’s both personal and practical.
One of Lincoln’s greatest assets is its alumni network, which opens doors for students through introductions, advice, and real opportunities. Whether aiming for a corporate role or starting a business of their own, graduates leave with more than knowledge—they leave with a community behind them and the skills to make their next move with confidence.
Student Voice, Student Power
At the heart of student life at Lincoln University is a group that ensures every voice is heard: the Lincoln University Student Association (LUSA). More than just an extracurricular group, LUSA is the engine behind student engagement, advocacy, and leadership on campus.
LUSA gives students a platform to shape their own experience. It organizes events, amplifies student concerns, and collaborates with university leadership to make sure decisions reflect the needs and values of the community. Whether it’s planning cultural celebrations, hosting workshops, or bringing in guest speakers, LUSA helps turn ideas into action—and turns students into leaders.
Just as important, LUSA fosters real connection. It’s where friendships are made, networks are built, and soft skills take shape through real-life experience. In a world where leadership matters more than ever, Lincoln gives students a chance to practice it early, through a group that’s run for students, by students.
Focused on the Future
At Lincoln University, the future is a strategic priority. As the pace of change accelerates across industries and around the globe, the university is taking clear, deliberate steps to make sure its programs, tools, and learning environments stay ahead of the curve.
A top priority is the expansion of hybrid and online learning models. By investing in flexible formats without sacrificing depth or quality, Lincoln is opening its doors even wider—to domestic students seeking balance, and to international learners who want a U.S. education without the need to relocate. Integrated learning platforms and digital tools will enhance interactivity, allowing students to collaborate, track progress, and stay engaged from anywhere in the world.
New programs are also on the horizon, particularly in value chain analytics and AI-powered business applications. These offerings are designed to help students navigate the intersections of technology and business—spaces where innovation is rewriting the rules. The goal is simple: produce graduates who can lead, not just adapt.
To support that mission, Lincoln is actively building partnerships with industry leaders and global universities. These collaborations will unlock student exchange programs, real-world project opportunities, and co-developed curricula that offer international reach and immediate relevance.
On campus, Lincoln is doubling down on sustainability and smart infrastructure, creating a learning environment that mirrors its academic values: forward-looking, efficient, and deeply connected. With these bold initiatives, Lincoln University is preparing its students not just for the jobs of today, but for the challenges and opportunities of tomorrow.
Quotes
“At Lincoln University, we are more than just an institution—we are a community.”
“Our mission is to empower students with the knowledge, values, and global mindset to lead in an interconnected world.”
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