Digital Filmmaking, Basic Writing/Directing (Technical Certificate)

Award: Technical Certificate
Program of Study: Digital Filmmaking
Specialization: Basic Writing/Directing
Program Code: 1147

About This Program . . .

This Digital Filmmaking: Basic Writing/Directing certificate helps prepare students with the basic skills needed for entry-level careers in the film, TV, and commercial video industries.

For more information on what you can do with this major, visit WCCC's Programs of Study page.

All CMU/WCCC technical certificate graduates are expected to demonstrate proficiency in specialized knowledge/applied learning, communication fluency, and critical thinking. In addition to these campus‐wide student learning outcomes, graduates of this major will be able to:

  1. Apply basic business communication skills using listening, verbal, written, and electronic forms needed for entry-level employment with a production company or as a freelance creator.\ (Communication Fluency)\
  2. Research, evaluate, synthesize, and apply information/data at a basic level relevant to above- or below-the-line production careers. (Critical Thinking)\
  3. Perform basic-level skill sets to fulfill entry-level employment needs in the film and video production industries. (Specialized Knowledge)\
  4. Define basic film and video terminology, symbols, business practices, and principles.\ (Information Literacy)\

Each section below contains details about the requirements for this program. Select a header to expand the information/requirements for that particular section of the program's requirements. 

To print or save an overview of this program's information, including the program description, learning outcomes, requirements, suggested course sequencing (if applicable), and advising and graduation information, scroll to the bottom of the left-hand navigation menu and select "Print Options." This will give you the options to either "Send Page to Printer" or "Download PDF of This Page." The "Download PDF of This Page" option prepares a much more concise presentation of all program information. The PDF is also printable and may be preferable due to its brevity. 

Institutional Certificate Requirements

The following institutional requirements apply to all CMU or WCCC Technical Certificates. Specific programs may have different requirements that must be met in addition to institutional requirements.

  • Consists of 5-59 semester hours.
  • Consists of 100-200 level courses.
  • At least fifty percent of the credit hours must be taken at CMU/WCCC.
  • 2.00 cumulative GPA or higher in all CMU/WCCC coursework.
  • A grade lower than “C” will not be counted toward meeting the requirements.
  • A course may only be used to fulfill one requirement for each degree/certificate.
  • Non-traditional credit, such as advanced placement, credit by examination, credit for prior learning, cooperative education and internships, cannot exceed twenty-five percent of the semester credit hours required for a technical certificate.
  • Pre-collegiate courses (usually numbered below 100) cannot be used for graduation.
  • Capstone exit assessment/projects (e.g., Major Field Achievement Test) requirements are identified under Program-Specific Certificate Requirements.
  • The Catalog Year determines which program sheet and certificate requirements a student must fulfill in order to graduate. Visit with your advisor or academic department to determine which catalog year and program requirements you should follow.
  • See “Requirements for Undergraduate Degrees and Certificates” in the catalog for a complete list of graduation requirements.

Program Specific Certificate Requirements

(12 semester hours, 2.00 cumulative GPA or higher in program coursework.)

FILM 144Sound Design for Film3
FILM 150Episodic Screenwriting3
FILM 170Short-Form Production3
FILM 209Production Budget and Scheduling3
Total Semester Credit Hours12
Plan of Study Grid
First Year
Spring SemesterSemester Credit Hours
FILM 144 Sound Design for Film 3
FILM 150 Episodic Screenwriting 3
FILM 170 Short-Form Production 3
FILM 209 Production Budget and Scheduling 3
 Semester Credit Hours12
 Total Semester Credit Hours12

Advising Process and DegreeWorks

Documentation on the pages related to this program is intended for informational purposes to help determine what courses and associated requirements are needed to earn a certificate. Some courses are critical to complete in specific semesters while others may be moved around. Meeting with an academic advisor is essential in planning courses and discussing the suggested course sequencing. It is ultimately the student’s responsibility to understand and fulfill the requirements for her/his intended certificate.

DegreeWorks is an online degree audit tool available in MAVzone. It is the official record used by the Registrar’s Office to evaluate progress towards a certificate and determine eligibility for graduation. Students are responsible for reviewing their DegreeWorks audit on a regular basis and should discuss questions or concerns with their advisor or academic department head. Discrepancies in requirements should be reported to the Registrar’s Office.

Graduation Process

Students must complete the following in the first two months of the semester prior to completing their certificate requirements (for one-semester certificates, complete in the first week of class):

  • Review their DegreeWorks audit and create a plan that outlines how unmet requirements will be met in the final semester.
  • Meet with their advisor and modify their plan as needed. The advisor must approve the final plan.
  • Submit the “Intent to Graduate” form to the Registrar’s Office to officially declare the intended graduation date and commencement ceremony plans.
  • Register for all needed courses and complete all requirements for each degree sought.

Submission deadlines and commencement details can be found at http://www.coloradomesa.edu/registrar/graduation.html.

If a student’s petition for graduation is denied, it will be her/his responsibility to consult the Registrar’s Office regarding next steps.