Be the director of your own career with one of the nation's best Master's in Film degrees.
Can you envision yourself working closely with actors, directing them intuitively through each take? Or perhaps you like to hang out behind the scenes, editing the narrative into a cohesive whole?
Whether you want to work in production or directing, animation or documentation, an advanced degree in film can help you bring your dreams into focus.
What kind of Master's in Film degree should you get?
Each of the 20 programs on our list will provide a foundation in film theory. However, each program differs in it emphasis, structure, and requirements.
For example, some programs can be completed in under two years and others take a full three. Some programs are fine arts degrees, emphasizing creativity and placing you in workshops. Others are MAs, immersing you in theory coursework and research.
Here at College Choice we've done the work of laying out the details of each program. So you just need to be sure to find the best fit for you and your vision.
You should also consider online education. Not only is it a flexible way to earn your degree, it's often one of the most affordable ways to advance your career. Check out College Choice's Best Online Colleges and Universities.
Accredited Online College Programs
Explore our featured online programs and find the right match for you today.
How much money do people make with a Master's in Film degree?
Because there are many ways to utilize your Master's in Film degree, there are many ways to get paid. But rest well, a job in the film industry is lucrative. For example, film and video editors make over $58,210 a year. And producers and directors make, on average, $71,620 a year.
But for those with experience and advanced education, like MA or MFA graduates, that number leaps up. Executive producers, for example, can make over $90,000 a year.
What can you do with a Master's in Film degree?
A degree in film will open many creative and technical doors for you. Depending on the program, whether it's creative or theory-based, you can end up working in an array of settings, from Hollywood studios to the college classroom.
You can choose to specialize in documentary film and journalism and go on to work with award-winning media outlets. Or you can earn a joint MBA and MFA (such as those offered by New York University and Chapman University) and go on to launch your own production studio.
From cameraman to the director's chair, a Master's in Film will help you get your foot in a competitive industry.
What are the requirements for a Master's in Film degree?
As we've said, the 20 degrees below include everything from graduate certificates to an MA and MFA. The program cultures and emphases vary widely. However, there are a few key requirements that you can anticipate regardless of the program.
You will spend at least one full year taking coursework in film fundamentals. Whether you're earning a creative or theory-based degree, these classes will provide you with the foundation you need. Such classes include:
World Film History
Directing
Storytelling and Narrative
Video and Film Editing
Film Theory
Then, in your second and third year you will have the opportunity to specialize in an area of your personal interest. Finally, many programs encourage you to participate in hands-on experience through workshops, film festivals, study abroad, and networking events. We've been sure to note those.
What are the best Master's in Film degrees?
Some of these programs are creative and others theoretical. Some are offered through arts and design schools while others are offered through large research universities. Butall 20 share one thing in common: they are the nation's best Master's in Film programs.
To find the top programs we looked exhaustively at every program across the country. We first examined academic reputation as well as student retention, since it's a sign of student satisfaction. From there we looked at tuition rates as well as the placements and salaries of graduates to get an idea of the return on investment.
Our comprehensive research thus led us to the nation's best Master's in Film programs.
Our figures and information come from the university and colleges' websites, PayScale, and nationally recognized U.S. News & World Report and The National Center for Education Statistics.
The Top Master's Degrees in Film
See our rankings methodology page.
