Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Digital Film: Production Emphasis
Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Digital Film: Production Emphasis
journey today.
A Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Digital Film with an Emphasis in Production will take you behind the camera for an in-depth look at modern cinematography and narrative storytelling. Explore the business side of cinema, including the essentials of finance, budgets and distribution.
Offered by the College of Arts and Media, this digital film degree will teach foundational knowledge that can translate to small-scale projects and major motion pictures alike. If you enjoy examining the aesthetic aspects of narrative story development in multiple genres of film, from music videos to documentaries, this degree may be right for you.
7%
Estimated job growth for producers and directors from 2022 to 20321
If you have a passion for the arts and entertainment field, GCU’s on-campus or online digital film production degree can offer diverse opportunities for exploration. You will also delve into the dynamics of flourishing within a film production team. The curriculum nurtures your ability to develop professional communication skills, leadership qualities, critical reasoning abilities and ethical decision-making skills.
The median annual wage for producers and directors was $82,510 in 20232
Flexible Learning Options to Fit Your Lifestyle
Digital film production requires a unique blend of creativity and technical expertise. From the early days of silent films to modern digital creations, film has remained a dynamic medium that’s ideal for talented storytellers. It remains a driving force for innovative storytelling, a key focus of this degree program.
This Bachelor of Arts in Digital Film degree offers courses on campus or online via our interactive learning platform.
Embark on an enriching journey in digital film through our online program, guided by experienced faculty in their respective fields. Our online BA in Digital Film at GCU offers a convenient and flexible learning experience allowing you to attend school on your time. Gain insights and hands-on experience within this innovative online environment, tailored to ignite your creative potential and support your professional growth in the dynamic world of film. The online format provides many opportunities to engage in collaborative interactions with peers, leveraging their diverse perspectives as you work toward your career ambitions.
Attending classes exclusively on campus at GCU can provide digital film production students with film studio facilities, advanced editing suites and industry-standard equipment, to foster a hands-on learning experience. GCU's dedicated faculty and collaborative environment aims to cultivate a creative community and vibrant campus life, enabling you to network with professionals and gain practical insights that can be crucial for the arts and media landscape.
Application Requirements
There is no cost to apply to GCU. Within 24 business hours of submitting your transcripts, we will complete an unofficial evaluation of your coursework and provide a personalized graduation plan, including a preliminary schedule and your anticipated graduation date, if you follow the schedule provided. A portfolio is typically not required for acceptance. For detailed information, visit our Undergraduate Admissions Requirements page.
You will have the opportunity to apply your knowledge to hands-on, practical situations by working on advanced projects throughout the on-campus or online digital film and video production degree.
The culmination of this program is the Digital Production Capstone, where you will be challenged to create a professional-level, short digital film, providing you with needed experience and a compelling portfolio piece to showcase your skills to potential future employers.
In this digital film degree you will start with a broad survey of cinema, including its history and aesthetics. Other course subjects that are taught in this film degree emphasis program include:
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Outlook Handbook estimates job growth for film and video editors to increase by about 9% from 2022 to 2032, faster than average, accounting for an estimated increase of 4,800 jobs in the field.3 The job outlook for producers and directors during the same timeframe is also on track to grow by an estimated 7%, accounting for an estimated increase of 11,700 jobs in the field.1
In the world of TV and film production, it’s common for new graduates to get their foot in the door by first working as an intern or production assistant. GCU strives to graduate professionals who are skilled communicators and networkers, which may be beneficial as you work toward your career goals.
Arts and entertainment can be a dynamic career field, full of diverse possibilities. If you choose to pursue a career that requires a digital film degree with a production emphasis or television, career opportunities related to this degree may include:
Director (film, television, industrial)
Producer
Camera operator (film, television, video)
Film and video editor
$66,600
Median annual wage for film and video editors in May 20234
9%
Estimated job growth for film and video editors from 2022 to 20323
GCU is institutionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, ensuring its commitment to high academic standards and quality education. Pursuing a film degree from an accredited college can provide a comprehensive and reputable educational experience.
GCU’s College of Arts and Media prides itself on meeting similar accrediting standards that can provide robust curriculum, knowledgeable faculty and industry opportunities. College accreditation can enhance credibility in the film industry, equipping students with essential skills for their future career.
