Documentary Production
A program that prepares individuals to produce nonfiction film and video. Includes instruction in film and video writing, directing, and production; film studies; history of the documentary; research techniques; videography; editing; and business aspects of film production.
- Schools offering
- 9
- Annual completions
- 29
- Typical degree level
- Bachelor's
- Median earnings (5yr)
- $44k
About this major
A program that prepares individuals to produce nonfiction film and video. Includes instruction in film and video writing, directing, and production; film studies; history of the documentary; research techniques; videography; editing; and business aspects of film production.
Where this major leads
Occupations most often associated with this major, from the federal BLS+O*NET crosswalk. Job-growth projections and median wages are national.
| Occupation | Median wage | Job growth | Typical education |
|---|---|---|---|
| Producers and directors | $83k | +4.9% | Bachelor's degree |
| Art, drama, and music teachers, postsecondary | $80k | +1.7% | Master's degree |
| Film and video editors | $71k | +4.0% | Bachelor's degree |
| Camera operators, television, video, and film | $69k | +1.2% | Bachelor's degree |
| Communications teachers, postsecondary | $78k | +2.1% | Doctoral or professional degree |
Earnings at a glance
Median graduate earnings from the federal College Scorecard, 5 and 10 years out.
Median 5-year earnings
$44k
Associate's vs Bachelor's — early-career earnings
Associate's
$34k
Bachelor's
$45k
Top colleges for Documentary Production
Ranked by annual completions at the associate's or bachelor's level — a proxy for program scale.
| College | Location | Assoc. | Bach. | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Utah Tech University | Saint George, UT | 0 | 15 | 15 |
| Ithaca College | Ithaca, NY | 0 | 6 | 6 |
| Spelman College | Atlanta, GA | 0 | 5 | 5 |
| Columbia College Chicago | Chicago, IL | 0 | 3 | 3 |
| Andrews University | Berrien Springs, MI | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Lindenwood University | Saint Charles, MO | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Santa Fe Community College | Santa Fe, NM | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Emerson College | Boston, MA | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| High Point University | High Point, NC | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Related majors to explore
Drama and Dramatics/Theatre Arts, General
8,737 completions/yr
Cinematography and Film/Video Production
6,935 completions/yr
Radio and Television
4,611 completions/yr
Film/Cinema/Media Studies
4,438 completions/yr
Photography
1,496 completions/yr
Film/Video and Photographic Arts, Other
1,269 completions/yr
Musical Theatre
1,121 completions/yr
Radio and Television Broadcasting Technology/Technician
953 completions/yr
Considering this direction?
We've taken a hard look at the debt, earnings trajectory, and degree-level tradeoffs for the Documentary Production field. Read our verdict before you commit.
Is Documentary Production worth it? Read verdict