We're proud to partner with colleges and universities throughout the state of Iowa to promote filmmaking and encourage prospective students to explore film education available right here in Iowa. Below you'll find 26 institutions that offer education programs in film and media. Check out the special attributes of each program and visit their main sites or reach out to a contact for more information.
Briar Cliff University
Location: Sioux City, IA
Contact: Michael Crowley
Programs Offered: Major, Minor
Learn to write, announce and produce for Briar Cliff University’s radio station. Film and edit footage for Cliff News TV, BCU's student video department. Gain experience writing and shooting photography for the Cliff News online student publication. Even pick up a minor in social media.
You’ll have 24-hour access to their remodeled Integrated Multimedia Center, which includes large-screen iMac computers equipped with the full Adobe Creative Cloud software suite. Hone your skills with professional-grade cameras, and edit your work in the department's high-powered production suite.
Not to brag, but… their faculty members will also help you land an internship. Their students have pursued successful careers in public relations, broadcast and print journalism, freelance writing, graphic design, video production, website development, and even teaching.
Buena Vista University
Location: Storm Lake, IA
Contact: Jerry Johnson
Programs Offered: Major, Minor
You’ll find the Digital Media Program students writing, producing, and creating at The Tack Online, KBVU 97.5 radio, and BVTV . Students can showcase their talent and experiment with creative ideas linked to Buena Vista University curriculum.
In your first week on campus, you’ll have stepped behind professional video cameras, taken microphones in hand, and headed into the field armed with DSLR cameras. They’ll help you build your portfolio as soon as you can. Their students have creative control, pitch their own story ideas or original programming, then produce it with state-of-the-art technology in their media studios. Students are always traveling to state, regional, and national competitions to show their original media work and be recognized for their experience and achievements.
Not to brag, but… their program boasts a Disney scholar among its faculty and they offer an opportunity for students to go behind the scenes at Walt Disney World every January.
Coe College
Location: Cedar Rapids, IA
Contact: Zen Cohen
Programs Offered: Major
The interdisciplinary major in film studies explores all aspects of film and digital production. Film Studies is a ten-course major blending content and expertise from three disciplines: Art, English/Creative Writing, and Theatre Arts. Courses range from the more theoretical aspects of film to the hands-on production process in a variety of formats. A sampling of course offerings include filmmaking, animation, film history and analysis, acting, lighting, scene and costume design, photography, digital art and film topics. An additional advantage to majoring/minoring in film at Coe College is the availability of film internships, especially those offered in the New York Term.
Not to brag, but… recent Coe graduates have been accepted in highly competitive graduate film programs at NYU/Tisch School of the Arts, NYU-L.A., the University of Chicago and Chapman University.
Des Moines Area Community College
Location: Ankeny, IA
Contact: Dave Purdy
Programs Offered: Diploma, Certificate
The Video Production Diploma from Des Moines Area Community College prepares students for entry-level positions in the video production industry. Students learn individual job skills that aid in the process used in completing a final production project. This vast skill set includes, but is not limited to video camera, still camera, storyboarding, scriptwriting, use of editing, special effects, audio, and other related software. This diploma is for individuals who want to develop a base skill set in media production.
The Video Production certificate is designed for individuals with no prior video production experience, who wish to gain a basic understanding of video and software skills used in the video production industry. And the Video Editing certificate is designed for individuals with no prior video editing experience who wish to gain a basic understanding of video and software skills used in the video production industry.
Not to brag, but… DMACC students work with real business clients to produce TV commercials, training videos and other informational programming which looks great on a resume.
Dordt University
Location: Sioux Center, IA
Contact: Mark Volkers
Programs Offered: Major
Digital Media Production at Dordt University offers students real-world, marketable skills in film, video production, and animation. Students learn about pre-production, production, and post-production. They learn how to conceptualize an idea, write a script, use proper lighting techniques, capture great audio and video, and much more. Thanks to intentionally limited class sizes, students have one-on-one attention to hone their media-making skills in a comfortable setting. Graduates work on independent films, in advertising, public relations, non-profit work and in the Hollywood Industry. The foundation this program lays for your future in media is world class.
