Communication: Film (BA)

Students gathered around a green screen ready for a video shoot. One student is giving a countdown with their hand in the air

Powerful visual storytelling.

Why Study Film?

Innovative storytelling skills and digital technology expertise can give you a competitive edge in a range of entertainment, media and communication jobs.

From commercial production and innovative short films to deeply researched documentaries and live, televised events, there’s an incredible amount of content being created and shared today. There’s unprecedented demand for storytellers, directors, editors, writers and other creative professionals to bring these productions to life.

Why USF for a Communication: Film Degree?

From concept to completion,  film production is an exciting, multifaceted process. As a film major at the University of Saint Francis, you’ll get to experience all of it — while living and learning on a campus rich in creative arts.

Explore the Core Aspects of Visual Storytelling

Gain a foundation in film production and communication theory, while learning essential technical skills and production techniques. Your coursework will cover:

  • Screenwriting
  • Studio production
  • Field production
  • Editing
  • Motion graphics
  • Leadership and collaboration

And you’ll also get to enrich your education with electives — or even adding a minor or second major — in areas like animation, creative writing and graphic design.

Rooted in the Franciscan tradition, our communication: film production program also prepares you to be an ethical, socially responsible creative professional.

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Career Outlook & Success

$48,870

median salary in Indiana for arts, design, entertainment, sports and media occupations (bls.gov, 2019)

10%

Growth in demand for producers and directors through 2029 (bls.gov)

18%

Growth in demand for film and video editors/camera operators through 2029 (bls.gov)

Create & Collaborate: Hands-On Experience

The collaborative nature of film means working with and learning from an array of artists, storytellers, technicians and other professionals.

Campus Collaborations

Throughout your time at USF, you’ll team up with your film friends and students from other majors — such as animation, photography, graphic design, music technology and public relations — to create short films, develop digital campaigns and launch other exciting projects.

Internships & Practicums

Boost skills, build your portfolio and earn production credits through internships at media outlets, film companies, digital agencies and other organizations like:

  • Arts United of Greater Fort Wayne
  • BFA Photography
  • Civic Theatre
  • Diocese of Fort Wayne and South Bend
  • Disney College
  • Glasseye Pix
  • Likeable Art
  • Media 401 Digital Films
  • PBS Fort Wayne
  • WANE-TV Sports

Behind the Scenes: Faculty & Facilities

Film majors — and students in other creative and technical fields — at USF get to work with some of the most advanced equipment and technology on campus, as well as benefit from the expertise, guidance and professional networks of accomplished faculty members and artists.

Our Faculty

A film has many moving parts: the story, the production, the score, engaging the audience. That means you’ll not only learn from communication and film production faculty members, but also from experts in cinematography, editing, design, writing, public relations and more.

Our Media & Design Facilities

You’ll have 24/7 access to high-end computer labs, design studios, and production rooms, all equipped with industry-standard tools and software, such as Adobe Premiere and 4K digital cameras.

Our Venues

USF is home to a variety of performance venues, including the Performing Arts Center,  a 2,000-seat auditorium in downtown Fort Wayne.

Campus & Community Involvement

As part of the USF Film Club, you can meet with other students who share your passion and discuss the art of visual storytelling and production for a variety of films, from the classics to the avant-garde. The club is also invaluable for building teams and partnerships for class and personal projects, as well as meeting with local filmmakers and professionals.

Other campus groups and activities of interest to someone seeking a film degree include:

  • Communications and Public Relations Society
  • American Advertising Federation
  • Student Activities Council
  • f/8 Photo Club
Jane Martin showing a film student how to use a camera

Media and Communication Jobs: What You Can Do With a Film Degree

The storytelling, communication and digital skills you’ll gain in a film studies program will prepare you for an incredible range of positions in industries of all kinds. USF alumni have pursued creative and technical positions at companies of all kinds. A few examples:

  • Assistant production manager, Warner Brothers Animation
  • Chief experience officer, Rove Media Group
  • Creative services producer, WPTA-TV
  • Digital coordinator, iHeartMedia
  • Key grip, Media 401
  • Producer and host, 89.1 WBOI
  • Senior producer, Team Google at MediaMonks
  • Technical director, FOX 55 Fort Wayne
  • Video specialist, Boyden and Youngblutt

Before I graduated, I had two job offers, both within my field. I think this shows how well USF prepares you for success and connects you to professionals. At USF, I was able to tailor my career to my interests — and today, I’m working at a job I love.

Benjamin Clemmer ’17
89.1 WBOI, host and production assistant

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Academic Plan

An academic plan is a general blueprint showing how one might complete the degree, semester by semester. Get an idea on what each semester could look like.

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