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School of Humanities & Behavioral Science

Cinema & Media Arts

The cinema & media arts major at Anderson University emphasizes the art of storytelling as the foundation for creating visual media. Students in this area develop their skills in writing, producing, directing, cinematography, sound design, and editing. They learn from faculty and professionals in residence who are specialists in their fields. As they develop as creative professionals, students produce portfolios demonstrating areas of specialization as well as a broad skill set suitable for the ever-changing media landscape. This is a major that also can be helpful to students interested in video production, broadcast production, and broadcast and multimedia journalism.

Your AU Story Begins Now

Not only did the professors at AU prepare me for the field I desired to work in. They taught me character. They taught me that hard work, dedication, and a good attitude would take me far. And so far, their advice has propelled me further than I could have ever imagined.

Patience Randle, CLASS OF 2013

AU equipped me for spiritual resilience and a strong relationship with God. Living in Hollywood, I find it imperative to use our Christian gifts and talents to further God’s plan of redemption. We are in a unique position at the very epicenter of the world’s culture. It is our responsibility to create films that are glorifying and uplifting to God.

Chris Witt, CLASS OF 2003

I was heavily involved in dorm life and student leadership at AU. I was an RA, an officer in the Avanti Boosters Social Club, as well as a Student Manager at Covenant Productions. These experiences helped prepare me for the rough and tumble world of being a freelance filmmaker in Los Angeles. Plenty of late nights were spent making short films in the Valley, Dunn Hall, and Reardon, all while honing the interpersonal skills of working with a diverse group of thinkers. Today, I fill my time working on feature films, TV series, commercials, and digital content, and I wouldn’t be able to flourish had AU not been the first step in my journey.

Thom Newell, CLASS OF 2009

Program Options

Major

Complete the 52-hour major in the Department of Communication & Design Arts.

18-hour Minor

Media and Society
The Communication Professional
Audio Concepts & Production
Video/Cinema Concepts
Visual Communication
Television Studio Production or Field, Soundstage, and Postproduction
Black Bird Media Lab Staff

Filmmakers Camp

Learn more about AU’s week-long summer workshop for high school students. During the camp, students make a short film using Anderson University equipment and facilities.

Classes

What courses will I take?

Among the classes in the 52-hour major are:

The Art of Storytelling
Screenwriting
Video/Cinema Concepts
Field, Soundstage, and Postproduction
Motion Graphics

View the complete curriculum.

Careers

What kind of jobs can I anticipate after graduation?

Our graduates are working professionally in many of these roles:

film/television editor
screenwriter
producer
director
camera operator/photographer
cinematographer
promotions manager
production assistant
program manager
traffic manager
sound technician
field producer

Experience

Our Cinema and Media Arts majors edit and distribute films through Black Bird Media Lab, which focuses on storytelling and gives our students the opportunity to complete film projects from start to finish.

Typically during your junior or senior year, you’ll have at least one internship with an organization doing the kind of work you aspire to do after college. Our majors also have the chance to spend a term in Hollywood through the CCCU’s Los Angeles Film Studies Center.