Wagner College

What you'll study

The major requires 12 units and is structured around a set of Core I courses, production Core II options, elective choices, and a Senior Learning Community. Key components include:

• Core I (4 units): FM 101 Introduction to Filmmaking; FM 201 Introduction to Film Studies or FM 223 Introduction to Media Studies or EN 230 Introduction to Film; FM 250 Navigating the Film Industry; FM 260 History of Film.
• Core II (2 units) (FM 101 is prerequisite for these): FM 221 Video Editing; FM 224 Cinematography.
• Electives (4 units, at least two FM): production electives such as FM 255 Directing Actors for Film / TH 255 Acting for the Camera, FM 330 New Modes in Documentary Film, FM 340 Fiction Filmmaking Workshop; and other FM courses (screenwriting, media studies, special topics) and selected non-FM courses (e.g., AR 114 Photography I, EN 323, MU 246).
• Senior Learning Community (2 units): FM 490 Capstone Course in Film and Media paired with FM 400 Reflective Tutorial in Film and Media, supporting the production of a short film or similar thesis project.

Facilities and equipment available to students include HD and 4K digital cameras, sound recorders, microphones, gimbals, dollies, lighting kits, GoPro and drone cameras, and a fleet of 17 iMac editing workstations with professional software. An editing/post-production suite is reserved for seniors working on thesis films, and equipment and labs are accessible daily during the week (editing stations also available on weekends during semesters).

FM 101 (Introduction to Filmmaking) covers fundamentals of digital video production, camera/sound training, editing software and directing short scenes; FM 201 (Introduction to Film Studies) teaches film analysis terminology (mise-en-scène, cinematography, sound, editing) and applies analytic and creative assignments across films from multiple periods and countries.

Entry requirements

To declare the Film & Media major students must have at least a 3.0 GPA and meet with a full-time Film & Media faculty member who reviews prior work and interests before admission into the program; admitted students are assigned an advisor.

Career prospects

The program prepares students for careers in creative production and film-related industries by combining technical production abilities, critical film literacy, and industry awareness. Graduates can pursue roles in filmmaking (directing, cinematography, editing), screenwriting, production support, festival programming, or other media-industry positions and civic/media initiatives, particularly with proximity to New York City industry opportunities.

Scholarships & funding angle (general)

The course page does not list specific scholarships. Prospective students should consult Wagner College’s central financial aid office and departmental advisors for information on institutional scholarships, work-study, and external funding opportunities related to arts and media projects.