Cinematography

Cinematography Bachelor’s Degree Programs in NYC

New York City, a global hub for film and television production, offers aspiring cinematographers a unique opportunity to learn and thrive in the heart of the entertainment industry. Pursuing a bachelor’s degree in cinematography in NYC combines hands-on technical training with artistic exploration, preparing students to master the craft of visual storytelling. With access to world-class equipment, renowned faculty, and networking opportunities with industry professionals, students gain practical experience both in the classroom and on set. Whether your goal is to work on independent films, major motion pictures, or digital media projects, NYC’s cinematography programs are designed to help you bring your creative vision to life.

Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT)

• Program Description: FIT offers a comprehensive Bachelor’s program in Film and Media Production, focusing on technical skills and visual storytelling for cinematography.
• Address: 227 W 27th St, New York, NY 10001
• Phone: (212) 217-7999
• Disability Access: Yes, see FIT-ABLE for more information.
• Commute:

Subway:

• Route:
  • Take the 1 train to the 28th Street Station (near 7th Avenue).
  • FIT is a 1-minute walk south from the station.
• Travel Time: ~5 minutes on the subway, depending on your exact starting point.
• Notes: A subway is unnecessary unless you’re far from 7th Avenue.

Bus:

• Route:
  • Take the M7 or M20 bus along 7th Avenue.
  • Disembark at the 27th Street stop and walk west.
• Travel Time: ~10 minutes.

The New School

• Program Description: The New School’s Bachelor’s in Media Arts emphasizes cinematography, editing, and digital media production, blending creativity with cutting-edge technology.
• Address: 151 Bank St, New York, NY 10014
• Phone: (212) 229-5600
• Disability Access: Yes, The New School offers support via Student Disability Services.
• Commute:

Subway:

• Route:
  • Take the 1 train from 28th Street Station to 14th Street Station.
  • Walk east on 12th Street to the New School (~5 minutes).
• Travel Time: ~10 minutes.
• Alternative Subway Routes:
  • N, R, W trains: From 28th Street Station, exit at 14th Street-Union Square and walk west to 12th Street.
  • F, M trains: Take from 34th Street-Herald Square to 14th Street Station, then walk west.

Bus:

• Route:
  • Take the M7 or M20 bus southbound along 7th Avenue.
  • Disembark at 14th Street and 7th Avenue, then walk east to the New School (~5 minutes).
• Travel Time: ~15–20 minutes.

CUNY Graduate School and University Center

• Program Description: CUNY offers a Bachelor’s program with a concentration in Film and Media, highlighting cinematography techniques and the art of visual storytelling.
• Address: 365 5th Ave, New York, NY 10016
• Phone: (212) 817-7000
• Disability Access: Yes, CUNY ensures accessibility through Student Disability Services.
• Commute:

Subway

• Route:
  • Take the B, D, F, M, or N/Q/R/W trains from 34th Street–Herald Square station.
  • Exit at 34th Street, and the Graduate Center is a short walk east on 34th Street to Fifth Avenue.

Bus:

Route:

• Take the M34-SBS or M34A-SBS crosstown bus along 34th Street.
• Exit at Fifth Avenue.
• The Graduate Center is a short walk south.

New York University (NYU)

• Program Description: NYU’s Tisch School of the Arts provides a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Film and Television, with a strong focus on cinematography and hands-on experience in film production.
• Address: 345 E 24th St, New York, NY 10010
• Phone: (212) 998-1212
• Disability Access: Yes, NYU facilitates accommodations via the Moses Center for Student Accessibility.
• Commute:

Subway:

1. Line 1:
   • Take the 1 train from 28th Street Station to Christopher Street-Sheridan Square Station.
   • Walk east to Washington Square Park (~5–7 minutes).
   • Travel time: ~15 minutes.
2. Lines N, R, W:
   • Take the N, R, or W train from 28th Street Station to 8th Street-NYU Station.
   • Walk west to Washington Square Park (~5 minutes).
   • Travel time: ~15 minutes.
3. Lines A, C, E:
   • Take the A, C, or E train from 34th Street-Penn Station to West 4th Street-Washington Square Station.
   • Exit near Washington Square Park.
   • Travel time: ~15 minutes.

Bus:

M55 Bus:

• Board the M55 southbound along 6th Avenue.
• Exit at Washington Square Park.
• Travel time: ~20 minutes.

