Best Master's in Film Degrees

Master's degree programs in film usually do not require applicants to have a bachelor's degree in any one type of field. However, some programs require portfolios or writing samples about the subject, so students with an art- or media-related background may be at an advantage. Bachelor's degree programs are available in areas such as film, film studies, and film and media arts. Students can also have a background in related creative areas, such as acting, and change their focus to what happens behind the camera.

Admissions requirements for master's degree programs in film are usually unique to the institution. Typically, applicants are required to hold at least a bachelor's degree and several of these degree programs do not require the GRE. It is fairly common for these programs to require one or more writing samples. Some programs require at least one of these samples to be specifically related to film. These samples may vary between at least 5 to 10 pages in length. Some programs or specific concentrations require an additional portfolio that includes various pieces of work in different forms of media. Many of these programs require applicants to include their transcripts, letters of recommendation, a resume, and a personal statement or essay with their application.

Students wishing to pursue a master's degree in film should first decide what type of degree they want to pursue. They should weigh differences in length between an MA and an MFA, as well as specific majors, such as filmmaking versus film and media, to determine which degree best aligns with their career goals and interests. Students can then explore and compare additional program features. For instance, some programs offer additional areas of concentration. Others offer hands-on opportunities to work on multiple films throughout the program. Some programs require a thesis versus a final capstone experience. Finally, students should compare factors of personal preference or need, such as the cost of a program or the full-time and part-time format.

The curriculum for master's degree programs in film varies by the type of program. For example, filmmaking programs focus on how to make different types of films and may include training in digital filmmaking, film production, and film directing, while a degree in film and media may include broader courses in screenwriting and storytelling. MA degree programs in film are usually shorter and may only require between 33 and 36 credits with some programs allowing students to finish in as little as 1 to 2 years. MFA programs are a little longer, requiring between 72 and 79 credits of coursework. Some MFA programs allow students to finish in as little as 1 year, but other programs may take 2 years or more. These programs usually include hands-on learning opportunities and a culminating experience. Learn more below.

Film Foundational Courses

As mentioned, the coursework for master's degree programs varies greatly by program, including core courses. However, most programs include several core courses in film that aim to provide students with an advanced overview of the field. These courses may be designed to further develop students' creativity and artistic abilities, as well as give them a well-rounded background in film history, the industry, and the process of creating a film. As part of the program requirements, many programs conclude with a thesis or capstone project that requires students to create a project that can be added to their professional portfolio. Some programs also offer internship opportunities for additional hands-on, practical training. Although it varies by program, students could take core courses in topics such as:

• Film production
• Screenwriting
• Editing
• Media and society
• Cinema studies

Film Specialist & Elective Courses

Many master's degrees in film include elective courses to round out the curriculum requirements. Typically, students choose electives from a given list and can individualize their program of study to pursue personal interests and help them prepare for their desired career. Elective courses usually go into more detail in a specific area of film, such as different types of film or different aspects of the filmmaking process. Students may take electives in areas such as:

• Digital storytelling
• Chinese documentary
• Sound and image theory
• Indian cinema
• Mixing sound
• Entertainment law
• Project financing

Licensure & Certification in Film

Licensure and certification options in the field of film vary by position. There are some positions, such as producers and directors, that do not require licensure or certification but may demonstrate their expertise through awards or other accolades that they receive for their work. Other positions, such as film and video editors, may have optional certifications to demonstrate their skills and abilities. For example, many film and video editors pursue certification in specific types of editing software that they use regularly. Typically, earning certification requires passing an exam that is usually offered by the vendor of the specific editing software product. Professionals need to prepare for these exams on their own by taking additional courses or online training.

There are several MA and MFA programs in film that offer additional areas of concentration. These concentration areas help students further focus their studies in a particular subfield of film to provide them with advanced knowledge and skills in the area. Students typically take concentration or elective coursework in their chosen area. Depending on the program, specific concentrations may have additional admission or program requirements. Students can find programs that offer different concentrations in areas such as:

• Animation
• Screenwriting
• Directing/producing
• Business of film and media
• Motion picture film and television
• Media art/media theory
• Sound production and design
• Writing for film and television
• Immersive storytelling and emerging technologies

Some students wish to continue their studies in film after earning their master's degree and decide to pursue a doctoral degree in the field. Typically offered as a Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) degree, students can pursue programs in areas such as cinema studies or film and media studies. These programs provide students with a deeper knowledge and understanding of the theories and concepts involved in film and media. Graduates of these programs may pursue advanced research or leadership positions within the industry, as well as positions in academia to teach the next generation of film students.

