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, the digital film production courses 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.
If you have a passion for the arts and entertainment field, our digital film production degree can offer diverse opportunities for exploration. You will 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.
Estimated job growth for producers and directors from 2024 to 2034, according to the BLS.1
Median annual wage for producers and directors in May 2024, according to the BLS.2
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 can be ideal for talented storytellers. It remains a driving force for innovative storytelling, a key focus of this degree program.
This BA in Digital Film 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 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 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 advanced editing suites and industry-standard equipment, to foster a hands-on learning experience.
Our dedicated faculty and collaborative environment aim to cultivate a creative community and vibrant campus life, helping you 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 credit 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 Admission 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.
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 culmination of this program is the digital production capstone, where you will be challenged to create a professional-level, short digital film. This will provide you with experience and a compelling portfolio piece to showcase your skills to potential future employers.
In the world of TV and film production, new graduates may get their foot in the door by first working as an intern or production assistant. We strive to graduate professionals who are skilled communicators and networkers, which may be beneficial as you work toward your career goals.
Arts and entertainment is a field full of diverse possibilities. If you choose to pursue a career that requires a digital film degree with a production emphasis, career opportunities related to this degree may include:
Director (film, television, industrial)
Producer
Camera operator (film, television, video)
Film and video editor
Median annual wage for film and video editors and camera operators in May 2024, according to the BLS.3
Estimated job growth for film and video editors and camera operators from 2024 to 2034, according to the BLS.4
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 university can provide a comprehensive and reputable educational experience.
The College of Arts and Media shares the university’s commitment to upholding the principles and standards established by our accrediting bodies.
Frequently Asked Questions
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.
Digital film production is a modern process of creating films using digital technology instead of traditional film methods. This process involves the use of digital cameras to capture footage, which is then transferred to computers for editing and post-production processes. This method covers every stage of the filmmaking process, from scripting to shooting and editing. The process also allows for greater flexibility and creative control, as changes can be made more easily during editing. Additionally, digital tools enable filmmakers to work more efficiently and bring their creative visions to life with advanced visual and audio enhancements.6
According to the BLS, 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 Adobe Creative Cloud software. Additionally, they must have access to one of the following three screenwriting programs:
According to the BLS, producers and directors had a median annual wage of $83,480 in May 2024.2 Additionally, in May 2024, film and video editors and camera operators had a median annual wage of $70,570, according to the BLS.3
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.
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 2023 may be atypical compared to prior years. Accordingly, data shown is effective August 2025, which can be found here: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook, Producers and Directors, retrieved Sept. 5, 2025.
- The earnings referenced were reported by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), Producers and Directors as of May 2024, retrieved July 21, 2025. 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 is very unlikely that a median salary will reflect an entry-level salary. 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.
- The earnings referenced were reported by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), Film and Video Editors and Camera Operators as of May 2024, retrieved July 21, 2025. 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 is very unlikely that a median salary will reflect an entry-level salary. 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 2023 may be atypical compared to prior years. Accordingly, data shown is effective August 2025, which can be found here: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook, Film and Video Editors and Camera Operators, retrieved Sept. 5, 2025.
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (2023, Sept. 6). How To Become a Film and Video Editor or Camera Operator. Occupational Outlook Handbook. Retrieved Nov. 22, 2023.
- Gulshan Kuman Film and Television Institute of India. (2023, June 29). What Is the Meaning of Digital Filmmaking. Retrieved July 21, 2025.