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School of Theater, Film and Media Arts

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Get the Tools You Need to Tell Your Story

Temple’s Film and Media Arts (FMA) program is one of the most competitive in the world. With a focus on social awareness and a curriculum that combines creative theory and practical experience, FMA offers a hands-on education that prepares a diverse student body for the business of film while giving them the training they need to creatively craft and sell their own stories. 

FMA Undergrad offers both BFA and BA degrees, geared toward those who seek either an intensive focus on production specializations or desire a foundational film and media arts education. 

Undergraduate Programs

Temple Film and Media Arts Features Two Degree Paths

Most Film and Media Arts students begin by building a strong creative foundation—but where you go from there depends on your interests, talents, and career goals.

Path 1: Film and Media Arts (BA & BFA Pathway)

Generally, students begin in the Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Film and Media Arts, where they spend their first two years exploring every aspect of filmmaking.

You'll take foundational courses in directing, screenwriting, cinematography, editing, producing, documentary, and film studies while participating in a wide variety of films and media projects. This broad experience helps you discover your strengths before choosing a more specialized path.

At the end of your sophomore year, you'll have several options:

Continue in the BA

Complete the flexible BA degree or choose one of our specialized BA concentrations:

  • Cinematography
  • Post-Production
  • Producing
  • Screen Studies

Apply to a BFA Concentration

Students who want more intensive, professionally focused training may apply to one of our Bachelor of Fine Arts concentrations:

  • Directing for Fiction
  • Directing for Documentary
  • Screenwriting

These selective BFA programs feature smaller cohorts, close faculty mentorship, and advanced creative coursework designed to prepare students for professional careers and graduate study.

Path 2: Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) in Animation and Media Arts

Applying students who already know they want to pursue animation, motion design, interactive media, game design, or emerging technologies can apply directly to the BFA in Animation and Media Arts.

Students enter this BFA program in their first year.

Admission requires:

  • A portfolio or
  • A letter of intent submitted through SlideRoom

From day one, students receive immersive studio training while collaborating with filmmakers, designers, performers, and storytellers across the School of Theater, Film and Media Arts. Coursework spans 2D and 3D animation, stop-motion, interactive media, virtual production, game design, and experimental digital storytelling.

This path is for students committed to careers in animation, visual effects, motion graphics, game art, interactive media, and digital storytelling.

 

Two FMA students working together

Temple's Film and Media Arts program features:

  • Commercial and industrial-grade cinema gear, including Arri Amiras, Sony FS7s, RED cameras, Steadicams, rigs, drones and full production equipment
  • High-end virtual reality tools, like Insta360 Pro 4k cameras and Vive production suites
  • Editing suites, with full Adobe Suite, Maya, Pro Tools, Da Vinci, Unity and more
  • The ability for students to begin the work of production in their first semester
  • Integration with Philadelphia’s vibrant fine art, cinema and new media scene
  • Mentorship and instruction from internationally prominent faculty working professionally in the industry
  • An active alumni network of high-level, award-winning film professionals
  • Professional development as part of an industry-focused Los Angeles Study Away program 
  • Easy access to NYC for cultural activities, freelancing, industry contacts, casting and crewing    
Film and Media Arts Major

Film and Media Arts Major

Develop creative and technical skills in audio, film, new media and video and in the theoretical understanding of film and culture through the Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Film and Media Arts. Gain a technical foundation to prepare for a career in film by choosing a concentration, explore the cultural significance and history of film and media arts, or take a broader approach to your studies with a general degree. Sophomores can enroll in the Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) version of the program, which focuses more on creative expression.

Concentrations

  • Cinematography
  • Post Production
  • Producing
  • Screen Studies

Learn more here.

Temple was able to provide me with many different types of classes, helping me finetune what I would be open to doing and what I don’t want to do...I was able to learn what it truly meant to produce a film... and then take what I had produced to get it out into the world.

Student Julian Rivera with an award certificate

Jess Milner

Filmmaker

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes Temple Film and Media Arts different from other film schools?

Temple Film and Media Arts combines hands-on production experience, professional training, and creative exploration in a nationally recognized university environment. Students learn by making films, animations, interactive media, and emerging forms of storytelling from their first year onward.

Located in Philadelphia, one of the country's most vibrant creative cities, Temple provides access to a thriving independent film scene while connecting students to major industry hubs like New York City and Los Angeles through internships, Study Away programs, festivals, and professional networks.

What creative career options are available to Film and Media Arts graduates?

A Temple FMA degree can help you explore a wide range of jobs and freelance opportunities across the film industry, including roles in production, editing, directing, lighting, and sound such as: 

Graduates pursue careers across the entertainment and creative industries, including:

  • Filmmaker
  • Director
  • Producer
  • Cinematographer
  • Editor
  • Animator
  • Motion Graphics Artist
  • Game Designer
  • Interactive Media Artist
  • VR/AR Creator
  • Documentary Filmmaker
  • Production Designer
  • Post-Production Specialist

Graduates also continue their education in competitive graduate programs in film, animation, media arts, and related fields.

What kind of connections does Temple Film and Media Arts have to the film industry?

Temple's program connects students with professional opportunities through:

  • Los Angeles Study Away programs
  • Internships
  • Alumni networks
  • Industry events
  • Visiting filmmakers and artists
  • Festivals and screenings

Students also benefit from Philadelphia's growing film, television, and creative media industries.

Why study film in Philadelphia instead of Los Angeles or New York (or anywhere else)?

Philadelphia offers students the best of both worlds: an affordable, creative city with a strong independent film and arts culture and direct access to major industry centers.

Students can develop their craft in a supportive environment while still connecting to New York and Los Angeles through Temple's programs and location.

What makes Philadelphia a great city for filmmakers and media artists?

Philadelphia has a thriving creative community with a rich history of:

  • Documentary filmmaking
  • Independent cinema
  • Socially engaged storytelling
  • Fine arts
  • Performance
  • New media

Students are surrounded by artists, filmmakers, theaters, galleries, museums, and creative organizations that provide inspiration and professional opportunities.

Can Temple Film and Media Arts Students study in New York and LA?

Yes. Temple students have opportunities to connect with both major entertainment markets.

Students benefit from:

  • Los Angeles Study Away opportunities focused on the entertainment industry
  • Easy access to New York City for internships, festivals, freelance work, networking, casting, and professional events