Film Schools in Massachusetts with Degree Program Descriptions
Massachusetts has twenty colleges that offer film programs. Learn about the degree programs, tuition info and program options for ten of the largest schools to make an informed education decision.
Film Schools in Massachusetts
Ten of the largest schools that offer film programs are profiled below. Programs are available at the undergraduate and graduate levels. Majors may focus on television or motion pictures, as well as a general study of the field.
Boston College
Located in Chestnut Hill, this college has a minor program in film studies. Students take courses in film art and film production. A Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Film Studies program is also available. In this program, students learn about American film history, digital non-linear editing, photography, film criticism and film production; they can also pursue internships. A senior project is required.
Boston University
Found in Boston, this university offers minor programs in film studies and film/television. The Bachelor of Science (BS) in Film/Television program has courses in production, understanding film and storytelling for film. The Master of Fine Arts (MFA) in Film program has concentrations in film/television studies, film production and screenwriting.
Brandeis University
Located in Waltham, this university provides minor, BA and BS programs in film, television and interactive media. The minor program requires students to complete six courses. Major students may study American film, film production and documentary prose/film. Students who complete a senior thesis can qualify for departmental honors.
Clark University
This university in Worcester has minor and major programs in screen studies. Minor students study digital filmmaking, foundations of screen studies and film writing. BA students may take courses in film history, international cinema, film genre and film as narration. A capstone course is required. Major students can also participate in an honors program, internships and study abroad programs.
Emerson College
Located in Boston, this college offers BA and Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) programs in media production with specializations in film, cinematography, direction, post-production, producing, documentary production and sound design. Both BA and BFA students may take courses in media arts history, foundations in visual/media arts production, feature film writing, film production and advanced cinematography. BFA students are required to complete two semesters of advanced visual/media arts workshops. BA students can participate in the workshops, but they aren't required.
Fitchburg State University
The BS in Communications Media program at this Fitchburg school has a concentration in film/video production. Students study film/video, pre-production planning, film production, documentary and cinematography. The university provides film and video equipment for students.
Harvard University
Students seeking a graduate degree in film can earn a Master of Arts (MA) and PhD in Film and Visual Studies at this Cambridge university. The MA program is non-terminal and suited for students who are completing the PhD degree program, as well as for students who can't finish the PhD program. MA students must fulfill a language requirement, complete grad film coursework and participate in seminars. The research-oriented PhD program requires a qualifying paper, oral exam, written exam and a dissertation. PhD students must also teach in the third year of the program. Harvard's Department of Visual and Environmental Studies offers undergraduate programs in film/video production and film studies. Students may complete courses in film history, silent cinema or film theory.
Northeastern University
Located in Boston, this university offers minor programs in film production and media/screen studies. The university combines its cinema studies program with many other fields of study. The BA in Cinema Studies program can be paired with communication studies, English, journalism, languages/literatures/cultures, mathematics or philosophy. The BFA program combines cinema studies and digital art. The school also has a BA/BS in Cinema Studies and Theatre program. Students may take courses in film theory, film history, film analysis, French film, Latin American film and Japanese film.
Smith College
Smith College is a Northampton-based college that provides minor and BA programs in film studies. Major students may take courses in film studies, film theory, film/art history, French cinema and German cinema. BA students can complete a thesis, but it's not required.
Suffolk University
This university, located in Boston, has BA and BS programs in communication and journalism, both of which offer a film concentration. Students learn about communication theory, media production, film language, film studies and film directors.
