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5 Best Graduate Schools with Online Master’s in Film

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Updated: March 13, 2024, Reading time: 12 minutes

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The film industry has more than $100 billion in global revenues. Currently, there are roughly 450,000 people working in the sound recording and motion picture industries in the US alone, a staggering 35% increase from the previous year.

Success in the film industry needs strong technical skills and creativity. Many positions in the entertainment industry need professionals with specialized training and knowledge of editing platforms or film equipment.

By pursuing a master’s degree in film, students will further improve their skills and develop a more solid understanding of the history, politics, culture, and philosophies that make up successful films.

Quick audio summary:

Overview

A master’s in film studies will prepare students to join the big and challenging world of the film industry. Whether you intend to work in directing, writing, editing, producing, or something else, earning graduate film programs is the best way to ensure you are already prepared for whatever career path you may entail.

In the film industry, writing and production, among other fields, have significantly increased at an average rate, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. People now demand more media than at any time in history, which explains why the demand for professionals in the film industry is constantly growing.

Film and TV production is a very rewarding field. With various film genres these days, it’s no surprise why professionals in film production are continuously growing. The curriculum in a graduate film studies program usually combines communication and art and includes extensive background information about how the TV and film industries work.

Students explore and learn about studio business practices, censorship, conducting research, media theory and distribution, marketing, and a lot more.


Methodology

The schools in this list were chosen based on several ranking criteria. Each graduate school and master’s program was chosen based on these criteria:

Read our Methodology to learn about how we rank graduate programs.

Grad School Center is an advertising-supported site. Featured or trusted partner programs and all school search, finder, or match results are for schools that compensate us. This compensation does not influence our school rankings, resource guides, or other editorially-independent information published on this site.

The 5 Best Online Graduate Film Programs

masters in film studies

Arizona State University

Arizona State University

Tempe, Arizona 85281, United States

855-278-5080

Online Master of Advanced Study – Film and Media Studies

The Online Master of Advanced Study in Film and Media Studies offered by ASU Online will allow students to pursue a full range of academic, creative, consulting, and other media-related roles.

Arizona State University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

Standout Features:

The program is ranked among the best online graduate degree programs in Film Studies and is offered on multiple start dates throughout the year.

Did you know?

For years, Arizona State University has been ranked as one of the United States’ most innovative schools, according to US News and World Report.

Regent University

Regent University

1000 Regent University Drive, Virginia Beach, VA 23464

757-352-4127

Master of Arts in Producing

This master’s degree is ideal for high achievers who are drawn to the interesting world of the media and entertainment industry.

Regent University is SACSCOC-Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges-approved.

Standout Features:

Technical tools are essential for MA Film Studies students as they can effectively help them accomplish class schedules. At Regent University, students are not required to buy their cameras and other equipment. While some students opt to buy their own tools, the school’s FTV Equipment Office has loads of cameras and other equipment students need for FTV class assignments.

Did you know?

Regent University is one of the nationally top-ranking universities. All its on-campus and online programs are presented from a Christian perspective and are supported and handled by award-winning faculty in Virginia Beach.

Lipscomb University

Lipscomb University

1 University Park Drive, Nashville, TN 37204, United States

615-966-1000

Online Master’s in Film and Creative Media-Screenwriting

The online Master’s in Film and Creative Media with a concentration in Screenwriting at Lipscomb University is perfect for those emerging screenwriters, creative writing enthusiasts, and storytellers who wish to master their craft under the supervision of accomplished professionals in the entertainment industry.

Lipscomb University holds regional accreditation from the SACSCOC.

Standout Features:

This master’s in film studies is highly selective. Students need to meet with the Graduate Program Director first for evaluation. Whether you are into movie production, a would-be art director, or focus more on the business side of the film industry, you will have a personalized plan of study. This allows for a better artistic exploration while honing your technical proficiency and practical skills to undertake your thesis project.

As part of a thesis project, students also create a “Walk Away Project” where each student will study, research, and draft a plan for the next project or step toward their career path.

Did you know?

Lipscomb University offers faith-based education to two Tennessee prisons. This is particularly helpful, considering only 35% of state prisons across the US offer a college education. Out of this rate, only 6% of the prison population takes university-level courses.

