Video Editing College Courses and Programs
Video editors play an essential role in the production process for many types of videos and films. As an experienced video editor, you could be in high demand in the motion picture, television and corporate marketing industries. Read on to learn more about the courses and programs that can prepare you for a career as a video editor. Schools offering Digital Cinematography degrees can also be found in these popular choices.
What I Need to Know
Video editors may work with broadcasting companies or as freelance editors under contract of others. You will study a wide range of media related studies and likely specialize in one area after the majority of your coursework is completed. It is almost always necessary to obtain at least a four year degree in this field of study.
|Programs||Digital media, media studies, film, video at the bachelor's level and film production at the master's level|
|Courses||Examples include; Media design, video editing, graphics and production|
|Careers||Television broadcasting and freelance video editors|
What Do Video Editors Do?
Video editors can be responsible for post-production work on a variety of filmed projects, including television broadcasts, educational videos, corporate training videos, advertisements and personal event videos. In many cases, a video editor is responsible for meeting the needs of a client or agency by adapting raw footage to fit a prescribed format.
What Degree Programs are Available?
In order to gain employment in many markets, including television and motion pictures, you will typically need to obtain at least a 4-year degree. You can earn associate, bachelor's and master's degrees in subjects like digital media or media studies to study subjects like computer design, programming and video editing. Bachelor's degree programs in film and video, as well as master's degree programs in film production, could also be of interest to you if you're interested in this field.
Entire programs in this field may be difficult to find online, but some programs may offer you distance learning courses for greater flexibility in your schedule. You could be required to download editing software, such as Final Cuts Pro or iMovie, and could learn to compose, edit and import videos.
What Courses Can I Take?
You may take courses in subjects like media design, video editing, graphics editing and post-production techniques, as well as budgeting, scheduling and logistics for post-production video editing. Programs may also branch out into related subjects, like advertising, screenwriting or Web design. You could have the opportunity to work directly with a campus television studio or complete an internship for hands-on experience.
What Types of Careers Can I Explore?
You may gain employment in the private sector, or find work at local or national television broadcasting companies. Many video editors are self-employed freelance video editors, providing services on a contract or assignment basis. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the rate of employment for video editors was expected to increase by 3% by 2022 (bls.gov).
Video editors who are skilled in other aspects of production, such as engineering, lighting, photography, script writing and pre-production logistics can increase their income potential while many broadcasting companies face budget cuts and downsizing. According to 2014 BLS statistics, the median salary for video editors was $57,210, varying widely between industries. The highest pay rate for video editors was in the motion picture industry.
To continue researching, browse degree options below for course curriculum, prerequisites and financial aid information. Or, learn more about the subject by reading the related articles below: