Digital Video Editing Degrees and Courses

Digital video editing degrees and courses are widely available for students at all levels of study, including online courses and programs. Read on to learn more about these programs and the coursework they offer in the technical, conceptual and aesthetic components of video editing.

<h3 id="section---WhatYouNeedToKnow">What You Need To Know</h3> <p>Degree programs and coursework in digital video editing are available at the undergraduate and graduate levels. The coursework often covers topics in film history, post-production and cinematography. Online programs exist for all levels of study. </p> <p /> <table border="1"><tr><td><b>Courses</b></td><td> Editing, sound and audio, cinematic storytelling, editing theory</td></tr> <tr><td><b>Degrees</b></td><td> Associate's, bachelor's, master's degrees</td></tr> <tr><td><b>Online</b></td><td> Online degrees and courses are available</td></tr> </table><h3 id="section---WhatUndergraduateVideoEditingDegreesAreAvailable">What Undergraduate Video Editing Degrees Are Available?</h3> <p>At the undergraduate level, an Associate of Fine Arts in Filmmaking might be available. A Bachelor of Fine Arts in Motion Pictures and Television with an editing emphasis is another option. Editing courses tend to be hands-on and project-based. You can expect to complete increasingly complex videos, starting with short clips and advancing to films. Specialized courses in post-production can include online editing, color correction, motion graphics and sound editing. These courses may also be available: </p> <ul><li>Cinematic storytelling </li><li>Producing </li><li>Composition/written communication </li><li>Film history </li><li>Sound design </li></ul><h3 id="section---WhatGraduateVideoEditingDegreesAreAvailable">What Graduate Video Editing Degrees Are Available?</h3> <p>At the graduate level, Master of Fine Arts in Filmmaking degree programs may offer a focus in editing. These programs often encourage cooperative collaboration among the students on group film projects. In some cases, students have the opportunity to edit several films over the course of the program. These programs might require you to complete short films and edit a thesis film. Online degrees and courses are also available. These topics for graduate-level coursework are available: </p> <ul><li>Cinematography </li><li>Writing shorts for production </li><li>Documentary editing </li><li>Directing actors for motion pictures </li><li>Advanced editing concepts </li></ul><h3 id="section---WhatShouldILookForInADegreeProgram">What Should I Look for in a Degree Program?</h3> <p>Keep in mind that not all film programs include hands-on production work, so it's a good idea to check the courses available before selecting a school. In general, degree programs in film studies are more concerned with the academic analysis of films rather than practicing the art. </p> <p>Look for schools that have post-production facilities; with the advent of digital video cameras, editors nowadays work exclusively with computers. You may consider schools that have editing labs with private editing stations and professional software, such as Avid and Final Cut Pro. Because post-production relies heavily on technology, it's also a good idea to look for schools with technical support available, just in case of technical difficulties. </p> <p>Consider programs in which you learn from the best. Faculty with experience in the video production industry can provide you with valuable feedback and tips on how to secure a job after graduation. You may also look for schools that foster networking between students. Editors work closely with directors; forming close working relationships with classmates in other disciplines could benefit you in the future.</p>