Motion Pictures & Television AAS

The Associate of Applied Science (AAS) degree, a two-year program, offers a focused approach to filmmaking, prioritizing practical technical skills. The AAS is designed to equip students with the fundamental technical competencies needed for entry-level jobs in the film industry. Through hands-on projects and a strong emphasis on technical skills like sound design, motion graphics, basic cinematography, and editing, AAS programs provide students with a solid foundation for pursuing careers in filmmaking.

Associate of Applied Science (AAS) Degree
Core Classes

This program is available online and on campus

MPT 105

Cinematic Storytelling Core/3

Get hands-on experience with the entire filmmaking process. Functioning in a range of creative and technical roles including: Director, Cinematographer and Editor, you'll collaborate with other students to produce a piece of digital content.

MPT 106

Edit 1: The Art of Editing Core/3

Video editing can be a very powerful visual storytelling tool. Using Adobe Premiere Pro, you will use montage, screen direction, continuity, and stylistic concepts to edit a narrative scene.

MPT 159

Cinematography 1 Core/3

This course offers you hands-on practice in lighting, staging of scenes and blocking for the camera, as seen from the director of photography's perspective. Your projects will be 16mm color film or digital with dialog recorded.

MPT 205

Introduction to Producing Core/3

Are youcreative producer material? You'll learn to identify and acquire the rights to material, how to raise financing and secure distribution, create a marketing plan, and work as a creative producer in all stages of production.

MPT 225

Sound Design for Film 1: Basic Concepts Core/3

You will be introduced to the basic elements of sound recording and production for film and television. You will learn microphone selection and placement, as well as mixing and equalization. You will use Pro-Tools software for recording Foley and automatic dialog.

MPT 234

Scene Production Laboratory Core/3

Develop the skills necessary to become a productive member of a film crew. You'll collaborate to write, produce, direct, and edit short scenes within a fixed schedule and a set budget.

MPT 285

Production Design Foundations Core/3

While learning all about how a movie art department operates under the leadership of the Production Designer, you will have the opportunity to develop the visual style of how you "see" stories come to life. The basic roles and responsibilities of the creative team will be explored allowing you to experience what it takes to create sets for filming.

MPT 330

Directing Actors for Film & TV Core/3

Gain experience being a director by working with actors on film sets. While concentratingon screenplay analysis, you'll direct actors through the rehearsal process and shooting of a basic scene. You'll learn the best way to communicate with actors to become "an actor's director".

WRI 188

Characters & Backstory Core/3

Characters are the heart of every story. You'll acquire the skills to develop compelling three-dimensional characters and to create strong, believable backstories.

Degree Requirements

Unit RequirementsUnits
Core24
Sophomore Portfolio3
Major18
Liberal Arts15
Total60

AAS TECHNICAL FILMMAKING DEGREE REQUIREMENTS

  • Minimum grade of C- in all major coursework.
  • Minimum 2.0 GPA and the following general education requirements:
    1 Creative Communication course
    1 Quantitative Literacy course
    1 Employment Communications and Practices course

After above general education requirements are met, take Liberal Arts electives as needed to fulfill the Liberal Arts unit requirement.

Additional Information

Program Learning Outcomes

Undergraduate students will meet the following student performance criteria:


General Filmmaking Skills

  • Demonstrate a basic understanding of the process of creating a film in collaboration with multidisciplinary teams

Technical Skills

  • Demonstrate basic technical skills in editing, motion graphics, and visual effects
  • Demonstrate basic technical skills in cinematography and lighting
  • Demonstrate basic technical skills in sound design

Professional Readiness

  • Produce basic materials suitable for seeking entry-level employment