Media, Journalism and Film

About MJF

The Department of Media, Journalism, and Film prepares students for the dynamic media world of today and the future through a combination of core and specialized courses.

Drawing from digital audio/radio, digital video/television, film production, scriptwriting, reporting, and broadcast (radio and television), as well as print, mobile, and online news, the department addresses current industry standards, trends in media convergence, and community needs while honoring Howard University’s historic mission.

Bringing together several intellectual and creative disciplines within the School, the department focuses on effective communication at local, regional, national, and global levels. Students can earn a Bachelor of Arts specializing in media and film, journalism, or interdisciplinary studies (build a major), as well as a Master of Fine Arts in Film.

As film and television production students, you will study every aspect of the TV and filmmaking process, from development, scriptwriting, and pre-production to production, post-production, and distribution. Our audio production students study the science of sound and digital audio, including recording voice and environmental sounds, digital editing, mixing, and mastering. And as broadcast and digital journalists, you will fulfill one of the most vital roles in society: defending the First Amendment, the cornerstone of our democracy.

Come join us in the Department of Media, Journalism and Film!

The MET Building

300 Bryant St. NW,

Room 101-C1

Washington, DC 20001

Chair: Ingrid Sturgis

email: isturgis@howard.edu

Phone (202) 806-7927

Ingrid Sturgis, M.A.

Chair, Media, Journalism and Film & Associate Professor

A Message from our Chair!

"Welcome to the Department of Media, Journalism, and Film. For over half a century, we have led the way in producing Black media practitioners. Whether your passion is journalism, audio production, filmmaking, or TV production, you’ll focus on learning by doing, gaining hands-on experience to tell the stories of hidden figures in innovative ways—both in front of the camera and behind the scenes.

Our graduates are Pulitzer Prize and Emmy Award winners, newsroom leaders, independent filmmakers, media creators, and digital innovators. Many also hold key roles as media executives and entrepreneurs, shaping the future of the industry."

Our Programs

MFA Film

In 1983, Howard University’s Board of Trustees approved the establishment of the first—and still the only—graduate-level film degree offered at an HBCU with the creation of the MFA Film Program.

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Howard University MFA Film Students on set of film production

Tech Center Guidelines

MFA Film students on set in Ohio

MJF students requesting to use Howard University equipment must submit an "Equipment Reservation" and have it approved by their professor.  

Once approved, students must complete a "Statement of Responsibility" liability form and attach it to the reservation in order to take the equipment with them.

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Our Faculty & Staff

Shahriar Shafiani, PhD

He/Him

Assistant Professor

Media, Journalism, Film & Communication

Dominic K. McKenzie, M.A., ACB

he/him/his

Director, Howard University Multicultural Media Academy

Media, Journalism, Film & Communication

Deron Snyder, M.S.

he/him/his

Lecturer

Media, Journalism, Film & Communication

Jennifer C Thomas, Director, Annenberg Honors Program

Associate Professor

Media, Journalism, Film & Communication

Quazi Zebunnahar Ahmed, PHD

She, her

Adjunct Lecturer

Media, Journalism, Film & Communication

Ericka Blount

she/her

Lecturer

Media, Journalism, Film & Communication

Idit Dvir

Associate Professor

Media, Journalism, Film & Communication

Heidi Gerber-Salins, M.A.

she/her/hers
Media, Journalism, Film & Communication

Maha Haddad, MFA, M.A.

She/Her

Master Instructor

Media, Journalism, Film & Communication

Nikole Hannah-Jones

Knight Chair in Race and Journalism

Media, Journalism, Film & Communication

Yanick Rice Lamb, Ph.D.

Professor

Media, Journalism, Film & Communication

Gracie Lawson-Borders, PHD

Professor and Dean Emerita

Media, Journalism, Film & Communication

Christine McWhorter, Ph.D.

She/Her

Assistant Professor of Broadcast Journalism

Media, Journalism, Film & Communication

Srikanth Nandigama

Assistant Professor and Film-TV Sequence Coordinator

Media, Journalism, Film & Communication

Akosua Adoma Owusu

she/her

Assistant Professor of Film

Media, Journalism, Film & Communication

Vasilios Papaioannu, MFA

Assistant Professor

Media, Journalism, Film & Communication

Stacey Patton, Ph.D.

Media, Journalism, Film & Communication

Jami Ramberan, MFA

She, Her

Associate Professor

Media, Journalism, Film & Communication

Vicci Saunders, MFA

Associate Professor
Media, Journalism, Film & Communication

Shom Shamapande

He/Him

Lecturer

Media, Journalism, Film & Communication

Ingrid Sturgis, M.A.

She/Her/Hers

Department Chair

Media, Journalism, Film & Communication

Sonja Williams

She, her

Professor

Media, Journalism, Film & Communication