Annenberg Honors Program (AHP)
Excellence Without Excuse
(AHP) is a comprehensive learning experience where scholars complete a master’s-level thesis and engage in community service.
The Annenberg Honors Program (AHP) offers a comprehensive experiential learning experience that fosters intellectual growth and academic excellence.
Our students engage in honors courses that culminate in a master’s-level thesis. Beyond academic rigor, AHP students are actively involved in the community and participate in university-wide events, field trips, and off-campus service projects, which enrich their understanding of real-world experiences and broaden their perspectives.
Some benefits of participating in the Annenberg Honors Program include:
- Leadership development
- Honors notation on transcript
- Recognition during graduation exercises
- Eligibility for academic awards
- Lectures by renowned speakers
- Advanced research opportunities
- Personal counseling and academic advising
- Participation in honors communities
- Mentoring by outstanding faculty and university professionals
- Assistance with prestigious scholarships and internships
- Assistance with graduate and professional placement exams
Contact Us
Annenberg Honors Program
Cathy Hughes School of Communications
Washington, DC 20059
Associate Prof. Jennifer Thomas, M.A.
Director
email: Jennifer.Thomas@howard.edu
AHP Gallery
Jennifer Thomas, M.A.
Director of Annenberg Honors Program (AHP) & Associate Professor, Journalism
Message from our Director!
"Welcome to the Annenberg Honors Program (AHP) in the School of Communications at Howard University. Established through an Annenberg endowment, this program provides academically strong students with the opportunity to engage in rigorous and rewarding activities, including academically challenging research that culminates in a thesis on a communications topic.
Over the years, AHP students have presented their thesis research to external audiences, with some projects even resulting in publications or facilitating direct admission to doctoral programs—demonstrating the high quality of research produced in the program. The Annenberg Honors Program, however, is not solely focused on academic research; it also emphasizes meaningful community engagement. Students are active participants both within the university and in surrounding communities, representing the School of Communications and Howard University in various initiatives and fulfilling several hours of required outreach.
The program is proud of its tradition of academic excellence and service, and we invite you to learn more about our mission and activities."
Professor Dr. Kehbuma Langmia
Professor Fatou Sow
Ms. Geneve Greene
Be part of the Annenberg Honors Program by completing the online application. Applications are accepted each Spring for rising sophomores.
For inquiries please contact: Annenberg Honors Program Director, Associate Professor Jennifer Thomas, MA, Annenberg@howard.edu
Course Descriptions
CHON 200: Honors Soph Research Seminar (1 cr.)
Sophomore Honors course emphasizing all aspects of research including design of experiments, analysis and presentation of data, proposal writing, and preparation of journal articles. Intended to prepare students for writing the Senior Thesis.
CHON 300: Honors Jr Research Seminar (1 cr.)
Junior Honors course emphasizing all aspects of research including design of experiments, analysis and presentation of data, proposal writing, and preparation of journal articles. Intended to prepare students for writing the Senior Thesis.
CHON 400: Honors Sr. Research Seminar (1 cr.)
This course provides students with a step-by-step procedure to enable them to complete their final two chapters of their theses. All the five chapters whether qualitatively or quantitatively done, all seniors are expected to abide by the thesis guidelines to complete the theses, especially chapter 4 and 5.
Academic Excellence
Scholars must maintain GPA of 3.5
Scholars present research at academic conferences, during Howard University’s Research Month and take part in exciting field trips and excursions.
Foreign Language Proficiency
Scholars must complete 12 Credits of chosen language
Annenbergers have studied foreign languages in classes, and several have taken part in study abroad programs. Some languages include Swahili, Zulu, French, and Spanish.
Research
Take a look at recently completed research projects by our past AHP Scholars.
Senior Research Thesis / Project
Scholars must complete a research project and 6-credits of AHP research courses
All honors students, intending to graduate with the Annenberg Honors designation on their transcript, are required to write a Senior Research Thesis or conduct a Senior Research Project under the supervision of a faculty mentor/advisor. The thesis provides an opportunity to thoroughly investigate a subject of the scholar’s choice. The research can be quantitative (surveys, experiments, content analyses) or qualitative (interviews, focus groups, textual analyses) research. This research is completed over the span of the scholar’s time in the AHP and is honed during their time in various AHP research courses.
The thesis/research project is comprised of five chapters. Sophomores learn the basics of communications research and general research. They cover the thesis manual and research proposal, then complete the introduction or chapter one. Juniors complete chapters two and three focusing on the literature review, theoretical framework, and methodology/sampling. During the senior year, students are prepared to conduct research and analyze the collected data.
Community Service
Scholars must take part in 20 hours of off-campus service per semester
AHP Scholars are required to complete 20 community service hours per semester served with a group or individually. An altruistic activity intended to promote goodness or improve human quality of life, through helping, assisting, and serving others, with no payment for services. Volunteer service with a department or organization associated with Howard University is prohibited. There should be positive benefits for the volunteer as well as positive improvement for the person or community served.
Previous Community Service activities include:
- Volunteering for voter registration drives
- Working for the Habitat for Humanity
- Tutoring at an elementary or secondary school
- Volunteering with the DC Central Kitchen and Martha’s Table
- Helping a hospital, convalescent home, or orphanage
- Assisting a community sports team such as Little League
- Working with the Salvation Army or need-based establishment
- Helping a community sponsored event such as the Aids Awareness Walk
Please designate your donation to 'Annenberg Honors Program' on the form
AHP graduates have moved on to major achievements:
Dr. Rochelle Ford, was the former 8th President of Dillard University.
Dr. John L. Jackson, Jr. Former Dean of Walter H. Annenberg School of Communication and a University Professor at the University of Pennsylvania. Some of our previous students have been admitted directly into graduate and doctoral degree programs at UPenn.
Depelsha McGruder, Vice President, Chief Operating Officer, and Treasurer of the Ford Foundation
Victoria Kirby York, Director of Public Policy and Programs, former Deputy Executive Director, National Black Justice Coalition, completed her Annenberg Honors thesis that was later published as The Lavender Report by Harvard University. It viewed as a historical documentation of the LGBTQ+ community on Howard's campus.
FAQs
* What makes AHP different?
Critical thinking, participatory learning, and an orientation to leadership are the essential features of the school’s approach to honors education.
*Who can apply for Annenberg?
Current freshmen / rising sophomores are able to apply for AHP. Upper classmen are not eligible to apply.
*When are applications accepted?
Applications are accepted in the Spring semester. An announcement will be sent out to all CHSOC students.
*What majors are accepted?
All undergraduate majors within the Cathy Hughes School of Communications are considered for acceptance.
*How can I learn more about AHP?
You can learn more about AHP at this link.