Film/Cinema/Video Studies
Video Production is all about the communication of dramatic information. Making and producing films and videos are the focuses on this major, learning everything from the theory of film to cinematographic art to equipment operation, leading to a career in media production. Video production is available at the certificate, associate, baccalaureate, master, and doctorate levels.
Certificate Level
For entry level positions, a film and video production certificate may be all that’s needed. Many programs at this level are offered online and take a year or less to complete when attending full time. Many students will use this type of program to build a portfolio, one of the biggest requirements for job applications in the video production field.
The typically curriculum will include the basics of multimedia design, digital video production, and an introduction to after effects.
Associate Level
This level of education will be more competitive for entry-level positions. Typically taking two years, there are two common degrees students can opt for in this field of study.
The curriculum of an Associate of Applied Science in Television and Video Production will include more course on video editing, audio basics, post-production, and studio production techniques. An AS in this area is considered more of a technical degree and will likely include courses on operating a camera and recording audio, as well.
On the other side of things, an Associate of Arts in Digital Video Production will focus more on storyboarding and the design process. It will cover the process of creating a film or video from beginning to end. Courses will likely include 2D and 3D animation, production management, and more.
Careers for individuals with an associate’s degree in video production include: Camera Operator, entry-level Digital Video Editor, Production Assistant, Equipment Technician for Digital Video
Baccalaureate
Most careers in the Video Production field will require a baccalaureate degree, including most film and video editors, writers and authors. The curriculum will delve deeper into the topics of both types of associate’s degrees and include more scriptwriting, TV interpretation, motion picture production, video directing, lighting, sound, animation, and camera operations.
Many institutions offer two types of baccalaureate degrees, either a Bachelor of Arts in Video Production or a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Video Production. A BA major will spend about 60% of the curriculum in liberal arts classes, while a BFA major will spend that same percentage of time in video production classes. BFA degrees are typically more rigorous and considered pre-professional degrees.
Careers for individuals with a baccalaureate in video production: Producer, Director, Film Editor, Video Editor, Screenwriter.
The median salary for graduates in this area of study ranges between $49,000 and $61,000.
Master Level
Master’s programs in video production typically require minimum Graduate Record Examination (GRE) scores and a minimum GPA. While not a commonly required degree in this area of study, it can make an individual competitive. They are a unique build-your-own experience based on interest and career goals. The area of study can be acquired under a few different degree types— as a Master of Science, a Master of Arts, or a Master of Fine Arts. The last is the most popular. The curriculum will focus more on production history and practice, as well as criticism. Cinematography, sound design, and directing are traditional courses in this major, but many will be based around the chosen concentration.
The MFA in Video Production is typically a more creative avenue versus the other two options and usually culminates in a short video, film submission, or writing sample as a requirement for graduation.
Doctorate Level
At this level of education, the primary option is a PhD in Film Production. The goal after earning this degree would be to work in academia, usually as a professor.
