Syracuse University S.I. Newhouse School
A top-ranked communications school in central New York offering film and television production programs within one of the most connected media programs in the country.
Overview
The S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications at Syracuse University is one of the most respected communications schools in the United States. Its film and media programs sit within a larger ecosystem of journalism, television, and digital media education that produces graduates across the full spectrum of media careers. The school's reputation for hands-on training and industry connections has made it a consistent presence on national film school rankings.
Syracuse's location in upstate New York provides a different production environment from LA or NYC. Students film on location in a four-season climate with access to diverse urban and rural landscapes. The school maintains a Los Angeles semester program that sends students to LA for industry immersion, internships, and networking.
The Newhouse complex includes HD television studios, post-production editing suites, and screening rooms. The school's broader media infrastructure, shared with journalism and broadcasting students, creates a multidisciplinary environment that reflects the convergence of modern media industries.
Programs Offered
- BFA in Film -- an undergraduate production program covering directing, cinematography, editing, and sound design
- BS in Television, Radio, and Film -- a broader media program that includes film production within a television and digital media context
- MFA in Film -- a graduate production program with concentrations in directing, screenwriting, and documentary
- MA in Media Studies -- a scholarly program in media theory and criticism
What Students Should Know
Syracuse's film program benefits from the Newhouse School's broader industry connections in television, journalism, and digital media. Students who are interested in documentary filmmaking, television production, or media careers beyond theatrical film will find these connections particularly valuable.
The LA semester program is a key feature. Students spend a semester in Los Angeles taking classes, completing internships at studios and production companies, and building industry relationships. This program bridges the gap between Syracuse's upstate location and the industry hubs where most graduates will seek employment.
Tuition at Syracuse is approximately $58,000 per year. The university offers merit scholarships and need-based financial aid. The cost of living in Syracuse is significantly lower than LA or NYC, which reduces the total financial burden.
The MFA program is small and provides close faculty mentorship. The undergraduate program is larger and draws students from across the university who are interested in media careers. Syracuse's alumni network is particularly strong in television news, documentary, and broadcast production.
Notable Alumni
Syracuse Newhouse alumni include Aaron Sorkin (screenwriter of The Social Network, creator of The West Wing), Taye Diggs (actor), Bob Costas (broadcaster), and numerous working professionals in television, documentary, and digital media production.
See Also
For comparing media-focused film programs with dedicated film schools, see Choosing a Film School. To plan your production workflow, use the Post-Production Timeline Calculator.
