If you are a resident of Texas or you want to attend the best film schools in the state, check out our list of film institutions in the Lone Star state.
Texas has some of the finest institutions in the United States. The Lone Star state is home to some of the most prestigious universities in the country.
When it comes to cinematography, the state of Texas has what it takes to satisfy specific demands. Texas is one state in the U.S. where you will get the inspiration you need to further a future career in filmmaking.
The largest film industry in the world may be located in California, but some of the institutions in Texas have graduated Hollywood stars. Texas is home to some of the best colleges and universities in America and we are going to look at the best film schools in the state.
What are Film Schools?
A film school is an educational institution that teaches aspects of cinematography (filmmaking), including subjects like film theory, film production, digital media production, as well as screenwriting.
A film school is an institution where you learn about filmmaking through intensive technical training. Through this technical training, you will acquire knowledge and basic skills in filmmaking.
You will be able to handle lighting equipment, understand all about video editing, and how to handle equipment and software.
Also Read: Profession of a film director: What knowledge should students have?
What Job Can I Get with a Film Degree?
Attending an accredited institution and obtaining a film degree can get you several jobs. The film industry is one of the biggest in today’s society.
Since the early 20 century, the film industry has created an opportunity for many individuals to build careers in the industry. But what job can you get with a bachelor’s of fine arts or a bachelor of arts in films?
Here are some of the jobs you can get with a bachelor’s in fine arts or a bachelor of arts in films.
- Broadcast presenter
- Film director
- Location manager
- Program researcher, broadcasting/film/video
- Television camera operator.
- Television/film/video producer
- Television production coordinator
With a bachelor of fine arts or a bachelor of arts in film, you can also work in different areas within the media industry such as;
- Advertising, Public Relations and Marketing Companies
- Multimedia Authoring and Digital Design Enterprises
- Cultural and Heritage Organizations involved in curating, film preservation and archiving
- Organizations Involved in the Cultural and Festival event Management
Salaries and Job Outlook
Film directors and producers earn an average annual salary of over $60,000. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average annual income of film directors and producers back in 2018 was over $70,000.
Within the next decade, the employment rate for film directors and producers is expected to increase by 5%. This is a projected growth between 2018 and 2028.
The film industry is a fast-growing industry that offers job opportunities to several talented individuals. More people are attracted to this industry and want to build a future career in it.
This sets up competition among young talents with dreams to succeed in this industry. The film industry still has some of the best actors and actresses from decades ago, so it’s a bit difficult for more young talents to get into the industry.
Legendary film directors with years of experience are likely to have better job prospects.
How Long Does it Take to Get a Film Degree?
Om average, it takes about four or five years of full-time study to obtain a Bachelor of Fine Arts at an accredited institution. On the other hand, an Associate Degree in Fine Arts can be completed in just two years.
Getting into a Bachelor of Fine Arts program at any college or university can be demanding. Entrance into the Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) studies usually requires auditions or submission of a portfolio.
15 Best Film Schools in Texas
The state of Texas is home to some of America’s finest colleges and universities. Universities in Texas offer a variety of both undergraduate, graduate, and professional degree programs.
Here are the best films schools in the lone star state of Texas.
#1. The University of Texas at Austin
Established in 1883, the University of Texas at Austin is a public research institution with a large student body. The university is located in Austin, Texas and is the oldest institution in the University of Texas System.
As of the fall of 2021, over 40,000 undergraduate and 11,000 postgraduate students were enrolled at UT Austin. The University of Texas at Austin offers both undergraduate and graduate degree programs through several colleges and schools.
UT Austin Department of Theatre and Dance offers both undergraduate and graduate degree programs in acting, dance, directing, theatre education, theatre design and technology, theatre history and criticism, playwriting, and more.
UT Austin is a bit selective when it comes to admission. The university’s acceptance rate is just 32%, with a graduation rate of 83%.
The University of Texas at Austin is one of the best film schools in the state of Texas. The average tuition to obtain a bachelor of fine arts at UT Austin is around $10,000.
#2. Southern Methodist University
Southern Methodist University is a private research institution that was established in the early 20th century. The university is located in University Park, Texas.
Southern Methodist University offers a Bachelor of Arts in Film and Media Arts and a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Films and Media Arts. Both programs are offered at the university’s Meadows School of the Arts.
SMU is a mid-sized private institution with an overall enrolment of over 12,000 undergraduate and postgraduate students. Although the university’s acceptance rate is below the national average for colleges in the United States, SMU remains of the best film schools in Texas.
The acceptance rate at SMU is 53%, with a graduation rate of 78%.
#3. Houston Baptist University
Established in 1960, Houston Baptist University is a private Baptist institution in Houston, Texas. The university is one of Texa’s finest film schools.
A mid-sized private institution with an overall enrolment of just 4,257. Houston Baptist University Department of Narrative Arts is dedicated to training young talents in filmmaking.
At Houston Baptist University, they offer a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Cinematic Arts and a Bachelor of Arts in Narrative Arts: Cinema Production.
Houston Baptist University has one of the best student-faculty ratios for a mid-sized private institution. The acceptance rate at Houston Baptist University is around 72%, with a graduation rate of 40%.
#4. The Art Institute of Austin
The Arts Institute of Austin is a small institution with an undergraduate enrolment of just over 400 students.
