Certificate in Documentary Production

Certificate in Documentary Production


The Certificate in Documentary Production is designed to give students from all academic disciplines within the university an opportunity to explore the theory and practice of documentary production and documentary film studies. Students will complete courses in media production focusing on the documentary, classes in the history of documentary film and media, and courses that support the theoretical foundations of documentary studies in such areas as anthropology and media studies. 

Student Learning Outcomes

Successful graduates of this program will be able to:

  • Acquire knowledge of the history of international documentary filmmaking.
  • Acquire production skills to research, write, film, edit and distribute documentary productions in moving image media.
  • Understand the theoretical foundations of documentary filmmaking in other academic disciplines, including anthropology and media studies.

Certificate Requirements: 21 credit hours 

Required Courses:

  • VIDE 4251 Documentary Production (3 credit hours)
  • VIDE 1810 Video I (3 credit hours)
  • 1 media production course in Film, Video or Interactive Digital Media at the 2000, 3000 or 4000 level (3 credit hours)

In addition a minimum of 12 credit hours are to be chosen from the following (6 credit hours from the following production course list AND 6 credit hours from the following theory course list):

Production Courses - 6 credit hours:

  • PHOT 2500 Photojournalism (3 credit hours)
  • PHOT 3760 Photo Reportage (3 credit hours)
  • BRJN 3580 Radio News Reporting and Producing (3 credit hours)
  • VIDE 3060 Advanced Video Production (3 credit hours)
  • MEDC 4950 Professional Media Practicum (3 credit hours)

Theory Courses - 6 credit hours:

  • FLST 3170 Topics in Documentary Film Studies OR
  • PHIL 3110 OR
  • HRTS 3160 OR
  • ISTL 3500 Topics: Human Rights & Documentaries (3 credit hours)
  • ANSO 2030 Culture and Communications (3 credit hours)
  • BJRN 2070 History of Broadcasting (3 credit hours)
  • JOUR 2380 History and Principals of American Journalism (3 credit hours)
  • JOUR 3120 Free Expression and the First Amendment (3 credit hours)
  • JOUR 3080 Global Journalism (3 credit hours)
  • JOUR 3190 Topics in Global Journalism (3 credit hours)