Western Michigan University
Locations: MI-Kalamazoo
Degrees: Bachelor's, Master's, Doctorates
Programs: History, Aeronautical Engineering, Nursing, Engineering, Film/Video/Media Studies, Music, Interior Design and many others (approximately 230 total)
Tuition Range: $4,300 - 12,000 per Semester
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Located in Kalamazoo, Michigan, Western Michigan University is a large public university hosting around 25,000 students each year. The school offers undergraduate and graduate degree programs in over 200 different areas of study. Among these are several media and art-related programs, which include Interior Design, Graphic Design, Photography and Intermedia, and a Film, Video & Media major available through its School of Communication.
At Western Michigan University, you can expect to invest approximately four years to earn a bachelor’s degree. Tuition is favorable to Michigan residents, who pay about $4300 per semester (up to 15 hours); non-residents pay about three times that amount, and rates are slightly higher for graduate programs.
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One Student Review
Located in Kalamazoo, Michigan, Western Michigan University is a large public university hosting around 25,000 students each year. The school offers undergraduate and graduate degree programs in over 200 different areas of study. Among these are several media and art-related programs, which include Interior Design, Graphic Design, Photography and Intermedia, and a Film, Video & [...]
Review by Daniel K.
August 14, 2012 1I attended Western Michigan University, there I was in their School of Communications so that I could major in Film, Video, and Media Studies. Along with that I received another major in English: Creative Writing. I graduated at the end of the summer II semester in 2011.
The school did not meet my expectations when it came to learning about making media productions. A lot of what was taught was film theory. When attending I could not get into a production class until my 3rd year of attendance. Those going into film HAVE TO go through MANDATORY communication theory classes before they are even allowed to take the film classes that they need. My take is that film majors should not even be in the School of Communications in the first place, because the majors in communications and film vary extensively. I have heard the argument to keep the film school in communications because that’s what media serves as, a form of communication, but I believe that it can apply to every major out there but other majors are not required to take these classes as a mandatory study. A lot of what I learned was on my own and through personal research. I even went as far as making WMU’s first full length student film The Day Job and founded a film group called the Western Filmmakers Association, to help students who want to enter the film industry. Because of what I did, the school began to recognize the power of what these students can do and are now trying to do more to provide for their education.
I have not found steady work since graduating from WMU. I’ve taken on a lot of contract jobs that pay very poorly and when given the chance to work on a profession production (A Chance of Rain) I worked for free because of their low budget and irresponsible spending. I hoped that it would give me a great experience to meet professionals and learn how a film is made, instead I was stuck fire-watching doors and equipment 12-14 hours a day and was never allowed on the set while shooting.
I would never recommend my school for those wanting to go into film, but if they were already there I would immediately point them in the direction of the Western Filmmakers Association if they wanted hands on experience right away.
The best experience you can get is by doing things on your own, learn from mistakes. The internet is a great resource for learning. Learn as much as you can by watching quality movies and tv shows, watch making-of special features and listen to commentaries. If you encounter a professional in the industry ask them as many questions as you can, learn as much as you can on your own. You need to be hungry for filmmaking, no one is going to force feed you that information. Having a formal education is important though and allows gives you a good base knowledge of where you want to go in your career, but remember that not all your learning will take place in the classroom.
Debt Accrued: $25,001 - $50,000
Found work after graduation? No