Documentary Production: Program Overview, Universities, Careers & Salaries
Program Overview
Documentary Production is a dynamic, hands-on field dedicated to the creation of compelling nonfiction narratives through film and video. This program equips students with the technical, creative, and analytical skills necessary to research, develop, and deliver impactful visual stories grounded in real-world subjects.
- Film and Video Writing: Develops storytelling techniques tailored to nonfiction formats, emphasizing narrative structure, script development, and ethical storytelling in documentary contexts.
- Directing and Production: Focuses on leadership in documentary filmmaking, covering shot planning, on-location management, and coordination of crew and talent.
- Film Studies: Explores foundational theories, aesthetics, and critical frameworks that inform cinematic expression and audience engagement.
- History of the Documentary: Traces the evolution of documentary film across decades and cultures, examining key movements, pioneers, and shifts in purpose and form.
- Research Techniques: Teaches rigorous methods for gathering accurate, credible, and ethically sourced information, including archival work, field research, and interview protocols.
- Videography: Builds expertise in camera operation, lighting, composition, and audio capture to produce high-quality visual content in diverse environments.
- Editing: Provides mastery of digital editing workflows, including pacing, sound design, visual effects, and narrative refinement using industry-standard software.
- Business Aspects of Film Production: Covers budgeting, financing, distribution strategies, legal considerations, and career development for independent and professional documentary creators.
Documentary Production Graduate Trends (2010-2024)
Documentary Production Career Pathways & Salary Outlook
The following table presents salary data for occupations typically aligned with Documentary Production degrees, including Producers and Directors, Art, Drama, and Music Teachers, Postsecondary and Communications Teachers, Postsecondary. These career paths represent common employment outcomes but are not guaranteed for all graduates. Salary ranges vary by location, employer, experience level, and specific role requirements. Nationally, these occupations employ approximately 325,740 professionals.
National Average Salaries
| Occupation | Median Salary | Salary Range | Total Employment | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Producers and Directors 27-2012 | $83,480 | $43,060 - $198,530 | 145,270 | $40.13 |
| Art, Drama, and Music Teachers, Postsecondary 25-1121 | $80,190 | $47,040 - $194,530 | 97,890 | N/A |
| Communications Teachers, Postsecondary 25-1122 | $77,800 | $47,100 - $160,210 | 29,260 | N/A |
| Film and Video Editors 27-4032 | $70,980 | $39,170 - $145,900 | 28,860 | $34.12 |
| Camera Operators, Television, Video, and Film 27-4031 | $68,810 | $36,240 - $131,420 | 24,460 | $33.08 |
Documentary Production Salary Map by State
Geographic location significantly impacts earning potential for these careers. Average salaries range from $48,628 in Arkansas to $109,544 in California—a 125% difference. The highest-paying states include California, New York, and District of Columbia. Nationwide, these occupations employ over 325,740 professionals across all states. Explore the interactive map below to compare regional compensation and identify optimal markets for your career goals.
Average Salary Range:
Top Universities for Documentary Production by Graduate Enrollment
Below are the top 14 institutions offering Documentary Production programs for the 2023-2024 academic year (the most recent data reported as of 2025), ranked by the number of graduates. The highest graduate enrollment in Documentary Production is found at Utah Tech University (UT) (15 graduates), New York Film Academy (NYFA) (14 graduates), Wake Forest University (WFC) (11 graduates), University of California (UCSC), Santa Cruz (8 graduates), and Northwestern University (8 graduates). Combined, these colleges produced 88 graduates across all degree levels. Program availability varies by award level, including Associate, Bachelor's, Master's, and Doctoral degrees at participating universities and schools.
| College Name | Award Levels | Graduates | Location | Control | Website |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Utah Tech University (UT) |
Bachelor's
|
15 | Saint George, Utah | Public | utahtech.edu |
| New York Film Academy (NYFA) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Master's
|
14 | Burbank, California | Private | nyfa.edu |
| Wake Forest University (WFC) |
Master's
|
11 | Winston-Salem, North Carolina | Private | wfu.edu |
| University of California (UCSC) |
Master's
|
8 | Santa Cruz, California | Public | ucsc.edu |
| Northwestern University |
Master's
|
8 | Evanston, Illinois | Private | northwestern.edu |
| The New School |
Postbac Cert.
|
7 | New York, New York | Private | newschool.edu |
| Ithaca College (IC) |
Bachelor's
|
6 | Ithaca, New York | Private | ithaca.edu |
| Spelman College |
Bachelor's
|
5 | Atlanta, Georgia | Private | spelman.edu |
| Missouri State University |
Other Award
|
5 | Springfield, Missouri | Public | missouristate.edu |
| University of Miami (UM) |
Master's
|
3 | Coral Gables, Florida | Private | miami.edu |
| Columbia College Chicago (CCC) |
Bachelor's
|
3 | Chicago, Illinois | Private | colum.edu |
| Mount Saint Mary's University (MSMU) |
Master's
|
1 | Los Angeles, California | Private | msmu.edu |
| The University of Montana (UM) |
Certificate (≥2 yrs)
|
1 | Missoula, Montana | Public | umt.edu |
| Temple University |
Postbac Cert.
|
1 | Philadelphia, Pennsylvania | Public | temple.edu |
Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to the most common questions about Documentary Production programs
How much can I earn with a Documentary Production degree?
Salaries for Documentary Production graduates vary by role and location. Producers and Directors earn a median of $83,480 annually, while Art, Drama, and Music Teachers, Postsecondary earn around $80,190. Geographic location significantly impacts earnings—professionals in California average $109,544 compared to $48,628 in Arkansas. Approximately 325,740 professionals work in related occupations nationwide.
Salary data from U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS program, May 2024. Earnings vary by experience, employer, and market conditions.
Which universities have the largest Documentary Production programs?
Currently 14 accredited institutions offer Documentary Production degrees across the U.S. Programs with the highest enrollment include Utah Tech University (UT) (15 graduates), New York Film Academy (NYFA) (14 graduates), and Wake Forest University (WFC) (11 graduates).
Program size doesn't necessarily indicate quality—consider factors like faculty expertise, production opportunities, location, and available degree levels when choosing a school.
Data based on IPEDS program completions for 2023-2024 academic year. Numbers reflect programs where students graduated.
Is enrollment in Documentary Production growing or declining?
Graduate numbers have increased over the past decade, rising from 25 in 2010 to a peak of 92 in 2020, before declining slightly to 88 in 2023-24. This represents a 252% increase overall from 2010.
The field remains specialized with steady interest, though opportunities are most concentrated in major metropolitan areas with active arts scenes like New York, California, and Illinois.
Graduate enrollment data from IPEDS, 2010-2024 academic years. Trends reflect reported completions at participating institutions.
What career paths are available with a Documentary Production degree?
This degree prepares you for roles such as Producers and Directors, Art, Drama, and Music Teachers, Postsecondary, and Communications Teachers, Postsecondary. Related occupations employ approximately 325,740 professionals nationwide.
Skills in project management, creative leadership, and collaboration also transfer to event planning, arts administration, marketing, and corporate training roles. Many professionals work freelance or on a project basis across theatre, film, and live events.
Career pathways mapped using CIP-SOC crosswalk from the National Center for Education Statistics. Employment data from BLS OEWS May 2024.
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