Film editing is the process of rearranging motion video footage and images for the purpose of producing a complete feature film. Film production features a combination of lecture-based courses and practical hands-on experience. Most of the degree programs offered by film editing schools focus entirely on film and television projects which are an essential part of the entire curricula. Movie editing is included throughout the undergraduate and graduate programs of film production.

Let us take a look at various degree programs offered by film editing schools:

Associate degree in film production
This program offers a 2-year coursework in film editing with a high school diploma or GED. The credit-hours completed through this coursework can sometimes be applied to 4-year bachelor’s degree programs. It offers a technical hands-on experience in digital editing, film history, computer art, film and video production, and sound engineering.

B.A in Film and television production
Film editing schools and universities offer a bachelor’s degree in various streams such as cinematic arts, communications, video, and television production that includes an editing component. This course not only lets the students gain technical skills but also teaches them to enhance storytelling through editing techniques. Class projects might include courses on scriptwriting, camera operation, directing actors and editing materials for student films. The coursework usually includes screenwriting, motion picture editing, post-production, and digital cinematography among many others.

M.A in television production with specialization in editing
Master’s degrees offered by most of the film editing schools concentrate more on film editing and require a bachelor’s degree in film production. In addition, these degrees offer internship and require a thesis to be completed at the end of the year. The coursework may also include advanced editing, aesthetics of film, lighting and camera techniques, screenwriting, and fundamentals of film production.

By pursuing the degree courses mentioned above, students can find employment opportunities in news, sports, animation, and advertising companies. Recent graduates can apply for posts of film trailer editor, commercial editor, documentary film editor, instructor, post-production executive, and producer. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics suggests roughly 20% rise in the job opportunities in film editing in the next seven years. Aspiring movie editors can expect a median salary of around $80,000 for a film editor per year.