Certificate in Film, Video and Photographic Arts

Film, video and photographic arts programs are geared towards providing students with knowledge about recording images in order to entertain or inform. Students get to know how to capture footage for TV, news, music videos or films and also acquire skills that helps them create shows, motion pictures, and documentaries. Graduates may find a number of work opportunities. They may become directors, producers or film and video editors. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) states that the employment of producers and directors as well as film and video editors is expected to increase between 2012 and 2022.

Featured Programs

Film, Video and Photographic Arts Programs
Students interested in film, video and photographic arts can work towards the degree or certificate programs offered at a number of campus-based or online schools. They may choose to pursue the generalized programs that may instruct them in the basics of visual arts or work towards more focused degrees. Options include degrees and certificates in photography, film and digital production and more. They may pursue an associate, bachelors or masters degree. The undergraduate programs can be completed in 2 to 4 years while the master's degree generally requires 1-2 years to complete. The duration of a program may vary by the route the student decides to take. In these programs, students get a chance to grow as artists and get to know how to make use of video and photography tools to transform images into expressions of art.

The coursework in these programs may instruct students in motion picture fundamentals, script development, film production, cinematography and sound for film and video among other courses.

Certificate in Film, Video and Photographic Arts
In addition to degree programs, various colleges and universities also offer certificate in film, video and photographic arts. These programs can be suitable for working professionals such as photographers and film editors. They can improve their career prospects by acquiring advanced skills in visual arts. The coursework may include topics such as film editing, audio production, scriptwriting, documentary design and motion picture production. Classes are also available in cinema production and sound design. These programs generally take 6 months to one year to complete. The precise duration of a program depends on the enrollment status of the student.

Online Film, Video and Photographic Arts Programs
Students who want to work towards a degree or certificate in film, video and photographic arts may take the online route. There are many distance learning programs that offer programs in this area and allow students to study from the comfort of their home. Students in these programs are not required to visit campus and attend classes physically as in case of traditional programs. Instead, they can study remotely from any location with the help of the internet and learning technologies such as online databases, learning software and more.

Career Prospects
Graduates of film, video and photographic arts degree can become film editors, camera operators, producers or directors. Some also become photographers. According to BLS, the median annual wage of film editors in 2012 was $53,880 while the median annual income of photographers was $28,490.

States with the highest employment level in this occupation:

Source: bls.gov