Master's Degree in Film/Video and Photographic Arts
This master's degree teaches advanced skills in film, video, and photographic arts, preparing students for creative and technical roles in the media and entertainment industries.
About
The Master's Degree in Film/Video and Photographic Arts is a graduate program in the United States designed for students who want to deepen their knowledge and skills in visual storytelling and media production. This degree is ideal for those passionate about creating films, videos, or photographic works, and who aim to work in creative or technical roles within the arts and entertainment sectors. The program typically lasts one to two years and offers an opportunity to develop both artistic vision and technical expertise.
- Graduate level program focusing on creative and technical aspects of film, video, and photography.
- Designed for students with a bachelor's degree interested in media production and visual arts.
- Prepares students for careers in filmmaking, video production, photography, and related creative industries.
- Helps develop skills in storytelling, technical equipment use, and project management.
- Encourages exploration of personal artistic style and professional portfolio development.
What you study
The curriculum of this master's degree combines theoretical courses with practical workshops to build advanced skills in film, video, and photographic arts. Students progress from foundational concepts to complex projects, often working on individual and group productions. The program emphasizes hands-on experience with industry-standard equipment and software.
- Courses cover film theory, cinematography, video editing, and photographic techniques.
- Workshops and labs provide practical training on cameras, lighting, sound, and post-production tools.
- Students create short films, documentaries, photo essays, and multimedia projects.
- Advanced seminars explore storytelling, visual aesthetics, and media history.
- Project-based learning is central, with opportunities for collaboration and critique.
- Final thesis or portfolio showcases the student's creative and technical abilities.
How to get in
Admission to this master's program in the US requires a bachelor's degree, usually in a related field such as film, media, or arts. Applicants must submit a portfolio demonstrating their creative work, along with academic transcripts and letters of recommendation. The selection process often includes an interview or statement of purpose to assess motivation and fit.
- Bachelor's degree is required, preferably in film, media, or arts.
- Portfolio of creative work is essential for evaluating skills and artistic vision.
- Application includes transcripts, letters of recommendation, and a personal statement.
- Some programs require an interview or additional tests.
- Applicants should show motivation and potential for advanced creative work.
Day to day
The typical year in this master's program combines classes, workshops, and project work. Students spend time learning technical skills in labs and working on creative productions individually or in teams. Internships or practical experiences may be part of the curriculum, providing exposure to professional environments.
- Weekly schedule includes lectures, practical labs, and group critiques.
- Students work on several projects, from short films to photographic series.
- Internships or fieldwork can offer real-world experience in studios or media companies.
- Time management is important to balance technical practice and creative development.
- Collaborative projects help build teamwork and communication skills.
Careers this degree leads to
Graduates with this master's degree can pursue various careers in the creative industries, especially in film, video, and photography. Employment is often found in production companies, media outlets, advertising agencies, or as independent artists. The job market can be competitive, but the degree helps build a strong portfolio and network.
- Possible careers include filmmaker, cinematographer, video editor, and photographer.
- Work sectors include film production, television, advertising, and digital media.
- Graduates may work freelance or join creative teams in companies.
- Building a portfolio and professional contacts is key for job opportunities.
- Employment prospects depend on skills, creativity, and networking.
Continuing your studies
After completing this master's degree, some students choose to continue their studies with doctoral research in film or media studies, or pursue specialized certifications in areas like animation or digital media. Others may shift to related fields such as arts management or education.
- Doctoral programs in film, media, or communication studies are possible.
- Specialized diplomas in animation, digital effects, or multimedia production can be pursued.
- Some graduates consider careers in teaching or arts administration.