Not to brag, but… students have won student Emmy's, Telly Awards and Mar-Coms to name a few and the department has sold work to El Jazeera Worldwide, has had films translated into many languages, and has products for sale on iTunes, Amazon, Google Play, Hulu, and other platforms.
Drake University
Location: Des Moines, IA
Contact: Denise Ganpat
Programs Offered: Major
As a digital media production major you’ll master the use of a multimedia palette of video, audio, still photography, and text across a variety of platforms, including broadcast video and audio, web, tablets, and smartphones. You’ll gain the skills and experiences needed to succeed as a digital media producer for television, radio, websites, sports networks, commercials, documentary, films, or corporate communication.
You’ll also benefit from the experiences that all Drake University Bulldogs enjoy—mentorship from professors at the top of their field; résumé-worthy internships, research experiences, and other professional preparation; opportunities to learn while serving the community; and January Term experiences (at no additional cost) that immerse you into the fascinating topics—and locations—you choose.
Not to brag, but...Drake electronic media graduates are found across the country and around the world, leading the profession at such places as National Public Radio, Hulu, Google, ESPN, the University of Wisconsin-Madison and Loyola University-Maryland athletic departments, Harpo Studios, the Chicago Bears, the Chicago White Sox, WLS-TV, The Principal Financial Group, Hy-Vee, KCCI-TV, WOI-TV, WHO-TV, Arizona Cardinals media relations, and the Toronto Sun online among others.
Grand View University
Location: Des Moines, IA
Contact: KC McGinnis
Programs Offered: Major
Grand View provides extensive hands-on experience in all aspects of broadcasting, combining theoretical and practical work in radio and television. Students prepare for careers in broadcasting and corporate communications by using state-of-the-art equipment available on campus.
Faculty have years of experience in the communication field. Many current students work part-time at local stations as camera operators, production assistants, announcers, and radio personalities. Students gain hands-on experience by joining the staff of The Grand Views, their student-run magazine, or ViewFinder, their digital media platform.
Not to brag, but...you’ll find some of our alums winning Emmy Awards in Minneapolis and hosting morning talk shows in Des Moines.
Hawkeye Community College
Location: Waterloo, IA
Contact: Daniel Nierling
Programs Offered: Associate of Applied Arts
The Digital Mass Media program at Hawkeye Community College prepares you for a career in audio, video, or multimedia production. You will learn to effectively design and deliver a clear message using a variety of digital formats and industry standard software, including Adobe Creative Cloud and Final Cut Pro. You may choose to focus your coursework in video, audio, or multimedia design.
In video courses, you will advance your video production, design, scripting, and editing skills. You will also develop special effects and motion graphics and learn various styles of production, including music video, commercial, journalistic, and documentary. In audio courses, you will learn audio production, sound mixing and mastering, sound quality, editing, and miking for live and studio recordings. In multimedia design courses, you will learn various styles of video production and digital photography, including live event, journalistic, and documentary. You will also learn how to use unmanned aerial vehicles for photography and video, motion control techniques, writing for a variety of formats, and social issue coverage.
Not to brag, but… students have the opportunity to use the latest industry technologies such as stabilization devices, camera cranes and dollies, camera rigging, lighting, wireless and studio microphones, green screens, studio switches and sound mixing boards. You’ll also have your digital portfolio reviewed by industry professionals and will visit advertising agencies, television and video production studios, audio recording studios, and film festivals to learn how your skills and knowledge can be applied in a variety of work environments.
