Film Careers Start at Columbia
Explore Film and the Art of Making It at Columbia College Chicago
The Film and Television BA and BFA programs at Columbia College Chicago give you film degrees rooted in collaboration, creativity, and hands-on practice. In both programs, you can gain experience in storytelling, directing, editing, cinematography, producing, and production design, all while working with professional equipment and state-of-the-art facilities—including virtual production technology.
As one of the top colleges with film majors, Columbia prepares you for the expanding media landscape, across independent films, TV, gaming, documentaries, and more. Here are just a few ways you'll bring your film and television education to life at Columbia:
- Hands-on storytelling and filmmaking from your first semester
- Collaboration on sets and guidance from industry professionals
- Real-world experience through Semester in LA and film festivals
- A creative community that offers clubs and opportunities to screen films
Connect with us today to learn more about earning your film production degree from Columbia College Chicago.
Learn More About Columbia College Chicago
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Gain a Competitive Edge in Creative Arts at Columbia
Why Go to Film School in Chicago?
At Columbia, your campus is the city. Our South Loop location puts you steps from world-class museums, theaters, design firms, and media outlets, meaning inspiration and opportunity are never far away. Chicago is a living lab where you'll test ideas, build meaningful connections, and gain real-world experience.
Plus, as a full-time student, you'll have a Ventra U-Pass, giving you unlimited access to the city's transit system so you can explore every area of Chicago with ease. From grabbing food with friends to walking through exhibits at the Art Institute, the city is part of everyday life.
Why Get a Film and Television Degree at Columbia College
Variety
Consecutive Years Ranked Top Film School
"The Hollywood Reporter"
Create in Our 35,000-sq-ft Media Production Center
Creative Careers Start at Columbia
Columbia grads launch creative careers across industries — from design and media to performance, business, and tech. Ninety-six percent of recent graduates report being employed or achieving success in creative practice, and you'll graduate career ready and connected too.
Columbia grads with film production degrees are prepared for a wide range of creative careers, including camera operator, casting director, cinematographer, director, film editor.
"A connection can take you anywhere, whether it's a professor, a student from another major, or a supervisor. Everyone I've met at Columbia has been eager to build relationships and help me forge my path in the creative industry."
— Reese Givens ‘23, Film and Television BFA
Columbia Makes Art School in Chicago More Affordable
A Columbia degree is an investment in your creativity—and we're committed to making it accessible. With 99 percent of first-year students receiving financial aid, you'll find the support you need to focus on what matters most: creating.
Ways Columbia helps you save:
- Merit-Based Scholarships: You're automatically considered for these when you apply to Columbia.
- Talent-Based Scholarships: You can choose to apply by submitting a portfolio or completing an audition.
- Visit and FAFSA Awards: Up to $8,000 over four years for visiting campus, plus $1,000 just for filing the FAFSA.
Faculty Spotlight: Wenhwa Ts'ao
Wenhwa Ts'ao is an award-winning filmmaker and professor in Columbia's School of Film and Television. Her films have won awards at the Las Vegas International Film Festival, Cinema City International Film Festival, and Indie Producer.
“I love our student body. I especially enjoy teaching them when they're first coming in because they're so open to experimenting. I'm always inspired by their passion.”