AI Austin is one of the best film schools in Texas. The acceptance rate at the Arts Institute of Austin is 45%. Some of the popular programs offered at AI Austin include game design and interactive media, cinematography and video production, and recording arts technician.
AI Austin offers students the opportunity to acquire first-hand experience in digital video cameras, editing, and graphic software.
#5. The Art Institute of Dallas
Established in 1964, the Art Institute of Dallas is a for-profit private college owned by the Miami International University of Arts and Design.
The Art Institute of Dallas is a small private institution, with an overall enrolment of just 800 students. The institution offers a variety of bachelors and associate degrees.
Back in 2015, several students graduated from the Arts Institute of Dallas, obtaining both bachelor’s and associate degrees. The Arts Institute of Dallas conferred twenty bachelor’s degrees and ten associate degrees to students.
The acceptance rate at the Arts Institute of Dallas is below 50%, which is a bit selective for applicants.
Also Read: List of Top-Rated Cheapest Universities in Texas for International Students
#6. Southwestern Assemblies of God University
Established in 1927, Southwestern Assemblies of God University is a private Christian institution in Waxahachie, Texas. This private Christian university is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and School Commission on Colleges.
SAGU offers associate, bachelor’s, master, and doctorate degrees in a variety of liberal arts programs. They also offer programs in Bible and Church Ministries.
Currently, the acceptance rate at Southwestern Assemblies of God University is 89%. The graduation rate at SAGU is around 41%.
Southwestern Assemblies of God University is one of the best film schools in Texas. The institution offers a variety of degree programs through its Communication Arts Faculty.
#7. The Art Institute of San Antonio
The Arts Institute of San Antonio is a small institution with an undergraduate enrolment of 275 students. AI San Antonio is located in the city of San Antonio, Texas.
Popular majors at AI San Antonio include cinematography and video production, web and digital design, and restaurants and food services management.
The Arts Institute of San Antonio has a graduation rate of 21% and a student-faculty ratio of 15 to 1.
#8. KD Conservatory College of Film and Dramatic Arts
Located in Dallas Texas, KD Conservatory College of Film and Dramatic Arts is a private for-profit institution. It’s a small private institution with a student-faculty ratio of 10 to 1.
With an overall enrolment of just over 100, this private institution offers an associate degree, which is the highest degree offered at the college.
#9. University of Mary Hardin-Baylor
Here is another Christian university in the state of Texas.
Established in the 1800s, the University of Mary Hardin-Baylor is one of the oldest universities in Texas. The Christian university was chartered by the Republic of Texas back in 1845.
UMHB is located in Belton Texas and currently has an overall enrolment of over 3,900 undergraduate and postgraduate students.
The University of Mary Hardin-Baylor offers Bachelor of Fine Arts programs in a conducive learning environment. Qualified faculty members at UMHB are ready to take students through an intensive learning process.
With an acceptance rate of 90%, the University of Mary Hardin-Baylor is one of the best film schools in Texas.
#10. Our Lady of the Lake University
Our Lady of the Lake University was established in 1895 by the Sisters of Divine Providence. Located in San Antonio Texas, Our Lady of the Lake University is a small private catholic institution.
Popular majors offered at OLLU include business, social work and youth services, and psychology.
Currently, the acceptance rate at Our Lady of the Lake University is 74%, with a graduation rate of 35%.
#11. University of Houston
Established in 1927, the University of Houston is a public research institution with a large student enrolment. The University of Houston is located in Houston Texas and its part of the University of Houston System.
By enrolment, UH is the third largest university in the lone star state. Over 40,000 undergraduate and graduate students currently attend the University of Houston.
The University of Houston offers Bachelor’s degree programs in different areas of study. UH is one of the best film schools in Texas, with an acceptance rate of 63%.
#12. Saint Edward’s University
Founded in 1877, St Edward’s University is also a private Catholic institution in Austin, Texas.
St Edward’s University is a small private institution with an enrolment of just over 4,000 students. This private university offers a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Acting, a Bachelor of Arts in Theatre Arts, and minors in Theatre Arts and Musical Theatre through its Department of Performing Arts.
With an acceptance rate of 91%, you can obtain a BFA at St Edward’s University.
#13. Tyler Junior College
Tyler Junior College is one of the largest community colleges in the state of Texas. It’s located in Tyler, Texas and currently has over 12,000 students enrolled in different programs.
TJC is one of the best film colleges in Texas.
#14. Sam Houston State University
Sam Houston State University is a public institution that offers both undergraduate and graduate degree programs. The university is located in Huntsville Texas and remains one of the oldest in the state.
You can obtain a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree at Sam Houston State University.
#15. The Art Institute of Houston
Located in Houston Texas, the Art Institute of Houston is a small institution with an undergraduate enrolment of just over 700.
Popular majors offered at AI Houston include interior design, baking and pastry arts, culinary arts and food services. With an acceptance rate of 42%, AI Houston is one of the best film schools in Texas.
Conclusion
Firstly, you should always consider the academic programs offered at an institution as well as their admission rate. Make sure you apply to an accredited institution whether it’s a two or four-year degree-granting institution.
Now you know the best film schools in Texas, you can visit their official websites for more information.
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