Why Choose Howard
Why Students Choose Howard
Since 1960, undergraduate and graduate students from across the country and the globe have chosen Howard – a leading research-intensive, historically Black private university – for its reputation of academic excellence and distinction in the fine and performing arts, research prominence, and distinct location in the global capital of the world, Washington, D.C.
The Howard University Chadwick A. Boseman College of Fine Arts commits itself to producing leaders for America and the international community. Students like you, across over 25 Howard Master’s of Fine Arts, Bachelor's of Fine Arts, Master's of Music and Bachelor's of Music degree programs with specializations, turn their education and research passions into a relentless pursuit of ideas to solve some of the globe’s toughest challenges and make an impact on the world. Our institutional motto, Veritas et Utilitas (Truth and Service), is woven throughout our artistic and scholarly activity, and our faculty and students are driven by a deep-rooted sense of purpose and inquiry.
Top-Ranked Academics
Ranked among the nation’s most innovative Fine Arts Colleges, Howard has been a global leader in innovation for more than a century, with its high-quality undergraduate and graduate programs, internationally recognized faculty, and commitment to impactful research. In fact, 98% of incoming students cite the outstanding reputation of their program of study as important in their decision to enroll at Howard, and our academic offerings are constantly evolving to meet global workforce needs. At Howard’s Chadwick A. Boseman College of Fine Arts, you can choose from over 25 degree programs with specializations that deeply immerse you in your chosen discipline, while encouraging you to synthesize knowledge across diverse fields of study.
Nationally Recognized Faculty
You'll work closely with faculty who are committed to innovative teaching at every level, inspired by your ideas, and invested in your personal development and professional success. Howard faculty bring years of experience into the classroom as leading artists, administrators, educators, industry experts, practitioners, and researchers. Their access to global networks and connections in their industries also means you'll have access to a strong network of mentors. Over the years, the College of Fine Arts has graduated world-renown alumni, including Debbie Allen, Anthony Anderson, Chadwick Boseman, Bisa Butler, David Driskell, Bennie Golson, Donnie Hathaway, Roberta Flack, Taraji P. Henson, Lois Mailou Jones, Jessye Norman, James Porter, Phylicia Rashad, Wendy Raquel Robinson, Roxie Roker, Richard Smallwood, Alma Thomas, and more.
Living & Learning in Washington, D.C.
You'll have the unparalleled advantage of studying, working, living in the nation's capital, and accessing all D.C. has to offer. Our location in the global capital city of Washington, D.C., places our students at the center of policymaking and the most salient and timely dialogues in every field of study. Consistently named one of the best cities in the U.S. for young professionals, the D.C. area offers unmatched networking opportunities and access to a robust entrepreneurial community, federal agencies, think tanks, professional associations, and the nation's top employers. Howard's campus is a global convener of award-winning artists, diplomats, policymakers, and business executives who spend time on our campus as guest lecturers. You can check out The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts or walk through the African American museum or one of the many nearby theatre's, music halls, art galleries, and so much more. The city's attractive mix of global diversity, vibrant cultural and arts scene, family-friendly recreation, and wealth of enrichment opportunities make it an ideal place to pursue your undergraduate and graduate studies.
A Globally Diverse & Inclusive Community
The global diversity of our College community is evident the moment you set foot on campus and widely reflects the globe’s community of Artist Scholars. Undergraduate and Graduate students enroll at Howard each year from over 50 countries and represent nearly every continent of the world and state across the U.S. We respect the profound ways this rich blend of cultures, customs, and languages enriches our teaching and scholarship. Our students are making a name for themselves; they are Undergraduate and Graduate Fellows/Interns, Apprentices', Fulbright Scholars, industry executives, and entrepreneurs. We are committed to fostering a supportive and inclusive educational environment for all members of our university community and educating a generation of globally-connected leaders.
A Supportive Alumni Network
As a graduate of Howard, you have the strength of the Bison network behind you. The Howard University Alumni Network offers several opportunities to enhance your community and professional network opportunities. Alums of our programs include can be found throughout the world. They are founders of companies and social impact initiatives, experts in their fields of study, business CEOs, artists, administrators, educators, consultants, related-industry personnel, and faculty at universities and colleges across the U.S. You can connect with them at professional and networking events offered through the Alumni Association or our various academic departments. We regularly invite our graduate alums back to campus to meet with current undergraduate and undergraduate students and provide their advice and mentorship. Our alums periodically seek ways to give back to the student experience. So you'll have access to alums interested in your professional and personal success.
