{"id":50039,"date":"2023-05-26T15:49:54","date_gmt":"2023-05-26T15:49:54","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.collegeconsensus.com\/?page_id=50039"},"modified":"2023-05-26T15:49:56","modified_gmt":"2023-05-26T15:49:56","slug":"film","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.collegeconsensus.com\/online\/degrees\/film\/","title":{"rendered":"2023 Best Online Film Degrees"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
The film and television industry is ever-evolving, making online film degrees valuable for those wanting to start a career. Thanks to the advent of streaming and a constant push for innovation, media companies are investing big in creative storytelling. According to Variety<\/a>, streaming content spending among big media companies has risen consistently over the last several years, marking a notable shift in content strategy. Based on revenue, IBISWorld<\/a> reported that the movie and video production industry was worth over $27 billion in 2022 for the United States alone. Consumers have more options than ever, and budding filmmakers have many ways to enter the field.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Whether you want to be a camera operator, a producer, or any other role in the filmmaking process, a film degree can make all the difference. Online film degree programs equip you with the necessary skills to do what you love while giving you hands-on experience with technology revolutionizing the field.<\/p>\n\n\n\n In the past, having a film degree wasn’t always a necessity. There are still various jobs you can get with little experience or skills. But according to the Financial Times<\/a>, that’s changing, and there’s a shortage of people with the distinct skills and expertise the industry needs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Experts say the film and TV industry will grow by as much as 36 percent by 2025, resulting in thousands of new jobs. With production spending on the rise, there’s an ever-climbing demand for everyone from editors to scriptwriters. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics<\/a> states the need for editors and camera operators alone will rise 12 percent by 2031. But that’s not all.<\/p>\n\n\n\n New technologies<\/a> are transforming how media companies bring new ideas to life. Visual effects technologies like real-time rendering and 3D previsualization make projects more life-like. Meanwhile, artificial intelligence, algorithmic video editing, and even the Internet of Things are transforming how production teams create magic on the screen.<\/p>\n\n\n\n These new advances create demand for people with the right skills. While some of the most successful filmmakers in the industry made it big with real-world experience and a strong vision, that’s not enough in the modern film and television landscape. Online film degrees help you remain competitive and prepare you to take full advantage of innovations that continue to disrupt modern filmmaking. Whether you’re a newcomer to the industry or seeking to elevate your career, pursuing an online film degree is the optimal path to achieve your goals.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Film degrees equip you with a broad range of skills. Filmmaking requires creativity, theoretical knowledge, technical skills, and an aptitude for innovative problem-solving. Typically, the first few years of your education revolve around core skills, building the foundation to enter the field. However, many filmmaking students dive into more advanced specializations to cater to their career goals.<\/p>\n\n\n\n These specializations focus on distinct areas of filmmaking, allowing you to pursue your dreams and build a career you love. Common film degree specializations include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n These specializations may go under different names, but they all emphasize unique skills that can influence your career path. Some online film degree programs have guided education paths, while others offer optional courses to prepare you for your chosen career. By taking electives, you can explore new avenues and discover specializations you never knew you wanted to pursue. For many budding filmmakers, these specializations are key to developing an exciting career with ample opportunities to excel.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Some online university programs may offer specialty Master’s and Ph.D. programs, making you even more competitive in the film and television industry. These programs are great for people who already have some experience under their belt. They expand your knowledge and can help you keep up with innovations that continue to shape the industry.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Online film degrees allow you to take your career in many different directions. A degree gives you more marketable skills and impressive qualifications, and the specialties you explore can help you hone in on the right job. The film and television industry operates differently than others, and you may get work on a contract basis versus a regular salary. It all depends on your desired outcome. With a film degree, you have more options and usually qualify for positions with higher pay and more room to grow. Average salaries can vary dramatically based on location and experience, but here’s a look at some careers you can explore with an online film degree.<\/p>\n\n\n The figures above reflect the median salaries of these jobs. Contracts and salaried positions may start lower as you begin your career. However, your earning potential can also significantly climb as you gain more experience and make a name for yourself within the industry.