If you are someone who is passionate about filmmaking and want to attend college in the state of Florida, then we have good news. There are several excellent film programs at universities in Florida. In this list, we will give you a thumbnail sketch of the best film schools in Florida. We have evaluated the strengths of each program in addition to providing basic information about the universities themselves, such as the size of the student population, the tuition cost, and the location. We hope that our list proves helpful during your school research phase. Only you can determine which online school or program is the best fit for your goals and life situation. Read on and happy applying!
9 Best Film Schools in Florida
1. University of Miami
Location: Coral Gables
Tuition: $51,930
Student Population: 17,800
The University of Miami (known colloquially as ‘The U’) is a private university located in the picturesque Coral Gables part of Miami. In addition to its excellent location, it also home to what we consider to be the best film program in the state. Through the School of Communication, students can earn a Bachelors of Science degree in Communications while choosing from the following concentrations: General, Production, Screenwriting, Business, or Critical Studies. You can also earn a minor in Motion Pictures. There are a number of ways for student filmmakers to showcase their talents and become plugged into the filmmaking world. The University of Miami has its own student film festivals, the Canes Film Festival, and students also have the opportunity to spend a semester in Los Angeles. If you are interested in what the department at the University of Miami has to offer you, then check out their website today.
2. University of Central Florida
Location: Orlando
Tuition: $6,381
Student Population: 66,183
Earn your Bachelors of Fine Arts (BFA) in Film from the University of Central Florida. The BFA program at UCF requires students to complete a mandatory portfolio course during their first two years in order to gain admission to the studio courses necessary to complete the major. To complete the BFA, students must take 42 credit hours within the department while averaging a 3.0 (‘B’ Average) in their film courses in order to graduate. There are a number of exciting courses offered through the UCF film department that you will have the opportunity to take while a student. These include, but are not limited to, Cinematic Expression, Cinematography, Film Theory and Criticism, Special Problems in Film Design, and Writing for Film and TV. Express yourself and learn how the film world functions by earning your BFA from UCF. If you are interested in attending Central Florida, we suggest you get on their website and read more.
3. Florida State University
Location: Tallahassee
Tuition: $5,656
Student Population: 32,812
Florida State University (FSU) is not just one of the flagship public universities in the State of Florida, but home to one of the best film schools in the state. According to their website, 97% of FSU Film graduates are working in the film industry within a year of graduating from the program. Additionally, the Film School enjoys a 5:1 student to teacher ration, ensuring that you receive hands-on, individual attention throughout your degree. Students films are 100% funded through the program, meaning you don’t have to pay for your own film production. FSU is also home to world-class facilities, which students have access to 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Facilities include sound stages, editing rooms, development rooms, and post-production facilities, everything you need to conceptualize, shoot, and package your film. Graduate programs are available for production and screenwriting. Log on to the FSU website linked above in order to see the amazing opportunities presented by studying film at FSU.
4. University of Tampa
Location: Tampa
Tuition: $29,992
Student Population: 8,310
A medium-sized, private university with a gorgeous campus. The University of Tampa offers BAs or BFAs in Film and Media Arts. The BFA program combines classroom work with hands-on instruction that gives you the perfect balance for when you enter the profession. Students have several opportunities to get valuable exposure to the profession through workshops and screenings of student films, not to mention being connected to a thriving alumni base. Students will also have to opportunity to intern with local production companies headquartered in Tampa. If this sounds interesting to you, check out the University of Tampa website.
5. Jacksonville University
Location: Jacksonville
Tuition: $38,140
Student Population: 4,164
Earn your film degree from Jacksonville University. Located in northeast Florida, Jacksonville University has all the tools to help you develop as a filmmaker. The film program at JU prides itself on having its students double-major while studying; screenwriters also may choose to earn a second bachelors degree in creative writing, directors may double-major in Theater Arts. The faculty at JU is comprised of many working professionals who have decades of production experience that they bring to the classroom. While a film student at JU, you will take a number of exciting courses like Elements of Screenwriting, History of Film, Directing, and Advanced Production. Many JU Film alumni have gone on to work for leading networks, production companies, and with world-class directors. JU strives to make you as marketable as possible so that you can begin working following graduation. Get on the JU website to see if it is the right place for you and your ambitions.
6. Southeastern University
Location: Lakeland
Tuition: $26,620
Student Population: 4,538
Southeastern University offers a Bachelor of Arts or a Bachelors in Film Production. Southeastern University students can also choose to spend the final semester studying at the Los Angeles Film Studies Center, an incredible opportunity for early career filmmakers. Film students must take 54 credit hours of core classes within the Film Department to graduate. Students who are pursuing the BA option must earn 6 credit hours in a foreign language. As a film student, you will take classes in Film History, Production, Screenwriting, Editing, or Documentary Film Production. Regardless of your interests or aspirations, SEU can get you started down the path to becoming a working filmmaker. Program offered through the School of Communications. See if SEU is the place for you by checking out their department website.
7. Eckerd College
Location: St Petersburg
Tuition: $46,096
Student Population: 1,800
Located on the beautiful Gulf Coast of Florida in one of the state’s most charming cities, Eckerd College is a small, liberal arts school that can prepare you for a successful career as a filmmaker. As a student in the Film Studies department, you will have the opportunity to learn all aspects of film production. This includes theory, history, production, and post-production. During the winter term, students can attend the world-renowned Sundance Film Festival in order to see how the industry works. Eckerd also has connections with several universities abroad, including Eckerd College London Study Center, the Czech film academy, and Otago University in New Zealand. Explore both the world and the world of film while completing your degree at Eckerd. Is Eckerd sound like a promising place for you? Then see what more they have to offer by looking at their website.
8. Lynn University
Location: Boca Raton
Tuition: $37,600
Student Population: 3,000
Earn a BFA in Film Production from Lynn University. Studying at Lynn will equip you with the classroom knowledge and practical skills necessary to begin your journey as a filmmaker. Whether your interest is in casting and conception or more focused on screenwriting, direction, or cinematography, you can learn it from talented faculty at Lynn. Lynn also offers students several study abroad trips that can enrich your educational experience. Courses in the Film Department catalog include Digital Video Editing, Lighting Practicum, Directing the Narrative, and Studio Production. If Lynn University sounds appealing, then visit their website for more information.
9. Palm Beach Atlantic University
Location: West Palm Beach
Tuition: $32,500
Student Population: 3,579
Palm Beach Atlantic University not only offers a world-class education in Cinema Arts, but it also happens to one of the top Christian schools in the state, as well. Learn the nuts and bolts of screenwriting, film production, and post-production by producing your own films then screening them for feedback. Students can also minor in Film Production while attending Palm Beach Atlantic. Graduates from PBA go on to have successful careers in film production, television production, and screenwriting. You will be trained to hit the job market following graduation. The combination of in-classroom and hands-on production outside of the classroom will shape you into the best possible filmmaker you can be. If you like the sound of studying at Palm Beach Atlantic, then we recommend you log onto their website so you can see how they can help you achieve your dreams.
We hope that our list has been helpful in guiding your research into graduate school and programs. Our list does not include any paid or preferred listings. It is prepared subjectively, using several metrics, including (but not limited to): tuition per credit hour, acceptance rate, number of programs offered, and availability of funding. If you are a representative for a university and want to contact us about a) your schools ranking or b) the fact your school is not included, please feel free to get in touch. We welcome feedback and input. Thank you for reading our list!
