Students who graduate with a film degree are on their way to careers such as cinematographers, camera operators, media researchers, multimedia illustrators, producers, directors, editors, production managers, location managers, lighting technicians, screenwriters, and more. They can find work not only in movie and television studios, but also in advertising and marketing agencies, media companies, institutions of higher learning, social media platforms, and journalism companies. Film degrees can be earned at the associate, bachelor’s, and master’s levels.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual pay for film editors and camera operators is $65,070, while writers make a median yearly salary of $73,690. The median salary for directors and producers is $82,510 annually.
And according to the National Center for Education Statistics, the average annual tuition for undergraduate programs is $7,998 at public universities and $34,923 at private institutions. The average annual tuition for graduate programs is $12,596 at public schools and $28,017 at private colleges.
It generally takes four years of full-time study to complete a bachelor’s degree. Associate and master’s degrees usually take two years to complete.
How to Choose an Online Film Degree Program
Choose your area of study
At the undergraduate level, students can choose from an Associate of Arts (AA), Bachelor of Arts (BA), or Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA). Graduate students can earn a Master of Arts (MA) or Master of Fine Arts (MFA) in film.
BFA and MFA programs focus more on performing, dramatic, and visual arts, with a strong emphasis on applied training and development. BA and MA programs lean toward the humanities and non-technical liberal arts subjects like social sciences, language, and literature.
Also, many online film degree programs will allow you to select a concentration and focus your studies on a particular niche in this field, such as cinematography, editing, directing, producing, screenwriting, sound, or animation. If you already know what you would like to do after you graduate, look for programs that closely match these career goals.
Research schools and programs
You should only apply to institutions that have been approved by a DOE-recognized regional accrediting organization, such as the New England Commission of Higher Education or Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities. These organizations evaluate schools to ensure they provide students with a high-quality education. Those who attend a school that isn’t regionally accredited may be unable to access financial aid or transfer credits to another institution if needed.
While you’re gathering information about the academic components of the programs, take note of these aspects as well:
- What is the cost of the program? Check the cost of tuition before spending a lot of time researching a program. If it’s more than you plan to spend for your degree, it’s probably not going to be a good fit. Stay within your budget, but remember that the least expensive program isn’t always the best.
- Where is the school located? Although the program itself is online, colleges and university campuses often offer on-campus services, events, and activities. These can include access to the school library, gyms or fitness centers, career fairs, student clubs and organizations, sporting events, and more. If you want to take advantage of any of these, proximity to the school is essential. Also, some programs are offered only in a hybrid format, with students required to attend some classes on campus, so the school’s location may be a key component when deciding on a program.
To learn more about any schools that you’re interested in, you can visit the school’s website, contact an admissions counselor, follow the school on social media, or attend an in-person or virtual open house.
Prepare for tests and applications
Admissions requirements vary depending on the school, program, and level of degree. Associate and bachelor’s programs require high school transcripts with a minimum GPA set by the school, and applicants may have to provide SAT or ACT scores. Graduate programs require a bachelor’s degree from an accredited university along with transcripts, a resume, a personal statement or essay, and one or more letters of recommendation. GRE scores may be required, and applicants may also be asked to show previous professional experience in the field. Schools may also ask students to submit a portfolio of recent work to demonstrate their artistic abilities.
Always contact an admissions counselor to ensure you have the most accurate information regarding program requirements and deadlines.
Select your program
Before making your final decision, review your needs and goals again. Do you plan to attend school full-time or part-time? Do you want your program to be as online as possible, or are you fine with a hybrid program that has a fair amount of in-person requirements? Some programs offer asynchronous courses, which can be completed at your own pace, while others only offer synchronous courses, which involve remotely attending lectures and completing assignments at the same time as other students — which of these two online learning formats do you prefer? Your school should accommodate your scheduling needs and learning preferences.
Determine how you’ll pay for your degree
During your research process, speak to a representative from the school’s financial aid office to learn more about available scholarships, grants, fellowships, and other financial resources. They can also assist you with the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), which schools use to determine eligibility for federal student aid like loans and work-study funding.
Some institutions provide financing or allow students to pay per credit hour as they go through the program, but check the final amount, as this may end up costing more. Lower tuition is often available for members of the military or their immediate family members. Beyond that, if you have time in your schedule, you can work a part-time job to help pay for your degree. Find out if your employer offers any kind of tuition assistance benefits.
