Documentary Production
Total graduates
75
2025 · 10 schools
International share
9.3%
7 international students
Bachelor's degrees
48
2.1% international
Master's degrees
27
22.2% international
Overview
Documentary Production is an engaging and dynamic field that focuses on the creation of non-fiction films and television programs. This discipline combines storytelling, visual artistry, and research to convey real-life events, social issues, and human experiences through a cinematic lens. Students in this program learn various technical skills, including camera operation, sound design, editing, and scriptwriting, while also exploring the ethical responsibilities of documentary filmmaking.
The curriculum typically covers different documentary styles, such as observational, participatory, and expository approaches, allowing students to experiment with their unique voice and perspective. In addition to technical training, students are encouraged to develop critical thinking skills to analyze and interpret the impact of documentaries on society and culture. Courses often include hands-on projects, enabling students to work collaboratively and produce their own documentaries, from conception to post-production.
Moreover, students are introduced to the business aspects of documentary filmmaking, such as funding, distribution, and marketing, which are essential for a successful career in the industry. The program may also feature guest lectures from established filmmakers, giving students insights into the professional world and networking opportunities.
Graduates of a Documentary Production program can pursue various careers, including documentary filmmakers, editors, producers, and researchers, often working in television, film, or digital media platforms. With the growing demand for content that informs and inspires audiences, this field offers exciting opportunities for those passionate about storytelling and social change.
Graduates by year
AssociateBachelor'sMaster'sDoctoral
From 2010 to 2025, graduates grew 582% and the international share went from 0.0% to 9.3%.
Colleges that award this degree
In 2025, 10 schools awarded this degree as a first major. The table lists those in the 2027 U.S. News National or Liberal Arts rankings, plus the unranked schools with the most graduates.
| Rank | School | State | Graduates | International |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #9 | Illinois | 6 | 2 | |
| #34 | North Carolina | 10 | 3 | |
| #55 | Florida | 3 | 0 | |
| #109 | California | 5 | 1 | |
| #169 | Illinois | 2 | 0 | |
| LAC #34 | Georgia | 10 | 0 | |
| LAC #184 | UUtah Tech University | Utah | 26 | 1 |
| — | IIthaca College | New York | 10 | 0 |
| — | CColumbia College Chicago | Illinois | 2 | 0 |
| — | MMount Saint Mary's University | California | 1 | 0 |
Purple: international students are 25% or more of the school's graduates.
Related jobs and pay
| Occupation | US employment | Mean hourly wage | Mean annual wage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Producers and Directors | 143,120 | $54.47 | $113,300 |
| Art, Drama, and Music Teachers, Postsecondary | 93,560 | — | $94,700 |
| Communications Teachers, Postsecondary | 29,420 | — | $90,010 |
| Film and Video Editors | 25,610 | $41.41 | $86,130 |
| Camera Operators, Television, Video, and Film | 21,550 | $40.01 | $83,210 |
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2025.
Graduate counts: IPEDS Completions, US Department of Education, 2010–2025. Rankings: 2027 U.S. News.