In the associate degree program, the student gains a general education in film and media arts production, along with the fundamentals of film theory and visual storytelling. Collaboration and professional networking opportunities are embedded in the curriculum. Students learn the fundamentals of every aspect of the filmmaking process. Following this, they specialize in a single aspect of that process, developing deeper familiarity and expertise in their chosen focus area. Through both practicum and hands-on learning, the program offers specialty training in script writing for film and media, cinematography, editing, motion graphics, set operations, pre-production planning, directing and producing. Our mission is to educate and train film and media professionals to meet the communication needs of industry and society. Our success is evidenced by our graduates employed in the field.
Program contact: Learn more
This degree program contains one or more embedded certificates which will be automatically awarded when the certificate requirements are completed. If you do not want to receive the embedded certificate(s), please notify the Office of the Registrar at RegistrarOffice@tri-c.edu.
Learn more about how certificate credits apply to the related degree.
Program Admission Requirements
- High School Diploma/GED
- ENG-0995 Applied College Literacies or appropriate score on English Placement Test.
Other Information
- Non-degree students may enroll in individual courses if they meet prerequisites.
Program Learning Outcomes
This program is designed to prepare students to demonstrate the following learning outcomes:
- Use listening and knowledge of technical terms/industry jargon to effectively communicate both verbally and in writing with clients, colleagues and other professionals.
- Demonstrate proper business etiquette, appearance, teamwork behaviors and understand legal regulations, industry ethics, production schedules and budgets in order to be a contributing member of the production team.
- Apply the basics of digital video filmmaking production following set protocol including camera operation, lighting, audio production and producing skills.
- Use editing software, motion graphics and animation to produce files for various media and delivery formats that meet customer requirements.
- Apply the appropriate writing style and visual design principles for a given medium that meets the production goal and persuades the audience to action.
- Create a production plan and schedule that meets client needs, uses resources appropriately and is on time and within budget.
- Communicate verbally and in writing to clients to secure and maintain business.
Suggested Semester Sequence
| First Semester | Credit Hours | |
|---|---|---|
| FILM-1020 | Story: Pre-production Methods and the Art of Story in Motion Media | 3 |
| FILM-1040 | Imaging Basics for Film and Media Arts: On Location and in Studio 1 | 3 |
| FILM-1180 | Introduction to Film and Media Arts | 3 |
| Select one of the following: 3 | 3 | |
| Algebraic and Quantitative Reasoning 2, 3 | ||
| Introduction to Logic (or Any Approved Ohio Transfer 36 Mathematics course) | ||
| RAT-1100 | Sound Recording and Design | 3 |
| Select one of the following: | 3 | |
| College Composition I | ||
| Honors College Composition I | ||
| Credit Hours | 18 | |
| Second Semester | ||
| FILM-1120 | Film and Media Arts Colloquium | 1 |
| FILM-2110 | Editing I | 3 |
| FILM-2180 | Digital Cinematography | 3 |
| FILM-2480 | Motion Graphics | 3 |
| MJS-1310 | Film Appreciation | 3 |
| Select one of the following | 3 | |
| College Composition II | ||
| Honors College Composition II | ||
| Credit Hours | 16 | |
| Third Semester | ||
| FILM-2280 | Short Films: Exploring Genre & Technique | 3 |
| FILM-2620 | Applied Integrated Media (AIM) I: Real World Pre-production | 3 |
| FILM-2XXX | FILM 2000-level elective | 3 |
| Social and Behavioral Science (See requirements) | 3 | |
| Select one of the following: | 3 | |
| 2D Design and Color | ||
| Introduction to Scenery and Stagecrafts | ||
| Credit Hours | 15 | |
| Fourth Semester | ||
| BADM-1301 | Small Business Management | 3 |
| FILM-2380 | Visual Effects | 3 |
| FILM-2720 | Applied Integrated Media (AIM) II: Real World Production and Post-Production for Motion Media 4 | 3 |
| FILM-2990 | Film and Media Arts Professional Prep and Portfolio Review | 2 |
| FILM-2xxx | FILM 2000-level elective | 3 |
| Credit Hours | 14 | |
| Summer Completion | ||
| FILM-2940 | Field Experience | 1-2 |
| Credit Hours | 1-2 | |
| Total Credit Hours | 64-65 | |
- 1
Upon portfolio review by FILM faculty, this course may be waived by students who have completed VCPH-1260 and VCPH-1450 or equivalent college transfer course.
- 2
Students planning to transfer should check with planned 4-year institution for best math course selection.
- 3
Film and Media arts will continue accepting MATH-1100 and/or 1240 for students who completed it prior to Fall 2024
- 4
FILM-2720 may each be repeated once for up to six credits.
Electives
In the 3rd and 4th semester, students choose a three-credit course from the following courses as an elective.
MATH-1140, MATH-1141, MATH-1200, MATH-1270, and MATH-1280 can no longer count towards fulfilling the college-level mathematics requirement. These courses were re-classified as developmental mathematics by the state of Ohio in 2016. Tri-C established a 5-year transitioning window for students who had completed these courses prior to 2016 to apply them towards meeting graduation requirements, which expired in Summer 2021. It is highly recommended to see a counselor to determine the appropriate math required for your current major.