Carrie Hamilton Entertainment Institute
June 6, 2023 2026-09-18 8:05Carrie Hamilton Entertainment Institute
Carrie Hamilton Entertainment Institute
The Carrie Hamilton Entertainment Institute brings together creative communication, storytelling, media, and entertainment through an interdisciplinary approach to undergraduate study.
Founded in memory of actress and writer Carrie Hamilton, the Institute reflects a belief in creativity as a way to connect with others, communicate ideas, and contribute something meaningful. Its Bachelor of Arts in Creative Communications completion program combines the study of film and entertainment with broader skills in communication, media, storytelling, and creative practice.
For students looking to continue beyond undergraduate study, related graduate-level filmmaking study is available through the Master of Fine Arts in Digital Filmmaking.
The institute delivers the Bachelor of Arts in Creative Communications and is part of the Akira Kurosawa School of Film.
2010
established on March 23 by Carol Burnett, in memory of her daughter
90
credits you can transfer in, of the 120 the degree requires
60
units studied here — about two years, or under one with full transfer
9
week courses, with a new one starting every ten weeks
Explore Our Creative Communications Program
Discover the BA in Creative Communications and its Film & Entertainment concentration.
Bachelor’s completion
BA in Creative Communications
Finish the degree you started, with up to 90 credits transferred in.
- Duration
- About 2 years, or under 1 year with the full 90 transfer credits
- Tuition
- $25,975 · $1,050 per course
- Next start
- Every 10 weeks
- Format
- A 90-minute live class, the first hour led by the professor
- Credits
- 60 units at Anaheim, of 120 for the degree
- Structure
- 20 courses across four areas of competence
Akira Kurosawa School of Film
MFA in Digital Filmmaking
Advance your filmmaking practice through graduate study in storytelling, production, and digital media.
- Duration
- About 3 years, in nine-week courses
- Tuition
- $37,975 · $2,000 per course
- Next start
- Every 10 weeks
- Format
- Weekly live class, plus a residency in Hollywood or Tokyo
- Credits
- 56 units
- Structure
- 14 courses — nine core, three electives and a two-term thesis project
“Every day, I wake up and decide… Today, I’m going to love my life.”Carrie Hamilton
Compare Film & Entertainment Programs
| Program | Level | Duration | Credits | Entry requirement | Tuition |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| BA in Creative Communications — Film & Entertainment | Bachelor’s Completion | About 2 years | 60 units | Existing college credit, such as an associate degree or enough undergraduate courses | $25,975 |
| Master of Fine Arts in Digital Filmmaking | Master’s | About 3 years | 56 units | — | $37,975 |
2010
the year Carol Burnett founded this institute in memory of her daughter, the actress Carrie Hamilton
USC & UCLA
where the film school’s founding dean taught before Anaheim University
99%
student satisfaction rate, 2025 program average
Accredited
by the Distance Education Accrediting Commission, recognized by the U.S. Department of Education and CHEA
Meet Our Faculty
Learn from experienced academics and professionals who bring subject expertise, research, and real-world perspective into the classroom.
David Desser, Ph.D.
Professor Emeritus and Founding Dean of the Akira Kurosawa School of Film. Has taught at the University of Southern California and UCLA.
Vikram Channa
Associate Dean of the Akira Kurosawa School of Film, and a Vice President at Warner Bros. Discovery.
Alison Marek, MFA
Award-winning writer and director. MFA, New York University.
Dallas King, MFA
Award-winning director and producer. MFA in Directing and Production, University of California, Los Angeles.
How You’ll Study
Study through a structured online format that combines guided coursework, live interaction, and creative projects designed around film, media, and communication.
Nine-Week Courses
Complete focused courses over nine weeks, with new terms beginning every 10 weeks.
Live Online Classes
Join 90-minute live classes that combine faculty-led instruction with discussion and interaction.
Creative Project Work
Apply what you learn through assignments and projects in storytelling, communication, and digital media.
Flexible Online Study
Complete most coursework online while continuing to manage work and other commitments.
Hear from Film and Entertainment Professionals
Explore conversations with filmmakers, creatives, and industry professionals as they share perspectives on storytelling, production, communication, and working across film and entertainment.
Explore Our Schools & Institutes
Discover the schools and institutes behind each area of study and see how they connect across the University.
Talk to a Film & Entertainment Advisor
Not sure which creative program is right for you? Speak with an advisor to compare the bachelor’s and graduate pathways, discuss your background and goals, and understand which option best fits your next stage of study.