Iowa Central Community College
Location: Fort Dodge, IA
Contact: Rusty McNeil
Programs Offered: Associate in Applied Science
From writing to announcing, sales to sports, digital production to programming, Iowa Central Community College's TV and radio production program introduces students to the skills you need in order to succeed and stand out in the highly competitive field of broadcasting. Students will participate in radio and video programming of Triton sports and news, both on location and in their television or radio studios.
Class projects include production for real life events and businesses with real world feedback. The program includes a 240 hour practical internship where students work at a professional TV or radio station, gaining valuable experience from working professionals and networking with industry leaders.
Not to brag, but… Iowa Central is proud to possess its very own fully-licensed, 240-watt student run radio station, KICB.
Iowa State University
Location: Ames, IA
Contact: Angela Powers
Programs Offered: Major, Minor
A degree in journalism and mass communication from the Iowa State University will prepare you for a career that involves all aspects of news and information. You'll focus on generating ideas, organizing, writing, editing and presenting information for various media platforms and audiences as you study the latest journalism trends and industry practices. You'll work with advisers to develop a program of study that prepares you for work in communication-specific areas including broadcast media, magazines and/or newspapers, photojournalism, science communication, visual communication and digital media. Greenlee students have opportunities to apply their broadcasting skills on campus through the ISUtv digital studio as well as the radio station KURE 88.5 Ames Alternative.
Not to brag, but… ISU students have interned at CNN, Sports Illustrated, Esquire, The Washington Post, Time, Meredith Corporation, NPR and many other local and national media outlets, organizations and businesses.
Iowa Western Community College
Location: Council Bluffs, IA
Contact: David Cherrington
Programs Offered: Associate of Arts
The radio/television/video program at Iowa Western Community College consists of a balanced mix of hands-on lab work and interesting classroom time. Many graduates of this program jump right into entry-level broadcast positions, while others continue to pursue a bachelor’s degree for higher paying jobs. This program is designed for students intending to transfer onto a four-year institution upon completion of this two-year degree.
Not to brag, but… Iowa Western is one of a select few community colleges with a powerful 100,000-watt FM radio station, 89.7 The River, as well as their very own cable television station, CBTV-17 on campus to enable students to learn using some of the best technology available.
Kirkwood Community College
Location: Cedar Rapids, IA
Contact: Randy Langel
Programs Offered: Associate Degree
Digital Media at Kirkwood integrates multiple domains of art, storytelling and technical skills. Hands-on training experience is a huge focus of this program and directly relates to professional qualification in the areas of filmmaking, editing, broadcasting, motion graphics and audio production.
As a Liberal Arts student, you will take core requirements while choosing diverse and exciting electives in digital media. Kirkwood has special transfer agreements with all three state universities and many other four-year institutions for those students interested in transferring and earning a bachelor's degree in digital media. Transferring and earning a degree in digital media couldn’t be easier or more affordable.
Not to brag, but… you can take advantage of more than $3 million in scholarship opportunities. At Kirkwood, you only need to apply once, even if you are eligible for more than one scholarship.
Loras College
Location: Dubuque, IA
Contact: Craig Schaefer
Programs Offered: Major, Minor
Media Studies majors have something to say. Whether it be through short film, documentary, broadcast news, commercial production, live sports broadcast or animation, Loras Media Studies students bring their creative, storytelling talents to the world. With hands-on experience starting on day one, you will be hard pressed to find another small college that offers more quality, breadth and depth of study in the media field. Students often have their first job lined up long before they graduate and head off to film production companies, advertising agencies, television stations and social media firms all over the country. If you’re looking to learn in state-of-the-art facilities from award-winning faculty, Loras is the place.
Not to brag, but… our students consistently travel the globe creating films and broadcast stories. In just the past couple years, they’ve been in Greece, Germany, France, Haiti, Honduras, China, Ireland and more! And, each year they bring home a truck load of awards for their work!