<\/p>\n\n\n\n While pursuing online film degrees, your courses can prepare you to make on-screen masterpieces. The names and numbers will vary from one online school to the next, and some classes are only available at certain online institutions. What’s available depends on the program’s focus. When choosing a school, you must consider your desired career path and choose a program with a curriculum that takes you where you want to go.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Online film degrees usually offer a similar core curriculum, building the foundation of skills and knowledge you need to enter the field. You can explore more advanced skills through electives and specialized educational tracts. Common foundational courses you can expect to take include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Like traditional liberal arts studies, online schools often offer core classes at different levels. For example, you may start with Film Techniques 101 before taking additional courses in later semesters to learn more advanced filmmaking methods. Before applying to a school, learn about its curriculum and course availability to ensure you can learn skills most relevant to your desired career. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Admissions standards for online film school are typically more flexible than in other competitive fields. Filmmaking is a combination of stellar technical skills and innate creativity. It’s also an industry rooted in vision and passion. As a result, you don’t need perfect grades and a padded resume. Many schools don’t even have thresholds for standardized test scores like the ACT or SAT.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Most schools offering online film degrees require a high school diploma or a GED. You’ll also have to provide official transcripts, reference letters, and other documents alongside your application. As for your high school GPA, admissions requirements can vary. On average, most online film schools want students to have a GPA of at least 3.0 on a 4.0 scale. Though, some institutions will accept GPAs much lower.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Many schools also ask for personal essays or a portfolio that showcases the skills you already have. Those requirements are prevalent among competitive schools with limited acceptance rates.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Accreditation is important when choosing which film degree programs are worth pursuing. Not every school has the same accreditation, and this seemingly small detail can affect everything from credit transfers to recognition from potential employers. Accreditation helps to maintain a certain level of educational standards. Several institutes provide accreditation; you can easily find this information on school websites. You can also visit the Council for Higher Education Accreditation<\/a> (CHEA) and the Database of Accredited Postsecondary Institutions and Programs<\/a> (DAPIP).<\/p>\n\n\n\n Regional accreditation is the most reputable. It’s considered the most widely-recognized form of accreditation. National accreditation is also acceptable in some cases. In this case, accrediting bodies usually review schools offering vocational or technical degree programs. If your long-term goal is graduate school or you need financial aid, attending a school with regional accreditation will give you the most options.<\/p>\n\n\n\n There isn’t specialized accreditation for online film degrees. However, some schools have accreditation from the National Association of Schools of Arts and Design<\/a> (NASAD).<\/p>\n\n\n\n Paying for an online film degree doesn’t have to be difficult. Fortunately, many programs are eligible for financial aid, loans, and scholarships. Accreditation may impact your ability to get federal financial assistance and student loans. Keep accreditation in mind when researching schools and reviewing tuition costs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Several schools also offer need-based financial aid or scholarships for gifted prospective students. For the latter, you may have to submit a project or portfolio to prove your potential. Beyond school scholarships, many regional and national organizations offer grants and awards<\/a> that you can apply toward your tuition.<\/p>\n\n\n\nThe Best Online Film Degree Programs<\/h2>\n\n\n
Specializations for Online Film Degree Programs<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Career and Salary Information<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Position<\/strong><\/td> Median Salary<\/strong><\/td><\/tr> Producers and directors<\/a><\/td> $85,320<\/td><\/tr> Special effects artists and animators<\/a><\/td> $78,790<\/td><\/tr> Production schedulers<\/a><\/td> $65,017<\/td><\/tr> Film and video editors<\/a><\/td> $63,520<\/td><\/tr> Cinematographers<\/a><\/td> $63,336<\/td><\/tr> Lighting technicians<\/a><\/td> $61, 761<\/td><\/tr> Screenwriters<\/a><\/td> $61,373<\/td><\/tr> Associate producers<\/a><\/td> $60,483<\/td><\/tr> Camera operators<\/a><\/td> $58,230<\/td><\/tr> Film crew<\/a><\/td> $36,389<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n Curriculum and Courses<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Admissions Requirements for Online Film Degree Programs<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Accreditation<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Financial Aid & Scholarships<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
What Can You Do with an Online Film Degree?<\/h2>\n\n\n