Oct 04, 2024  
2023-2024 Undergraduate Catalog 
    
2023-2024 Undergraduate Catalog [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

Video and Film Production, Filmmaking Concentration, B.S.


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Media Arts  
615-898-5862
Robert Gordon, program coordinator
Robert.Gordon@mtsu.edu

The Filmmaking concentration in the Video and Film Production program provides students with the knowledge and skills needed to be successful in the art, craft, and business of filmmaking. No longer the exclusive domain of Hollywood studios, every modern organization needs filmmakers who have the skills to influence, inform, inspire, or entertain. MTSU Film students learn the art of cinematic storytelling and how to apply those skills to any genre. Finished products include an almost infinite variety of forms and uses including theatrical films, documentaries, television, music videos, commercials, web content, and instructional films. There’s something for everyone in Filmmaking. Whether it’s a leading or supporting position, MTSU’s film students are able to experience a variety of roles and customize their curriculum to find their personal fit.

Facilities include a large stock of professional-quality field production gear available for student check out, post production labs and suites, foley and audio facilities, and a large sound stage. There are also internship opportunities, a semester abroad program, and a summer term in Los Angeles. The program builds on a solid foundation of film theory and history, while providing practical, hands-on learning opportunities from day one to graduation. The Filmmaking capstone challenges seniors to produce culminating projects that demonstrate not only their skills and knowledge, but also showcase the type of work they wish to pursue after graduation. It’s the perfect opportunity to create a powerful portfolio piece to launch a career.

MTSU’s Filmmaking program offers substantial cocurricular opportunities as well. This includes several student organizations that create film and television and a student-run TV station where students produce the programming and manage the station. These are available to students from their first semester onward, offering unique opportunities to connect and flourish.

Filmmaking is a good fit for students who like to work with media to tell stories. It is also good for those who like to collaborate in teams of experts. Primary career paths include screenwriting, cinematography, editing/postproduction, directing, and producing; however, there are many others. Filmmaking has specialized applications in virtually every industry.

NOTE: Students must complete all major course requirements with a grade of C (2.00) or better.

Admission to Candidacy


To be admitted to candidacy in the Video and Film Production program, the student must meet the following requirements:

  1. 45 hours completed before applying for candidacy
  2. Passing grade for EMC 1010  
  3. Grade of B- (2.67) or better in each of the following:

PHOT 1050  

VFP 1080  

VFP 2020  

VFP 2121  

VFP 2130  (NOTE: VFP 1080  is a prerequisite for VFP 2130 .)

VFP 2990  

  1. Grade of C (2.00) or better in each of the following:

EMC 1020 /JOUR 1020 /RIM 1020  

ENGL 1010  and ENGL 1020  

Math course satisfying General Education requirements.

Academic Map


Following is a printable, suggested four-year schedule of courses:

Video and Film Production, Filmmaking Concentration, B.S., Academic Map   

Degree Requirements


General Education 41 hours
Major Requirements 60 hours*
     College Core    9 hours
     VFP Requirements   39 hours
     Guided Electives   12 hours
Minor 15-18 hours
Electives 1-4 hours
TOTAL 120 hours

*This program requires courses that can also fulfill requirements of the General Education curriculum. If program requirements are also used to fulfill General Education requirements, the number of elective hours will increase.

General Education (41 hours)


General Education  requirements (shown in curricular listings below) include courses in Communication, History, Humanities and/or Fine Arts, Mathematics, Natural Sciences, and Social/Behavioral Sciences.

The following course required by the program meets General Education requirements:

Major Requirements (60 hours)


College Core (9 hours)


Filmmaking Directions (3 hours)

Guided Electives (12 hours)

Minor (15-18 hours)


Electives (1-4 hours)


Curriculum: Video and Film Production, Filmmaking


Curricular listings include General Education  requirements in Communication, History, Humanities and/or Fine Arts, Mathematics, Natural Sciences, and Social/Behavioral Sciences categories.

Freshman Fall


Subtotal: 16 Hours


Freshman Spring


Subtotal: 15 Hours


Subtotal: 15 Hours


Subtotal: 16 Hours


Junior Fall


Subtotal: 13 Hours


Junior Spring


Subtotal: 16 Hours


Senior Fall


  • Filmmaking Directions course 3 credit hours
  • Guided electives 6 credit hours
  • Electives 4 credit hours
  • Minor 3 credit hours

Subtotal: 16 Hours


Senior Spring


Subtotal: 13 Hours


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