Luther College
Location: Decorah, IA
Contact: Thomas Johnson
Programs Offered: Major, Minor
Communication Studies program at Luther College fuses together three related and overlapping areas of study -- Interpersonal Communication: studying the ways people communicate, both verbally and non-verbally, in organizations, groups, and families. Rhetoric & Public Address: analyzing public statements and mastering the skills of excellent presentation before an audience. Media & Internet Studies: developing awareness of the roles various media play in society and skills in production of media content.
With a small student-to-faculty ratio it means that every student can make their own documentary, train on state-of-the-art equipment at the Digital Media Center or gain hands-on experience at the student radio station KWLC. Internships are also a crucial component and Luther helps match communication majors with choice internships at businesses, newspapers, magazines, radio stations, educational organizations, and various nonprofit organizations.
Not to brag, but... Luther just added a new Visual Communication major/minor which blends studies of graphic design, filmmaking, photography, critical theory, writing, data science and business. It's a total transformational approach that allows you to customize your own experience.
Maharishi University of Management: David Lynch Graduate School of Cinematic Arts
Location: Fairfield, IA
Contact: Erika Richards
Programs Offered: MFA in Screenwriting (accepting applications), MFA in Film Production (next program TBD)
What makes a great storyteller – someone with meaningful ideas and the passion to express them? It’s time to approach screenwriting with consciousness. Each semester of this two-year, low residency program begins with an intensive nine-day residency on campus at MUM, in the charming university town of Fairfield, Iowa. The residencies offer the perfect chance to get away from the distractions of home, meditate, dive within and focus on the creative process. You’ll interact with fellow students as you attend lectures, panel discussions, master classes, staged readings and workshops led by faculty members and recognized industry leaders.
Not to brag, but… students will meet founder David Lynch and other industry notables during a fifth and final residency in Los Angeles, during which they will hone the skills they need to market their thesis screenplays to agents, producers and studio executives.
Marshalltown Community College
Location: Marshalltown, IA
Contact: Steve Muntz
Programs Offered: Associate of Applied Science
Students in the Broadcasting/Digital Media program at Marshalltown Community College are trained for careers in radio, TV, video production, corporate media and web-based production. The Broadcasting program has a 40’X50’ TV studio with green screen capability. A production control room with a audio/video switcher to produce TV productions. Three editing suites for post production editing are available, as well as an audio recording studio. Students also have access to the campus cable TV station (McTV). The program also has a state-of-the-art press box for televising and announcing volleyball and basketball games in the Student Activity Center Sports Complex.
Equipment includes, two studio cameras, five HD field production cameras, teleprompter, two TriCaster mobile switchers for studio and remote sports production. Audio board for radio broadcasting with multiple microphones for use in audio and video production. Post production editing suites that utilize the Adobe Premiere editing software as well as the full Adobe Creative Suite package. The program also has a quadcopter video drone available that shoots HD quality video and high quality still photos.
Not to brag, but… four scholarships are available for students who enroll in the Marshalltown Broadcasting/Digital Media program.
Morningside College
Location: Sioux City, IA
Contact: Dave Madsen
Programs Offered: Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Science
The Mass Communication program at Morningside College prepares you for a career in television, radio, journalism, sports broadcasting, public relations and related fields…or for graduate work in advanced media studies. The program gives you a chance to take part in hands-on learning through classroom activities, internships, production projects and practical experiences, all guided by professors with many years of professional media experience.
From your first day on campus, you’ll be able to work on the campus radio station (KMSC Fusion 93), TV channel (MCTV) and online newspaper (The Collegian Reporter). Students participate in radio and TV broadcasts, as well as video streaming of home football and basketball games, plus occasional other sporting events such as volleyball, softball and wrestling.
Not to brag, but… Sioux City is home to four network television stations, more than a dozen radio stations, a daily newspaper and several advertising agencies/public relations firms. Morningside students have completed internships or have held paid positions at many of those companies.
