Studying Film & Television: Degrees at a Glance
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) suggests that to obtain a higher-level position in the film & television industry, such as director, writer or producer, you may need to have a bachelor's degree. Even with an undergraduate degree, you will likely need to start in assistant positions and gain several years of professional experience to move up the ranks in this field. Earning a graduate degree in film & television studies can provide you with time to hone your skills, build a portfolio and make connections with industry professionals. Doctoral degrees in film & television studies might appeal to you if you want to teach at the collegiate level.
The BLS predicted that producers and directors would see an 11% employment growth rate (about average) over the 2010-2020 decade, while screenwriters would see a slower-than-average 6% growth during that time. Postsecondary teachers were expected to see a job rate increase of 17% during the same decade.
| Master's | Doctorate | |
|---|---|---|
| Who is this degree for? | Individuals who want an advanced overview of the film & television industry so that they might find jobs in production, editing or similar fields | Individuals who want to teach film & television at the postsecondary level or act as consultants |
| Common Career Paths (with approximate median annual salary) | - Director or producer ($71,000)* - Film editor ($53,000)* - Screenwriter (includes all writers and authors - $56,000)* | Postsecondary teacher ($64,000)* |
| Time to Completion | About 2 years | 2-4 years |
| Common Graduation Requirements | - Core film courses - Thesis or graduate project | - Core courses - Possible foreign language requirement - Dissertation - PhD exam |
| Prerequisites | - Bachelor's degree - Portfolio or resume | Bachelor's or master's degree |
| Online Availability | No | No |
Source: *U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (May 2011 figures).
