Digital Cinema

Digital Cinema

A.S. Degree

Digital Cinema

The A.S. Digital Cinema degree program is a transfer program that focuses on student learning in the aesthetics of cinema and technical proficiency for digital filmmaking in the motion picture and video industries. The program is designed to prepare students for transfer to baccalaureate programs in related fields by exploring all avenues of the film production, writing, and animation within the motion picture industry. Students complete a common core of program courses and can focus in an area of interest such as production, screenwriting, or animation. In the capstone course, students put to use what they’ve learned in previous semesters to collaborate on a short form, narrative, digital film. The capstone project, along with individual student projects created throughout the program, can be used for transfer and employment portfolios.

Careers on Career Coach

Industry jobs prospects such as computer specialists, multimedia artists and animators, film and video production crew and editors, and others skilled in digital filming, editing, and computer-generated imaging are in demand. Our program emphasizes cross-training in these areas, an understanding of transmedia approaches (photography, video, computer art, digital film, animation), and the development of artistic talent, writing ability, and technical skills. Furthermore, the program provides guidance for career and transfer exploration along with guidance in portfolio development. 

Learn more about related jobs: 

Program Chair

Chris Xaver

Chris Xaver, Ph.D.

Professor, Communication and Media Arts

Chris brings to Tompkins Cortland a strong and varied background. She received her B.S in broadcast journalism, cum laude, from the S.I. Newhouse School of Communications at Syracuse University, her M.A. from Syracuse in political science from the Maxwell School of Citizenship, and her Ph.D. in Higher Education Leadership from Capella University. 

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Transfer Options

The program is aligned with related bachelor’s degree programs so you can transfer as a junior. Transfer institutions include:

  • Boston University
  • Buffalo State College
  • Cornell University
  • SUNY College at Cortland
  • Emerson College
  • Florida State University – College of Motion Picture Arts
  • SUNY College at Fredonia
  • Full Sail University
  • Ithaca College
  • New York University
  • University of North Carolina – Wilmington
  • University of North Carolina School of the Arts (Winston-Salem)
  • SUNY College at Oswego
  • College at Purchase
  • Syracuse University
  • Temple University
  • University of Texas at Austin
  • USC – University of South Carolina
  • UCLA

Degree Requirements

A.S.
Minimum Credits for Graduation: 62 credits

 

Fall Term 1

Minimum Total Semester Credits: 16
COMM101, Mass Media, 3 cr. Schedule: Sp, Su, Fa, Wi
COMM110, Aesthetics/Techniques of Video and Film Editing, 1 cr. Schedule: Sp, Su, Fa, Wi
COMM111, Foundations of Digital Editing, 1 cr. Schedule: Sp, Su, Fa, Wi
COMM112, Foundations of Motion Graphics, 1 cr. Schedule: Sp, Su, Fa, Wi
COMM127, Audio Production I, 3 cr. Schedule: Sp, Su, Fa, Wi
COMM140, Introduction to Field Production, 3 cr. Schedule: Sp, Su, Fa, Wi
ENGL100, Academic Writing I, 3 cr. Schedule: Sp, Su, Fa, Wi
FSS160, Freshman Seminar - Communication and Media Arts, 1 cr. Schedule: Sp, Su, Fa, Wi

Spring Term 1

Minimum Total Semester Credits: 15
ART111, Photography I, 3 cr. Schedule: Sp, Su, Fa, Wi
COMM210, Production and Direction, 3 cr. Schedule: Sp, Su, Fa, Wi
ENGL101, Academic Writing II, 3 cr. Schedule: Sp, Su, Fa, Wi
ENGL200, Screenwriting, 3 cr. Schedule: Sp, Su, Fa, Wi
Choose one from the courses listed below:
Minimum credits required: 3
MATH120, College Algebra Schedule: Sp, Su, Fa, Wi
MATH138, Precalculus Mathematics Schedule: Sp, Su, Fa, Wi
MATH200, Statistics Schedule: Sp, Su, Fa, Wi

