Pursue your passion in film by earning a degree in film and media production from The Sidney Poitier New American Film School. This degree was previously offered by the School of Film, Dance and Theatre before ASU established The Sidney Poitier New American Film School.
You have stories to tell that will change the world. We have passionate and dedicated faculty ready to help you bring those stories to life. Learn your craft on industry standard technology, work with students equally as passionate as you are and jump start your professional film career.
By bringing their own unique stories to life, students pursuing a degree in film and media production develop a comprehensive and practical knowledge of digital media production, an awareness of the impact of media and entertainment on audiences and culture, and an understanding of the role of the artist in society.
Students in this degree plan have access to digital cameras, lighting and sound equipment, post-production software and facilities, and other resources --- including talented and dedicated peer and faculty colleagues who will give them multiple opportunities to produce projects of exceptional quality.
Students choose one of three upper-division tracks of study: directing, producing and screenwriting, and media technology including cinematography, post-production and sound. Each course of study is supported by the degree-wide emphasis on ethical filmmaking practices, innovative creative expression and preparation for a career as an industry professional.
The program is offered by The Sidney Poitier New American Film School.
At A Glance
Film (Film and Media Production), BA
- Offered by: Herberger Institute for Design and the Arts
- Location: Tempe
- First Required Math Course: MAT 142 - College Mathematics
- Math Intensity: General
Required Courses
A major map outlines a major's critical requirements, courses, and optimal course sequence and aids students in remaining on track to graduation.
While circumstances vary between students and their paths towards graduation (utilizing placement testing to fulfill required math or foreign language courses, fulfilling multiple General Studies requirements with one course, etc.), completing the courses listed in a major map fulfills all of the requirements for graduation.
Application requirements
Interview required.
See all requirements and interview dates.
All students are required to meet general university admission requirements:
Affording college
Scholarships
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Financial Aid
ASU has many financial aid options. Almost everyone, regardless
of income, can qualify for some form of financial aid. In fact,
more than 70 percent of all ASU students receive some form of
financial assistance every year.
Admission requirements
All film students are admitted to ASU into the Bachelor of Arts in film, filmmaking practices concentration. Students who wish to pursue the highly selective, studio-based Bachelor of Arts in film with a concentration in film and media production must complete the 15 hour film core and successfully pass an interview and review of their creative work to enter the concentration. This interview and creative work review generally takes place in the third or fourth term at ASU.
Career outlook
The film and media production degree program provides students with the knowledge and experience to prepare them to enter careers in media and entertainment as:
- cinematographers and camera operators
- directors for motion pictures, television and documentary
- editors and post-production specialists
- producers and production executives
- screenwriters for motion pictures and television
- videographers and digital media content creators
The bachelor's degree program is an excellent broad-based foundation for work in the profession or to prepare students for further training at graduate schools or conservatories.
Example careers
Students who complete this degree program may be prepared for the following careers. Advanced degrees or certifications may be required for academic or clinical positions. Career examples include but are not limited to:
| Career | *growth | *median salary |
|---|---|---|
| Special Effects Artists and Animators | 4.1% | $77,700 |
| Audio and Video Technicians | 12.3% | $47,920 |
| Broadcast Technicians | 3.1% | $43,570 |
| Camera Operators, Television, Video and Film | 14% | $57,200 |
| Talent Directors | 10% | $76,400 |
| Producers and Directors | 10% | $76,400 |
| Film and Video Editors | 21.6% | $67,250 |
| Media and Communication Workers, All Other | 8.1% | $49,730 |
| Agents and Business Managers of Artists, Performers, and Athletes | 11.8% | $75,420 |
* Data obtained from the Occupational Information Network (O*NET) under sponsorship of the U.S. Department of Labor/Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA).
- Bright Outlook
- Green Occupation
What are Accelerated Programs at ASU?
ASU students may accelerate their studies by earning a bachelor’s and a master’s degree in as little as five years (for some programs) or by earning a bachelor’s degree in 2.5 or 3 years.
Accelerated bachelor's and master's degree programs are designed for high-achieving undergraduate students who want the opportunity to combine undergraduate coursework with graduate coursework to accelerate completion of their master’s degree. These programs, featuring the same high-quality curriculum taught by ASU's world-renowned faculty, allow students to obtain both a bachelor's and a master's degree in as little as five years.
Accelerated bachelor’s degree programs allow students to choose either a 2.5- or a 3-year path while participating in the same high-quality educational experience of a 4-year option. Students can opt to fast-track their studies after acceptance into a participating program by connecting with their academic advisor.