School Comparison Table
| School Name | School Type and Setting | Film Programs Offered | Undergraduate Tuition and Fees (2012-2013) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Boston College | 4-year, private not-for-profit; small city | Minor in Film Studies, BA in Film Studies | $43,878* |
| Boston University | 4-year, private not-for-profit; large city | Minor in Film/Television, Minor in Film Studies, BS in Film/Television, MFA in Film | $42,994* |
| Brandeis University | 4-year, private not-for-profit; small city | Minor in Film, Television and Interactive Media, BA in Film, Television and Interactive Media, BS in Film, Television and Interactive Media | $44,294* |
| Clark University | 4-year, private not-for-profit; midsize city | Minor in Screen Studies, BA in Screen Studies | $38,450* |
| Emerson College | 4-year, private not-for-profit; large city | BA in Media Production, BFA in Media Production | $34,198* |
| Fitchburg State University | 4-year, public; midsize suburb | BS in Communications Media - Film/Video Production | $8,710 in-state* $14,790 out-of-state* |
| Harvard University | 4-year, private not-for-profit; midsize city | BA in Visual and Environmental Studies - Film Studies, BA in Visual and Environmental Studies - Film/Video Production, MA in Film and Visual Studies, PhD in Film and Visual Studies | $39,966* |
| Northeastern University | 4-year, private not-for-profit; large city | Minor in Film Production, Minor in Media/Screen Studies, BA in Cinema Studies, BFA in Cinema Studies and Digital Art, BA/BS in Cinema Studies and Theatre | $40,086* |
| Smith College | 4-year, private not-for-profit; large suburb | Minor in Film Studies, BA in Film Studies | $41,460* |
| Suffolk University | 4-year, private not-for-profit; large city | BA in Communication and Journalism, BS in Communication and Journalism | $30,792* |
Source: *NCES College Navigator
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5 Popular Schools
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Minimum eligibility requirements:
- Must be a high school graduate or have completed GED
School locations:
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Minimum eligibility requirements:
- Must be a high school graduate or have completed GED
School locations:
- Online Learning
Online Programs
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- Bachelor
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Minimum eligibility requirements:
- Must be a high school graduate or have completed GED
School locations:
- Online Learning
Online Programs
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Master
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- MA in English and Creative Writing - Screenwriting
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Minimum eligibility requirements:
- Must be 18 years of age or older
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- Career Diploma in Artist: Comprehensive
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School locations:
- Online Learning
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Online and Classroom-Based Programs
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Bachelor
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- Bachelor in Digital Filmmaking & Video Production
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School locations:
- Boston
Areas of study you may find at Northeastern University include:
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- Graduate: Doctorate, First Professional Degree, Master
- Non-Degree: Coursework, Diploma
- Post Degree Certificate: Post Master's Certificate, Postbaccalaureate Certificate
- Undergraduate: Associate, Bachelor
- Visual and Performing Arts
- Design and Applied Arts
- Drama and Theatre Arts
- Fine Arts and Studio Art
- Musical Arts
- Photography, Film, and Video
- Cinematography and Film Production
- Film and Cinema Studies
National Schools:
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School locations:
- Ann Arbor
Areas of study you may find at University of Michigan include:
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- Graduate: Doctorate, First Professional Degree, Master
- Post Degree Certificate: Post Master's Certificate, Postbaccalaureate Certificate
- Undergraduate: Bachelor
- Visual and Performing Arts
- Dance
- Design and Applied Arts
- Drama and Theatre Arts
- Fine Arts and Studio Art
- Musical Arts
- Photography, Film, and Video
- Film and Cinema Studies
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School locations:
- Allendale
Areas of study you may find at Grand Valley State University include:
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- Graduate: Master
- Undergraduate: Bachelor
- Visual and Performing Arts
- Dance
- Drama and Theatre Arts
- Fine Arts and Studio Art
- Musical Arts
- Photography, Film, and Video
- Film and Cinema Studies
- Photography
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School locations:
- Flagstaff
Areas of study you may find at Northern Arizona University include:
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- Graduate: Doctorate, Master
- Non-Degree: Certificate
- Post Degree Certificate: Postbaccalaureate Certificate
- Undergraduate: Bachelor
- Visual and Performing Arts
- Design and Applied Arts
- Drama and Theatre Arts
- Fine Arts and Studio Art
- Musical Arts
- Photography, Film, and Video
- Photography
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School locations:
- Seattle
Areas of study you may find at University of Washington include:
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- Graduate: Doctorate, First Professional Degree, Master
- Undergraduate: Bachelor
- Visual and Performing Arts
- Dance
- Design and Applied Arts
- Drama and Theatre Arts
- Fine Arts and Studio Art
- Musical Arts
- Photography, Film, and Video
- Photography
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