You are here: American University School of Communication Film & Media Arts

Students film on a tv set

Compelling Media, Powerful Stories

Media matters when it is compelling. To tell a powerful visual story that stirs the heart, to shape a bold narrative that persuades the mind, to drive knowledge that demands action, at the American University School of Communication (SOC) Film and Media Arts division, that's exactly what we teach you to do.

You can build a solid core of knowledge in film, video, photography, and new and emerging media. Scriptwriting, cinematography, lighting, sound recording, and editing are all part of the mix of professional skills you'll learn here to prepare yourself for a career as an artist creating compelling stories for public knowledge and action.

The photography program's focus allows you to learn both analogue and digital modes of communication through a variety of genres including fine art photography and photojournalism.

You can choose to focus on the business side of film and video — financing, distribution, marketing, management, entrepreneurship, even intellectual property law — to equip yourself for a career as a producer or production manager.

Or you can bring your creativity into play and stretch your capacity in experiential learning, applying underlying principles of virtual reality and game design to non-game contexts.

You'll also gain access to the abundant resources SOC has to offer, from our state-of-the-art film and video studios and equipment to our renowned academic and research centers that leverage the vast experience of our faculty and give our students unique academic and professional opportunities.

You'll learn from expert faculty who are working professionals in film, media, and game design and who know what it takes to tell stories of consequence that influence and convince. They've won Oscars, Emmys, and a multitude of other awards, and their work appears across the media landscape. Their innovative instruction and their insightful mentorship have opened doors to rewarding careers for thousands of our students.

If you want to learn how to make your own story come to life as a filmmaker, game researcher, media creator, or producer, this is the place for you.

Chat
Eddie Leavy Media in the Mix

Communications ·

A Striking Conversation with Actor Eddie Leavy

Read More

Our faculty have won Oscars, Emmys, Peabody Awards, and more!

Student films dolphins underwater

MA in Film & Media Production

Gain a professional skill set in film, video, and digital media for a successful career in the media industry.

Get Started

Film student Shayla Racquel behind a camera

MFA in Film & Media Arts

Prepare for a career as an artist creating meaningful stories and to teach at the university level.

Get Started

A man films in a tropical climate

MA in Producing Film, Television & Video

Train as producer for independent feature films, documentary films or videos, educational videos, and more.

Get Started

Students' hands working on a game over a map of Washington, DC

MA in Game Design

Practice the power of play by gaining skills in engagement strategies and game design to make an impact on the world inside and outside of games.

Get Started

Several students hold cameras

BA in Photography

Delves into the evolution of photography, and students gain hands-on experience in darkrooms and digital editing labs. 

Get Started

Students in the Game Lab develop games: a student writes on a board and other students work at a table covered in game pieces.

MFA in Games & Interactive Media

Make change through the power of games with this terminal degree in the field of game design.

Get Started

Film and Media Arts Watch Now Video
A female student directs during a TV production class

BA in Film & Media Arts

Provides you with a professional skill set in photography, film, video, and digital media.

Get Started