Digital Filmmaking, Writing/Di - Colorado Mesa U

Tuition Fee

Start Date

Medium of studying

Duration

24 months

Program Facts

Program Details

Degree

Foundation

Major

Film Production | Screenwriting | Directing

Area of study

Arts

Timing

Full time

Course Language

English

About Program

Program Overview

Colorado Mesa University's Digital Filmmaking: Writing/Directing AAS degree program equips students with practical skills in scriptwriting, production, directing, and post-production. It emphasizes essential proficiencies in communication, critical thinking, and problem-solving, preparing graduates for entry-level positions in the film, broadcast, and documentary industries. The program includes internships and hands-on experience to enhance students' employability and career readiness.

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

The Digital Filmmaking: Writing/Directing major is an Associate of Applied Science (AAS) degree program offered at Colorado Mesa University (CMU). The program aims to prepare and develop students for entry-level production and management positions in the film, broadcast, and documentary video industries. It focuses on storytelling through scriptwriting, production planning and shooting, and post-production. The program emphasizes practical skills, covering areas such as:

Scriptwriting
Production planning and shooting
Directing talent and crew
Setting up lighting and sound
Non-linear video editing and compositing
Budgeting and scheduling
Forming video production companies

Outline:

The program consists of 61 semester hours of coursework, divided into:

Essential Learning Requirements (15 semester hours):
Communication courses (3 semester hours): ENGL 111 (English Composition I), ENGL 112 (English Composition II), SPCH 101 (Interpersonal Communications), or SPCH 102 (Speechmaking)
Mathematics course (3 semester hours): MATH 110 (Mathematical Investigations) or higher
Other Essential Learning Core Courses (3 semester hours): THEA 141 (Theatre Appreciation), plus one Social and Behavioral Sciences, History, Natural Sciences, Fine Arts, or Humanities course.
Other Lower Division Requirements (2 semester hours):
Wellness Requirement (1 semester hour): KINE 100 (Health and Wellness)
Activity course (1 semester hour)
Program Specific Degree Requirements (44 semester hours):
FILM 110 (Film Expression)
FILM 120 (Film Script Analysis)
FILM 130 (Short-Form Screenwriting)
FILM 139 (Professional Documentary Production)
FILM 142 (Film Production Assistant II)
FILM 144 (Sound Design for Film)
FILM 150 (Episodic Screenwriting)
FILM 170 (Short-Form Production)
FILM 200 (Directing Film Actors)
FILM 209 (Production Budget and Scheduling)
FILM 230 (Episodic Production)
FILM 265 (Producing Indie Films)
FILM 270 (Cinema Capstone II)
FILM 299 (Internship)
Specialized knowledge/applied learning
Quantitative fluency
Communication fluency
Critical thinking
Personal and social responsibility

Careers:

The program prepares students for entry-level positions in the film, broadcast, and documentary video industries, such as:

Production Assistant
Scriptwriter
Director
Producer
Editor
Sound Designer
Cinematographer

Other:

Graduates are expected to demonstrate proficiency in essential skills, including specialized knowledge, quantitative fluency, communication fluency, critical thinking, personal and social responsibility, and information literacy.
CMU/WCCC associate graduates are required to complete a minimum of 15 of the final 30 semester hours of credit at CMU/WCCC.
Non-traditional credit (e.g., advanced placement, credit by examination, credit for prior learning) cannot exceed 20 semester credit hours for an AAS degree.
Pre-collegiate courses (numbered below 100) cannot be used for graduation.
Students must complete the "Intent to Graduate" form to declare their intended graduation date and commencement ceremony plans.