What Colleges Offer Cinematography? |

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If you’re interested in pursuing a career in cinematography, finding the right college is crucial. With so many options available, it can be overwhelming to decide which schools offer the best programs. In this article, we’ve compiled a list of colleges that offer cinematography programs to help you make an informed decision. Whether you’re looking for a traditional four-year university or a specialized film school, we’ve got you covered.

What are the top film schools in California for undergraduates?

Some of the top film schools in California for undergraduates include the University of Southern California (USC), University of California Los Angeles (UCLA), California Institute of the Arts (CalArts), Loyola Marymount University (LMU), Chapman University, and San Francisco State University.

USC’s School of Cinematic Arts is frequently ranked as one of the best film schools in the world. It offers BFA and BA programs in areas like film and television production, animation, writing, critical studies, and interactive media. UCLA’s School of Theater, Film and Television features renowned instructors and access to industry professionals.

CalArts has a strong focus on experimental and visual arts in its BFA film program. LMU’s School of Film and Television provides hands-on training in filmmaking. Chapman University’s Dodge College of Film and Media Arts offers degrees in film production, screenwriting, and more. San Francisco State’s BECA department allows students to concentrate in areas like cinema, video production, or television.

2. Which schools in Los Angeles offer the best film programs?

The top film schools in Los Angeles are the University of Southern California (USC), University of California Los Angeles (UCLA), California Institute of the Arts (CalArts), and Loyola Marymount University (LMU).

USC’s prestigious School of Cinematic Arts offers degrees in areas like production, writing, animation, interactive media, and critical studies. UCLA’s School of Theater, Film and Television features award-winning faculty and excellent industry connections. CalArts focuses on visual arts, experimental filmmaking, and has talented alumni across entertainment fields. LMU’s School of Film and Television provides hands-on filmmaking experience and opportunities to network with professionals.

Other notable film schools in LA include the American Film Institute Conservatory, New York Film Academy’s Los Angeles campus, Los Angeles Film School, and Occidental College’s Media Arts & Culture program.

3. What are the best colleges and degrees for cinematographers?

Some top colleges and degree programs for aspiring cinematographers include:

University of Southern California (USC) – BFA or MFA in Cinematography
American Film Institute (AFI) – MFA in Cinematography
University of California Los Angeles (UCLA) – MFA in Cinematography
New York University (NYU) – BFA or MFA in Cinematography
San Francisco State University – BA in Cinema with Cinematography Concentration
Columbia University – MFA in Film and Media Production with Cinematography Focus
Loyola Marymount University (LMU) – BFA in Film Production with Cinematography Emphasis
School of Visual Arts (SVA) – BFA in Cinematography
California Institute of the Arts (CalArts) – BFA in Film/Video

Programs that provide extensive hands-on training, mentorship, equipment access, and industry connections are ideal preparation for a cinematography career. Both undergraduate and graduate degrees can offer specialized cinematography coursework.

4. What are the admission requirements for film schools?

Admission requirements can vary depending on the specific film school, but generally they include:

Application and application fee – Includes personal statement/essays, resume, portfolio/supplemental materials
High school transcripts and GED/SAT/ACT scores – Minimum GPA around 3.0 and solid test scores
Letters of recommendation – Often 2-3 letters speaking to creative skills and potential
Interview – Either in-person or phone/video call to assess fit
Portfolio – Reel of creative work emphasizing visual storytelling strengths

Some schools require the submission of original film treatments, scripts, or creative writing samples as well. Applicants are expected to demonstrate their creative voice, storytelling ability, and passion for filmmaking. Technical skill with camerawork, editing, lighting, and audio is also considered. Relevant extracurricular activities in high school like film projects, school publications, drama club, etc. are pluses.

5. What is the average tuition cost for film schools?

The average annual tuition cost for undergraduate film school programs in the United States ranges from about $35,000-55,000 per year for private colleges and $25,000-$35,000 for public in-state schools. This does not include additional expenses like room and board, books, fees, and supplies.

Top private film schools like University of Southern California, New York University, Emerson College, and Loyola Marymount University tend to have tuition and fees in the range of $50,000 per year. Affordable public film schools like San Francisco State University, Brooklyn College, and Florida State University are around $25,000 annually for in-state students.

Many film schools provide opportunities like scholarships, grants, work-study programs, and teaching assistant positions to help offset costs. But film school remains an intensive and expensive endeavor for most students. Extra costs for equipment, materials, travel for filming, and networking can add up quickly.