Fall Term 2

Minimum Total Semester Credits: 16
COMM240, Non Fiction & Fiction Field Production, 3 cr. Schedule: Sp, Su, Fa, Wi
ENGL233, Film Analysis, 3 cr. Schedule: Sp, Su, Fa, Wi
Choose one from the courses listed below:
Minimum credits required: 1
COMM262, Portfolio Preparation-Communication Schedule: Sp, Su, Fa, Wi
ENGL260, Creative Writing Portfolio Schedule: Sp, Su, Fa, Wi

Restricted Electives

Select a minimum of 3 credits from the courses listed below:
For the Restricted Elective(s), select 6 credits from: ART 149, ART 212, ART 233, COMM 112, COMM 145, COMM 225, COMM 245, COMM 265, COMM 270, ENGL 102, ENGL 216, ENGL/SOCI 218, ENGL 255, ENGL 271.
ART149, Special Topic - Art, 3 cr.
ART212, Digital Photography, 3 cr.
ART233, Animation, 3 cr.
COMM112, Foundations of Motion Graphics, 1 cr.
COMM145, DVD Authoring, 1 cr.
COMM225, Communication Law and Ethics, 3 cr.
COMM245, Professional Video Editing and Post Production, 3 cr.
COMM265, Communication & Media Arts Internship, 3 cr.
COMM270, Hollywood: On Location, 6 cr.
ENGL102, Approaches to Literature, 3 cr.
ENGL216, Advanced Screenwriting, 3 cr.
ENGL218, Smart TV, 3 cr.
ENGL255, Writing Television Drama & Comedy, 3 cr.
ENGL271, Writing Internship, 1 cr.
SOCI218, Smart TV, 3 cr.
 Use Schedule Search for electives

Restricted Electives

Select a minimum of 3 credits from the courses listed below:
For the Restricted Elective(s), select 6 credits from: ART 149, ART 212, ART 233, COMM 112, COMM 145, COMM 225, COMM 245, COMM 265, COMM 270, ENGL 102, ENGL 216, ENGL/SOCI 218, ENGL 255, ENGL 271.
ART149, Special Topic - Art, 3 cr.
ART212, Digital Photography, 3 cr.
ART233, Animation, 3 cr.
COMM112, Foundations of Motion Graphics, 1 cr.
COMM145, DVD Authoring, 1 cr.
COMM225, Communication Law and Ethics, 3 cr.
COMM245, Professional Video Editing and Post Production, 3 cr.
COMM265, Communication & Media Arts Internship, 3 cr.
COMM270, Hollywood: On Location, 6 cr.
ENGL102, Approaches to Literature, 3 cr.
ENGL216, Advanced Screenwriting, 3 cr.
ENGL218, Smart TV, 3 cr.
ENGL255, Writing Television Drama & Comedy, 3 cr.
ENGL271, Writing Internship, 1 cr.
SOCI218, Smart TV, 3 cr.
 Use Schedule Search for electives

SUNY GEN ED Lab Science Elective

 Use Schedule Search for electives

Spring Term 2

Minimum Total Semester Credits: 15
ENGL201, Public Speaking, 3 cr. Schedule: Sp, Su, Fa, Wi
Choose one from the courses listed below:
Minimum credits required: 3
COMM298, Cinema Capstone Schedule: Sp, Su, Fa, Wi
ENGL298, Cinema Capstone Schedule: Sp, Su, Fa, Wi
Choose one from the courses listed below:
Minimum credits required: 3
PSYC103, Introduction to Psychology Schedule: Sp, Su, Fa, Wi
SOCI101, Introduction to Sociology Schedule: Sp, Su, Fa, Wi

