Applied Studies: Cinema at a glance
North Central University’s Applied Studies: Cinema program will teach you how to develop screenplays, film multiple genres (documentary, short film, feature), and strengthen your skills in set lighting, directing, editing software, and much more. Through relevant courses taught by experienced faculty, you’ll become a master storyteller who can combine powerful images with inspiring dialogue. Offered in partnership with Minneapolis College, you’ll earn a bachelor’s degree from North Central and an associate’s degree from Minneapolis College while pursuing a fulfilling career in this marketable and growing field.
What sets us apart
Interactive experience and hands-on training
Get interactive experience and hands-on training in cinema.
Read more. HideOur CINEMA program will prepare you with hands-on, interactive experience in the field
Our Cinema program provides an interactive learning environment where you’ll share your film ideas and your scripts and get feedback in a workshop setting with fellow students and experienced professors. You’ll collaborate with other students to write, direct, shoot, edit, and produce your own work. You’ll also have the opportunity to meet and work with local writers, producers, and guest lecturers from around the country, as well as pitch your finished scripts and film concepts to professionals from Los Angeles to New York. This hands-on experience will prepare you as a polished, skilled cinematographer who understands the business and is equipped for success as you pursue your calling in this exciting field.
By earning a liberal arts bachelor’s degree from North Central University and a career specific associate’s degree from Minneapolis College, you’ll be a well-rounded, highly-skilled, marketable employee when you graduate. The broad worldview and critical thinking skills you’ll gain at North Central, along with the training and experience you’ll get at Minneapolis College, will help you land that first job right out of college and will give you opportunities to pursue a calling that’s rewarding, professionally and personally.
North Central community
Join North Central’s spirit-filled, faithful, supportive community.
Read more. HideGet all the benefits of our Christian community
One of the best things about being a North Central University student is joining our spirit-filled, faithful, vibrant urban community. In the Applied Studies program, you’ll be a full NCU student, meaning you’ll live on campus, attend daily chapel with your friends and classmates, find mentors in NCU professors, and participate in student organizations and events.
Plus, you’ll get all the benefits of a well-rounded Christian liberal arts education. You’ll take the Christian Studies Core (and graduate with a Christian Studies minor) just like all North Central students. You’ll also take general education courses and electives at North Central. The Christian liberal arts education that North Central provides will prepare you with a firmly rooted faith, a broad and informed worldview, cultural and global awareness, and the critical thinking skills you need for any career field.
Partnership with Minneapolis College
Learn about our partnership with one of the region's best technical schools.
Read more. HideOur Minneapolis College partnership gives you access to courses, resources, and expert faculty
By partnering with Minneapolis College, we can offer you access to career-specific courses and training, opportunities to gain real-world experience, and expert faculty in the Cinema field.
Minneapolis College is a public two-year college located in downtown Minneapolis. As a part of the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities system, Minneapolis College offers a wide range of learning opportunities and has access to many unique resources.
These resources will prepare you with the skills and knowledge you need to find your first job out of college, succeed in your career, and pursue a calling that is fulfilling, meaningful, and rewarding.
In the Applied Studies: Cinema program, you’ll take career-specific courses at Minneapolis College, accounting for 30-50% of the credits towards your bachelor’s degree.
The Applied Studies program may not be VA benefit eligible. Please contact Student Financial Services to learn more.
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Skills you’ll gain
When you graduate from the Cinema program, you’ll be prepared with skills and knowledge in:
- Fundamentals of cinema, including cinema history, plot, dialogue, scenes, and character development
- Dramatic and nonfiction genres, including short film, documentary, independent, commercial and alternative format, and feature
- Writing, directing, editing, set lighting, storytelling, and post-production tools
- Collaboration with other filmmakers, including offering and receiving feedback
- Best practices in professional filming standards and expectations
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Potential careers
Our graduates succeed in a variety of jobs and careers. Here are some possibilities:
- Screenwriter
- Script Reader/Analyst
- Cinematographer
- Director
- Film Editor
- Production Assistant
- Independent Producer
You could work in a variety of settings, including:
- Local and national film and video production houses
- Local and national independent producers
- Independent home video distribution companies
- In-house production departments within corporations
- Local and national film studios
- Local and national television, cable stations, and networks
- Local and national advertising agencies
- Freelance work
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Minors & supporting programs
We want you to be well-rounded and well-prepared when you graduate, so you’ll have the opportunity to choose a minor or supporting program so you can explore another area of interest. Here are some possibilities:
- Business Administration
- English: Writing
- Intercultural Studies
- Journalism
- Media Communications
- Media Production
- Public Relations and Advertising
- Leadership Development
- Urban Studies
See the full list of minors and supporting programs.
Co-Founder and Director, Chitwood Media
Josh Chitwood '15
Minneapolis, MN
"I was always challenged, encouraged and supported by my professors at NCU, even before I arrived on campus. The assignments were stretching and had plenty of space for creative thinking and incorporating faith."
Requirements
All students must complete the General Education Core and Christian Studies Core. General electives may be added or an optional minor may be selected. You need 124 total credit hours to complete an Applied Studies: Screenwriting degree.
Want to learn more?
Download the one sheet!
Simply fill in your info on the form to download the informational one sheet that covers:
- An overview of the program
- Classes you’ll take
- Exciting jobs you can get after graduation
Interested in earning your degree in Applied Studies: Cinema?