Welcome to HillmanTok University, where diversity is celebrated, and TikTok is your classroom.
At a time when efforts to censor history and restrict access to education are making headlines, a dynamic community of Black educators and professors are taking their talents to HillmanTok University.
This revolutionary TikTok learning platform offers courses on everything from Black history to financial literacy and makes learning more accessible for everyone.
The viral trend started with Dr. Leah Barlow, an African American studies professor at North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University (NC A&T), who used the social media platform to interact with her actual students. As her videos gained traction, other minority professors followed suit.
Now, educators worldwide are sharing their courses, complete with syllabi, reading materials, and more, to help students merge their love for TikTok with their desire to learn.
@djneurospicy @HillmanTok University Official Everyone go follow this account! Literally the best mistake ever made ???? #hillmantok #blacktok @Dr. Barlow’s Intro to Af-Am ♬ original sound – AJ or Angie
If you want to enroll (and it’s completely free, by the way!), here’s a look at all the courses currently being offered at HillmanTok University.
But first…
Where Did the Name HillmanTok Come From?
HillmanTok is a tribute to Hillman College, the fictional HBCU from the popular sitcom “A Different World.”
The show, known for its witty and heartfelt portrayal of campus life, remains a cultural staple, especially for those who appreciate its positive depiction of Black people pursuing higher education.
The Best HillmanTok University Courses To Take In 2025
1. Intro To African American Studies
@afamstudiesWelcome to Intro to African-American Studies Spring 2025!♬ original sound – Dr. Barlow’s Intro to Af-Am
Dr. Leah Barlow initially used TikTok to engage with her in-person students, sharing her syllabus, outlining course expectations, and detailing the reading materials needed for the semester.
Now, she’s expanded her reach, offering a TikTok syllabus for new enrollees. Recently, she highlighted some of the materials she’ll be using in her spring coursework, including The Forgotten Socialist History of MLK Jr., The Condemnation of Suicide by Khalil Gibran Muhammad, and Revolutionary Suicide by Huey P. Newton.
@afamstudiesMy list for Black Studies changes every year and is limited to time. Although this is not comprehensive, it’s my starting point. Hope you enjoy!♬ original sound – Dr. Barlow’s Intro to Af-Am
2. AI And Afrofuturism
@nadiyahjohnson_ Enroll in AI and AfroFuturism 101 Spring 2025 Follow to enroll #hillmantok #hillman #tiktokuniversity #drbarlow #studentlife #college #artificialintelligence ♬ original sound – Nadiyah Johnson
This spring, Dr. Nadiyah Jonhson will teach an AI and Afrofuturism 101 course, where students can learn about artificial intelligence, its societal strategies, how to get into the industry, and AI ethics.
3. Behavioral Science 101: Understanding & Influencing Human Behavior
@mental_playbook Welcome to Behavioral Science 101: Understanding & Influencing Human Behavior #tiktokuniversity #hbcu #drbarlow #hilmantok #drchristy #psychology ♬ original sound – Richelle Dixon, QMHP
Behavioral scientist and author Rochelle Dixon is breaking down the complexities of human behavior this spring.
Her course explores the psychology behind why people act the way they do and teaches ethical strategies for influencing behavior in marketing, leadership, and social impact campaigns.
See the complete coursework outline here.
4. Brand Building 101
@notsoceo Class is about to be in session. If you’ve ever wanted to learn how to build a household brand for yourself or potential clients you’ve come to the right place. My name is Professor Brittany Antoinette and I’m excited to work with you all this semester. Let me know if you’ll be adding this elective to your class schedule in the comments. Class starts February 3rd ✨. #hillmantokuniversity #hillmantok #tiktokuniversity #drbarlow #fyp #brand #branding #marketing #founder #creative #entrepreneurship #college #collegelife #classes #homework #spring2025 ♬ Jazz Bossa Nova – TOKYO Lonesome Blue
Ever dreamed of creating a household-name brand for yourself or future clients?
This spring, Professor Brittany Antoinette is bringing her expertise to HillmanTok University to help you do just that. If you’re an entrepreneur, brand influencer, or aspiring brand owner, this is one class you don’t want to miss.
Class starts February 3rd!
5. Graphic Design 101
@iamcaseyrenae Welcome to HillmanTok, I am Professor Casey Renae, a graphic designer with a bachelor’s in Graphic Communications and a MFA in Advertising Design. I am also @Adobe certified in Illustrator. Like and Follow for Class Dates and Schedule for the 2025 Semester. #hillmancollege #tiktokuniversity #hillmanuniversity @Michaele | Content creator (Yes, I am an actual Graphic Arts Teacher ????) #hillmantok #spring2025 ♬ original sound – Casey Renae
Ready to bring your creative visions to life? Professor Casey Renae, a seasoned graphic designer with a Bachelor’s in Graphic Communications and an MFA in Advertising Design, is here to guide you.
This course covers the fundamentals—typography, color theory, Adobe Illustrator, and Canva—while helping you unlock your creative potential. She’s truly every digital creator’s dream teacher!
6. The Psychology Of Self-Care, Wellness, And The Black Mental Health Experience
@livenaturallylove See you next week with your requirements for this course! #drbarlow #psychology #tiktokuniversity #hillmantok #discussionboard ♬ original sound – The Self Love Queen
In this course, Professor Denise Francis delves into the distinctions between coping and healing while exploring the profound link between mental health and self-love.
She also examines the impact of transgenerational trauma on Black women at a cellular level and beyond.
Other HillmanTok University Programs Include:
Wealth Building 101
@numberloverchick #hillmantok #wealth #buildwealth ♬ original sound – Kimi Ellen
Gut Health 101
@wellnessredefined #hillmantokuniversity #drbarlow #tiktokuniversity #college #collegelife #studentlife #homework #classes #fyp #foryourpage #guthealth #rootcausemedicine @MARANDA | Curls + Beauty ???? ♬ Pop beat BGM / long version(1283324) – nightbird_bgm
Intro To Financial Literacy 101
@thurman.brooks.cp Hump Day keep tracking and we’ll see you Friday! Make it a great day ???? #tiktokuniversity #drbarlow #drchristy #spring2025 #financialfreedom #financialliteracy #accounting #hillmantok ♬ original sound – Thurman Brooks, CPA
Intro To Building Wealth Through The US Tax Code
@the_moneynista Now enrolling. YouTube @themoneynista IG @the_moneynista Instructor: Natasha Verela #tiktokuniversity #Hillmantok #drbarlow ♬ original sound – The Moneynista
Interior Design 101
@georgettemarise All 5k of you are here! Welcome to your Design 101 Semester #tiktokuniversity #interiordesign101 #drbarlow #hillmantok #educationrevolution ♬ original sound – GeorgetteMarise Interiors
How To Break Into Tech
@codecodeworld #tiktokuniversity #tech101 ♬ Computer Love – Zapp
Emotional Intelligence 101
@erinfdarden EMOTIONAL INTELLIGENCE 1:1 has been added to your rooster. I think it’s a great addition to @Dr. Barlow’s Intro to Af-Am and @Dr. Christy classes. All the work is self reflective you will pass so long as you are honest with yourself Books mentioned: Emotional Intelligence 2.0 Permission to Feel Growing Yourself Back Up #springsemester2025 #emotionalintelligence101 #HillmanTok #TikTokUniversity ♬ original sound – Erin | EQ Coach
Which HillmanTok University course will you be taking this spring?
I’m currently enrolled in the Graphic Design class by Professor Casey Renae, and so far, so amazingly awesome.
Let us know yours in the comment section!
