Drexel University’s major in Film & Television is a full-time, four-year undergraduate program that prepares students for exciting careers in filmmaking, television production, and across the changing landscape of media and entertainment. Students in the Film & Television program begin taking courses in their major during the first year, with a balance of hands-on film and TV production courses and critical film studies. The Film & TV major includes a six-month co-op experience, in which students work full-time at production companies, casting agencies, television networks, and other enterprises while continuing their studies.

Film & Television Course Requirements

Drexel Westphal’s undergraduate Film & Television major is a 186-credit degree program, which can be completed in four years and awards graduates a Bachelor of Science degree. Students take required courses in film and TV production, critical studies, and the entertainment business while also fulfilling general education requirements in the humanities and foundational coursework in design and the visual arts.

Film & Television majors take required courses in:

• Film History
• Narrative Production
• Screenwriting
• TV Series Production
• Career Prep

Drexel Film & Television majors are encouraged to explore the many aspects of entertainment production, from screenwriting and cinematography to directing and postproduction. Film & Television students take three advanced production courses in an area of greater interest, such as:

• Steadicam Workshop
• TV Comedy Practicum
• Reality TV Production

Film & TV majors also take required courses in the arts and humanities, such as: 

• History of Art
• English Composition
• Mathematical Foundations for Design

See here for a sample plan of study for Film & Television majors.

Film & Television Elective Classes

In addition to required television and film production courses, students in the Drexel BS in Film & Television take 24 credits in electives. Drexel Westphal’s industry-leading faculty offer film and television electives that dive into many areas of specialization, such as:

• The Horror Film
• Supernatural Fantasy TV Shows
• Post Color Correction
• Hollywoodland - the history, culture, and mythology of Hollywood through ten films, ranging from the silent era to the present, which the entertainment industry has made about itself

Students may also select free electives offered by the Westphal College or other Drexel colleges and schools to enhance their studies or even pursue a minor. Most minors offered by Drexel University are 24 credits. To see a full list of undergraduate minors, visit the Course Catalog.

Experiential Learning and Employment in the Film & Television program

Co-op Experience for Film & TV

The Film & Television program at the Westphal College is enhanced by Drexel’s cooperative education system (co-op). Students pursuing the Bachelor of Science in Film & Television spend six months during their junior year in a full-time job in the entertainment industry, gaining priceless professional experience and building a network of contacts prior to graduation.

Film & TV co-op students have secured co-op positions with such companies as:

• NFL Films
• Saturday Night Live
• Disney
• 2018 Winter Olympics
• HBO

Steinbright Career Development Center and Film & Television faculty provide resources and assist in job placement, giving Drexel Film & TV majors the advantage of industry experience when seeking employment after graduation.

After completing the rigorous, personalized film and television curriculum and a co-op employment experience in the film and television industry, students from the Film & TV major are prepared for highly skilled creative careers, such as:

• Film Director
• Screenwriter
• Independent Filmmaker
• Line Producer
• Casting Agent
• Production Designer/Art Director
• Director of Photography
• Film Editor
• Sound Editor/Sound Mixer
• Grip
• Colorist
• Script Supervisor
• Music Supervisor

Senior Project in Film & Television

The Bachelor of Science in Film & Television culminates in a senior thesis project, which gives students the opportunity to demonstrate their skill and artistry from script to screen. Film & TV majors produce a short film, a television pilot, commercial, or music video, managing all aspects of the creative process in an environment that mirrors the entertainment industry. Students who wish to pursue careers as producers, editors, or cinematographers may choose to work on three senior projects rather than directing their own. Thesis projects are screened as part of a senior showcase to peers, faculty, and industry representatives.

See examples of Film & Television creative work, including senior projects, here.

If you are interested in learning more about the Drexel Westphal Bachelor of Science degree program in Film & Television, contact the Westphal admissions team at 215.895.1738 or send an email to westphaladm@drexel.edu.