HBCU Performing Arts Colleges You Should Explore

From the Sonic Boom of the South to the Marching 100 — HBCUs are known for their stellar music programs and bringing some of the most awe-inspiring performances to life. HBCUs offer a wealth of programs in the performing arts that can help you hone your artistic craft.

If you're interested in pursuing a career as an actor, dancer , choreographer, or even if you have interest in the technical side of theater, like being a producer or stage technician, below is a comprehensive list of HBCUs across America that have something for you! 

• Alabama A&M University - Performing Arts - Huntsville, AL

• Alabama State University - College of Visual & Performing Arts - Montgomery, AL

• Albany State University - Department of Visual & Performing Arts - Albany, Georgia

• Alcorn University - Performance Department - Lorman, MS

• Arkansas Baptist College - Department of Fine & Performing Arts - Little Rock, AR

• Bethune-Cookman University -  Department of Music - Daytona Beach, FL 

• Bowie State University - Fine & Performing Arts Center - Bowie, MD

• Central State University - Department of Fine & Performing Art - Wilberforce, OH

• Claflin University - Department of Music - Orangeburg, SC

• Clark Atlanta University - Theater & Communication Studies - Atlanta, GA

• Coahoma Community College - Music Department - Clarksdale, MD

• Coppin State University - Theater Arts Program - Baltimore, MD

• Delaware State University - Department of Mass Communications, Visual and Performing Arts - Dover, DE

• Dillard University - College of Arts and Sciences - New Orleans, LA

• Elizabeth City State University - Department of Music and Visual Arts - Elizabeth City, NC

• Fayetteville State University - Department of Performing and Fine Arts - Fayetteville, NC

• Fisk University -  Arts & Music Academic Department - Nashville, TN

• Florida A&M University - Department of Music - Tallahassee, FL

• Fort Valley State University - Visual and Performing Arts and Media Studies - Fort Valley, GA

• Grambling State University - Department of Visual & Performing Arts - Grambling, LA

• Hampton University - Department of Fine and Performing Arts - Hampton, VA

• Howard University - Department of Theatre Arts - Washington D.C.

• Huston-Tillotson University - Department of Humanities & Fine Arts - Austin, TX

• Jackson State University - Department of Art and Theater - Jackson, MS

• Kentucky State University - School of Humanities & Performing Arts - Frankfort, KY

• Langston University - Music Education - Langston, OK

• Lincoln University - Visual and Performing Arts Department - Lincoln, PA

• Morehouse College - Theater and Performance - Atlanta, GA

• Morgan State University - Department of Fine & Performing Arts - Baltimore, MD

• Norfolk State University - Visual & Performing Arts -  Norfolk, VA

• North Carolina A&T State University - Department of Visual and Performing Arts - Greensboro,NC

• North Carolina Central University - Theater Department - Durham, NC

• Philander Smith College - Visual and Performing Arts - Little Rock, AR

• Prairie View A&M University - Department of Music - Prairie View, TX 

• Rust College - Music Program - Holly Springs, MS

• Saint Augustine’s University - Theater Department - Raleigh, NC

• Savannah State University - Visual and Performing Arts Program - Savannah, GA

• Shaw University - Department of Visual and Performing Arts - Raleigh, NC

• Shorter College - School of Fine & Performing Arts - Rome, GA

• Southern University and A&M - Speech and Theater Program - Baton Rouge, LA

• Southwestern Christian University - Department of Creative Arts - Bethany, OK

• South Carolina State University - Department of Visual & Performing Arts - Orangeburg, SC

• Spelman College - Department of Drama and Dance - Atlanta, GA 

• Tuskegee University - Department of Fine and Performing Arts  - Tuskegee, AL 

• Texas Southern University - Department of Visual and Performing Arts - Houston, TX 

• Tougaloo University - Department of Visual and Performing Arts - Tougaloo, MS

• Tennessee State University - Department of Communications - Nashville, TN

• Virginian Union University - School of Arts and Sciences - Virginia Union University, VA

• Virginia State University - Drama Minor - Virginia State University, VA

• West Virginia State University - Department of Music - Institute, WV

• Winston-Salem State University - Arts and Entertainment Department - Winston-Salem, NC

• Xavier University of Louisiana - Department of Art

Attending a HBCU with a notable performing arts program offers several advantages. First, HBCUs provide a supportive and nurturing environment that encourages creativity and self-expression. Second, HBCUs have a rich cultural heritage that can inspire and inform the artistic work of students. Finally, attending an HBCU can provide students with unique opportunities to connect with other performers, artists, and industry professionals.

In conclusion, if you're passionate about the performing arts and want to pursue a career in this field, attending an HBCU with a notable performing arts program may be the perfect choice for you. These institutions offer quality education, hands-on training, and a supportive environment that can help you reach your full potential as a performer, artist, or creative professional.

Planning education moves? Use our career insights tool to research education and certifications needed to succeed in your field, salary ranges in your profession, and the overall prospects of your industry.