6. What are the best film schools in the United States?

Some of the top film schools in the United States include:

University of Southern California (USC) – Renowned School of Cinematic Arts offers degrees in film production, screenwriting, animation, and more.
New York University (NYU) – Prestigious film program focused on independent cinema and hands-on experience in New York City.
University of California Los Angeles (UCLA) – Strong industry connections and experienced faculty in LA.
American Film Institute (AFI) – Leading conservatory program for graduate film studies in Los Angeles.
Columbia University – Ivy League film program emphasizing storytelling and liberal arts foundation.
California Institute of the Arts (CalArts) – Experimental school focused heavily on visual arts in film/video.
Chapman University – Cutting-edge facilities and equipment at Dodge College of Film and Media Arts.
Loyola Marymount University – Film school focused on collaboration and hands-on experience.
Florida State University – Affordable top film school emphasizing a broad arts education.
Emerson College – Boston-based film studies spanning production, screenwriting, animation and more.

7. What are the top 25 film schools in America?

Here are the top 25 film schools in the United States according to The Hollywood Reporter’s annual rankings:

University of Southern California
New York University
University of California Los Angeles
American Film Institute
Columbia University
California Institute of the Arts
Chapman University
Loyola Marymount University
Florida State University
Emerson College
Syracuse University
University of Texas at Austin
Boston University
Northwestern University
Georgia State University
California State University Northridge
Rhode Island School of Design
San Francisco State University
Savannah College of Art and Design
School of Visual Arts
Ithaca College
Santa Fe University of Art and Design
Brooklyn College
ArtCenter College of Design
Stony Brook University

8. What are the best film schools in New York?

Some of the top film schools in New York include:

New York University (NYU) – Prestigious program focused on cinema studies and hands-on filmmaking experience.
Columbia University – Ivy League film program emphasizing storytelling and theory.
School of Visual Arts (SVA) – Highly regarded school for production, animation and more.
Syracuse University – Strong faculty and facilities at College of Visual and Performing Arts.
Stony Brook University – Innovative Department of Cinema and Cultural Studies.
Ithaca College – Roy H. Park School of Communications with concentrations in cinema, TV/radio, etc.
Brooklyn College – Affordable Feirstein Graduate School of Cinema.
City College of New York – Major film program and access to NYC.
Pace University – Standout digital media, production and screenwriting.
SUNY Purchase – Comprehensive conservatory arts training with BFA in Film.

9. What are the best film schools in Boston?

Some renowned film schools located in the Boston area include:

Emerson College – Top program focused on visual media arts, production, screenwriting and more.
Boston University – Strong film production and cinema studies at College of Communication.
Massachusetts College of Art and Design (MassArt) – BFA and MFA programs in film/video.
School of the Museum of Fine Arts at Tufts – Innovative filmmaking and cinematography studies.
Longy School of Music of Bard College – MFA in Film Scoring.
Northeastern University – Screenwriting, animation, and media studies.
Suffolk University – Smaller film studies program in a central Boston location.
University of Massachusetts Boston – Affordable degree options in media and film studies.
Harvard University – Robust visual and environmental studies program.
MIT – Filmmaking courses available but no dedicated major.

10. What are the best film schools in Santa Clarita, California?

The main film school located directly in Santa Clarita, California is:

The Los Angeles Film School – This for-profit institution offers associate and bachelor’s degrees related to entertainment production. Areas of study include filmmaking, animation, graphic design, music production and more.

Students get hands-on training using industry-standard software, equipment and facilities. The school has a Hollywood-style backlot and active Noise studio for student films.

Other notable film schools located near Santa Clarita include:

California Institute of the Arts (Valencia) – Top experimental arts college with highly-regarded BFA in Film and Video.
California State University Northridge (Northridge) – Respected Department of Cinema and Television Arts.
College of the Canyons (Valencia) – Nearby community college with film/media courses that can transfer to 4-year schools.

11. What are the best film schools in Orange, California?

The top film schools located in the city of Orange, California are:

Chapman University – Ranked as one of the best film schools in the country, Chapman’s Dodge College of Film and Media Arts offers degrees in areas like film production, screenwriting, editing, and more. Students have access to state-of-the-art equipment and facilities on campus.
Chapman’s Conservatory of Motion Pictures – This program partners with Dodge College to provide practical training and apprenticeships with industry professionals.
Orange Coast College – This community college has an acclaimed Film/Video Production program offering associate degrees and certificates. Graduates transfer to top 4-year film schools.

Other excellent film programs located near Orange include:

University of Southern California (Los Angeles)
California Institute of the Arts (Valencia)
Loyola Marymount University (Los Angeles)
New York Film Academy (Los Angeles)

12. What are the best film schools in Miami, Florida?

Miami is not typically considered a top city for film schools, but there are a few respectable programs, including:

University of Miami – Offers a BFA or BA in Motion Pictures with studies in production, screenwriting, criticism and industry trends.
Miami International University of Art & Design – Provides associate and bachelor’s degrees in Digital Cinema Production with hands-on curriculum.
Miami Dade College – Film Production Technology associate degree and certificate programs using industry equipment.
New York Film Academy Miami – Intensive short-term workshops and certificates in areas like filmmaking, acting, and photography.

