Howard University Cathy Hughes School of Communications
A historically Black university in Washington, D.C., with a film and media program that has produced generations of influential Black filmmakers, writers, and media professionals.
Overview
Howard University's Cathy Hughes School of Communications is one of the most historically significant media programs in the United States, with a legacy of training Black filmmakers, journalists, and media professionals who have shaped American culture. The school's Department of Media, Journalism, and Film offers programs that combine production training with critical media studies and a deep engagement with the African American cultural tradition.
Located in Washington, D.C., Howard University sits at the intersection of government, media, and cultural power. The city's institutions, including the Smithsonian, the National Archives, the Library of Congress, and numerous advocacy organizations, provide rich material for documentary work and research-driven storytelling.
Howard's film program is embedded in a university with a unique cultural mission. The school attracts students who want to tell stories from perspectives that are underrepresented in mainstream media, and its faculty and alumni have been instrumental in expanding the range of voices in American cinema and television.
Programs Offered
- BFA in Film -- undergraduate production covering directing, cinematography, editing, and producing
- BA in Media, Journalism, and Film -- a broader program combining media production with journalism and critical studies
- MFA in Film -- a graduate production program focused on narrative and documentary filmmaking
- MA in Communication, Culture, and Media Studies -- graduate scholarly program in media theory
What Students Should Know
Howard's greatest asset is its community and cultural legacy. Students join a lineage of Black creative professionals who have used media to challenge, inspire, and transform public discourse. The school's alumni network in media, entertainment, and journalism is extensive, and Howard graduates support and mentor each other throughout their careers.
The film program has seen significant investment and growth in recent years, with upgraded facilities and expanded faculty. The school's location in D.C. provides direct access to political and social documentary subjects, and the university's partnerships with organizations including the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation and the National Association of Black Journalists create professional networking opportunities.
Tuition at Howard is approximately $30,000 per year, lower than most private film schools. The university offers merit and need-based financial aid, and several scholarship programs specifically support students in the arts and media.
Students considering Howard should be aware that the film program is smaller than those at USC or NYU, and the production facilities, while improving, are more modest. What Howard offers instead is a culturally rich, mission-driven education that prepares filmmakers to create work with depth, purpose, and historical awareness.
Notable Alumni
Howard University alumni in film and media include Phylicia Rashad (actress), Debbie Allen (director/producer/actress), Taraji P. Henson (actress in Hidden Figures and Empire), Chadwick Boseman (actor in Black Panther), and numerous working directors, producers, and media executives.
See Also
For understanding diversity initiatives in the film industry, see Independent Filmmaking Strategies. To explore tools for planning your production, use the Production Budget Calculator.
