Considering a career in entertainment, but still want that “A Different World” experience that your friends and family will probably never stop bragging about? If so, then you may want to consider these eight colleges and universities. While Juilliard, Yale, NYU, Berklee, and others are often lobbied as the best choices for students who want to pursue careers in acting, music, directing, and more—there are also credible HBCUs that have not only put major names on the big & small screens and concert stage, but also behind the scenes as executives at major networks, agencies, studios, and music companies.
A number of factors were considered when compiling this list. In entertainment, it is widely accepted that what you decide to major in “doesn’t matter”; however, there are some majors that may better equip you with skills to succeed within the industry. The locations of the colleges and universities were also taken into account, as proximity to or presence in major markets plays a significant role in the types of opportunities students may (or may not) be able to access. Of additional relevance are the types of companies where graduates in entertainment are currently employed, as well as famous/notable alumni.
3Morehouse College
Yet another beneficiary of Atlanta’s booming atmosphere, Morehouse (also part of the AUC) has had a long history of producing graduates who go on to have successful careers in the entertainment field. The late Shakir Stewart (who was an EVP at Def Jam at the time of his passing) and gospel stars Byron Cage and Canton Jones are among the college’s notable alumni and famed hip-hop producer Metro Boomin (Future, Drake, Kanye West) recently attended. Currently, Morehouse alumni hold positions at companies such as Parkwood Entertainment, Soundcloud, Spotify, CAA, and Artist Publishing Group. On the film and TV side, Morehouse boasts such graduates as directors Spike Lee (She’s Gotta Have It, Malcolm X, Do the Right Thing) and Seith Mann (“The Wire,” “Grey’s Anatomy”) and actors Samuel L. Jackson and Rockmond Dunbar (“Soul Food,” “Prison Break,” “Sons of Anarchy”).
