Top 10 Pennsylvania film schools for filmmakers to consider

Pennsylvania has a vibrant industry for film and video production. Many aspiring filmmakers can’t wait to get started in these fields. With these below-mentioned Pennsylvania film schools, you’ll find many options to choose the perfect fit for you. The schools below are communities where Pennsylvania filmmakers receive the type of professional training that can help them succeed in a future career in the Pennsylvania industry. There are various options for the film program you may study, from traditional courses to hands-on experiences, both at smaller colleges or larger universities. 

1. Carnegie Mellon University

CMU provides students who are interested in becoming scholars in media studies or future filmmakers the ability to study an immersive program in Film and Visual Media, culminating in a major in this area. Courses will cover everything from screenwriting to animation, documentary and production. Additionally, students will be immersed in topics surrounding the history, theory, and culture of film at CMU. 

Phone: 412-268-2850

Location:

Baker Hall 259

5000 Forbes Avenue

Pittsburgh, PA 15213

2. Pennsylvania State University

Whether you’re looking for a research-based path or a production, film focused career, PennState has major programs for students. From history and theory to hands-on learning with industry-standard gear, courses taught at PSU ready students for their path to a successful career. Many students go on to get internships at some of the most famous companies in the industry. 

Phone: 814-863-1484

Location:

201 Carnegie Building

University Park, PA 16802

3. University of Pittsburgh

Film and Media Studies at the University of Pittsburgh offers a highly-immersive learning environment. For students looking for a more technical type of job in the industry, this kind of program helps to provide them with experience that will transfer into the job post-graduation. With a variety of programs available including both minor and major undergraduate options, you can choose the right option for you. 

Phone: 412-624-6564

Location:

454 Cathedral of Learning

4200 Fifth Avenue

Pittsburgh, PA 15260

4. Swarthmore

Swarthmore’s film and media studies offer course majors and minors. Whichever program you choose, you’ll be educated both in the theory, history, and critical analysis of film to the hands-on experiences using industry-standard gear that can get you ready for your future career. As a smaller institution, you’ll receive focused instruction from industry professionals who have working experience in the local Pennsylvania film scene. 

Phone: 610-328-8000

Location:

500 College Avenue

Swarthmore, PA 19081

5. Allegheny College

One of the best Pennsylvania film schools, Allegheny College offers a fantastic program in the Communication, Film, and Theatre department. From a major to a minor in Film and Digital Storytelling, students are given the opportunity to build a foundation built around methods, practices, and technical aspects of filmmaking and media. The truth is that this school has a great success rate as far as post-graduation employment goes, making it a top option for many. 

Phone: 814-332-2370

Location:

520 N. Main Street

Meadville, PA 16335

6. Drexel University

An immersive program from a school that recognizes that hands-on learning is needed for students seeking to work in cinematography, screenwriting, directing, and producing, Drexel University is an appealing option. From helping students learn how to develop an “eye” for unique visuals to aiding them in finding their voice to tell stories, the undergraduate program at Drexel is a comprehensive one. It’s also a school that can make it easy for you to find the perfect internship that’s right for you. 

Phone: 215-895-2000

Location:

3141 Chestnut Street

Philadelphia, PA 19104

7. West Chester University 

A B.A. in Media and Culture from West Chester will provide students with an in-depth look at the vast array of areas and practices necessary for an informed and experienced film professional. With a comprehensive program designed in a traditional way, the program provides students with the ability to build on their career path in a strategic and focused way. Whether you want to pursue strategic media, media production or media culture, this program will allow you to graduate prepared for a variety of jobs in the industry. 

Phone: 610-436-1000

Location:

700 South High Street

West Chester, PA 19383

8. University of the Arts

Get your BFA in Film at UArts. Why? With the immersive program provided by this school, and state of the art facilities and gear, it’s easy to whet your appetite for your future career. When you graduate, you’ll be fully prepared to dive right into the industry with hands-on experience gained at this school. 

Phone: 215-717-6000

Location:

320 S. Broad St

Philadelphia, PA 19102

9. Villanova University

Media Production at Villanova University is ideal for students who are looking to work in the fields of media and broadcasting. Through this program, you’ll learn about the history of film, aspects of media criticism and society, as well as film and video production. For an immersive program to prepare you for your future career, this school may be the right fit for you. 

Phone: 610-519-4500

Location:

800 E. Lancaster Avenue

Villanova, PA 19085

10. Mansfield University

Mansfield University’s Department of Communication can prepare you for a future in television, radio, sports, and more. With certificates and licensure available, this school is an ideal place to get started on your way to becoming a television professional. As one of the most well-known Pennsylvania film schools in the area, it could be helpful to use your time studying here to go on to find jobs at places like Disney, ESPN, and more.

As an active participant in the Pennsylvania video production community, we know there will be challenges along the way. Many of these schools prepare their graduates for futures in Pennsylvania film production, visual arts, and photography. Studying the main principles of filming, editing and production can help students to pursue work with major film companies, news studios, and advertising agencies or self-employment.”

Phone: 570-662-4000

Location:

31 South Academy Street

Mansfield, PA 16933

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