Where to study this degree (108)
Liste des 108 établissements
- Norwich UniversityNorthfield
- John Paul the Great Catholic UniversityEscondido
- Lynn UniversityBoca Raton
- American Film Institute ConservatoryLos Angeles
- University of Southern CaliforniaLos Angeles
- New York Film AcademyBurbank
- Chapman UniversityOrange
- Columbia UniversityNew York
- Savannah College of Art and DesignSavannah
- Full Sail UniversityWinter Park
- New York UniversityNew York
- School of Visual ArtsNew York
- Loyola Marymount UniversityLos Angeles
- Academy of Art UniversitySan Francisco
- Regent UniversityVirginia Beach
- California Institute of the ArtsValencia
- DePaul UniversityChicago
- University of California-Los AngelesLos Angeles
- Brooklyn CollegeBrooklyn
- University of North Carolina School of the ArtsWinston Salem
- American UniversityWashington
- Florida State UniversityTallahassee
- Rochester Institute of TechnologyRochester
- Maryland Institute College of ArtBaltimore
- Atlantic UniversityGuaynabo
- University of North Carolina WilmingtonWilmington
- Johns Hopkins UniversityBaltimore
- ArtCenter College of DesignPasadena
- Ohio University LancasterAthens
- Yale UniversityNew Haven
- Northwestern UniversityEvanston
- San Francisco State UniversitySan Francisco
- Mount St. Mary's UniversityLos Angeles
- New SchoolNew York
- Montana State UniversityBozeman
- Sacred Heart UniversityFairfield
- University of MiamiCoral Gables
- California College of the ArtsSan Francisco
- Vermont College of Fine ArtsMontpelier
- University of California-Santa CruzSanta Cruz
- University of Wisconsin-MilwaukeeMilwaukee
- University of HartfordWest Hartford
- Rhode Island School of DesignProvidence
- City College of New YorkNew York
- Columbia College ChicagoChicago
- University of California-BerkeleyBerkeley
- University of GeorgiaAthens
- Stony Brook UniversityStony Brook
- Wake Forest UniversityWinston-Salem
- San Diego State UniversitySan Diego
- Howard UniversityWashington
- Syracuse UniversitySyracuse
- Temple UniversityPhiladelphia
- Seattle Film InstituteSeattle
- Massachusetts College of Art and DesignBoston
- Asbury UniversityWilmore
- Stanford UniversityStanford
- Lipscomb UniversityNashville
- Quinnipiac UniversityHamden
- Lesley UniversityCambridge
- Cranbrook Academy of ArtBloomfield Hills
- Fairleigh Dickinson University-Florham CampusMadison
- University of Central ArkansasConway
- Washington University in St LouisSaint Louis
- Governors State UniversityUniversity Park
- University of Washington-Seattle CampusSeattle
- University of Central FloridaOrlando
- Harvard UniversityCambridge
- Brigham Young UniversityProvo
- University of UtahSalt Lake City
- College of Staten IslandStaten Island
- The University of MontanaMissoula
- University of Nevada, Las VegasLas Vegas
- University of California-Santa BarbaraSanta Barbara
- National UniversitySan Diego
- Baylor UniversityWaco
- Chatham UniversityPittsburgh
- University of South Carolina-ColumbiaColumbia
- Central Michigan UniversityMount Pleasant
- Central Washington UniversityEllensburg
- University of Massachusetts DartmouthNorth Dartmouth
- University of Michigan-Ann ArborAnn Arbor
- University of IowaIowa City
- Boston UniversityBoston
- University of KansasLawrence
- Purchase CollegePurchase
- University at BuffaloBuffalo
- University of Pittsburgh-Pittsburgh CampusPittsburgh
- Ohio State University-Main CampusColumbus
- Wesleyan UniversityMiddletown
- University of Colorado BoulderBoulder
- Hollins UniversityRoanoke
- SUNY New PaltzNew Paltz
- Emory UniversityAtlanta
- Binghamton UniversityBinghamton
- University of Illinois ChicagoChicago
- Bob Jones UniversityGreenville
- New Jersey City UniversityJersey City
- Barry UniversityMiami
- New England CollegeHenniker
- Southern Methodist UniversityDallas
- Wichita State UniversityWichita
- Maharishi International UniversityFairfield
- University of RochesterRochester
- University of ChicagoChicago
- Southern Adventist UniversityCollegedale
- University of DenverDenver
- Sonoma State UniversityRohnert Park
Frequently asked questions
What kind of prior education do I need to apply?
You need to have completed a bachelor's degree, ideally in film, media, or a related arts field. A strong portfolio of your creative work is also required.
Is this degree more theoretical or practical?
The program balances theory and practice, with many workshops and projects that let you develop hands-on skills alongside academic knowledge.
Can I work while studying this master's degree?
The program is intensive and usually full-time, so working alongside can be challenging, but some students manage part-time jobs or internships.
Are internships part of the program?
Many programs encourage or require internships to gain professional experience, helping you connect with industry professionals.
What careers can I pursue after graduation?
You can work as a filmmaker, cinematographer, video editor, photographer, or in other creative roles within media and entertainment sectors.
Is it possible to continue studying after this master's degree?
Yes, some graduates pursue doctoral studies or specialized certificates in areas like animation or digital media.
Do I need to submit a portfolio to apply?
Yes, submitting a portfolio showcasing your creative work is a key part of the application process to demonstrate your skills and artistic vision.
Is the program selective?
Admission is selective, as programs look for candidates with strong creative potential and relevant academic background.


























