The Art Institute of Portland offers a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in digital film and video. The program's emphasis is on high-definition digital filmmaking. Students study all aspects of filmmaking including production, editing and acting. Students must complete 180 credit hours to graduate. The curriculum includes required filmmaking courses, elective art courses and required liberal arts courses. The institute maintains three apartment complexes for student housing. On-campus facilities include a library, an art supply store and a gallery. The institute provides equipment such as cameras and editing decks for students. A career services department and an alumni network aim to help graduates develop careers after graduation.
The School of Fine and Performing Arts offers a Bachelor of Arts/Bachelor of Science degree in film. The core curriculum gives students an overall understanding of film production, criticism, writing and theory. Students must choose one of three areas of specialization for the remainder of their studies. The Film Studies specialization focuses on writing for screen and stage, as well as studying culture and media. The Film Production specialization emphasizes all technical aspects of filmmaking, including writing, directing, design and animations. The Performance specialization is designed for actors and includes special courses in acting for the camera. Students must declare their intention to major in film upon admission. After completing 90 hours at the university the student then formally applies to the School of Fine and Performing Arts. The school only accepts students with a minimum 2.33 GPA in other coursework.
Northwest Film Center offers courses in video and film production. Topics include screenwriting, directing, independent filmmaking and documentaries. The school offers no degree program, but has a cooperative degree agreement with Portland State University's School of Fine and Performing Arts and with Pacific Northwest College of Art. Students enrolled at either school may apply coursework at the film center towards degree requirements. The film center offers a certificate of completion program for students who wish to engage in a thorough course of study. The programs range from two to four years to complete. Three scholarships are available through the school, including a scholarship for female students.
Portland Community College offers a one-year certificate or an Associate of Applied Sciences degree in Multimedia. Production courses focus on digital video production and editing. Students also study web design, multimedia graphics and delivery through modern technology. The school operates film labs with Apple workstations. The college has a cooperative education program and a career services program to help students gain work experience during their education, as well as help with career placement after graduation. Students must meet a minimum standard in reading, writing and math skills for admission.