American University

I am currently enrolled as a graduate student at American University. I am working toward a masters degree in film and video. Overall I would rate the experience very high. The pros of the program are numerous and can be very helpful to someone looking for a career in the communications field. First American University has one of the top communications programs in the country, and especially on the East Coast. Secondly there are so many resources afforded to you by the university. There is always... Read More equipment available, computers with the latest software, and knowledgeable professors. Finally American is located in Washington D.C. which provides students with so many opportunities for get real world experience. There are some drawbacks to the program. Like most universities or really anything in life the experience is what you make of it. While classes are relatively small, it is still possible to be lost in the numbers if you do not assert yourself. Also expenses can become a factor. The tuition is not cheap and all those amenities and equipment come from somewhere. Sometimes you can get the feeling from professors and some students that you should have nothing else going in life. That there should be no work, no family, but still have infinite funds to do all these projects and trips.

All of the faculty in the program had - for the most part - extensive experience in the field and were not just "academics". In every class we had guest speakers that were directly in the companies and positions that many of us will be applying for after graduation, and it was very helpful to have their input. At times the program seemed a little outdated in its focus but for the most part, the information was relevant and helpful. A lot of resources were available in terms of equipment and lab time.... Read More Unfortunately, any kind of student aid outside of loans was basically nonexistent for my field.

American University's graduate program in Film and Video offers both advantages and disadvantages. The pros of the program include its location in Washington, DC. Located in the nation's capital, students have various opportunities to engage in various communal, cultural, and political activities such as film screenings, guest speaker presentations, museum exhibits, many of which capture the city's diversity and are free. Public transportation makes the city generally accessible. The program has... Read More a strong history and foundation in documentary filmmaking, especially social and environmental documentaries. The Center for Social Media and the Center for Environmental Filmmaking both boast an extensive body or work that has won many accolades and awards. Both organizations continue to produce many important films while engaging in effective, meaningful advocacy. The school's faculty are knowledgeable, helpful, and accomplished, especially in the area of non-fiction with an exception of a few. According to the new dean, he is trying to develop the school's narrative program by recruiting respected professors, securing funding and affiliations, and creating a new track for video gaming. At the same time, the program is still lacks in human resources that specialize in narrative storytelling. A few members of the faculty are outdated, resorting to old teaching methods and material that does not reflect the technological and commercial advancement of the film industry. The selection of classes are mediocre at times because of the lack of variety, and a few courses could be packaged as DIY classes. Their rental equipment center could use improvement in the quality of equipment and general availability. The most glaring con of the program is the availability, or lack, of financial aid. The program does not provide sufficient funding considering the program's costs and the cost of living in DC. It encourages admitted students to attend with aid the first year, but that aid often decreases or is nonexistent for returning students.