Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) are some of the most well-established and highly respected institutions of higher education in the United States. These institutions have a rich history of providing quality education to African Americans and other minority groups, and continue to do so today. Among the many areas of study that HBCUs excel in, cinematography and film/video production are becoming increasingly popular. If you are interested in pursuing a career in this field and are looking for the best HBCU for cinematography and film/video production, here are some of the top contenders.
Howard University is a private institution located in Washington D.C. that has been ranked among the top 100 national universities by U.S. News and World Report. It is also home to the John H. Johnson School of Communications, which offers a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree with a concentration in film and video production. Students are encouraged to participate in internships and work on projects in Howard’s state-of-the-art production facilities to gain practical experience.
North Carolina A&T State University
North Carolina A&T State University is a public institution in Greensboro, North Carolina, with a strong reputation for scientific research and technological innovation. Its College of Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences houses the Visual and Performing Arts Department, which offers a Bachelor of Science degree in Mass Communication with a concentration in filmmaking. The program emphasizes hands-on experience and provides students with access to a range of digital video equipment.
Hampton University is a private institution located in Hampton, Virginia, with a long history of academic excellence and social activism. The Department of Communicative Sciences and Disorders at Hampton offers a Bachelor of Arts degree in Film and Digital Media, which combines coursework in film theory and history with production classes in areas such as screenwriting, directing, and editing. Students also have the opportunity to gain experience working on films and videos for campus organizations and community groups.
Florida A&M University is a public institution in Tallahassee, Florida, that has been recognized for its commitment to diversity and social justice. The School of Journalism and Graphic Communication at FAMU offers a Bachelor of Science degree in Broadcast and Emerging Media with a concentration in film production. The program includes courses in video editing, post-production, and sound design, and provides students with access to professional-grade video equipment.
Spelman College
Spelman College is a private institution located in Atlanta, Georgia, that is known for its tradition of supporting the education and advancement of women of color. Its Division of Arts houses the Filmmaking Program, which offers a Bachelor of Arts degree in Art with a concentration in filmmaking. Students take classes in screenwriting, cinematography, and directing, and gain practical experience working on film projects both on and off campus.
In conclusion, if you are considering a career in cinematography and film/video production, attending an HBCU can provide you with a strong foundation in this exciting and dynamic field. The institutions listed above are some of the best in the country, and offer a range of opportunities for students to gain both theoretical knowledge and practical experience in film and video production.
