Learn about undergraduate and graduate program options in film. See what types of degrees are available, what you'll learn and what career options are open to film program graduates.
What Types of Film Degrees Can I Earn?
Undergraduates are usually awarded with a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) or Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) in Film Studies. If you're interested in graduate programs, you can earn a Master of Arts (M.A.), Master of Fine Arts (MFA) or Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in the fields of filmmaking, film studies or film theory. In a film program, you'll learn about the history of cinema, film aesthetics, film philosophy and various techniques used in filmmaking.
Some programs emphasize film analysis and theory, while other programs also allow you to engage in the film production process. Undergraduate programs can provide you with a more general overview of film theory and the movie business, while graduate programs require you to perform specialized film research. Because of the production and film screening requirements, online film degree programs are generally only offered by for-profit universities.
<table border="1"><tr><td><b>Degree Levels</b></td><td> Bachelor's, master's and doctoral degrees</td></tr>
<tr><td><b>Common Courses</b></td><td> Cinematography, screenwriting, film movements, American film, directing</td></tr>
<tr><td><b>Possible Careers</b></td><td> Screenwriter, director, producer, video editor, professor</td></tr>
<tr><td><b>Median Salary (2020)</b></td><td>$76,400 <i>(for producers and directors)</i>*</td></tr>
</table><p><i>Source: *U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics</i>
</p><h3 id="section---WhatCoursesCouldITake">What Courses Could I Take?</h3><p>Undergraduate courses in film studies can teach you about cinema's technological development, current film technology, screenwriting and international cinema. You'll usually be able to choose from concentrations including film analysis, screenwriting, world cinema and performance. Some programs also give you the opportunity to participate in a student film project's development. You might take classes like American film, screenwriting, film movements, directing and cinematography. Specialized classes can cover genres, time periods and directors.
</p><p>If you decide to pursue a graduate degree in film, most programs will require you to select a focus. These specializations might include documentaries, film and culture, European film or advanced film production. Ph.D. programs usually expand on theory and production skills, training you to become as adept behind the camera as you are in front of the screen dissecting films. Some Ph.D. programs require you to be proficient in one or more foreign language if you're focusing on international film research.
</p><h3 id="section---WhatCanIDoWithMyDegree">What Can I Do with My Degree?</h3><p>With a film degree, you might qualify for a career as a director, producer, cinematographer, camera assistant, video editor or screenwriter. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reported that director and producer positions were predicted to increase twelve percent from 2019-2029 (<i>www.bls.gov</i>). Camera operator and editor jobs were projected to rise 10% during the same period. This growth was faster than average compared to other job sectors, but competition in the film industry can be very intense.
</p><p>If you receive your Ph.D., you could teach film studies at the college level. According to the BLS, postsecondary teaching positions were predicted to increase 9% from 2019-2029, much faster than average for other jobs. Job opportunities for professors were expected to rise as more students enroll in college, but full-time teaching positions will be limited as colleges hire more part-timers, reported the BLS.</p>
