Information on Master’s Degree Programs in Television Production
Majors Overview July 1, 2015This article talks about master’s degree programs in television production and their education requirements, coursework, and career choices.
Master’s Programs in Television Production
Coursework in a master’s program in television production is devised to teach students the basic concepts that underlie production through hands-on experiences and lecture courses. Students need between two and three years to complete most programs that are available at universities located in metropolitan areas, such as Los Angeles and New York. The emphasis of coursework is on hands-on practice, and projects may be produced by students breaking off in crews.
Many schools also require internships on the sets of movies or television shows. Graduates train to seek careers in production, but may also pursue other employment opportunities in the field, including lighting or editing.
Education Requirements
Admission criteria typically require incoming students to hold baccalaureate degrees preferably in related fields such as cinematography, cinematic arts, audio production, video production, or communications.
Coursework
Coursework is devised to arm students with the tools and training needed to work on a television set. All applicants for admission to a master’s degree program are required to study for one to two years completing basic coursework in directing, writing, editing, producing, sound, cinematography, and lighting. The second half of their master’s degree program is spent gaining practical experience or gathering research in one of the specific aspects of television production.
Core coursework may cover topic areas such as:
•Intermediate Screenwriting
•Single camera television comedy
•Single camera television drama
•Creating a short film
•Editing and sound
•Concepts of cinematic production
•The World of Television
•Reality television seminar
•Cinematic post-production
•Visual expression
Career Choices
Program graduates may pursue several career opportunities in the entertainment world including:
•Story editor
•Cinematographer
•Television staff writer
•Producer
•Television director