Christian Colleges & Universities With Cinema, Film, and Media Arts

If you're drawn to film, media, and visual storytelling, and you want to pursue that in a community where your faith is taken seriously, you're in the right place. Christian colleges have quietly built some of the most compelling film and media programs in the country. Small class sizes, hands-on training, and faculty who genuinely care about purpose-driven storytelling make these schools worth a serious look.

Here are six schools featured in The Guide that offer strong film and media studies options worth exploring.

Key Takeaways

• Several Christian colleges offer dedicated film, media, and digital arts programs with professional-grade facilities and industry connections.
• Taylor University and Huntington University are among the most recognized Christian film programs in the nation, with major awards and real-world production experience built into the curriculum.
• Crown College and University of Northwestern - St. Paul both offer hands-on media production programs in the Minneapolis-St. Paul region.
• Southern Wesleyan University and Patrick Henry College offer media and journalism programs that blend digital storytelling with a strong liberal arts foundation.
• Faith is woven into how students approach storytelling, ethics, and their role as communicators.

Huntington University

Huntington University in Indiana runs one of the most recognized Christian Digital Media Arts programs in the country. Their film production major is ranked the number one Christian DMA program nationally by the BEA Festival of Media Arts, which is a meaningful credential in a field where program quality varies widely.

Students work in the Martin Center for Digital Media Arts, with green screen studios, editing labs, a screening room, and Foley workspaces. The program covers directing, cinematography, screenwriting, sound design, and producing. In 2024, the program produced its first feature film, "A Carpenter's Prayer," which was released in theaters nationwide. Students make real films with real professionals from day one.

Learn more about Huntington University on page 149 of THE Guide.

Taylor University

Taylor University's film and media arts program has earned over 1,200 external awards. Students can pursue a BA or BS in film and media arts, with training in directing, cinematography, editing, sound design, screenwriting, and producing.

Students can also spend a semester in Los Angeles through Taylor's Hollywood Internship Program, completing two professional internships while taking a course taught by entertainment professionals. There's also an annual Sundance Study Trip. Taylor creates visual stories, in their own words, that are truthful, beautiful, and good.

Learn more about Taylor University on page 169 of THE Guide.

Crown College

Crown College in St. Bonifacius, Minnesota, runs a media arts program with a video production concentration. Students work with cameras, edit video, create short films, and build 3D worlds using tools like Unreal Engine. All majors complete at least one internship before graduation.

Learn more about Crown College on page 140 of THE Guide.

University of Northwestern - St. Paul

UNW's media production program in St. Paul, Minnesota, focuses on storytelling for screen and audio. The program's most visible tradition is the Five16 Film Festival, an annual showcase named for Matthew 5:16 where student films are judged by industry professionals. The festival draws over 2,000 attendees and has featured Oscar-nominated filmmakers as guest presenters.

Learn more about University of Northwestern - St. Paul on page 108 of THE Guide.

Southern Wesleyan University

Southern Wesleyan University in South Carolina offers a BA in media communication with a film production concentration, alongside mass media studies and media production tracks. The program prepares students for the full media landscape, grounded in a faith-informed approach to communication and cultural engagement.

Learn more about Southern Wesleyan University on page 167 of THE Guide.

Patrick Henry College

Patrick Henry College in Virginia offers a journalism and digital media major covering multimedia skills, narrative nonfiction, media law, and digital design. Graduates have built careers in broadcast news, digital content, and film production. PHC's emphasis on seeing and thinking clearly runs through everything they teach.

Learn more about Patrick Henry College on page 161 of THE Guide.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I study film and media at a Christian college and still pursue a professional career?

Yes. Graduates from programs like Taylor and Huntington have gone on to work in Hollywood, start production studios, and build careers in broadcast and digital content. Technical training combined with a clear sense of purpose produces graduates who know how to make media and why it matters.

How do I find the right Christian college for a film and media studies major?

Find Your Christian College is the right place to start. Access THE Guide for free to explore detailed information on nearly 200 Christian schools across North America, including those featured in this post.

Do I need prior filmmaking experience to major in film or media studies?

No. Most Christian colleges welcome students with a wide range of experience levels. While some students arrive with backgrounds in video production, photography, or storytelling, many begin with little or no formal training.

What careers can I pursue with a film and media studies degree from a Christian college?

Graduates work in film production, video editing, screenwriting, broadcasting, digital marketing, social media content creation, journalism, and nonprofit communications. Many programs also incorporate internships and hands-on projects that help students build portfolios and professional networks before graduation.

Final Thoughts

Whether you're interested in filmmaking, video production, digital media, or storytelling, these Christian colleges offer opportunities to develop your skills in a faith-based learning environment.

If you're exploring your options and want to find a school where your faith and your creative ambitions can grow in the same direction, Find Your Christian College is the right place to start.