BA in Digital Film Degree: Editing and Visual Effects (VFX) Emphasis
BA in Digital Film Degree: Editing and Visual Effects (VFX) Emphasis
Start your GCU
journey today.
journey today.
We're here to help.
An editing and visual effects in film emphasis can open up a realm of diverse career prospects.
Potential careers you may have the opportunity to pursue include the following:
Film and video editors
Audio engineer
Color grader
Digital image technician
Editor
Editorial assistant
Postproduction coordinator
Postproduction supervisor
Sound editor
Sound design
Sound mixing
VFX artist
Median annual wage for film and video editors in May 20221
Job growth for film and video editors (2022-32)2
GCU holds a highly regarded accreditation by the Higher Learning Commission. This accreditation ensures the university meets rigorous academic standards and provides students with a credible and quality education in the field of digital arts.
The course curriculum is designed to introduce you to the fundamental principles of storytelling, cinematography and film language, alongside hands-on experiences in basic camera operation and shot composition. You will have the opportunity to gain hands-on experience by applying classroom principles in a capstone course where you will work in an organization under practitioner supervision.
Further exploration may include:
Unlock the potential of visual storytelling with our immersive on-campus and online digital film degree. Gain practical expertise in editing and visual effects while earning a degree from an accredited university. Start shaping your artistic vision today.
The Bachelor of Arts in Digital Film with an Emphasis in Editing and Visual Effects (VFX) at Grand Canyon University is designed to cultivate pioneers within the realms of narrative film and video postproduction. This editing and digital VFX emphasis aims to foster innovation by focusing on teaching a strong foundation in narrative storytelling, creative skills, technical expertise and hands-on experience to craft and deliver powerful messages.
This editing and visual effects in film emphasis may be ideal for individuals seeking to enhance their technical and creative aptitude in digital film, with a specific focus on editing and visual effects. Refine your artistic expression by cultivating an understanding of film as it relates to cultures and human flourishing from a Christian worldview. Whether you're an aspiring filmmaker, a visual storyteller or someone passionate about crafting compelling narratives through film, this degree will teach you essential skills that can prepare you for a potential career in the field of digital film post production.
If you enjoy using technology to produce computer-generated animations for films, ads, websites and more, you may be interested in this VFX and editing emphasis. To help you understand the program on a deeper level, we’ve gathered a few of our most frequently asked questions below.
As of September 2021, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook estimates job growth for film and video editors and camera operators to increase by about 9% from 2022 to 2032, much faster than average, accounting for an estimated increase of 4,800 jobs in the field.2 If this career path aligns with your goals, an editing and visual effects in film emphasis can be well worth the investment.
A BA (Bachelor of Arts) in digital film can provide a broader education that includes digital filmmaking, VFX and editing along with general education courses, which may offer a well-rounded foundation. In contrast, a BFA (Bachelor of Fine Arts) in digital film can offer a more specialized and focused program with studio work and hands-on training that often takes a deeper dive into the technical and artistic aspects of digital filmmaking.3 Learn more about GCU’s additional digital film degrees to help you make an informed decision.
Yes, this VFX and editing emphasis may be a good path if you wish to become a VFX artist. These editing- and VFX-focused programs teach you to create digitally generated imagery, such as digital compositing, 3D animation, motion graphics and VFX techniques. Pursuing an editing and digital VFX emphasis can help aspiring artists with the skills and knowledge to work toward a career in a variety of visual effects, film, television, gaming and other industries.4
Our comprehensive online learning system can help you explore the art of film editing and visual effects while keeping the flexibility to learn at your own pace. Whether you're balancing work, family or other commitments, our program can adapt to your schedule.
Up to 90 credits, only 84 can be lower division
Credits: Fill out the Lopes Eval to find out what will transfer
Admission Requirements (Bachelor's)
OR 2.5+ Unweighted GPA and
Admission requirements may differ based on degree level, program and modality, or transfer status. Some programs of study may require a higher GPA and/or other qualifying criteria for admission. Please review full admission and program requirements in the University Policy Handbook.
*Math and reading only on a 1600 point scale (test date after 3/1/2016). SAT score of 1380 required for 2400 point scale (test date before 3/1/2016).
As you progress through the on-campus or online digital VFX and editing emphasis, you will study the art of film editing and visual effects, including non-linear editing software techniques using industry-standard software, such as Adobe After Effects, Autodesk Maya and more. Digital compositing, 3D modeling and animation are taught to help you in creating realistic and immersive visual effects for films, video games and other media. Particle simulations, matte painting and green screen removal are also explored as you study the critical role of an editor in shaping the narrative flow.
This on-campus or online BA digital film degree: editing and VFX emphasis can help refine your skills and creativity by offering course topics in a variety of domains, including the following:
Opting for on-campus learning can provide you with a traditional and immersive educational experience. Interacting face-to-face with professors and peers can foster connections and collaborative learning opportunities. The structured environment of the physical on-campus option may be attractive for those seeking a comprehensive education within an interactive academic community.
