Film and Television, B.A.

Program overview

Learn the secrets behind successful production in small, hands-on classes. Students begin working with industry-standard film equipment and produce their own work in their first year. In addition to class projects, internships and co-ops, students gain valuable experience in producing and directing short films, television programs by participating in student-run television and film clubs. *Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

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Admission options

Three students pose for photo on Rider campus.

First-year - How to Apply

Rider is where your future begins. First-year students are defined as recent high school graduates who are attending college for the first time. There are so many opportunities ahead. Take the first step towards your tomorrow at Rider.

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Transfer - How to Apply

No matter where you began your journey, Rider has the resources you need to continue moving forward. At Rider, transfer students are defined as students who are under the age of 25 and have credits from another college or university.

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Continuing Education - How to Apply

Rider offers flexible pathways for adult learners aged 25 or over, including veterans and active duty military personnel, that allow you to earn your bachelor's degree or take courses for personal enrichment. Non-matriculated or visiting students should apply using the Continuing Education application.

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Program requirements

The film and television program combines coursework in narrative and documentary film production, screenwriting, and film and TV studies. In addition to courses required for the major, students will have the opportunity to study specific filmmaking disciplines in more detail, as well as minor in film and media studies.

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Semester in Los Angeles

The Semester in L.A. program offers students a semester of study in the heart of the film and television industries. Students benefit from small classes; participate in internships directly related to their interests; and have access to industry professionals through internships, studio visits and as guest speakers.

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Program highlights

Student standing behind Hollywood sign looking out

Mentors take Rider students inside Hollywood

Semester in LA Program now pairs students directly with industry professionals.

Semester in Los Angeles

Put theory to practice with the opportunity to spend a semester working professionally and studying in the heart of Hollywood, the world’s center of media and entertainment, in our semester in LA program.

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Dr.Cindy Lucia with Director, Oliver Stone

The Film Symposium - Past & Present

Each year, the department’s annual Film Symposium focuses on different filmmakers and filmmaking genres and includes screenings, presentations, a student film festival and screenwriting competition. During the Symposium, students have the opportunity to engage with professional filmmakers and leading film scholars.

Rider student creates docu-series on veterans

$8,000 Kickstarter campaign helps fuel creation of ‘A Two-Front War’ series

Students in the News

Summer 2021, a production company used Rider University for locations on an upcoming movie, giving students filmmaking opportunities.

Students Make Movie Magic

With the mentorship of industry professionals, students are involved in every aspect of filmmaking, from script writing and location scouting to shooting and acting. When completed, each student will graduate with a professional film credit to their name.

Where will a Rider education lead you?

Read the stories of our current students and alumni to discover how they use their film and television degrees to be successful in their careers.

From viewer to creator

Whether your interest is in production, post production, writing and direction, or all of the above, Rider prepares you for a career in film, television and new media. Rider graduates have gone on to work for major movie studios, post production houses, television stations and talent agencies.

Common careers:

Cinematographer
Director
Documentarian
Editor
Producer
Screenwriter

Hands-on storytelling

Beginning your first year, you’ll gain valuable experience and get exposure to every stage of the production process through opportunities to work with industry-standard film equipment and produce your own work. You’ll have access to our state-of-the-art classrooms, television studio, production facilities and media labs that include a video editing suite, a full control room and the latest production software.

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Rider gave me the opportunity to build on my creative experience and get involved right away. Each week I had new opportunities to keep shooting, keep editing and keep learning.

Anita Chomenko '16

Film and Television (B.A.)

Learning by doing

Rider’s film and television faculty bring their creativity and industry experience to the classroom, and build strong mentoring relationships with students, to challenge and inspire them to explore their artistic freedom and support them to take their ability to the next level.

Film and television faculty also provide individualized support and mentorship to ensure the program and experiential learning opportunities are tailored specifically to your creative goals, and offer assistance with internship placement.

Meet Our Faculty