Whether you’re an aspiring director, video editor, actor, or visual storyteller, you can channel your passion for film into a film degree.
Pursuing a film degree can give you the chance to enhance your artistic and technical skills while learning about the ins and outs of filmmaking. As the demand for film, video, and other types of digital media grows, studying film as an undergraduate can offer a well-rounded education and help you build your portfolio.
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Beyond the cinematic arts, a film degree can also help open up diverse career pathways, from advertising to motion graphics.
Online Bachelor’s in Film Degrees
Bachelor’s programs in film explore modern techniques in film production along with film criticism and theory. They’re typically very hands-on and give opportunities to exercise creativity and work on productions with your peers.
Most film degrees are for either a BA (Bachelor of Arts) or a BFA (Bachelor of Fine Arts).
BA in Film degree programs usually put more emphasis on film theory and include more liberal arts courses, such as psychology and communication. On the other hand, BFA programs are usually more focused on practice, with specialized classes that require plenty of creative output.
Either way, a film bachelor’s program will likely tackle the following topics:
- Film history and criticism
- Storytelling
- Directing
- Screenwriting
- Cinematography
- Production management
- Post-production
- Video and sound editing
- Art direction
Typically, during the first part of the program, film majors are introduced to the major elements of films, from scene structure to lighting.
Once you have a solid foundation in film theory, your program will likely immerse you in all of the major stages of film production. This can help you get a feel for the various roles possible in the film industry.
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You could get experience with skills such as video editing, shooting scenes, and writing stories for the screen. Since the scope of a film major can be broad, most programs allow students to choose specializations. You’ll likely have to create a film from scratch as a graduation requirement, often in collaboration with your peers.
Ultimately, a film degree can be a stepping stone for various jobs in a range of industries. In the film industry alone, film graduates are spread out across different roles, including screenwriting, directing, production design, and visual effects.
At the same time, a film degree can also help prepare you for work outside the film industry.
The concepts and techniques behind filmmaking can work well for other media productions, such as social media videos, theater plays, and advertisements. As a result, many film graduates go into marketing, communication, photography, and other fields that value storytelling and aesthetics.
Film and Media Careers & Salaries
When you earn a film degree from an accredited school, there are a number of careers that you may pursue.
Most film majors choose this degree because they want to create their own productions, whether they’re interested in writing, acting, or post-processing. Depending on their skill set, film majors might become screenwriters, directors, producers, film critics, videographers, or sound designers.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, these are some common film and media careers, along with their median salaries.
| Careers | Annual Median Salaries |
| Art Directors | $100,890 |
| Producers and Directors |
$79,000 |
| Special Effects Artists and Animators | $77,700 |
| Film and Video Editors | $62,680 |
| Writers and Authors | $69,510 |
| Public Relations Specialists | $62,800 |
| Set and Exhibit Designers | $54,860 |
| Camera Operators, Television, Video, and Film | $49,230 |
| News Analysts, Reporters, and Journalists | $48,370 |
| Photographers | $38,950 |
Most of the jobs that film graduates pursue are in the creative fields, but they can also use their experience with media production to venture into other fields.
For example, film graduates may work in marketing and public relations agencies, where they can specialize in media and content creation. Others work as journalists and reporters, while some may even help manage events or become teachers and film scholars.
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There’s also growing demand for video editors and special effects artists across other industries because more companies are using videos and motion graphics for their marketing.
Film Bachelors Curriculum & Courses
A film program will generally feature these core courses:
- Introduction to Film: This course looks at the filmmaking industry as a whole and explores the different components of films, including cinematography, directing, and sound.
- Film Theory and Criticism: This class can help you learn how to analyze films on a deeper level and break them down based on fundamental elements, such as genre and style.
- Film History: This course delves into the development of films, from silent films all the way to modern films, and tackles American films along with international cinema.
- Cinematography and Lighting: This class can give you opportunities to practice using professional cinematography, composition techniques, and modern equipment to shoot scenes with the right mood and message.