While working in the film industry, it is beneficial to stay updated on current events and continuously make connections with potential coworkers, producers, directors, etc. This can be accomplished by participating in one or more professional organizations available in the field of film. Many of these professional organizations focus on providing resources for professionals in a specific type of film, such as documentaries, or specific careers in film, such as acting, directing, and producing. Goals for these different groups vary, but in general, aim to promote the field of film and support professionals in the field with awards, events, professional development opportunities, and more. A couple of film-related organizations include:

• Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences- This group is best known for its annual Oscars award show. The organization also oversees a museum dedicated to the industry, manages fellowship and alumni programs, and provides news, a film archive, and a library to professionals in the field.
• International Documentary Association- The IDA is home to a documentary magazine and provides events and resources for creators. The group is also involved in advocacy for documentaries and offers grants and other funding opportunities for projects.

Career options in film can vary slightly based on the type of degree a student earns. For instance, career paths for a degree in film production may vary slightly from a degree in film studies. Some graduates may need to enter the field in lower positions and work their way up with experience.

For example, students may begin their careers as a film production assistant before becoming a filmmaker or a film producer.

Many graduates with a background in film are needed to work behind the scenes to create a quality film or television production. Graduates may focus on the business side of the industry, the post-production side with editing, or the actual creating and filming of the project. Some graduates can also move into positions in education, whether that be training film students or educating the public in museums or media-related organizations. Read on for additional career information.

Job Outlook for a Master's in Film

Work in the film industry may be competitive, but overall the growing demand for entertainment should help graduates in film have positive job outlooks. Earning a master's degree in film can also help graduates stand out amongst the competition with their additional knowledge and skills, which should increase job prospects. The job outlook for specific positions vary, but several positions within the industry have much faster than average job growth. For example, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the job outlook for producers and directors was 10% from 2019 to 2029. The job outlook for film and video editors was even greater during the same period, with an outlook of 22%. This large jump for film and video editors may be due to the growing use of special effects in most media forms.

How to Become a Producer and Director

Producers and directors typically need to have at least a bachelor's degree, but some hold a master's degree, such as an MFA. They commonly have a degree in cinema or film, but may also have a degree in related areas, including writing, business, or journalism. These professionals typically need to have several years of work experience in a field related to film, such as acting, television production, film editing, and more. It is common for directors and producers to begin in assistant roles and/or other entry-level positions and work their way up.

As of 2019, producers and directors made a median annual salary of $74,420, according to the BLS. Producers are more responsible for the business-side of a film, while directors oversee the creative side of a project. Producers help raise funds for a project, monitor the budget, assist in hiring the cast, and keep the project moving according to a set timeline. Directors help manage the work of the cast and crew, research topics concerning the project, and advise actors according to the creative direction of the film.

How to Become a Film and Video Editor

Film and video editors usually need to have at least a bachelor's degree. Typically, their degree is in film, broadcasting, communications, or another related area. It is important for these professionals to have experience working with specialized editing software and often, these editors specialize in one particular kind of software. Certification is available for different editing software programs to demonstrate expertise. Some editors may advance to positions as producers or directors to oversee their own projects with experience.

Per the BLS, film and video editors made a median annual salary of $63,780, as of 2019. These editors use editing software to organize a large quantity of footage for a project. They usually work closely with producers and directors to ensure that they create the desired effects and stories for a project to meet the overall vision. This often requires them to edit scenes on a computer. It is common for film and video editors to have assistants, who must also be supervised.

Education at the postsecondary level can be expensive, especially when you consider not only tuition, but fees, living expenses, books, materials, and more. To help lower out-of-pocket costs, students should apply to multiple forms of financial aid, including the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). The FAFSA notifies students of any loans or grants from the federal or state government that they qualify for and can use to help pay for school. Students should also research and apply to multiple scholarships that they qualify for. Specifically for master's degree students in film, there are several scholarships available from schools and outside institutions, including:

• Matthew Modine Masters Scholarship- This award is available to students at New York Film Academy who are in the MFA programs in filmmaking or acting for film. Applicants for the award must be working to advance the art of visual storytelling and be involved in the community.
• Against the Grain Artistic Scholarship- Against the Grain Productions offers this scholarship to Asian Americans in undergraduate or master's programs in the visual or performing arts, including film. Applicants must have at least a 3.0 GPA and demonstrate leadership and community involvement.