Minneapolis College of Art and Design awards a Bachelor of Fine Arts to its graduates in its filmmaking program. The curriculum focuses on the "Core Four" approach, building skills through a progression from fundamental concept courses to ultimate exhibition of the senior project at graduation. Requirements for the degree include classes in directing, lighting and screenwriting. MCAD also offers graduate studies in filmmaking, bestowing a Master of Fine Arts degree upon completion.
Minnesota State University Moorhead offers a Film Studies major with concentrations in Film Production and Film History and Criticism. The coursework is comprised of topics such as "Video Direction," "Principles of Make-up for Stage and Film" and "Techniques in Film Directing." MSUM encourages participation in regional film festivals and historical society film preservation so that students may further develop their craft. Upon completion of their studies at MSUM, graduates earn a Bachelor of Arts degree.
At The Art Institutes International Minnesota in Minneapolis, the Digital Film & Video Production program provides training through courses including "Fundamentals of Cinematography," "Studio Production" and "Electronic Field Production." Graduating students are awarded a Bachelor of Science degree after completion of coursework and approval of their thesis video project, a film which may be subsequently submitted to film festivals and used as part of a portfolio.
Located in Minneapolis, Augsburg College offers a Bachelor of Arts in Film Studies. The major is divided into three emphases: Production, Performance and Theory & Culture. Six core classes are required for all film students, including "Film Production," "Issues in Contemporary Cinema" and "Acting." Elective courses specific to each concentration further develop the student's skills, such as "Studio Production" for Production, "Stage Direction" for Performance and "Philosophy and the Arts" for Theory & Culture.
For those interested in an associate's degree, the Cinema Division of Minneapolis Community and Technical College awards the Associate of Science to graduates in several filmmaking programs, including "Cinematography," "Directing and Producing" and "Screenwriting."