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You don’t have to live in Hollywood to become a film writer, producer, or director.
In fact, some of the best film programs in the country are hidden in states like Montana and Michigan! If you’re a creative film buff looking to get in on the action, there are tons of programs for both graduate and undergraduate students. You’ll learn everything from lighting and stage directions to writing for television, film, and more. The below programs have everything you need to succeed in this competitive industry.
What kind of film degree should you get?
If your dream is to work in the entertainment industry, a film degree may be your best bet. But what type of film degree is best for you? If you’re just starting out, you’ll want to look into a comprehensive bachelor’s program that will teach you all of the ins-and-outs. However, if you have some hands-on experience and are looking for an advanced degree, there are plenty of graduate programs that offer more in-depth courses and experiences for students.
If you wish to specialize in a certain area of film, like directing, editing, or screenwriting, you’ll want to look for a degree that offers that focus area. If you’d like to complete a thesis project or capstone, you’ll also want to ensure the program in which you enroll offers that!
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How much money do people make with a film degree?
The amount of money you can earn with a film degree depends on what exactly you decide to do with your degree. For example, video editors and camera operators can earn an average of over $58,000 a year, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, while a producer or director can earn more than $71,500 a year.
Of course, your earnings will depend on your success in the field. If you’re incredibly talented in storytelling, you may very well join the ranks of top-earners like Steven Spielberg and Ron Howard. The good news is that job opportunities in the film industry are on the rise - in fact, jobs are set to increase by more than 10% over the next decade.
What can you do with a degree in film?
From working in television and film to theater and more, there are plenty of opportunities for those who hold a degree in film. Interested in screenwriting? Great! Prefer to work in lighting and audio mixing? Excellent! Working in film doesn’t mean you have to work in New York City or Los Angeles - there are plenty of media hubs scattered throughout the country and around the world that are looking for talented folks in film.
What are the requirements for a degree in film?
The requirements for a degree in film will vary based on the program you’re applying to. If you’re applying to a bachelor’s program, you may not need any experience or a portfolio to be considered for admission.
However, if you’re applying for an advanced degree, you should be prepared to submit some type of visual or written portfolio. Admitted students must usually complete a capstone or thesis project of some sort. Many programs also require students to hold a minimum GPA to be eligible for graduation.
What are the best film degrees?
Below, you will find the best schools out there that offer film degrees. These schools are not only well-known for their film programs but have also been ranked according to instructional excellence, student success, and overall student satisfaction. From California and New York to Boston and Savannah, here are the 25 Best Film Degrees!
Ranking Methodology
We’ve found that the best degrees are those that offer not only fair prices but ample flexibility and convenience as well! To find the best degrees for you, we look at the best schools in the country based on reputation, student satisfaction, program quality, and return on investment. Then we review the bottom line - just how much is this going to cost? Check out our methodology page for a more in-depth description of our data.
Once we determine all of the above, we curate a list of stellar schools for you! These not only represent the best degrees you can get but also ones that will fit your budget. Check out our picks below!
#1 Best Film Degrees
Loyola Marymount University
- Los Angeles, CA
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
The bachelor's in film, TV, and media studies at Loyola Marymount University, a private institution, prepares graduates for the workforce. The school, located in Los Angeles, California, offers both in-person and online classes. Undergraduates benefit from rigorous academic standards and comprehensive college support services.
The program strengthens in-demand skills through general education and major courses. The general education curriculum introduces major academic subjects including humanities, math, and natural sciences. Graduates prepare for the workforce or further education by taking upper-division film classes.
Loyola Marymount University at a Glance:
Admissions Rate: 44%
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 10-to-1
Total Bachelor's Programs: 55
Undergrad Tuition In State: $49,550
Undergrad Tuition Out of State: $49,550
Graduation Rate: 80%
Average Graduate Earnings After Six Years: $53,000
Percent Online Enrollment
6%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior Colleges and University Commission
#2 Best Film Degrees
Boston University
- Boston, MA
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
Boston University offers 109 bachelor's programs, including a bachelor's in film and television. The degree prepares students for a variety of careers in many different industries. After earning a bachelor's degree, graduates can also apply to master's programs to continue their education.
The curriculum covers core and advanced topics in film. In addition to major coursework, undergraduates take general education classes that strengthen their critical thinking skills. Electives, minors, and double majors allow learners to explore other academic and professional interests.
Student services support incoming degree candidates as they begin taking classes. For example, financial aid counselors recommend scholarships while academic advisors suggest course options.
Boston University at a Glance:
Location: Boston, Massachusetts
Type of School: Private
Admissions Rate: 19%
Total Online Bachelor's Programs: 4
Undergrad Tuition In State: $54,720
Undergrad Tuition Out of State: $54,720
Percent Online Enrollment
10%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
New England Commission on Higher Education
#3 Best Film Degrees
Ithaca College
- Ithaca, NY
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
The bachelor's in film, photography, and visual arts at Ithaca College, a private institution, earns top marks. From its Ithaca, New York, campus, the school enrolls degree-seekers in on-campus and online programs. Undergraduates benefit from flexible enrollment options and comprehensive support services.
The curriculum includes film and general education courses. Students complete general education requirements by taking classes in the social sciences, STEM, and humanities. Graduates train for entry-level careers or further education by taking upper-division film classes.
Ithaca College at a Glance:
Admissions Rate: 73%
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 10-to-1
Total Bachelor's Programs: 85
Undergrad Tuition In State: $45,274
Undergrad Tuition Out of State: $45,274
Graduation Rate: 74%
Average Graduate Earnings After Six Years: $41,200
Percent Online Enrollment
14%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Middle States Commission on Higher Education
#4 Best Film Degrees
University of Southern California
- Los Angeles, CA
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
A private institution, University of Southern California enrolls learners in a top-ranked bachelor of arts in cinematic arts, film, and television production. Degree-seekers enroll in online classes and take in-person courses on the Los Angeles campus. Undergraduates benefit from rigorous academic standards and comprehensive college support services.
The curriculum incorporates film and general education courses. Students complete general education requirements by taking classes in the social sciences, STEM, and humanities. Degree candidates gain a theoretical and practical understanding of film, preparing them for the workforce.
University of Southern California at a Glance:
Admissions Rate: 11%
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 9-to-1
Total Bachelor's Programs: 126
Undergrad Tuition In State: $57,256
Undergrad Tuition Out of State: $57,256
Graduation Rate: 92%
Average Graduate Earnings After Six Years: $61,400
Percent Online Enrollment
17%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior Colleges and University Commission
#5 Best Film Degrees
Chapman University
- Orange, CA
- 4 years
- Campus
The bachelor's in film and television production at Chapman University, a private institution, prepares graduates for the workforce. Degree-seekers can choose from in-person classes offered on the Orange campus and online classes. Undergraduates benefit from the school's support services, which include academic and career advising.
Students earn a bachelor's degree after taking film and general education courses. Courses in math, the humanities, and the natural sciences meet general education requirements. Graduates prepare for entry-level roles or further education in advanced film courses, which cover theoretical and practical issues in the field.
Chapman University at a Glance:
Admissions Rate: 56%
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 13-to-1
Total Bachelor's Programs: 56
Undergrad Tuition In State: $54,540
Undergrad Tuition Out of State: $54,540
Graduation Rate: 81%
Average Graduate Earnings After Six Years: $46,900
Percent Online Enrollment
0%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior Colleges and University Commission