National University

National University

9388 Lightwave Avenue, San Diego, CA 92123

800-628-8648

Online Master’s in Film Studies

National University’s Online Master’s in Film Studies is particularly ideal for students who are interested in film theory, movie history, and critical analysis.

National University is an accredited institution by the WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC).

Standout Features:

This program proceeds one course at a time through four-week, compact terms, and culminates in a capstone project. Here. students will produce their original research project that focuses on a specific director, genre, or cinematic history period.

Did you know?

National University is a Hispanic-Serving Institution (HSI) that offers quality education to a diverse student population. Furthermore, 30% of its whole student body is active-duty military service members and veterans, and 82% of its undergraduates are transferees from other colleges and universities.

Asbury University

Asbury University

1 Macklem Drive, Wilmore, KY 40390, United States

859-858-3511

Online Master of Fine Arts: Film and TV Production

The online master’s offered at Asbury University includes the master’s degree in film and TV production, which will help students build the expertise they need to be professionals in any film career, including how they can be successful in creating an independent film or have a deeper understanding of film censorship.

Asbury University is regionally accredited by the SACSCOC.

Standout Features:

This online master’s degree is designed not only to help students become experts in film and TV production but also to make a strong impact as a producer, a director, a cinematographer, a film and TV production teacher, or any other related role in television and narrative film studies.

Did you know?

Asbury University, originally called Kentucky Holiness College, was founded by Reverend John Wesley Hughes and is said to be the ‘first holiness college in the US. ‘

Common Courses in an Online Master’s in Film Program

A master’s degree in film program is designed to build one’s knowledge of the history, techniques, and philosophies of film. Many programs have advanced-level courses too especially in major areas like storyboarding, writing, and editing. While the curricula generally vary by concentration and program, most of them offer the same courses. Below are the most common ones.

Writing for Television

This course will focus on the various writing processes and techniques for making content for television. Students will explore the fundamental principles behind two major narrative forms in television: drama and comedy.

Studio Business Practice

This course will provide students with an extensive overview of the business side of film and television and focuses on the roles producers play in creating projects. Students will learn more about insurance, budgeting, human resources, and copyright law. The curriculum incorporates a project that challenges learning in making a business plan for an organization or a media project.

Lighting and Cinematography

This course explores the fundamentals of filmmaking, including proper lighting techniques in creating specific aesthetics. Students will come up with a media project using course concepts and editing techniques. This will also explore the different roles of the grip, lighting, and camera teams on a film set.

Visualization and Concept Storyboarding

This focuses on the practices and theories of concept development, including how storyboards play a huge role in planning out projects. The course parallels real-world situations that feature common production guide formats, industry tools, and the usual setbacks students face in film studies.

Feature Film Scriptwriting

This focuses on advanced approaches to screenwriting for feature films. Students study the different steps involved in the whole process, including drafting an idea, developing treatments, creating the step outline, editing the final draft, and marketing the screenplay.

Best Grad Schools with Online Master's in Film - fact

Master’s in Film Career Path

Film careers usually require film professionals to possess specialized skills in producing, writing, and video/audio editing. Some jobs you can land with a master’s degree in film include:

Design: Designers design costumes, create sets, and manage props for television and film. Careers in this area require at least a bachelor’s degree or experience in makeup artistry, fashion design, or the arts. Designers bring to life the vision of a director by making sure that the actors and set adhere to the period, theme, and mood of a production.

Education: Those who hold a master’s degree in film will qualify for a career in education by teaching aspiring filmmakers. While this is a common career path, there are schools that require a doctorate, along with years of work experience.

Screenwriting: Screenwriters usually have a master’s degree in creative writing, film, or English under their belt. This field involves adapting an event, novel, or person’s biography to the screen or developing an original transcript. These professionals work in television, movie productions, or video game companies.

Post Production: This includes several careers, such as video and film editor, producer, photographer, and animator. All these roles involve commercials, fine-tuning films, and other projects to meet quality standards before reaching the public eye. Usual tasks include filming scenes, organizing footage, and working with directors to get the best shots.

Key Takeaways

Additional Resources:

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