Best Schools with Cinematography Bachelor's Degree Programs

Cinematography degrees range from the certificate to doctoral levels and are usually titled Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Fine Arts, or Bachelor of Science. However, not every program is titled explicitly as cinematography. Many schools offer cinematography as a concentration, which may have a degree title such as Bachelor of Fine Arts in Filmmaking with a specialization in Cinematography, or it may be available as a concentration under a production degree; this is particularly common in bachelor's programs. Bachelor's and master's programs typically focus more on cinematography, while associate and doctoral programs may focus on filmmaking or the study of film as a whole, which can include cinematography.

Associate Degrees in Cinematography

Associate degrees that are specific to cinematography are not as common. Instead, these degree programs are usually available as Associate of Arts, Associate of Science, or Associate of Fine Arts in film or filmmaking. Associate degrees are typically foundational programs that cover all aspects of filmmaking, such as screenwriting, production, editing, camera operation, and directing, and focus on developing technical skills. This can help students to learn about the overall process of creating a film before starting their careers or transferring to a 4-year school where they may choose a more specialized degree. Associate programs usually last about 2 years and require around 60 credits for graduation or transfer.

Bachelor's Degrees in Cinematography

A Bachelor of Science or Bachelor of Fine Arts in cinematography may either be offered as a complete cinematography degree program or as a concentration in cinematography within a more general program, such as filmmaking or production. Students learn the basics of technical and artistic elements, such as camera operation, lighting, visual design, narrative, and composition, through theoretical and hands-on approaches, with the latter being more common as students advance in the program. All aspects of filmmaking, such as development, scriptwriting, production, and directing, are taught so students gain a comprehensive view of the collaborative process of filmmaking.

Master's Degrees in Cinematography

When it comes to master's degrees, cinematography is more commonly offered as its own degree program instead of as a concentration, with the typical degree title being a Master of Fine Arts in Cinematography. These programs usually last around 2 years and require about 60 credits, but some programs can last as long as 4 years. The content of these degrees is more focused on cinematography rather than filmmaking as a whole and much of the instruction is hands-on. Most of the time, the program culminates in a project, usually a short film, that is made in collaboration with other students; some programs require students to submit a thesis paper.

Doctoral Degrees in Cinematography

Doctoral degrees in cinematography aren't very common; instead, the topic of cinema, film, or visual studies makes up the degree. A common degree title might be Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Cinema Studies. These programs focus on film culture and theory, with students developing advanced analytical and research skills; most of their learning is based on their own interests, but there are a few core classes that are required. Students spend their time not only attending classes and seminars but conducting original research and preparing a dissertation. Doctoral programs vary in length; time to completion can depend on how long the student takes to finish their dissertation. Some schools give students up to 8 years to finish.

Certificates in Cinematography

Certificates in cinematography are usually more technical rather than theory-based and are suitable for individuals who are new to the film industry as well as individuals who have relevant experience and want to advance their skills or career. These certificates consist of just a few core classes that are specific to the subject matter, such as lighting, camera operation, and editing; a few relevant theory-based courses, such as film studies introduction, may be included. The number of courses included and the length of a certificate program varies, but they can have around 6 to 8 courses with a completion time of about a year. Free cinematography courses are available online and may even grant a certificate of completion, but this is generally not the same as earning a certificate from a college.

Study.com found the best bachelor's degrees in cinematography for students wanting to begin a film career but seeking an affordable, accessible quality education in the arts. Creativity, unique learning opportunities, and expert faculty mentorship are the major qualities of these top bachelor's degrees in cinematography.

1. University of North Carolina School of the Arts

Tuition	Acceptance Rate	Graduation Rate	Financial Aid %	Placement Services	Career Services	Accepts
$9,358	29%	75%	74%	No	Yes	AP Credits

The University of North Carolina School of the Arts in Winston-Salem tops our list of best schools with its Bachelor of Fine Arts in Cinematography. The program boasts hands-on experience for all students to make movies from day one with the use of professional equipment and stellar facilities. Faculty are dedicated to mentoring and helping students become artists and leaders in the film field, as students leave the program with a diverse professional portfolio.

2. Columbia College Chicago

Tuition	Acceptance Rate	Graduation Rate	Financial Aid %	Placement Services	Career Services	Accepts
$27,756	90%	50%	93%	Yes	Yes	AP Credits

The Bachelor of Fine Arts in Film and Television at Columbia College Chicago in Illinois allows students to add on a concentration in cinematography. The program allows students to collaborate with peers to create films with the latest equipment, amazing locations, and by using talented actors. Not only will students graduate with experience to prepare them for the film industry immediately, students have access to unique facilities like production studios, equipment rentals, TV studios, and sound stages where they can learn everything from cameras and lighting to pitching projects, to negotiations and project plans.

