Combine Theory With Hands-On Learning

students producing a recording in the CASL media studios Expand your technical skills and develop proficiency in storytelling, teamwork, and communication with our media production certificate at the University of Michigan-Dearborn. We combine hands-on training with courses that explore film and media concepts. When you complete the certificate, you’ll have the ability to effectively tell stories in a variety of forms, including narrative, documentary, and experimental.

Much of your hands-on training will occur in the CASL Media Studio, which includes a full-service TV studio, an audio production studio, and several suites of Mac workstations with Adobe Creative Cloud software. You’ll also get to use our full complement of field production equipment, including video and DSLR cameras, audio recording units, lighting equipment, and support gear. You can get more hands-on experience by working at WUMD, the UM-Dearborn radio station.

Career and Salary Outlook

The information in this table is meant to give you an idea of career opportunities with this degree. All information is pulled from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, and is meant to be averages across the United States for 2022. Please note that these figures reflect overall averages and may not represent entry-level salaries.

$65,070 Median Salary

Film and Video Editors and Camera Operators

Overall employment of film and video editors and camera operators is projected to grow 7 percent from 2022 to 2032, faster than the average for all occupations.

About 8,200 openings for film and video editors and camera operators are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Many of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire.

$76,400 Median Salary

Producers and Directors

Employment of producers and directors is projected to grow 7 percent from 2022 to 2032, faster than the average for all occupations.

About 16,000 openings for producers and directors are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Many of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire.

$54,160 Median Salary

Broadcast, Sound, and Video Technicians

Overall employment of broadcast, sound, and video technicians is projected to grow 2 percent from 2022 to 2032, about as fast as the average for all occupations.

About 12,900 openings for broadcast, sound, and video technicians are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Many of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire.

$99,060 Median Salary

Special Effects Artists and Animators

Employment of special effects artists and animators is projected to grow 8 percent from 2022 to 2032, faster than the average for all occupations.

About 9,400 openings for special effects artists and animators are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Many of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire.

$106,500 Median Salary

Art Directors

Employment of art directors is projected to grow 6 percent from 2022 to 2032, faster than the average for all occupations.

About 13,800 openings for art directors are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Many of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire.

Program Details

Ready to Apply?

Tuition

Tuition and fees for certificate programs are updated and approved each year in June. Review the current schedule to estimate your costs.

Tuition and Fee Schedule

How to Apply

It is encouraged to apply as early as possible. To apply:

  • Complete and submit an Online Non-Degree Application - select "Certificates".
  • Submit official transcripts.

Completed non-degree applications will be accepted until midnight the day prior to the start of classes each semester.

How to Apply

Admission Requirements

The program is open to all undergraduate students at UM-Dearborn as well as non-degree seeking students with or without college degrees.

Next Steps

Become a part of the UM-Dearborn community and put your dreams to work for you.