Is a Graduate Film School Program for You?

Prepare for Success in Graduate Film School

So you've got a true passion for film and a desire to work in the industry. Maybe you even hold a bachelor's degree in film production or film studies. But what comes next? One excellent option for those who wish to specialize in a particular aspect of filmmaking is attending graduate film school. It might not seem obvious right away why someone would want to spend the extra time and money on staying cooped up in a classroom, especially in a field where experience and connections are often—no pun intended—paramount. However, a closer look at the benefits of a graduate film school degree shows that the added education confers a wealth of financial and professional advantages.

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Benefits of Graduate Film School

Some of the most readily apparent benefits of a graduate degree are financial. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, graduate degree holders earn about $15,000 more annually than bachelor's degree holders, and about $36,000 more than high school graduates. The other professional benefits are unmistakable, too—a graduate degree opens up a wider variety of job opportunities as well as providing a chance to network with instructors and fellow students, connections that can serve you well in your future career. The likelihood of employment is higher, as is the probability of job satisfaction.

Graduate film degree holders go on to exciting careers as independent filmmakers, feature film directors, college-level film instructors and owners of production companies, to name just a few possibilities.

The skills conferred in graduate film school are also invaluable for those seeking a career in the entertainment industry. If your goal is a profession that requires advanced knowledge or training in particular area of film, such as screenwriting, cinematography or directing, then you may want to consider an advanced degree such as an MA, an MFA, or even a PhD. Students in graduate film school programs often have access to internship opportunities, film festivals and competitions that may not be available to non-graduate students.

Ultimately, your decision to attend graduate film school should take these factors into account, as well as your own strengths and interests. A real passion for the medium and craft of film, as well as healthy doses of self-discipline, persistence, open-mindedness and willingness to work with others, are all valuable traits for the prospective graduate film school student. And when you've earned that degree, you'll be that much more likely to see your name in large print when the credits roll.

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