3. SUNY at Purchase College

Tuition	Acceptance Rate	Graduation Rate	Financial Aid %	Placement Services	Career Services	Accepts
$8,953	52%	61%	84%	Yes	Yes	AP Credits

The State University of New York at Purchase College offers a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Film program that is focused on writing and directing, as well as cinematography, through a historical lens - and students who show skills in cinematography are able to specialize in that area during their senior year. The program's success rate speaks for itself, as more than 85 percent of film program alumni have found employment in the film or TV industry. The equipment for students to use is plentiful, film faculty mentorship is strong, and students create a thesis film while working on their colleague's film crews as well, fostering a close-knit relationship.

4. Temple University

Tuition	Acceptance Rate	Graduation Rate	Financial Aid %	Placement Services	Career Services	Accepts
$16,970	60%	74%	90%	Yes	Yes	AP Credits

The Bachelor of Arts in Film and Media Arts from Temple University in Philadelphia, PA, provides students the opportunity to specialize in cinematography, finding their voice as an independent filmmaker. The program is associated with the University Film and Video Association, and students can also get involved in student organizations for performance or production experience. A Los Angeles Study Away program immerses students with professional experience in the entertainment industry, as students learn from professors honored with Oscar, Emmy, Guggenheim, Rockefeller, Fulbright and Sundance awards.

5. Cleveland State University

Tuition	Acceptance Rate	Graduation Rate	Financial Aid %	Placement Services	Career Services	Accepts
$10,825	94%	46%	89%	Yes	Yes	AP / ACE / NCCRS Credits

Cleveland State University in Ohio has a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Film & Media Arts that serves as a professional training program for students desiring careers in film or media. The cinematography track allows students to focus on their area of interest, as they also learn creative problem solving, collaboration, communication, time management, and storytelling - all necessary skills for career success. CSU is home to the states first film school and is home to award-winning faculty, facilities like editing labs and studios, and unique student activities and networking opportunities.

6. Northern Vermont University

Tuition	Acceptance Rate	Graduation Rate	Financial Aid %	Placement Services	Career Services	Accepts
$12,422	78%	40%	98%	Yes	Yes	AP Credits

The Bachelor of Arts in Cinema Production from Northern Vermont University in Lyndon is an interdisciplinary program that teaches students art history, theater, and studio art. Students gain hands-on experience from local organizations like Catamount Arts and the Green Mountain Film Festival, while learning technical skills, how to think critically, and become problem-solvers in a film and video production career.

7. Southern Illinois University-Carbondale

Tuition	Acceptance Rate	Graduation Rate	Financial Aid %	Placement Services	Career Services	Accepts
$14,722	66%	48%	95%	Yes	Yes	AP Credits

Southern Illinois University - Carbondale offers a Bachelor of Arts in Cinema and Photography with a specialization in cinema that integrates theory with new media and old media art forms, encouraging flexibility and creativity. Students will learn skills in digital video, animation, 16mm filmmaking, screenwriting, lighting, cinematography, and more. This program also promotes independent and collaborative projects, preparing students for advancing their degree or becoming a filmmaker or creative industry careers.

8. Webster University

Tuition	Acceptance Rate	Graduation Rate	Financial Aid %	Placement Services	Career Services	Accepts
$28,700	57%	58%	96%	Yes	Yes	AP / NCCRS Credits

The Bachelor of Arts in Film, Television and Video Production from Webster University in St. Louis, MO, teaches students every role on a set, giving them a firsthand crash course on production to find their area of passion. Students work with award-wining faculty filmmakers to develop a professional portfolio, as well as participate in the Webster Film Series - a nationally recognized film exhibition. Students can also study at campuses internationally, as well as take part in a unique internship program.

To get a more in-depth look at our school ranking methodology, please visit Study.com's ranking methodology page.

Tuition information is based on published tuition and required fees, per data by the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES).

Since cinematography can be a concentration itself in a bachelor's degree program, there are not many options for concentrations. Students may choose to instead diversify their education by choosing electives in topics that interest them or completing an independent study course.

Undergraduate degrees in cinematography include a mix of general education (math, science, liberal arts), degree-specific, and elective courses. The first one or two years in a program are typically dedicated to general education and foundation courses. This introduces students to a topic and covers all areas of cinematography/filmmaking concepts so students gain a broad understanding of filmmaking before beginning more specialized courses. Workshop courses, where students learn technical skills, are also common. Many bachelor's programs in cinematography end with a culminating portfolio development course or project. A few common courses include:

• Intro to Production
• Directing
• Production
• Production Design
• Screenwriting
• Film History

The average length of an on-campus bachelor's program is 4 years with an average requirement of around 120 credits. Courses usually follow a semester system, with 2 semesters per year. If a student is attending full time, they should earn around 30 credits per semester, with some courses worth more credits than others. In addition to the usual class assignments, homework, and studying, cinematography programs require a substantial amount of work outside of class due to the hands-on nature of the program. Students may spend quite a bit of time working on projects.

