School of Film and TelevisionFilm and Television Bachelor's Degree
- BA
We teach collaborative filmmaking from day one at Columbia College Chicago. In the Film and Television Bachelor of Arts program, you’ll create thought-provoking and emotionally complex films with professional equipment and state-of-the-art production facilities, which includes a studio with a volume wall for use in virtual production. Your well-rounded education at Columbia will help you secure jobs in the ever-growing media industry, whether it’s independent films, TV, gaming, videos, or documentaries.
Examples of Film and Television Careers
The Student Experience
As a Film and Television student, you’ll develop team-building, communication, and creative-planning skills that help you lead teams in any creative work environment. Develop skills to think analytically about the filmmaking process from concept development to screen, and learn to write, produce, direct, and edit effectively. At Columbia, you’ll also enjoy endless opportunities to engage with Columbia College Chicago’s passionate film community, via screenings, guest speakers, and clubs.
Early on, you can put theory to work with hands-on filmmaking and build relationships with fellow filmmakers. You’ll also learn what makes a good story and develop your critical analysis skills.
Our faculty includes film industry professionals, such as documentarians and film editors, who stay up-to-date with industry trends and teach them in the classroom.
Our faculty includes film industry professionals, such as documentarians and film editors, who stay up-to-date with industry trends and teach them in the classroom.
Work on an active studio lot and intern with a West Coast production company as well as network leaders in the entertainment industry and Columbia alums.
Watch independent and major studio releases in our own Film Row Cinema and around Chicago before they play in the theatres.
FrameWork allows seniors and graduate students to talk about their filmmaking processes.
Chicago hosts several renowned film festivals. We encourage students to submit their films and volunteer at the prestigious Chicago International Film Festival and other cultural events in Chicago.
Cinema and television-related student organizations include the Columbia Horror Picture Show, Editors Guild of Columbia, The Experimental Film Society, and the Cult Cinema Club.
Career Readiness
From connecting you to internships to helping you develop door-opening bodies of work to making an important professional connection, Columbia helps students launch their careers.
Our Career Center provides advice and guidance in finding internships that match your interests and professional goals. And with the help the Career Center and faculty, you can develop a resume, web portfolio, reel, website, and strong social media presence.
Columbia College Chicago has produced many successful alumni. These alumni find work in the industry right out of college, and some have won Oscars, Emmys, and Golden Globes.
Alumni Spotlight
Lena Waithe ‘08
Emmy-award winning writer of “Master of None,” Lena Waithe is a producer, actor, and writer.
of 2023 grads are employed, enrolled in continued education, or pursuing their creative practice.