Simpson College
Location: Indianola, IA
Contact: Brian Steffen
Programs Offered: Major, Minor
In the Department of Multimedia Communications, you can focus on Interactive Media, Multimedia Journalism, Public Relations, Sports Communication. Their students master the art of traditional writing, editing and reporting skills, plus learn how to create podcasts, video and audio productions along with website content. They help students learn tools and techniques to tell compelling stories and engage audiences. You will also learn the nuances of life in a newsroom working on The Simpsonian, write feature stories for the student magazine, ID Magazine, and hit the airwaves as a radio disc jockey at local station, KSTM, 88.9 FM.
Not to brag, but… our guaranteed internships mean that all students graduate with professional experience ready to start their careers with success.
Southeastern Community College
Location: West Burlington, IA
Contact: Tyler Horn
Programs Offered: Associate of Applied Science
Southeastern Community College's Animation for Television, Film and New Media program will prepare students to enter into a wide variety of careers in computer generated and stop motion animation for information, entertainment, gaming and new media industries. Students will use state-of-the-art technology in SCC’s all-new Animation Computer Lab and Stop Motion Lab located on the West Burlington campus.
Course competencies will include understanding the fundamentals of film, art, computers and new media communications. Skills in storytelling, 3D animation, production, modeling, texturing, rendering and lighting, motion graphics, stop motion, technical and character animation and demo reel will be emphasized.
Not to brag, but… our students helped to produce the official Fitz and the Tantrums music video Roll Up seen around the world.
St. Ambrose University
Location: Davenport, IA
Contact: Jim Baumann
Programs Offered: Major, Minor
Whether you aspire to rock the airwaves as a radio personality, seamlessly produce the nightly newscast, or break news as a big network reporter, St. Ambrose’s Television and Radio Program has the facilities and opportunities to help prepare you in achieving your goals. You’ll learn every stage of radio and TV production, writing, media ethics, and media management.
SAUtv is a 24/7 station where students can produce a weekly newscast, operate cameras, edit video, broadcast live sporting events and work as on-air talent. And their students get to choose the shows, program music, edit news specials, volunteer at community events and broadcast live sporting events on their KALA radio station which broadcasts 24/7 on 88.5 and 106.1 FM as well as their online-only radio station The Stinger. And you can even get involved with their student-run newspaper The Buzz where you can help choose content, report and edit stories, handle design and layout pages, be a photographer, and sell and design advertising.
Not to brag, but… their graduates work at radio and TV stations and newspapers across the country and at organizations such as ABC, NBC, Big Ten Network, John Deere, SiriusXM, USA Today, TBS Sports, and Tribune Media.
University of Iowa
Location: Iowa City, IA
Contact: Michael Cowan
Programs Offered: Major, Minor
The University of Iowa’s Department of Cinematic Arts approaches film from a critical and creative perspective, in relation to the other arts, and within an international and interdisciplinary frame. It provides students with the critical tools necessary for the theoretical and historical analysis of cinema as well as the creative skills required for the production of film, video, and digital media.
The department offers an undergraduate degree in cinema, as well as graduate degrees in film studies and film and video production. They encourage study in comparative arts, with particular emphasis on the intersections between cinema and literature, where the department's resources are especially strong.
Not to brag, but… they have a successful Headroom Screening Series dedicated to presenting experimental cinema and new media in Iowa City. The series is free and open to the public in a variety of settings and features visiting artists and guest curators.
University of Northern Iowa
Location: Cedar Falls, IA
Contact: Christopher Martin
Programs Offered: Major, Minor
With concentrations in digital journalism, digital media leadership, and digital media production, the Communication Studies Digital Media program is a hub of collaboration, innovation, and creativity. You will build strong skills in storytelling and media management across multiple platforms such as video, mobile reporting, virtual reality, podcasting, augmented reality, print, radio, television, and social media. Their facilities include state-of-the-art computer labs, 24 multimedia classrooms, 25 digital audio and video editing suites, a renovated auditorium, two television studios and a performance studies lab.