Bachelor of Arts in Digital Film: Production Emphasis FAQs
Making any big decision in life likely comes with many questions. If you’re deciding on pursuing a digital film degree, we’ve gathered a few of the most frequently asked questions to help make your decision.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, film and video editors and camera operators typically need a bachelor’s degree in a field related to film or broadcasting.5 While this may vary among employers, earning a digital film degree with a production emphasis may not be required for entering the film business. However, the skills and connections acquired in a film degree can help you access opportunities you wouldn’t necessarily receive with other majors or on your own.
A digital film degree can be valuable for those passionate about filmmaking and interested in mastering the technical aspects of digital media. It offers industry-relevant skills, networking opportunities and access to experienced faculty which can potentially help you position yourself for various roles within the film industry. The decision to pursue this degree should consider the program's quality, costs versus potential career benefits and personal career aspirations.
GCU does require students to have access to these software programs:
These programs will be used throughout your degree. If taking these courses online, you will be responsible for paying for these programs. If you are taking the courses on-campus, you will have access to GCU’s computer lab, including the editing software mentioned, but you would still need to purchase the screenwriting software. GCU’s computer lab houses multiple iMac computer stations which all run Adobe and DaVinci software, ensuring that you have ample opportunity to work on the same software that is used in the professional film industry.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, producers and directors had a median annual wage of $82,510 in May 2023.2 Additionally, in May 2023, film and video editors had a median annual wage of $66,600, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.4
This digital film degree is ideally suited for students who aspire to become a producer, where you’ll explore the more creative and behind-the-camera sides of the business. If you enjoy making creative business decisions about film and television while being under pressure to finish on time, a production career may be right for you.
If you are taking the digital film production courses on campus, you will have access to all the film production equipment that GCU has to offer. You will have access to a variety of professional camera, audio and lighting equipment. It consists of cameras made by Canon and RED, audio recorders by Zoom and microphones by Sennheiser. There are HMI, tungsten and LED lights and many other hardware items including professional pocket jibs and a doorway dolly with tracks.
Kickstart Your Journey as a Filmmaker
Unleash your creative vision with GCU's digital film degree, specializing in production. Gain hands-on experience, learn from industry specialists and work toward kickstarting your filmmaking career today.
- COVID-19 has adversely affected the global economy and data from 2020 to 2022 may be atypical compared to prior years. Accordingly, data shown is effective Sept. 2023, which can be found here: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook, Producers and Directors, retrieved on May 3, 2024.
- The earnings referenced were reported by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), Producers and Directors as of May 2023, retrieved on April 24, 2024. Due to COVID-19, data from 2020 to 2023 may be atypical compared to prior years. BLS calculates the median using salaries of workers nationwide with varying levels of education and experience. It does not reflect the earnings of GCU graduates as producers and directors, nor does it reflect the earnings of workers in one city or region of the country or a typical entry-level salary. Median income is the statistical midpoint for the range of salaries in a specific occupation. It represents what you would earn if you were paid more money than half the workers in an occupation, and less than half the workers in an occupation. It may give you a basis to estimate what you might earn at some point if you enter this career. Grand Canyon University can make no guarantees on individual graduates’ salaries. Your employability will be determined by numerous factors over which GCU has no control, such as the employer the graduate chooses to apply to, the graduate’s experience level, individual characteristics, skills, etc. against a pool of candidates.
- COVID-19 has adversely affected the global economy and data from 2020 to 2022 may be atypical compared to prior years. Accordingly, data shown is effective Sept. 2023, which can be found here: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook, Film and Video Editors and Camera Operators, retrieved on May 3, 2024.
- The earnings referenced were reported by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), Film and Video Editors and Camera Operators as of May 2023, retrieved on April 24, 2024. Due to COVID-19, data from 2020 to 2023 may be atypical compared to prior years. BLS calculates the median using salaries of workers nationwide with varying levels of education and experience. It does not reflect the earnings of GCU graduates as film and video editors and camera operators, nor does it reflect the earnings of workers in one city or region of the country or a typical entry-level salary. Median income is the statistical midpoint for the range of salaries in a specific occupation. It represents what you would earn if you were paid more money than half the workers in an occupation, and less than half the workers in an occupation. It may give you a basis to estimate what you might earn at some point if you enter this career. Grand Canyon University can make no guarantees on individual graduates’ salaries. Your employability will be determined by numerous factors over which GCU has no control, such as the employer the graduate chooses to apply to, the graduate’s experience level, individual characteristics, skills, etc. against a pool of candidates.
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (2023, Sept. 6). How to Become a Film and Video Editor or Camera Operator. Occupational Outlook Handbook. Retrieved on Nov. 22, 2023.