Christian film schools in California are relatively few and far between. Every year, with careful consideration of their potential future collaborators, Christian filmmakers graduate from major film schools with the goal of making socially relevant films with ministry opportunities.
The article below brings you one of the best pieces of information about Christian film schools in California. All you’ve got to do is keep reading to find out more. What’s more, the information is free!
You will also discover recent, related posts on Christian film schools in California, best film schools in California 2020, California Institute of the arts, best film schools in the world, university of southern California, Los Angeles film school, California state university film school, universities in California & affordable film schools in California on collegelearners.
America has many film programs and major film cities. While Hollywood is the obvious choice, schools can be found across the country, including a number of Christian institutions. In this list, we look at some top-ranking Christian schools with film programs.
School Comparison
The table below looks at some of the Christian colleges with film degree programs. We will look at the denomination that each is affiliated with and the yearly cost.
School Name | Institution Type | Denomination | Location | Tuition and Fees (2019-2020)* |
---|---|---|---|---|
Loyola Marymount University | 4-year, private not-for-profit | Roman Catholic | Los Angeles, CA | $50,683 |
Brigham Young University-Provo | 4-year, private not-for-profit | Church of Latter Day Saints | Provo, UT | $5,790 |
Boston College | 4-year, private not-for-profit | Roman Catholic | Chestnut Hill, MA | $57,910 |
Lipscomb University | 4-year, private not-for-profit | Churches of Christ | Nashville, TN | $33,424 |
Chapman University | 4-year, private not-for-profit | Christian Church | Orange, CA | $54,924 |
Calvin College | 4-year, private not-for-profit | Christian Reformed Church | Grand Rapids, MI | $36,300 |
Source: *National Center for Education Statistics (NCES)
Christian Film Schools
There are a variety of reasons why the following schools may be considered among the best Christian film schools. Some schools offer a rich, location-based curriculum, some provide education affordably, and others feature unique course offerings.
Loyola Marymount University
One of the keys to looking for a program is location. Located in the heart of Hollywood, Loyola Marymount University has been ranked seventh in the nation by USA Today for film schools, and eighth in the nation by The Hollywood Reporter. This program has roughly 10 students for each professor, keeping class sizes small. The school has nine different majors at the film school, including animation and recording arts. Of course, for film enthusiasts, the film and television production; production; and film, television, and media studies programs will be the most interesting. Outside of the classroom, The Hollywood Masters is a series that has been produced on campus, where actors, directors, and other award-winning filmmakers are interviewed. Along with masses and retreats, students can take part of the De Colores program, where students travel to Tijuana, Mexico, to meet with the community and help those less fortunate.
Brigham-Young University Provo
As perhaps the most economical of the colleges listed here, Brigham-Young’s tuition costs are based on whether or not you are a member of the Church of Latter Day Saints. The average 12-credit semester averages around $2,895 for LDS members and $5,790 for non-members. The media arts studies program will be the best choice for those seeking film knowledge. Along with an introduction to film, course topics include constructing narratives, production, history of the moving image, documentaries, religion and film, media as a mirror of our times, and sound design. Of course, a strong background in theater and theater production is also helpful. Along with these courses, students will complete five doctrinal foundations courses as a requirement.
Boston College
Out of the top 600 schools in the nation, Forbes listed Boston College at #41 for top colleges, and #24 for Northeastern colleges. The film studies major is a liberal arts program, providing a foundational background for students who wish to double major or minor in something outside of film and art. Boston College offers a wide variety of topics, including genre- and culture-specific film courses, film production courses, film history courses, filmmaker roles, and animation. Along with these courses, students will be required to complete a capstone project, which looks at the overall skills and preparedness of the student. The college has masses, service-immersion programs, retreats and several faith communities that can help students feel the communion of the faith and find counseling or support.
Lipscomb University
The School of Theater and Cinematic Arts’ film program is ranked 26th in the nation, according Collegechoice.net. It is the only one in the state of Tennessee on the list. Lipscomb University offers a BFA in Film Production and two master’s degree programs in film and creative media – an MA and an MFA. In the undergraduate program, students can take a course that is all about film festivals. During this course, students will attend one of the famous film festivals held in America, such as Tribeca or Sundance. On top of the major courses, students are required to complete 18 credits of Bible-themed classes.
Chapman University
The Fish Interfaith Center at Chapman University is where students attend chapel, meditate, pray and study. They can also listen to guest speakers or hold Bible studies. Along with offering ministry opportunities, Chapman has been ranked in the top 385 American colleges by Princeton Review and seventh for film schools in the country by The Hollywood Reporter. Chapman offers many degree options for the film student: a BA in Film Studies, BFA in Film Production, BFA in Television Writing and Production, and a BFA in Digital Arts – Animation and Visual Effects. Dodge College of Film and Media Arts also offers graduate degrees in many unique areas of study, such as the MFA in Documentary Filmmaking and the JD/MFA in Film and TV Producing.
Calvin College
Niche.com gave Calvin College the ranking of 27th out of 358 American Christian colleges, and an overall grade of A. The college’s film and media major with a concentration in production aims to look at how a life in faith can be translated to film. Students can take courses in multi-camera production, film criticism, directing, propaganda, and documentaries. On top of courses, students are required to take an internship, independent study, or take part in the Calvin Media Company. Students can also consider spending a semester at the Los Angeles Film Studies Center. Yearly, the Calvin chapel holds 192 services and several Bible studies.
best film schools in california 2021
Best Filmmaking colleges in California for 2021
- University of California-Santa Barbara. …
- University of California-Santa Cruz. …
- Chapman University. …
- San Francisco State University. …
- University of California-Berkeley. …
- Loyola Marymount University. …
- California State University-Long Beach. …
- Los Angeles City College. Los Angeles, CA.
california state university film school
The Department of Television, Film, & Media Studies offers undergraduate programs leading to a Bachelor of Arts degree in Television, Film, & Media Studies. The department also offers graduate programs leading to a Master of Arts degree in Television, Film, & Media Studies and jointly with the Department of Theatre and Dance, a graduate program leading to the Master of Fine Arts degree in Television, Film, & Theatre.