Picture This! Earning a Degree in Film

What can you do with a Film Degree?

A Degree in Film (sometimes also listed as a Degree in Cinema) offers students a solid foundation in all aspects of film creation and production. This includes opportunities to engage both traditional and digital filmmaking while cultivating their own craft as a visual storyteller. Students also take film courses in cultural, historical, and critical studies.

Getting a Degree in Film

A Degree in Film can lead to employment in a variety of different occupations including:

• Filmmaker
• Videographer
• TV/Film director
• Advertising Producer
• Technical Director
• Effects Animator
• Audio Specialist
• News reporter
• Journalist
• Postsecondary teacher
• Writer
• Screenwriter
• Cinematographer
• Editor
• Sound Designer
• Film Distribution

Is a Film Degree hard?

No, a Degree in Film is not difficult! A Degree in Film can fun and exciting as students explore all the aspect of visual storytelling. It also offers students a solid educational foundation should they choose to seek an advanced degree or a career unrelated to a Degree in Film.

Getting a Degree in Film

Bachelor’s in Film

A Bachelor’s Degree in Film will take about four years to complete.

With a Bachelor’s Degree in Film a student can “hit the ground running” as they enter the career field they have prepared for. For those already working in the film industry, a Degree in Film will help advance one’s career affording them greater earning power. It can also be a step towards a master’s degree, or even doctorate!

Jobs with Bachelor’s in Film

• Reporter – Investigate and inform the public about news and events. Median annual salary: $46,000.
• Public Relations Specialist – Develop and maintain a favorable public image for the organization they represent. Median annual salary: $61,000.
• Film Editor – Edit moving images on film, video, or other media. May work with a producer or director to organize images for final production. May edit or synchronize soundtracks with images. Median annual salary: $76,000.
• Director – Makes business and creative decisions about film, television, stage, and other productions. Median annual salary: $79,000.

Master’s Degree in Film

With a Master’s Degree in Film, a student is well on their way to becoming an expert in this field of study. Along with the opportunities to perfect one’s own visual storytelling, a Master’s degree grows students educational foundation including skills in research and other forms of communication (speaking and written). Master’s degrees earn a significant pay bump from a bachelor’s degree and open up opportunities for leadership and supervisory positions.

Jobs With Master’s in Film

• Author – Develop written content for various types of media. Median annual salary: $70,000.
• Producer – Make business and creative decisions about film, television, stage, and other productions. Median annual salary: $79,000.
• Art Director – Responsible for the visual style and images in magazines, newspapers, product packaging, and movie and television productions. Median annual salary: $101,000.
• Public Relations Manager – Direct the creation of materials that will enhance the public image of their employer or client. Median annual salary: $120,000.