Nov 03, 2024  
Fall 2024 - Summer 2025 Academic Catalog 
    
Fall 2024 - Summer 2025 Academic Catalog

Digital Filmmaking A.S.


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School: Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences
Academic Dept: Film
HEGIS: 5606
 

Important Note about Program Requirements

The requirements listed below are for students entering into this program from Fall 2024 to Summer 2025. Students who entered the program during a prior semester will find their specific requirements listed in the Catalog under which they entered. Archived Catalogs are accessible through the dropdown menu above.

Program Description


There has never been a better time to prepare for a career in film. New York State tax incentives for the film and television industry have led to a boom in New York film and television productions in recent years, and demand for video on social media platforms has been growing exponentially. 

The Associate of Science Degree in Digital Filmmaking prepares students to take advantage of the opportunities available in this rapidly changing, multi-disciplinary field by providing them with foundational knowledge and skills in four key areas: film studies, cinematic storytelling, digital video production, and postproduction.


The A.S. Degree is designed to provide students with the skills and knowledge necessary to pursue a career in the film and television industry or to transfer to a four-year B.A. or B.F.A. program in film production or cinema studies.
 
Students enrolled in the program acquire a solid basis in cinema history and theory, film aesthetics, screenwriting, camera operation, lighting, digital editing, and acting. In addition to these core courses, students may choose from a wide range of electives, including courses in television production, visual effects, animation, and sound design. Production and postproduction courses are taught by practicing film professionals on advanced equipment. An optional internship offers students the opportunity to gain valuable experience working in the industry.

The program offers courses at the main campus in Valhalla and at several extension locations. Film production students have access to camera, lighting and audio equipment to work on their projects, and can take advantage of open lab hours to edit in our post-production facilities. The department sponsors an active Film Club, which is open to students of all majors. In addition, the Film Program holds its annual WCC Film Festival every April. Visit the WCC Film Festival website to watch trailers and full reels from previous years.

Program Learning Outcomes


Upon successful completion of this program, a student will:

  1. Demonstrate a basic understanding and appreciation of film as an art form.

  2. Demonstrate the ability to craft a cinematic story with a coherent narrative structure.

  3. Demonstrate the ability to plan, shoot, and edit a short film.

  4. Demonstrate competency and broad foundational knowledge in the general education curriculum as required by Westchester Community College.

Program Requirements


60 credits are required for the degree:

  • General Education - 30 credits
  • Required Degree Courses - 30 credits

General Education Requirements - 30 Credits

Where specific courses are not listed within the categories above, courses must be selected from the list of all general education courses 

Required Degree Courses - 30 credits

Program Map


The program map is a recommended semester-by-semester schedule of courses based on degree requirements and serve as a general guideline to help students complete their program in two years. Although designed for full-time enrollment, these are easily adaptable for part-time study. For additional, individualized guidance, students should review Degree Works and consult an Academic Counselor or Faculty Advisor to ensure they are on track to complete their program.

 

Semester 1

Course Credits
ENG 101 Writing and Research   3
FILM 100 - Introduction to Film   3
FILM 130 - Digital Storytelling   3
Mathematics (and Quantitative Reasoning) Gen. Ed. Course   3
THEAT 111 - Acting 1   3
Semester Total Credits 15

Semester 2

Course Credits
ENG 102 Writing and Literature   3
FILM 101 - Film 1895 to 1945   3
FILM 125 - Writing for Film   3
FILM 142 - Video Editing   3
Natural Sciences (and Scientific Reasoning) Gen. Ed. Course   3
Semester Total Credits 15

Semester 3

Course Credits
FILM 102 - Film 1945 to Present   3
FILM 145 - Documentary Video   3
Film Elective 3
US History and Civic Engagement Gen. Ed. Course: HIS 110  OR HIS 111  OR HIS 112  OR HIS 133  OR HIS 134   3
Semester Total Credits 15

Semester 4

Course Credits
Cinema Studies Elective 3
FILM 140 - Video Production   3
FILM 150 - Film Internship   3
Film Elective 3
Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Social Justice; and Social Sciences Gen. Ed. Course: ANTHR 101  OR SOC 101  OR SOC 101H  OR SOC 102   3
Semester Total Credits 15

Minimum Total Credits: 60

Transfer Opportunities


Westchester Community College is committed to facilitating a smooth transfer process to ensure that graduates of the college are prepared to transfer with junior status, and are able to complete a bachelor’s degree within two years of full-time study upon transfer. View 4-year institutions’ transfer agreement information by program here.

Career Opportunities


Visit Career Coach to explore career paths, job descriptions, salary trends, and job trends.

Visit the Career Services page for more career resources.

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