The ways (and speed) through which we get our electronic news, information and entertainment has radically changed —and continues to change—by the minute.
“Television” is not what it used to be.
The Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Film and Television is designed to prepare the next generation of professionals who will continue to revolutionize the film and television industries. From scriptwriting and storyboarding to live-action shooting, digital editing and live webcast streaming – for both the big-screen TV and hand-held device, students learn it all.
We’ll challenge you to think critically and creatively and master cutting-edge technologies. You’ll express yourself by producing video projects, newscasts, commercials, dramatic programming, and more. You’ll be able to put your technical and business knowledge to work by interning at facilities such as major network and cable studios in Manhattan. You can gain additional experience with our study abroad programs; producing live webcasts, and supporting our news shows and streaming platform, Hawk+.
The Film and Television curriculum offers a well-rounded study of the creative and technical aspects of the discipline(s) within the broader context of a liberal-arts education. The emphasis is on the writing, producing and directing of fresh, innovative ideas for multiple platform dissemination, coupled with a strong theoretical background in the history and contemporary issues related to electronic communication. Enhancing the curriculum are dedicated activities that will help you discover and bring your “own voice” to this exciting field. Courses in writing, audio production and sound design will teach you how to write for the medium (news, commercials, drama) as well as the technology for translating ideas to the screen. Access to state-of-the-art facilities in the DuMont Television Center allow you to become skilled using equipment reflecting the industry today. Throughout the program you will work on student productions aired on cable and by the third and fourth years, you will produce works worthy of inclusion in your professional portfolio.
The Film and Television curriculum is comprised of 120 credits (3 cr. per course) and includes five areas of requirement:
- Film and Television Major Requirements – sequential instruction specific to the major-concentration
- Common-Core School Curriculum — a broad foundation for understanding all communication and media disciplines (required of all students in the School of Communication and Media)
- Major Elective courses — further development of major-related
- General education courses – exploration of studies that comprise a liberal arts education – e.g. in writing, humanities, math, and the natural, social and computer sciences (required of all University students pursuing a bachelor of arts degree)
- Free electives — exploration of additional areas of interest; or inclusion of a Minor
In addition, students often pursue internships to acquire practical experience related to the major. Recent graduates completed internships at: The Wendy Williams Show, CBS Corporation, Scoundrel Films, Capitol Soundz Studios, Fox News Media, CNBC, NBCUniversal, ABC Television Group, Saturday Night Live
Graduates of the Film and Television program are in high demand, finding work in such areas as news, entertainment and production. Students also find jobs in craft disciplines such as videography, editing and technical directing.
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics offers very positive data for careers in Flim and Television.
Below is a sampling of career titles:
- Audio Engineer
- Board Operator
- Cable System Manager
- Camera Person
- Computer Animation Designer
- Computer Graphics Operator
- Corporate Video Producer
- Director
- Editor
- Field Reporter
- Floor Manager
- Lighting Designer
- Line or Field Producer
- News Writer
- Network Executive Producer
- Production Coordinator
- Production Manager
- Programming Executive
- Set Designer
- Station Manager
- Station Representative
- Talent Coordinator
- Television Director
- Video Editor
- Web Producer
Visit the links below for additional professional and career-related information:
Film and Television Coordinator: Stuart MacLelland