Some other noteworthy film programs near Miami are:

University of Central Florida (Orlando)
Ringling College of Art and Design (Sarasota)
Florida State University Film School (Tallahassee)
Lynn University (Boca Raton)

But aspiring film students may find more opportunities at elite film schools located in major production hubs like Los Angeles, New York and Atlanta.

13. What are the best film schools in Notre Dame de Namur University?

Notre Dame de Namur University (NDNU) is a small private Catholic university located in Belmont, California. It offers a few film-related academic programs, but is not considered one of the top film schools.

Specifically, NDNU has a minor in Media and Performance Arts with some film and media course options. It also offers a Digital Media Arts certificate through its Art and Graphic Design department.

However, the course selection and facilities are very limited compared to elite film schools that offer cutting-edge equipment and extensive specialized training. NDNU does not have a dedicated film production major or degree.

Students interested in studying film would likely have more opportunities at acclaimed programs nearby like:

Stanford University (Film and Media Studies)
University of California Berkeley (Film and Media)
San Francisco State University (Cinema)
California College of the Arts (Film/Video)
Academy of Art University (Motion Pictures and Television)

But NDNU could be a suitable option for supplementing another major with media arts coursework.

14. What are the best film schools in Barry University?

Barry University is a private Catholic university located in Miami Shores, Florida. While Barry offers some media-related coursework, it is not considered one of the leading film schools.

The main program related to film studies at Barry University is:

Communication and Media Studies – This bachelor’s degree has concentrations in subjects like journalism, public relations, and digital communication. Students can take some classes relevant to film and media production.

However, there is no dedicated major in film, cinema studies, or media production. The program focuses more on communication theory and media analysis rather than hands-on technical training.

Students interested in filmmaking would likely find more extensive programs at other Florida schools like:

University of Miami (Cinema and Interactive Media)
Florida State University Film School
University of Central Florida (Film BFA)
Ringling College of Art and Design (Film)
Lynn University (Film and Television)

So Barry University is not considered one of the leading film schools, but does offer media coursework that could supplement another major or interests.

15. What are the best film schools in Loyola Marymount University?

Loyola Marymount University (LMU) is home to one of the country’s top film programs. Notable aspects of LMU’s School of Film and Television include:

Hands-on training in state-of-the-art facilities on LMU’s studio lot.
Degree options like BFAs in Production, Animation, Screenwriting; MFA in Writing and Producing.
Emphasis on collaboration and experiential learning.
Faculty who are active industry professionals.
Study abroad opportunities at LMUMexico.
Internship program to gain experience on sets and in studios.
Opportunity to make and premiere films at school events.
Prestigious alumni working across the entertainment industry.

LMU often ranks among the top 10 U.S. film schools. While tuition is expensive, the school offers scholarships and financial aid. LMU’s location near Hollywood also provides excellent networking and internship opportunities.

16. What are the best film schools in Columbia University?

Columbia University in New York City is home to one of the world’s elite film programs. Highlights include:

MFA program through the Graduate School of the Arts emphasizing storytelling.
Dual MFA/MA offered with the Journalism School.
Access to internships and jobs in NYC’s thriving film and media industry.
Interdisciplinary curriculum drawing from broad liberal arts.
World-renowned faculty including Oscar winners and nominees.
Opportunity to network with Columbia’s acclaimed alumni network.
State-of-the-art production facilities like the Lenfest Center for the Arts.
Partnerships with institutions like the nearby Juilliard School.

The cost of attendance is extremely high, but Columbia offers robust financial aid. Admission into the program is very selective. Columbia’s Ivy League reputation and New York City location make its film program dynamic and competitive among top global film schools.

17. What are the best film schools in University of California Los Angeles?

UCLA’s School of Theater, Film and Television located in Los Angeles is considered one of the finest public university film programs. Key strengths include:

Hands-on production experience at facilities like the Melnitz and James Bridges theaters.
Over 200 annual course offerings taught by experienced industry professionals.
Prominent alumni who are leaders across the entertainment industry.
Internship and networking opportunities in the LA area.
Degree options in areas like directing, producing, cinematography, animation, screenwriting, and more.
Competitive acceptance rates and cost of attendance as a public school.
Innovative programs like the Professional Producers Program (P3).