SUNY GEN ED Restricted Elective I

Select a minimum of 3 credits from the courses listed below:
Select a course from any of the approved SUNY GEN ED course areas except Area 8-The Arts.
ANTH201, Introduction to Anthropology, 3 cr.
ANTH202, Cultural Anthropology, 3 cr.
ANTH220, Applied Anthropology in a Globalizing World, 3 cr.
ANTH260, Culture Survey for Study Abroad, 3 cr.
ANTH295, Global Seminar, 3 cr.
ARAB101, Arabic I, 3 cr.
ARAB102, Arabic II, 3 cr.
ART101, Art History: Ancient to Early Medieval, 3 cr.
ASL101, Beginning American Sign Language I, 3 cr.
ASTR101, Introductory Astronomy, 3 cr.
BIOL100, Human Biology, 3 cr.
BIOL101, Principles of Biology I, 3 cr.
BIOL102, Principles of Biology II, 3 cr.
BIOL104, General Biology I, 4 cr.
BIOL105, General Biology II, 4 cr.
BIOL112, Essentials of Medical Microbiology, 3 cr.
BIOL114, Essentials of Nutrition, 3 cr.
BIOL115, Field Natural History, 3 cr.
BIOL116, Tropical Field Natural History, 4 cr.
BIOL119, Botany, 3 cr.
BIOL131, Principles of Human Anatomy and Physiology I, 4 cr.
BIOL132, Principles of Human Anatomy and Physiology II, 4 cr.
BIOL201, Human Anatomy and Physiology I, 4 cr.
BIOL202, Human Anatomy and Physiology II, 4 cr.
BIOL211, Ecology, 4 cr.
BIOL216, General Microbiology, 4 cr.
CHEM101, Principles of Chemistry I, 4 cr.
CHEM102, Principles of Chemistry II, 4 cr.
CHEM107, General Chemistry I, 4 cr.
CHEM108, General Chemistry II, 4 cr.
CHEM205, Organic Chemistry I, 4 cr.
CHEM206, Organic Chemistry II, 4 cr.
CHIN101, Mandarin Chinese I, 3 cr.
CHIN102, Mandarin Chinese II, 3 cr.
CRJU217, Ethics in Criminal Justice, 3 cr.
ECON101, Introduction to Economics, 3 cr.
ECON120, Principles of Microeconomics, 3 cr.
ECON121, Principles of Macroeconomics, 3 cr.
ENGL102, Approaches to Literature, 3 cr.
ENGL204, Interpersonal Communication, 3 cr.
ENGL205, American Literature I, 3 cr.
ENGL206, American Literature II, 3 cr.
ENGL208, Introduction to Native American Literature, 3 cr.
ENGL210, Intercultural Communication, 3 cr.
ENGL215, Short Fiction, 3 cr.
ENGL220, Literature for Children, 3 cr.
ENGL225, World Literature I, 3 cr.
ENGL226, World Literature II, 3 cr.
ENGL227, Fundamentals of Creative Writing, 3 cr.
ENGL229, Introduction to Poetry, 3 cr.
ENGL245, Survey of British Literature I, 3 cr.
ENGL246, Survey of British Literature II, 3 cr.
ENGL248, Contemporary Women Writers, 3 cr.
ENVS101, Introduction to Environmental Science, 3 cr.
ENVS102, Technology and the Environment, 3 cr.
ENVS105, Environmental Ethics, 3 cr.
ENVS107, Economy, Society & Environment, 3 cr.
ENVS110, Food Systems I: Introduction to the U.S. Food System, 3 cr.
ENVS112, Food Systems III: Identity, Ethics, and Culture in the Global Food System, 3 cr.
ENVS116, Soil Science, 3 cr.
ENVS141, Agroecology, 3 cr.
ENVS202, Integrated Pest Management, 3 cr.
ENVS295, Global Seminar, 3 cr.
FREN101, French I, 3 cr.
FREN102, French II, 3 cr.
FREN201, Intermediate French I, 3 cr.
FREN202, Intermediate French II, 3 cr.
GEOG120, World Regional Geography, 3 cr.