- Introduction to Scriptwriting: This course delves into the fundamentals of screenwriting and storytelling and different screenplay structures.
- Sound Production and Design: This class provides opportunities to create, tweak, and curate audio for media productions with tools like professional sound editors, mixing software, and sound recording devices.
- Post-Production and Editing: This course provides training in creative and technical aspects of video editing, including color grading, special effects, and data management.
- Fundamentals of Film Production: This class examines the end-to-end process for film production, such as choosing cast and crew, making artistic decisions, and managing project timelines.
- Film Production Project: This hands-on course can give you the opportunity to create your own production from scratch, starting with research and storyboarding all the way to recording and post-production.
- Research Methods for Films: This class provides practice in writing academically about film topics. Common assignments include film research projects and critical assessments of films.
Most degree programs also offer electives and specializations so you can customize your film studies to match your interests.
Bachelor of Film Admissions Requirements
To apply for a film program, you’ll likely have to submit these materials:
- High school transcripts. Your transcripts provide schools with your grades and prove that you’ve graduated from high school.
- Recommendation letters. These are often from academic references, such as teachers or advisors.
- Standardized test scores. It’s still standard for programs to ask for your SAT or ACT scores, though a growing number of schools no longer require them.
- Personal essay. You can use your personal essay to explain what makes you suited for the program.
The first step for admission is usually to submit an online application form on your prospective school’s website.
Accreditation for Bachelors in Film Programs
There are many colleges for film majors, but not all of them are accredited. Accrediting organizations assess schools based on strict standards, and they only award regional accreditation if schools can prove that they provide high-quality education.
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The Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) has a list of valid accrediting agencies as well as a database of accredited schools.
Federal financial aid is only available to students who attend accredited institutions, and credits earned from an accredited school are more likely to transfer to another program or school. Schools with accreditation are also trusted more by employers.
Financial Aid and Scholarships
To help lighten your college tuition, you can apply for financial aid.
As a start, you can fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). This lets you apply for federal grants and loans as well as work-study programs. Grants are more competitive because they don’t need to be repaid, whereas loans need to be paid back with interest.
You can also explore scholarship opportunities, which can be merit-based or need-based. Many schools have scholarships that are available only to their students, and there are some scholarships that are specifically for film majors.
What Is a Film Major?
A film major covers film theory and the creative process of filmmaking. When you major in film, you’ll have opportunities to learn about the core components of films—including storytelling, sound, and genre—along with the history and culture of film.
Eventually, you’ll have chances to explore the more hands-on side of filmmaking, with most programs culminating in students making their own video productions. With a film degree, you can develop your own artistic style and deepen your knowledge of production and post-production.
Most film graduates end up working in media and communication, with many becoming independent artists.
What Can You Do with a Film Degree?
A film degree can give you a leg up when you’re looking to break into the competitive film, TV, or even general media industry. These sectors have a combined total of more than a million jobs across the US.
Depending on their specialization, film graduates may become sound editors, screenwriters, lighting designers, publicists, actors, and more. Alternatively, graduates can pursue careers in broader creative roles outside of film, including video editing, photography, and event management.
Marketing and advertising are other possible fields, with roles such as market research analyst and public relations specialist.
What Do Film Majors Do?
As a film major, you’ll have opportunities to receive training in the fundamental areas of filmmaking. Each film program is different, but most emphasize core filmmaking processes—such as scriptwriting, cinematography, film production, editing, and sound design.
Since film programs feature plenty of seminar-style classes and workshops, film majors typically graduate with plenty of specialized skills.
Aside from knowing how to collaborate for productions, film majors can develop their visual literacy and learn the logistics behind creating films. They can also get experience using industry tools, such as video editing software and camera equipment.
How Long Is a Bachelor’s Degree in Film Online?
A film degree usually takes 4 years of full-time study to complete. An average bachelor degree amounts to around 120 credits, so the typical pace is to take 30 credits per year.
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Online programs tend to have more flexible options for scheduling, so students may be allowed to study part-time or to take an accelerated track.