UCLA is frequently ranked as a leading film school worldwide thanks to its location, industry connections, experienced faculty, and hands-on training. It provides an excellent gateway into careers in film and television.

18. What are the best film schools in Feirstein Graduate School of Cinema at Brooklyn College?

The Feirstein Graduate School of Cinema at Brooklyn College is considered one of the nation’s top film schools, offering a highly selective MFA program. Notable features include:

Small class sizes and cohort-based learning model.
Directed focus on independent film production and screenwriting.
Coursework tailored to individual creative interests and goals.
World-class faculty including renowned filmmakers.
State-of-the-art facilities like the Steiner Studios.
Competitive tuition rates compared to private film schools.
Strong industry connections across New York City.
Hands-on master classes and workshops with well-known professionals.

The school has a holistic approach developing students as directors, producers, writers, and editors. Admission is highly competitive – averaging 10% acceptance. But graduates have an excellent track record of festival placements, distribution deals, and industry success.

What are the best film schools in Howard University?

Howard University does not have a dedicated film school, but offers film courses and production opportunities through its Department of Communication, Culture and Media Studies. Students can pursue a B.A. in Film Production or minor in Film Studies. Howard is located in Washington, DC and has access to a vibrant media environment.

What are the best film schools in University of Southern California?

The USC School of Cinematic Arts is widely considered one of the top film schools in the world. It offers B.A., M.A., M.F.A. and Ph.D. programs in film production, screenwriting, animation and interactive media. Notable resources include the Interactive Media & Games Division and the Institute for Multimedia Literacy.

What are the best film schools in California Institute of the Arts?

CalArts has a well-regarded Film/Video School which offers B.F.A. and M.F.A. programs. CalArts focuses on an experimental, visionary approach to the art of filmmaking. Students have access to animation labs, editing suites, studios and the latest filmmaking equipment.

What are the best film schools in Emerson College?

Emerson College in Boston has a renowned Department of Visual & Media Arts which offers degrees in Film Production, Cinematography, Editing, Sound Design and more at the undergraduate and graduate levels. Emerson provides students with access to state-of-the-art facilities in Los Angeles and the Netherlands.

What are the best film schools in American Film Institute?

The AFI Conservatory in Los Angeles is a highly selective two-year M.F.A. program focused on filmmaking. Students learn in a hands-on environment at AFI’s studio facilities. Conservatory disciplines include Cinematography, Directing, Editing, Producing, Production Design, and Screenwriting.

What are the notable alumni of American Film Institute?

Notable AFI alumni include Darren Aronofsky, Patty Jenkins, Terrence Malick, David Lynch, Patricia Cardoso, Doug Liman, and Mel Gibson.

What are the notable alumni of University of Southern California?

Notable USC School of Cinematic Arts alumni include George Lucas, Ron Howard, John Singleton, Judd Apatow, Andrea Arnold, Bryan Singer, Scott Derrickson and Andrew Stanton.

What are the notable alumni of New York University?

Notable NYU Tisch alumni include Martin Scorsese, Spike Lee, Joel Coen, Charlie Kaufman, Alec Baldwin, Lady Gaga, and Angelina Jolie.

What are the notable alumni of Loyola Marymount University?

Notable Loyola Marymount University School of Film & TV alumni include Paul Thomas Anderson, Brendan Galvin, Brian Helgeland, Walter Hill, Barbara Boyle, and Joe Johnston.

What are the notable alumni of Columbia University?

Notable Columbia University School of the Arts alumni include Kathryn Bigelow, Lisa Cholodenko, Nicole Holofcener, Kimberly Peirce, Phil Lord and Christopher Miller.

What are the notable alumni of University of California Los Angeles?

Notable UCLA School of Theater, Film and Television alumni include Francis Ford Coppola, Tim Robbins, Ben Stiller, Jack Black, Alexander Payne, Justin Lin and Dustin Lance Black.

What are the notable alumni of Feirstein Graduate School of Cinema at Brooklyn College?

Notable Feirstein School alumni include Sebastian Silva, Desiree Akhavan, Reed Morano, and Jimmy Giannopoulos. The school is focused on independent filmmaking.

Conclusion.

Choosing the right college is an important step in your journey toward a career in cinematography. By researching and comparing different schools, you can find the program that best fits your needs and goals.

We hope this article has provided you with a helpful starting point in your search for colleges that offer cinematography. Remember to consider factors such as location, cost, and program offerings when making your decision. Good luck! Consider reading >>> Which Are the Aspects Of Cinematography? to learn more about Cinematography.

Dennis Gayirah

I am a highly experienced film and media person who has a great deal to offer to like-minded individuals. Currently working on several exciting projects, I am a film and media practitioner for over a decade. I have achieved a great deal of success in my professional career.