GEOL101, Introductory Geology, 3 cr.
GERM101, Beginning German I, 3 cr.
GERM102, Beginning German II, 3 cr.
HSTY101, Development of the Western Tradition I, 3 cr.
HSTY102, Development of the Western Tradition II, 3 cr.
HSTY110, World History to 1500, 3 cr.
HSTY111, World History Since 1500, 3 cr.
HSTY201, American History to 1877, 3 cr.
HSTY202, American History Since 1877, 3 cr.
HSTY225, African American History, 3 cr.
HSTY233, Women in U.S. History, 3 cr.
HSTY252, Native American History: Colonial Policies, 3 cr.
HSTY255, Labor History, 3 cr.
HSTY260, Topics in Modern Latin America, 3 cr.
HUMN232, Introduction to World Religions, 3 cr.
HUMS206, Juvenile Delinquency, 3 cr.
IED260, Culture Survey for Study Abroad, 3 cr.
ITAL101, Italian I, 3 cr.
ITAL102, Italian II, 3 cr.
MATH109, Statistical Literacy, 3 cr.
MATH110, Topics in Mathematics, 3 cr.
MATH120, College Algebra, 4 cr.
MATH122, Technical Mathematics, 3 cr.
MATH138, Precalculus Mathematics, 4 cr.
MATH200, Statistics, 3 cr.
MATH201, Calculus I, 4 cr.
MATH202, Calculus II, 4 cr.
MATH203, Calculus III, 4 cr.
MATH206, Differential Equations, 4 cr.
MATH216, Discrete Mathematics, 4 cr.
METR101, Introductory Meteorology, 3 cr.
PHIL101, Introduction to Philosophy, 3 cr.
PHIL201, Contemporary Moral Issues, 3 cr.
PHSC104, General Physics I, 4 cr.
PHSC105, General Physics II, 4 cr.
PHSC211, Physics I (Mechanics and Heat), 4 cr.
PHSC212, Physics II (Electricity and Magnetism), 4 cr.
PHSC213, Physics III (Waves, Optics and Modern Physics), 4 cr.
POSC103, American National Government, 3 cr.
POSC104, American State and Local Government, 3 cr.
POSC107, Economy, Society & Environment, 3 cr.
POSC260, Topics in Modern Latin America, 3 cr.
PSYC100, , cr.
PSYC101, Psychology of Personal Growth, 3 cr.
PSYC103, Introduction to Psychology, 3 cr.
PSYC201, Social Psychology, 3 cr.
PSYC205, Childhood Psychology, 3 cr.
PSYC207, Adolescent Psychology, 3 cr.
PSYC208, Adult Psychology, 3 cr.
PSYC209, Abnormal Psychology, 3 cr.
PSYC218, Educational Psychology, 3 cr.
PSYC263, Development Across the Lifespan, 3 cr.
RECR150, Play Across Cultures, 3 cr.
RECR270, Wilderness and the American Culture, 3 cr.
RUSN101, Russian I, 3 cr.
RUSN102, Russian II, 3 cr.
SOCE121, Intro to Gender & Sexuality Studies, 3 cr.
SOCE150, Play Across Cultures, 3 cr.
SOCE201, Human Sexuality, 3 cr.
SOCE205, Organizational Behavior, 3 cr.
SOCE258, Creative Nonfiction Writing, 3 cr.
SOCI101, Introduction to Sociology, 3 cr.
SOCI103, The American Community, 3 cr.
SOCI201, Sociology of the Family, 3 cr.
SOCI203, Sociology of Race, Power, and Privilege, 3 cr.
SOCI205, Contemporary Social Problems, 3 cr.
SOCI206, Juvenile Delinquency, 3 cr.
SOCI207, Introduction to Criminology, 3 cr.
SOCI220, Dev Anthropology in a Globalizing World, 3 cr.
SPAN101, Beginning Spanish I, 3 cr.
SPAN102, Beginning Spanish II, 3 cr.
SPAN201, Intermediate Spanish I, 3 cr.
SPAN202, Intermediate Spanish II, 3 cr.
WGST248, Contemporary Women Writers, 3 cr.
 Use Schedule Search for electives