Best 50 Accredited Online Film Degree Programs
How We Rank Schools
The most common degree students get in film or film studies is a bachelor’s degree, although certificate programs as well as associate and master’s degree programs are also available. Our list includes bachelor’s, associate, and certificate programs, which you can choose from based on your current education level and career goals. All of the programs on this list are offered online; some are available in person as well.
We reviewed these film programs on the basis of faculty, flexibility, coursework, cost, and reputation. Each school received an Intelligent Score on a scale of 0 to 100. For a more extensive explanation, check out Our Ranking Methodology.
What Can You Expect from an Online Film Degree Program?
A film degree program can focus on film theory, film history, pre-production, production, post-production, or certain technical aspects like editing, cinematography, sound, animation, illustration, or other related disciplines. Students learn how to use the latest technology and industry-standard software, and they are often placed in internships for real-world, hands-on experiences.
For distance learners, universities use an online learning management system (LMS) to deliver course material. Students log on to their own personal portal and have access to the course syllabus, class schedules, assignments, announcements, reading and audio-video material, grades, and more. They can also chat with and message other students as well as instructors via the LMS. Among the most popular LMS platforms are Blackboard, Canvas, D2L Brightspace, and Moodle, but some schools have their own system. After an applicant is officially enrolled, the necessary software and its instructions are provided.
Potential courses you’ll take in an online film program
- Twentieth-century cinema. In this course, students learn about early films and filmmakers such as Thomas Edison, D. W. Griffith, and C.B. DeMille. The course examines the evolution of cinema through the silent era and the transition to sound, various genres, directors, filmmaking styles, and more. Both U.S. and international films and filmmakers are considered.
- Cinematic storytelling. Students examine the many different roles involved in making a film, such as producer, director, art director, screenwriter, actor, music composer, editor, and studio executive. They also learn about themes, genres, and marketing to different audiences.
- Screenwriting I. This course focuses on the basics of screenwriting, including structure, dialogue, character development, rising and falling action, conflict, and resolution. Students read and analyze famous screenplays, and they also write their own short scripts for class discussion and possibly even filming.
- Creating a film. This course centers around preparing students to make their own films. They begin with an original narrative or documentary idea and then move through the process, including scripting, direction, and what technologies will be employed in making the film.
What Can I Do With an Online Film Degree?
An online film degree prepares graduates for many film and movie industry careers. These professionals handle the production of a movie from script to stage to opening night. Depending on your interests and career goals, you can find well-paying and rewarding jobs in film production, set design, post-production, and more.
For example, if you’re interested in filmmaking, this degree prepares you to engage in the creative process, including scripting and directing. Film editors finalize movies in the post-production process, while designers and technicians prepare the stage before actors ever enter the stage.
Career outlook
- Film and video editor — Edit raw film footage into clips that are assembled into a final film product.
- Median annual salary: $66,600
- Projected employment growth (through 2032): 7%
- New jobs projected: 8,200
- Film producer or director — Oversee film productions, whether as a director who directs actors on set or a producer who manages much of the production.
- Median annual salary: $82,510
- Projected employment growth (through 2032): 7%
- New jobs projected: 16,000
- Art director — Design and build set pieces and scenery for a film based on the visual aesthetic of the production.
- Median annual salary: $106,500
- Projected employment growth (through 2032): 6%
- New jobs projected: 13,800
Online Film Degree Program Frequently Asked Questions
How do I apply to an online film degree program?
Most colleges and universities require that students apply online. If applying for a bachelor’s degree, applicants can fill out the Common Application, which allows them to apply to multiple institutions using a single application. Check deadlines and make sure all documentation is submitted on time. It is generally a good idea to speak with an admissions counselor before applying.
How much does an online film degree cost?
The cost for an online degree in film varies widely, and much of this depends on the degree level — undergraduate or graduate. An online master’s degree in film, for example, can cost between $15,000 and $20,000 in total tuition, while the range for an online bachelor’s in animation is $38,000 to $78,000. Additional expenses for distance learners can include technology and software, books, and supplies. Public schools often have higher tuition rates for out-of-state residents, but this doesn’t always apply to online students.
How long does it take to earn an online film degree?
A bachelor’s degree requires about 120 credits, and most students complete it in four years. Full-time students can complete associate and master’s degrees in two years. Some schools offer accelerated programs that can be finished in less time.
Is an online film degree worth it?
Although some film careers don’t require degrees, having a film degree lets you advance into higher career ranks, including director and producer. As filmmaking technology advances, there’s a greater need for individuals with the skills and experience acquired in this degree. You may also enter the job market with a higher salary than those without a film degree.