Program Overview

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Program Overview

The Bachelor of Fine Arts program in film and media production at The Sidney Poitier New American Film School empowers students with critical thinking skills to navigate the film industry. With a foundation in ethical and collaborative practices and project-based learning using state-of-the-art technology, this inclusive film school enables the next generation of cinematic storytellers.

Program Description

In this program, students are empowered with the critical thinking skills to navigate new, complex, and changing environments in the film industry. With a foundation in ethical and collaborative practices and project-based learning using state-of-the-art technology, this inclusive, high-impact film school empowers the next generation of cinematic storytellers with programs that emphasize the interdisciplinarity of filmmaking, the evolving landscape of the screen, and the journey of a story from idea to intended audience.

At a Glance

• College/school: Herberger Institute for Design and the Arts
• Location: Tempe, ASU at Los Angeles
• Second language requirement: No
• STEM-OPT extension eligible: No
• First required math course: MAT 114 - College Mathematics
• Math intensity: General

Curriculum

View 2025 - 2026 curriculum. View curriculum archives.

Concurrent Program Options

Students pursuing concurrent degrees (also known as a “double major”) earn two distinct degrees and receive two diplomas. Working with their academic advisors, students can create their own concurrent degree combination. Some combinations are not possible due to high levels of overlap in curriculum.

Admission Requirements

• General university admission requirements: All students are required to meet general university admission requirements.
  • First-year
  • Transfer
  • International
  • Readmission

Tuition Information

When it comes to paying for higher education, everyone’s situation is different. Students can learn about ASU tuition and financial aid options to find out which will work best for them.

Change of Major Requirements

An ASU student who would like to change their major to this program and would be new to this major must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.25 and understand that their GPA must be brought up to a 2.50 or higher within one semester to remain in good standing. An ASU student who is returning to this major must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.50.

Transfer Options

ASU is committed to helping students thrive by offering tools that allow personalization of the transfer path to ASU. Students may use MyPath2ASU to outline a list of recommended courses to take prior to transfer.

Program Learning Outcomes

Program learning outcomes identify what a student will learn or be able to do upon completion of their program. This program’s learning outcomes include the following:

• Present a digital portfolio that represents and reflects the student's unique creative voice, advanced technical skills, successful production experience, and professional vision.
• Apply technical, creative, and project management skills when undertaking the collaborative process of filmmaking.
• Demonstrate understanding of cultural institutions through a synthesis of research, critical thinking, and communication skills from multiple disciplines, drawn from American cultural institutions and storytelling traditions, as applied to the making, viewing, and study of film/media.

Global Opportunities

• Global experience: The Sidney Poitier New American Film School's Semester in Los Angeles program is an opportunity for upper-division students to live and study in Los Angeles, California, for one semester.
• Study abroad provides students a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to explore the globe while developing specific skills that can help them stand out in the competitive field of film.

Career Opportunities

Graduates are equipped with the technical know-how and critical thinking skills to thrive in a quickly changing media industry and to pioneer new media careers that require advanced production skills and a strong creative voice. Graduates are prepared to pursue a wide array of skilled professions, including:

• Cinematographer or director of photography
• Editor
• Film, television, and documentary writer or director
• Producer
• Sound designer or sound recording engineer
• Visual effects artist

Career Data

• Animator: 1.6% growth, $99,800 median salary
• Audio-Visual Technician: 3.3% growth, $54,830 median salary
• Camera Operator: 1.2% growth, $68,810 median salary
• Executive Producer: 4.9% growth, $83,480 median salary
• Film Editor: 4.0% growth, $70,980 median salary
• Production Assistant: 2.7% growth, $71,770 median salary
• Public Relations Specialist: 4.8% growth, $69,780 median salary
• Sound Recording Engineer: -1.7% growth, $66,430 median salary
• Talent Agent: 8.7% growth, $96,310 median salary