CUNY Hunter College

• Program Description: Hunter College offers a Bachelor’s in Film and Media Studies, including coursework in cinematography, screenwriting, and production techniques.
• Address: 695 Park Ave, New York, NY 10065
• Phone: (212) 772-4000
• Disability Access: Provides resources through the Office of AccessABILITY.
• Commute:

Subway:

• Route:
  1. Take the 6 train from 28th Street Station (Park Avenue South) heading uptown.
  2. Disembark at 68th Street–Hunter College Station.
  3. Exit near the college, located right by the subway station at Park Avenue and 68th Street.
• Travel Time: ~20–25 minutes.

Bus:

M101, M102, or M103 Buses:

• Board one of these buses heading uptown along Lexington Avenue near 10001.
• Exit at 68th Street and Lexington Avenue.
• Walk east to Park Avenue.
• Travel Time: ~30–40 minutes.

M1, M2, or M3 Buses:

• Take these buses uptown along Madison Avenue.
• Exit at 68th Street.
• Walk east to Park Avenue and the college.
• Travel Time: ~35–40 minutes.

Marymount Manhattan College

• Program Description: Marymount Manhattan’s Bachelor’s in Digital Media Production includes cinematography modules, teaching students the craft of filming and editing for multiple media platforms.
• Address: 221 E 71st St, New York, NY 10021
• Phone: (212) 517-0400
• Disability Access: Yes, see Disability Services and Academic Access for more information.
• Commute:

Subway:

• Route 1:
  1. Take the 6 train from 28th Street Station (Park Avenue South) heading uptown. Disembark at 68th Street–Hunter College Station. Walk east to 2nd Avenue, then north to 71st Street (~7 minutes).
  • Travel Time: ~25–30 minutes.
• Route 2:
  1. Take the Q train from 34th Street–Herald Square Station heading uptown. Disembark at 72nd Street Station (2nd Avenue).Walk one block south to 71st Street.
  • Travel Time: ~20–25 minutes.

Bus:

M101, M102, or M103 Buses:

• Board one of these buses heading uptown along Lexington Avenue.
• Exit at 71st Street and Lexington Avenue.
• Walk east to 2nd Avenue.
• Travel Time: ~40–50 minutes.

M15 SBS (Select Bus Service):

• Board the M15-SBS heading uptown on 2nd Avenue.
• Exit at 71st Street and 2nd Avenue.
• Travel Time: ~35–40 minutes.

Pace University

• Program Description: Pace University offers a Bachelor’s in Film and Screen Studies, blending cinematography, directing, and screenwriting to create well-rounded media professionals.
• Address: 1 Pace Plaza, New York, NY 10038
• Phone: (212) 346-1200
• Disability Access: Yes, Pace University Ensures accommodations through Student Accessibility Services.
• Commute:

Subway:

Option 1: Line 4, 5

• Take the 4 or 5 train from Grand Central Station or 33rd Street Station heading downtown.
• Exit at Brooklyn Bridge–City Hall Station.
• Pace University is a 1-minute walk from the station.
• Travel Time: ~15–20 minutes.

Option 2: Line A, C

• Take the A or C train from 34th Street–Penn Station heading downtown.
• Exit at Fulton Street Station and walk east to Pace University (~5 minutes).
• Travel Time: ~20 minutes.

Option 3: Line 2, 3

• Take the 2 or 3 train from 34th Street–Penn Station heading downtown.
• Exit at Fulton Street Station, then walk east to Pace University.
• Travel Time: ~20 minutes.

Bus:

• Take the M55 bus southbound along 6th Avenue.
• Exit near Fulton Street or City Hall and walk to Pace University.
• Travel Time: ~40 minutes.

Pratt Institute-Main

• Program Description: Pratt’s Bachelor of Fine Arts in Film focuses on cinematography and visual storytelling, offering access to professional-grade equipment and facilities.
• Address: 200 Willoughby Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11205
• Phone: (718) 636-3600
• Disability Access: Yes, visit Pratt’s Learning and Access page for more information.
• Commute:

Subway:

• Option 1: A or C Train + G Train
  1. Take the A or C train from 34th Street–Penn Station heading downtown. Transfer to the G train at Hoyt–Schermerhorn Streets. Exit at Clinton-Washington Avenues Station (on the G train).Walk ~10 minutes to Pratt Institute at Willoughby Avenue.
  • Travel Time: ~40 minutes.
• Option 2: Q Train
  1. Take the Q train from 34th Street–Herald Square Station heading to DeKalb Avenue Station. Walk ~15 minutes east to Pratt Institute.
  • Travel Time: ~35–40 minutes.

Bus:

1. M34A-SBS + B38 Bus:
   • Board the M34A-SBS bus from 34th Street heading east.
   • Transfer to the B38 bus at 3rd Avenue heading to Clinton Hill.
   • Disembark at Classon Avenue/DeKalb Avenue and walk to Pratt Institute.
   • Travel Time: ~1 hour.