15 best film degrees for aspirational filmmakers

15 best film degrees from worldwide 

A film degree may be your best bet if you want to work in entertainment. But which film degree is ideal for you? If you’re just starting, consider a thorough bachelor’s program to teach you everything you need. However, if you have hands-on experience and are searching for an advanced degree, several graduate programs provide students with more in-depth courses and experiences. Many film degrees can be considered the ‘best,’ depending on your interests and career goals. Here are the best film degrees to consider

Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) in Film Production

This degree program typically focuses on hands-on experience in filmmaking, including writing, directing, producing, and editing. Students often create short films or projects and have access to state-of-the-art equipment and facilities.

Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Film Studies

This degree program often focuses on the critical analysis of film and its history, theory, and cultural impact. Students may take film theory, screenwriting, film history, and criticism courses.

Master of Fine Arts (MFA) in Film Production

This advanced degree program is for students who already have a strong foundation in filmmaking and want to deepen their skills and knowledge. Students can specialize in a particular aspect of filmmaking, such as directing or screenwriting, and often complete a thesis project.

Master of Arts (MA) in Film Studies

This graduate degree program focuses on the critical analysis of film and its cultural, social, and political impact. Students may take courses in film theory, film history, and criticism and may also have the opportunity to conduct original research.

Bachelor of Science (BS) in Digital Filmmaking and Video Production

This degree program focuses on the technical aspects of filmmaking, including cinematography, lighting, sound, and editing. Students may have the opportunity to work with professional equipment and software.

Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) in Cinematography

This degree program focuses on the technical aspects of cinematography, including lighting, camera operation, and post-production. Students can work with professional equipment and software and collaborate with other film students on projects.

Master of Fine Arts (MFA) in Cinematography

In this advanced degree program, students can deepen their skills and knowledge in cinematography. Students may take courses in advanced lighting, cinematography theory, and production design and complete a thesis project.

Bachelor of Science (BS) in Digital Cinematography

This degree program focuses on the technical aspects of digital cinematography, including camera operation, lighting, and post-production. Students get to work with professional equipment and software and collaborate with other film students on projects.

Certificate Programs in Film Editing

Some schools offer short-term certificate programs in film editing that can provide the skills you need to start working in the industry. These programs can be an excellent option for quickly gaining skills in a specific area.

Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) in Screenwriting

This degree program typically focuses on the craft of writing screenplays for film and television. Students learn to develop compelling characters, create plotlines, and write engaging dialogue. They may also study the industry’s business side and learn how to market their work.

Master of Fine Arts (MFA) in Screenwriting

This advanced degree program is for aspirants with a strong writing foundation who want to develop their skills further. Students may have the opportunity to work with industry professionals and may be required to complete a thesis project.

Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Film Studies with a Screenwriting Emphasis

This degree program combines the study of film history, theory, and criticism with a focus on screenwriting. Students may take film analysis and screenwriting courses and have the opportunity to produce their original work.

Master of Fine Arts (MFA) in Creative Writing with a Screenwriting Emphasis

This degree program is for students who want to develop their creative writing skills across multiple genres, including screenwriting. Students may take courses in fiction, poetry, playwriting, and screenwriting.

Online Certificate in Screenwriting

An online certificate program may be a good option for those with a degree who want to specialize in screenwriting. These programs typically cover the basics of screenwriting, including story development, character creation, and screenplay formatting.

Certificate in Film Production

This option is ideal for students who want to gain hands-on experience in filmmaking without committing to a full degree program. Certificate programs may focus on specific areas of film production, such as screenwriting, directing, or producing.

Top film Schools for best film degrees

• UCLA
• American Film Institute
• University of Southern California
• California Institute of the Arts
• New York University
• Loyola Marymount University
• Chapman University
• Columbia University
• Los Angeles Film School
• Emerson College
• Vancouver Film School
• National Film and Television School
• London Film School
• Beijing Film Academy
• Wesleyan University
• Boston University
• University of Texas At Austin
• Stanford University
• La Fémis
• Syracuse University
• ArtCenter College of Design
• Rhode Island School of Design
• New York Film Academy
• Łódź Film School

Key takeaways 

• Ultimately, your best film degree will depend on your interests and career goals. It’s essential to research each program thoroughly and choose the one that best aligns with your passions and aspirations.
• As part of your coursework for a film degree, you will likely study cinema history, philosophy, and criticism, as well as film production, distribution, and exhibition. 
• If you’re just starting, you should look at a thorough bachelor’s program that will instruct you in every detail of your chosen film course.

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FAQs

Q1. How much money can you earn with a film degree?

Ans. The amount of money you can make with a film degree is determined by what you choose to do with your degree. According to the Bureau of Labour Statistics, video editors and camera operators can earn more than $58,000 annually, while a producer or director can earn more than $71,500 annually.

Q2. What are the prerequisites for a film degree?

Ans. The requirements for a degree in film will vary depending on the program you apply to. If you’re applying to a bachelor’s program, you might not require prior experience or a portfolio. If you’re applying for a graduate degree, you should be prepared to provide a visual or written portfolio. Admitted students are frequently required to complete a capstone or thesis project of some kind. Many programs also require students to have a minimum GPA to graduate.

Q3. What jobs can you get with a film degree?

Ans. There are numerous prospects for persons with a degree in film, including work in theatre, television, and cinema.