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Earning a Degree in Film

Earning a Degree in Film

A Degree in Film (sometimes also listed as a Degree in Cinema) offers students a foundation in all aspects of film creation and production. This includes opportunities to engage traditional and digital filmmaking while learning how to become visual storytellers. 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?

A Degree in Film can fun and exciting as students explore the aspects of visual storytelling. This career field isn't just about visuals, however. There are many opportunities to work behind the scenes in film as an audio engineer, a location sound professional, and in audio post-production. There are also opportunities in set design, wardrobe, special effects, and production logistics.

Getting a Degree in Film

Bachelor’s in Film

A Bachelor’s Degree in Film typically takes 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 shows potential clients and hiring managers the student is serious about their career in film.

While it's true that you don't need an advanced degree to make or screen a film, there are many aspects of the film industry aside from directing, producing, or acting in films. A film degree for military and veteran students can open the door to many behind-the-scenes career options some don't realize even exist.

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.

GI Bill-approved Schools Offering a Film Degree

Ready to earn your Degree in Film?  Check out these great programs available at our partner schools:

 

Fully Online Film Degrees

University of Arizona

Offers a fully online Bachelor of Arts in Film and Television. A Degree in Film and Television is also offered as a campus-based program as a Bachelor of Arts and as a Bachelor of Fine Arts.  University of Arizona is a GI Bill® approved school, offers credit for military experience, and awards credit for both the CLEP and DSST exams. University of Arizona is a Yellow Ribbon school and is approved for Tuition Assistance.