The certificate in documentary film provides students with the practical skills and theoretical knowledge needed to successfully communicate concepts and narratives via the modes of non-fiction filmmaking. Students will acquire a foundational knowledge of essential techniques in cinematography, editing, and sound mixing, and apply them in both journalistic and artistic ways. 

The skills and knowledge gained through the completion of this certificate are applicable to many fields, and are complimentary to the work of any student seeking to communicate non-fiction narratives through visual means.

General Certificate Requirements

Additional requirements for graduation can be found on the Degree/Certificate Requirements for Graduation page. 

Unless otherwise noted in individual program requirements, a minimum grade point average of 2.00 in all work attempted at the University of Montana-Missoula is required for graduation. Please see the Academic Policies and Procedures page for information on how your GPA is calculated.

Courses taken to satisfy the requirements of a major, minor, or certificate program must be completed with a grade of C- or better unless a higher grade is noted in the program requirements.

Online Program Option

This program may be completed in an online format. Students interested in pursuing an online degree or certificate program are strongly encouraged to contact the offering department to discuss specific program and course modalities and create a plan of study with an academic advisor. The course requirements listed below may not be consistently offered via online delivery.

Post-Secondary Certificate - Documentary Film

Course Requirements

Course List

Code	Title	Hours
Complete all of the following courses:
JRNL 257A	Beginning Video and Photojournalism	3
JRNL 350	Intermediate Video Photography	3
JRNL 488	Student Documentary Unit	3
or MART 455	Visions of Documentary Film
JRNL 491	Special Topics (Documentary Film History)	3
MART 345	Sound for Film	3
Total Hours		15