If you study part-time, it’ll likely take you longer to finish your program. On the other hand, if your online program offers shorter 8 week terms, you may be able to finish your degree program sooner with full-time, year-round enrollment.
What Jobs Can You Get with a Film Degree?
These are some popular jobs among film graduates:
- Film and video editors. Film and video editors take raw video footage and assemble it into a finished product while tweaking the sound and visuals.
- Special effects artists. Special effects artists and animators use software to create 2D and 3D visuals, from logo animations to full-length films.
- Writers. Some film graduates become screenwriters for film or TV or work in publishing and media as editors and writers.
Film graduates can also pursue a variety of other jobs, including roles related to directing, teaching, and production management.
What’s the Difference between Cinematography vs. Filmmaking Degree?
A filmmaking degree has a broader scope than a cinematography degree.
| Cinematography Degree | Filmmaking Degree |
|
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Most filmmaking programs have one class that’s mainly focused on cinematography. While filmmakers tend to work as directors or producers who are at the head of the entire process, cinematographers work to convey a director’s vision and can oversee camera, light, and audio crews.
There are entire university programs specifically in cinematography. In fact, a growing number offer online cinematography degree programs in addition to their on-campus tracks.
What’s the Difference between a BA vs. BFA in Film Degree?
Most film degrees are either a Bachelor of Arts (BA) or a Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA).
| BA in Film | BFA in Film |
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A degree program for a BA in Film typically has more diverse courses, while a BFA usually has a higher concentration of film classes.
Is a Film Degree Worth It?
Yes, a film degree is worth it for many professionals. If you’re interested in working in film or media, a film degree can give you the technical and creative training needed to gain experience early on. You could also have the chance to build a network of peers and mentors and graduate with a portfolio.
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Many of the top jobs for film graduates are in demand.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that actors, video editors, camera operators, special effects artists, and animators will all have job growth rates that are much faster than average. Overall, media and communication occupations are expected to see 14% job growth over the next ten years (Bureau of Labor Statistics).
Universities Offering Online Bachelors in Film Degree Program
Methodology: The following school list is in alphabetical order. To be included, a college or university must be regionally accredited and offer degree programs online or in a hybrid format.
Students interested in close analysis of film, TV, gaming, and new media may find an excellent fit in Arizona State University’s online Bachelor of Arts in Film program.
The program requires the completion of 120 credits. It focuses on teaching students how to consume media thoughtfully and engage in critical discussions of the content. Graduates of the program pursue a wide range of careers.
Arizona State University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
At Grand Canyon University, the Bachelor of Arts in Digital Film Production program is designed to teach students how to excel as members of a production team. It focuses on developing students’ technical skills and fostering their creativity so they can thrive in the field.
The program requires the completion of 120 credits and can be completed fully online.
Grand Canyon University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Maharishi International University offers a Bachelor of Arts in Cinematic Arts and New Media. The program focuses on how to utilize visual aesthetics, sound, and still or moving images to tell compelling stories. Classes include Cinematography, Social Media Marketing, and The Art of Story. Online classes are 4 to 8 weeks long.
Maharishi International University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Miami International University of Art and Design offers a Bachelor’s in Digital Filmmaking and Video Production. The program focuses on teaching students how to tell stories through the essential elements of filmmaking. Graduates of the program pursue a variety of career options, from movie production to video editing.
All classes are online, and the program can typically be completed in 12 quarters.
Miami International University of Art and Design is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
The Bachelor’s in Media Arts online program at the University of Montana aims to help students hone their craft so they can harness their creative potential. The program places special emphasis on learning interactive media and internet technology to help give students a leg up in roles that require technological competency.
The University of Montana is accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities.
Getting Your Bachelor in Film Degree Online
There are several ways to follow your dream of getting a film degree. A bachelors in film can introduce you to the industry, supply a well-rounded education, and provide feedback and guidance on your personal productions.
You may benefit from the added convenience and flexibility online film schools can provide. You might also be able to choose from more schools across the country if you choose distance learning.
You can start exploring film degrees from accredited universities today to find the program that best aligns with your interests and aspirations.
