Video editing is seldom taught alone. A good editor must have some knowledge of all phases of the film production process in order to piece together an interesting and comprehensive story. As a distance student you will have to provide your own computer and editing and post-production software. The brands of editing and other post-production software the school provides instruction for may be limited. Be prepared to train yourself on additional software when needed.
A number of traditional colleges with film or cinema arts departments now offer online courses. Some online programs may require a few hours of classroom instruction with the course. Full degree programs range from Associates', Bachelor's and Master's programs that vary among the schools. The programs require completion of basic educational courses, and other film-related courses for a well-rounded education to obtain the degree.
Certificate programs provide evidence of participation for current or potential employers. In addition to degree programs, some colleges provide a six-hour online course that takes students through the film making process.
A number of affordable, non-accredited alternatives are available online to learn video editing for beginners to the advanced. Film School Online claims it is, "the original online film school" offering self-guided courses in everything needed to create a film from script-to-screen. Courses teach theory for editing physical film on the "flatbed" and digital video in non-linear editing software. The cost to access the editing course for three months is only $15.
New York Video School provides instruction in video editing via archived tutorials or live lectures in video formats. Tutorials cover a wide variety of equipment and software. Upload projects for professional and community critiques. Access all film courses from pre-production to post for only $80 per year.
Obtain a free education from a community of professional and amateur filmmakers at Vimeo Video School. View video tutorials online anonymously, or obtain a free membership to participate in video editing challenges or to upload projects for community critique. Videos in archive teach on a variety of techniques, one topic at a time and uploaded when available. Expect some knowledge gaps if seeking a comprehensive education or ask for specific how-to assistance in the forums.