Film and Media Arts

An instructor leads a class in front of a black and white film on a large screen
Program Type
B.A.
Est. Time to Complete
4 Years
School
School of the Arts, Communication and Global Studies
Delivery Mode
On Campus
A group of students watch while a student sets up a video camera on a tripod.

Cultures are built around the stories we tell.

Film and Media Arts majors learn how to communicate stories effectively, whether they’re interested in filmmaking, video marketing, scriptwriting, or any other aspect of media production. York College offers a unique program, combining the scholarly study of film with the hands-on training in the practical skills you’ll need to land a job in the field of your choice. 

You won’t just learn what makes a good film. You’ll learn how to create one of your own. 

Film and Media Arts students have access to world-class facilities and industry tools, including advanced production studios, a state-of-the-art film theater, 4K video cameras, professional screenwriting software, and a library with thousands of films and books on film — so you’ll hone your skills on the kinds of equipment being used by professionals around the globe.

Majoring in Film and Media Arts

The Film and Media Arts major offers a wide variety of required classes, electives, and real-world learning opportunities. These include:

  • CM 242: Video Production I
  • CRW 277: Screenwriting I
  • FLM 220: Film History
  • CM 330: Nonlinear Editing
  • FLM 380: Film Theory and Criticism
  • CM 431: Advanced Production

No matter your interests, York College’s experienced faculty will guide you toward real-world opportunities that allow you to build a strong professional network in your preferred subject area.

These are just a few of the many career opportunities available to graduates of the Film and Media Arts program:

  • Director
  • Video Editor
  • Cinematographer
  • Sound Designer
  • Screenwriter
  • Producer
  • Film Composer
  • Film Archivist/Programmer
  • Film Critic
  • Digital Media Strategist
  • Media Research Analyst
Visit The Career Development Center

Film and Media Arts majors have the opportunity to participate in a variety of internships and/or independent studies, providing real-world experience in video, editing, production, and more. 

In close proximity to major Mid-Atlantic film and media hubs like New York, Philadelphia, Baltimore, and Pittsburgh, Central Pennsylvania is home to a wide range of individuals, businesses, and organizations that can help students kickstart their careers, including:

  • Professional Filmmakers
  • Film Studios
  • Media Companies
  • Movie and TV Productions Filming in the Region
  • State and Local Film Offices
  • Film Theaters
  • Performing Arts Centers

The arts are about community. At York College, we know how important it is for future filmmakers and media professionals to build a network — and the Film and Media Arts program helps students to do just that.

In addition to working with the program’s expert faculty, students are able to connect with peers in the Film and Media Society, a student-run organization on campus. They also meet and learn from a number of visiting professionals and scholars in the field of film and media arts. Recent guests include:

  • Tayarisha Poe (director, Selah and the Spades)
  • Ramin Bahrani (director, The White Tiger)
  • Craig Zobel (director, The Hunt)
  • Neal Dodson (producer, Triple Frontier)
  • Ashley Williams (actress, How I Met Your Mother)
  • David Bianculli (TV critic, NPR's Fresh Air)

Film and Media Arts Courses

Your class schedule will include core courses for your major, Gen Next general education classes, and electives. 

Course NameCourse CodeCredits
Video Production ICM 2424 Credits
Screenwriting ICRW 2773 Credits
Film HistoryFLM 2203 Credits
Nonlinear EditingCM 3303 Credits
Film Theory and CriticismFLM 3803 Credits
Advanced ProductionCM 4313 Credits

Careers in Film and Media Arts

A bachelor's degree in Film and Media Arts opens up a variety of career opportunities. Some of your options may include:

Director

Video Editor

Cinematographer

Sound Designer

Screenwriter

Producer

An advisor and a student sit on a couch in the seating area of a campus office. The student holds a piece of paper as they talk.

Build your dream career, one day at a time.

This is day one. From your first semester on campus through graduation day, York College offers expert advice, professional development opportunities, and personalized support to help you navigate the choices that influence your future. 

Explore resources for a successful college experience: 

Meet the Faculty

View All Faculty
Gabriel Cutrufello
Gabriel Cutrufello, Ph.D.
Chair of the Department of Communication and Writing
Associate Professor of Rhetoric and Composition
School of the Arts, Communication and Global Studies
Ian Olney
Ian Olney, Ph.D.
Professor of Film Studies
School of the Arts, Communication and Global Studies
Madhavi Reddi
Madhavi Reddi, Ph.D
Assistant Professor of Communication
School of the Arts, Communication and Global Studies
1/

Related Programs

Creative Industries and Entrepreneurship

In the Creative Industries and Entrepreneurship program at York College, you’ll learn how to be successful in the music industry. With the spirit of entrepreneurship in mind, students will learn about topics including accounting, marketing, economics. 

Develop the knowledge and skills necessary to be successful in the music industry by learning hands-on in our state-of-the-art recording studio and through real-world experiences like internships, experiential assignments and projects.

Digital Art and Artificial Intelligence

The Digital Art and Artificial Intelligence (DAAI) program is designed to equip students with the skills they need for careers in gaming, animation, and visual storytelling. Utilizing generative artificial intelligence and other digital programs as primary tools, students will express narratives visually through diverse mediums in gaming, animation, and narrative illustration. 

Mass Communication

Imagine if you could apply for a job after graduation and be able to tell a radio or television station, “Yes, I’ve used that before.” That’s the York College approach — we give you exposure to audio, radio, and digital video production, news gathering and reporting, copywriting, announcing, and field and control room equipment. It provides a strong foundation for broadcast communications jobs, a corporate career, or a future in digital filmmaking and video production.

Sport Media

Sports are about community — people coming together to celebrate a shared love of athletic skill, competition, and performance. As a Sport Media major, you’ll play an active role in building these communities, starting in your very first semester. 

To start your learning, your practicum semesters with York College Athletics and Campus Recreation prepare you with a strong foundational skill set, so you’ll be prepared to take on any role as your career grows. 

 

Theatre

From your first year the opportunities are endless to perform, direct, design and more in the York College theatre program. Join a program with an individualized blend of academic and practical theatre courses.

It starts with an integrated approach to practice and research including stagecraft, performance, design, dramatic literature and theatre management. Small class sizes and individualized attention allow each student to establish a close relationship with faculty and mentors.

Writing

At York College, the Writing major focuses on developing the ability to produce the kinds of written work that are valued across professional fields, ranging from technical and business writing, to creative writing and journalism. Hands-on experience is everywhere — you’ll want to check out our student-run literary magazines.