Film, Television & Digital Media Degrees: What Coursework is Included in a Typical Film, Television & Digital Media Program?

What is Film, Television & Digital Media?

Film, television & digital media is a multidisciplinary field that encompasses all areas of film, television, and digital media. Filmmakers create motion pictures, while individuals working in television may do everything from producing to directing. Digital media artists work with multiple forms of media from graphics to the web.

Film, television & digital media programs prepare students to create and analyze content for film, television, and entertainment programs. Most programs offer access to state-of-the-art production studios with the latest video editing and special effects software, which allows students to master all areas of this multidisciplinary field.

What are the Types of Courses for Film, Television & Digital Media Programs?

A typical BA or BFA program in Film, Television & Digital Media will include a range of courses in each discipline. While curriculums and courses titles will vary, curriculums for schools such as Texas Christian University and University of Michigan are good examples of what students can expect from a top program. Sample courses include:

Find a school

• Advanced Studies in Radio, Television, and Film
• Animation and Digital Media Practices
• Audience Research
• Business of Media
• Contemporary Media
• Documentary Film
• Film Genres and Types
• Film Theory and Criticism
• History of Broadcasting
• History of Film
• Introduction to Film and Television
• Media Analysis
• Motion Graphics
• New Media Theory
• Producing the Live Sports Event
• Screenwriting
• Special Effects
• Television Theory and Criticism
• Topics in Film
• Topics in Media Production
• Video Production

All students will complete a senior project such as a portfolio, demo-reel or other creative project. Just about every program also offers an optional internship in film, television and digital media. The senior project demonstrates the student's artistic ability and the internship can help students gain hands-on experience and make valuable contacts in the industry. 

What Can I Do With a Degree in Film, Television & Digital Media?    

Film, television & digital media graduates go on to become animators, writers, producers, film directors, editors, media producers and cinematographers, independent filmmakers, journalists, advertising executives, broadcasters, camera operators, film and video editors, studio floor managers, deejays, podcast producers, educators, and more. Employment growth depends on the industry. For example:

• Employment of film and video editors is projected to grow 14 percent from 2018 to 2028, which is much faster than the average for all occupations.
• Overall employment of postsecondary teachers is projected to grow 11 percent from 2018 to 2028, which is much faster than the average for all occupations. Both part-time and full-time postsecondary teachers are included in this projection.
• Overall employment of advertising, promotions, and marketing managers is projected to grow eight percent from 2018 to 2028, which is faster than the average for all occupations. Employment growth will vary by occupation.
• Employment of producers and directors is projected to grow five percent from 2018 to 2028, which is about as fast as the average for all occupations.
• Employment of multimedia artists and animators is projected to grow four percent from 2018 to 2028, which is about as fast as the average for all occupations.
• Employment of media and communication occupations is projected to grow four percent from 2018 to 2028, which is about as fast as the average for all occupations.

Employment growth in media and communication occupations will result in about 27,600 new jobs.