What Will I Learn in a Film and Video Degree Program?

Fans of the movies will greatly enjoy completing a film and video degree program. A major in film studies will teach you how to look at movies from a critical standpoint. Film and video degrees offer the opportunity to study the history and theory of film. You will also learn about production of films, TV shows and videos. Your courses will teach you how to write about films, debate about them and create your own movies. Courses will include film history, film theory, communication studies, video labs, filmmaking and studies of specific types of cinema.

BA in Film Production

What Can I Do With a Film and Video Degree?

With a film and video degree, you can enter a number of careers. Students will typically become camera operators, set designers, editors, technicians, producers, writers or actors. The most popular of these paths are acting, producing and directing. Whether you're in front of or behind the camera, this degree will prove to be valuable, as it will give you deep knowledge of film theory, history, production and criticism.

What Is the Career Outlook for Film and Video Degree Students?

For actors, producers and directors, the job outlook is good but the field is very competitive. Many people enter these professions but leave them because work is difficult to find and conditions are not always optimal. However, film and video majors may also find employment in technical positions—writing, designing and editing—which offer similar job growth but less intense levels of competition. Still others will pursue careers as film critics, although this is a competitive field as well. Average annual wages are $86,000 in motion pictures and video, and $55,000 in radio and TV.