Careers: video editor, camera operator, sound engineer, producer and director, and audio and video technician. Majors: Digital Media and Film Production, Journalism, Music, and Communications.
College majors for media, film and entertainment
Digital Media and Film Production
Teaches you to create video, audio, animation and interactive media.
Journalism
Teaches you to report, write and produce news across print, broadcast and digital media.
Music
Studies music performance, theory, history, composition and production.
Communications
Studies how people create, share and interpret messages in person and through media.
Careers in media, film and entertainment
Video Editor
Cut raw footage into compelling films, shows, ads and online videos.
- Typical training: 4 years or portfolio-based training
Camera Operator
Shoot video for film, TV, news, sports and online content.
- Typical training: 4 years or on-set experience
Sound Engineer
Record, mix and master sound for music, film, broadcast and live events.
- Typical training: 6 months–2 years
Producer and Director
Bring films, shows, plays and videos to life from idea to final cut.
- Typical training: Years of production experience
Audio and Video Technician
Set up and run sound, video and lighting for events, meetings and productions.
- Typical training: 3–12 months
Broadcast Technician
Keep TV and radio signals on the air.
- Typical training: 2-year degree
Journalist
Find, report and tell the stories that keep the public informed.
- Typical training: 4 years
Public Relations Specialist
Shape and protect the public image of organizations and people.
- Typical training: 4 years
Graphic Designer
Create logos, layouts and visuals that communicate ideas and build brands.
- Typical training: 4 years or portfolio-based training
Skills these careers use
- Camera operation
- Composition
- Storytelling
- Writing
- Editing software
- Storytelling and pacing
Minors that fit this interest
- Digital Media: Adds video, audio, photography and social media production skills.
Start building skills now
A self-paced online course on what video editors do: duties, 15+ key terms, step-by-step tasks, tools, safety and how to launch the career.
Skills you build: editing software, storytelling and pacing, and audio editing
Why it fits: Fits your interest in Media, Film and Entertainment
A self-paced online course on what camera operators do: duties, 15+ key terms, step-by-step tasks, tools, safety and how to launch the career.
Skills you build: camera operation, composition, and focus pulling
Why it fits: Fits your interest in Media, Film and Entertainment
A self-paced online course on what sound engineers do: duties, 15+ key terms, step-by-step tasks, tools, safety and how to launch the career.
Skills you build: recording techniques, mixing and mastering, and digital audio workstations
Why it fits: Fits your interest in Media, Film and Entertainment
A self-paced online course on what producer and directors do: duties, 15+ key terms, step-by-step tasks, tools, safety and how to launch the career.
Skills you build: storytelling, directing actors, and budgeting
Why it fits: Fits your interest in Media, Film and Entertainment
Media, Film and Entertainment: frequently asked questions
What careers are there in media, film and entertainment?
Careers connected to media, film and entertainment include video editor, camera operator, sound engineer, producer and director, audio and video technician, broadcast technician, journalist, and public relations specialist.
What should I major in if I am interested in media, film and entertainment?
Majors connected to media, film and entertainment include Digital Media and Film Production, Journalism, Music, and Communications. Compare what each includes, the skills it builds and where it leads.
What media, film and entertainment careers do not require a four-year degree?
Examples include sound engineer, audio and video technician, broadcast technician, photographer, florist, and jeweler. They typically start with a high school diploma, a certificate, an associate degree, an apprenticeship or on-the-job training.
Which media, film and entertainment careers usually require a bachelor’s degree or more?
Examples include video editor, camera operator, producer and director, journalist, public relations specialist, and graphic designer. Some also need a license or certification.
What skills do you need for a career in media, film and entertainment?
Skills that come up often in these careers include camera operation, composition, storytelling, writing, editing software, and storytelling and pacing, along with communication and problem solving.
What minors fit an interest in media, film and entertainment?
Minors connected to media, film and entertainment include Digital Media.
How do I start a career in media, film and entertainment?
Learn about the careers in the field, choose one or two that fit you, check the education or training each requires, and build practical knowledge early through classes, part-time work, volunteering or short career training.
Can I explore media, film and entertainment careers before choosing a college major?
Yes. Career profiles, job shadowing and short online career training let you learn what jobs in media, film and entertainment involve before you commit to a major or program.
Does Career Education Institute offer training related to media, film and entertainment?
Yes. Related online trainings include Video Editor Training, Camera Operator Training, Sound Engineer Training, and Producer and Director Training. They are general, non-credit courses that teach what a job involves; they do not grant a degree or license.
Which colleges offer programs related to media, film and entertainment?
Use the college search to find U.S. colleges that report awarding degrees in related majors, filtered by state, city, ZIP code, online programs and type of school.