SUNY GEN ED Restricted Elective II

Select a minimum of 3 credits from the courses listed below:
Select an approved course from one of the following SUNY GEN ED areas: 4-American History, 5-Western Civilization, 6-Other World Civilizations, or 9-Foreign Language.
ANTH202, Cultural Anthropology, 3 cr.
ANTH220, Applied Anthropology in a Globalizing World, 3 cr.
ANTH260, Culture Survey for Study Abroad, 3 cr.
ARAB101, Arabic I, 3 cr.
ARAB102, Arabic II, 3 cr.
ART101, Art History: Ancient to Early Medieval, 3 cr.
ASL101, Beginning American Sign Language I, 3 cr.
ASL102, Beginning American Sign Language II, 3 cr.
CHIN101, Mandarin Chinese I, 3 cr.
CHIN102, Mandarin Chinese II, 3 cr.
FREN101, French I, 3 cr.
FREN102, French II, 3 cr.
FREN201, Intermediate French I, 3 cr.
FREN202, Intermediate French II, 3 cr.
GERM101, Beginning German I, 3 cr.
GERM102, Beginning German II, 3 cr.
HSTY101, Development of the Western Tradition I, 3 cr.
HSTY102, Development of the Western Tradition II, 3 cr.
HSTY110, World History to 1500, 3 cr.
HSTY111, World History Since 1500, 3 cr.
HSTY201, American History to 1877, 3 cr.
HSTY202, American History Since 1877, 3 cr.
HSTY225, African American History, 3 cr.
HSTY233, Women in U.S. History, 3 cr.
HSTY245, Topics in Modern Asia, 3 cr.
HSTY252, Native American History: Colonial Policies, 3 cr.
HSTY255, Labor History, 3 cr.
HSTY260, Topics in Modern Latin America, 3 cr.
HUMN232, Introduction to World Religions, 3 cr.
IED260, Culture Survey for Study Abroad, 3 cr.
ITAL101, Italian I, 3 cr.
ITAL102, Italian II, 3 cr.
POSC245, Topics in Modern Asia, 3 cr.
POSC260, Topics in Modern Latin America, 3 cr.
RECR150, Play Across Cultures, 3 cr.
RUSN101, Russian I, 3 cr.
RUSN102, Russian II, 3 cr.
SOCE150, Play Across Cultures, 3 cr.
SOCI220, Dev Anthropology in a Globalizing World, 3 cr.
SOCI225, Globalization & the Contemporary World, 3 cr.
SPAN101, Beginning Spanish I, 3 cr.
SPAN102, Beginning Spanish II, 3 cr.
SPAN201, Intermediate Spanish I, 3 cr.
SPAN202, Intermediate Spanish II, 3 cr.
 Use Schedule Search for electives


SUNY General Education and Tompkins Cortland Liberal Arts courses

Note: The @ symbol represents any course number or discipline. For example, BIOL @ means any course with a Biology course prefix. An @ alone means one course in any course discipline with any course number.

Student Showcase

  • Grad of Note - Will Korb

    Will Korb

    Why did you choose to attend TC3?

    I chose to attend TC3 for two reasons. One, I wasn't sure if Digital Cinema was a major that I wanted to enter, and the school offered a cheaper alternative than a big-name school. I also chose TC3 because my high school grades were not good enough to get into a four-year university. I saw TC3 as a stepping stone to make my way into a four-year school.

    Who at TC3 had the greatest positive impact on your experience?

    I would have to say Chris Xaver. She works tirelessly to make sure the Comm programs are the best they can be. She cracked the whip on my classmates and I, really pushing us to be the best students we could be.

    What were your extracurricular involvements and how did they contribute to your college experience/future aspirations?

    I served as the president for our newly founded New York Film and Television Student Alliance (NYFTSA) branch for my final semester. Through this club I got to work with other film students on a weekly basis and discuss projects and films. We also traveled to Fordham University for the yearly summit of NYFTSA which allowed us to hear many different people from the film industry give presentations which was unbelievably cool.

    What are your next steps after graduation (employment, transfer, etc.), and how did the College prepare you for that?

    After I graduate TC3 I plan on attending Buffalo State to finish my bachelor degree in film and television. TC3 has prepared me very well for this next stage. After high school I knew nothing about cameras, screenwriting, directing, or the industry itself. But thanks to TC3's amazing program I feel like I could walk onto a film set right now and start working.