Accreditation is an important factor when choosing a school. It ensures that a school is meeting standards that are set by independent accrediting bodies. These standards are made to foster quality education, improve the student experience and help make sure graduates are prepared to work in the field. Accreditation may also help with earning financial aid; students must attend an accredited school to receive federal financial aid. Schools that offer cinematography may have either regional or national accreditation, depending on if the school is traditional and academic-based or technical and career-based. A few accrediting agencies include the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (regional accreditation), the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges (national accreditation), and the National Association of Schools of Art and Design (program accreditation).

There are no formal licenses or certifications for cinematographers or filmmakers of any kind. Professionals in these fields usually work their way up to an acclaimed reputation. Certain software programs that are used when creating a film may offer certification, but this is not formal but it can demonstrate competence in that area of work to potential employers.

A bachelor's degree in cinematography meets most educational requirements for a cinematography career. Luckily, there are plenty of career options for cinematography graduates of all kinds. Students can pursue several different cinematography-related careers based on their particular interests and goals; it doesn't always have to be related to filmmaking. A few examples include:

• Studio camera operator
• Videographer
• Multimedia artist or animator (cinematographer who works with cartoons or special effects)
• Producer
• Director
• Screenwriter

How to Become a Cinematographer

Cinematographers need at least a bachelor's degree in cinematography or a related field such as filmmaking or production, so long as they take cinematography courses to learn about the required equipment, software, and techniques used on film sets. Cinematographers primarily work with camera equipment and are in charge of getting the right shots for a film project. This includes deciding what camera to use, how to light a scene, and what camera angles to use. They often collaborate with many other camera operators, assistants, producers, and directors to ensure the vision for the film is being brought together cohesively. Some cinematographers work in cartoons or animated projects, which may require more art-based education. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS, as of 2019, camera operators in film, television, and video have a median annual salary of $55,160 and a job outlook of 14% from 2019-2029.

How to Become a Film and Video Editor

Film and video editors typically need at least a bachelor's degree in film or another relevant field, such as broadcasting or communications. Film and video editors usually do most of their work after a film or another visual project has already been shot. Using special software, they organize the video clips in an order that tells a story, creates a visually aesthetic scene, and follows the visions of the director. Sometimes, scenes may need to be cut or reshot to do this. Editors usually have one or more assistants working with them to help keep things organized. The BLS reported that as of 2019, the median annual wage for film and video editors is $63,780 and the job outlook is 22% from 2019-2029.

The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is an excellent place to start when it comes to receiving federal grants and loans to pay for school. Additionally, there are several scholarship opportunities that are specific to students in film programs that come from schools and organizations. A few of them include:

• New York Women in Film & Television Scholarship fund, which provides scholarships to several female film students in colleges throughout New York
• Francis D. Lyon Graduate Fellowship, created by Pete Lyon, who was an acclaimed film editor, writer, and producer
• UFVF/Kodak Student Filmmaking and Cinematography Grants, which awards student filmmakers with grant money and the opportunity to screen their films at a festival

Although they are closely related and often interconnected, there is a difference between cinematographers and filmmakers and their respective degree programs. Cinematography, although it may include courses on the overall process of filmmaking, tends to focus exclusively on camera work, visual communication and technical skills, while filmmaking or film degrees focus on film study and creation as a whole. Filmmaking students may take more classes in film history, learn more about different film genres, and have more theory-based classes. Filmmaking/film degrees are more common than cinematography degrees and may lead to a wider range of job opportunities, such as directing, producing, and writing.

	Cinematography	Filmmaking
Degree Type	Bachelor of Science Bachelor of Fine Arts	Bachelor of Arts Bachelor of Fine Arts
Potential Careers	Cinematographer Film and Video Editor	Director Producer
Median Annual Wage (2019)*	$59,810 (for Film and Video Editors and Camera Operators)	$74,420 (for Producers and Directors)

Source: *U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

Students who are interested in cinematography should think about what their goals and career interests are, as well as their schedule, location, and financial situation. Cinematography programs can require a lot of work outside of class; students should think about how committed they are to this extra work. Do their passion and determination meet the demands of the program?

It's a good idea to look at what each school has to offer in terms of program availability, electives, and opportunities such as collaboration, mentorships, and internships. Is a BS or a BFA a better fit? Additionally, students should decide whether they want to major in cinematography, where the program is typically more directly focused, or have a concentration in cinematography, where the program usually focuses on cinematography in addition to the entire filmmaking process.