Students are also encouraged to explore co-curricular media activities at KULT Radio (94.5 FM), Cedar River Productions, the Northern Iowan newspaper, and The Valley on ESPN3, a media team covering UNI’s NCAA Division I sports for ESPN3. Alumni return every year as part of the Fast Forward Workshops to provide students and professionals with the latest skills and trends in the media industry.
Not to brag, but… UNI students are placed in a wide range of valuable internship experiences including The Daily Show, Entertainment Tonight, WGN, Seventeen Magazine, Kansas City Chiefs, Iowa Speedway, John Deere, and the Iowa Governor’s Office to name a few.
Waldorf University
Location: Forest City, IA
Contact: Mark Newcom
Programs Offered: Major, Minor
Waldorf’s Communications programs will prepare you for many exciting positions within the communications industry by combining a liberal arts education with specific job skills and service to the greater community. Waldorf will help you improve your proficiency in written and verbal communication, visual literacy and multimedia skills.
Waldorf’s communications faculty know you won’t really start to learn until you get your hands on a project and create. Whether you favor written or electronic communication, you will have semester after semester of opportunities to write, record, edit and design. Their campus media—KZOW 91.9 FM, WAL-TV, The Lobbyist newspaper and The Torch magazine—serve as your pre-professional proving ground. Students meet weekly to plan each radio show, TV broadcast, newspaper article or magazine spread slated for production.
Not to brag, but… Waldorf has an annual Create U student scholarship contest that awards $10,000 to creatives who can bring their ideas to life.
Wartburg College
Location: Waverly, IA
Contact: Penni Pier
Programs Offered: Major, Minor
The Journalism and Communications Department offers hands-on experience, mentoring from seasoned professionals, and top-notch facilities to prepare their students for fast-changing fields that require excellent communication skills. Wartburg graduates work as writers, editors, reporters, production specialists, and public relations professionals involved in the entertainment industry, web development, and in a variety of related fields.
Digital Cinema is a new concentration in the department for digital storytellers who dream of becoming the next YouTube sensation, Netflix producer, short film director or documentary filmmaker.
Not to brag, but… their alums can be found in all 50 states and over 70 foreign countries working as producers, film editors, reporters, creative directors and more.
Western Iowa Tech Community College
Location: Sioux City, IA
Contact: Chris Mansfield
Programs Offered: Associate of Applied Science
The Video & Media Production program is a two-year AAS degree program offering students the opportunity to formulate, construct and deliver film, video and media arts. Coursework includes storyboard development and scripting, digital film and video production techniques, digital sound and recording basics, video editing, rendering and animation, directing productions, the history of film and television, and basic business and management practices.
Skills students will acquire include the ability to design productions for film or video, use writing and editing skills, apply animation techniques, use various kinds of cameras and recording equipment, direct productions, employ business and management skills, utilize a working knowledge of the film industry, and incorporate creative and technical skills.
Not to brag, but… 90% of their students receive some type of financial aid toward a two year degree or the start of a bachelor’s degree.
William Penn University
Location: Oskaloosa, IA
Contact: Steve Jackson
Programs Offered: Bachelor of Arts
At William Penn University a young professional enters into the world of video and film production on their first day on campus when they are assigned a shared workstation. You won’t study in a vague multimedia journalism program but in hard-hitting courses on creativity and technology where each semester you work with our student production teams on narrative film, documentary, news, sports, corporate media, research, and engineering, often with external clients and always producing real programs to build your resume.
We also partner with the Communication Research Institute (CRI), a professional technology and art research center, so we're always helping to develop new concepts of how technology can be used in storytelling and education. From drones to robotics - you will have a chance to use real equipment and software, sometimes before it is released to the public.
Not to brag, but...the CRI and William Penn are so good at what we do that the largest university system in the US is our partner in offering high technology creative courses to their 480,000 students, and in turn allow our students to intern and work with theirs in California.