The CTVA major prepares students in academic and creative aspects of the media disciplines through study in one of six options: Electronic Media Management Option: Operational and management aspects of independent, studio and network electronic media including business structures, personnel, budgets, advertising, sales, research and regulation of the media industries. A minor also is offered in this option. Film Production Option: Conceptualization, production, directing, editing and distribution of film projects for both entertainment and informational purposes. Media Theory and Criticism Option: History, theory and critical analysis of the culture of film and electronic media, providing a background for all professional training, with specific preparation for careers in teaching or research. Multimedia Production Option: Pre-production, production and distribution of digital material for film, television and the World Wide Web. Students acquire effective computer skills to design websites, create streaming audio and video, design and create DVDs, and develop games in the interactive media environment. Screenwriting Option: Conceptualization, structuring and writing of dramatic and non-dramatic scripts for film, television and new media. Television Production Option: Pre-production, production and post-production techniques for all television formats—encompassing producing, directing and all other creative aspects of studio and field production.

Some specific career choices for graduates of the Department of Cinema and Television Arts include the following: Those involved in television, film or new media production create, supervise or assist in the entire range of activities related to developing and executing projects. Creative occupations in this area include the selection of stories, talent and materials; art, set and lighting design; directing; cinematography and camera operation; audio recording and mixing; live television switching or editing; film editing; and other production and postproduction technical functions. Positions are available in commercial film studios, independent production companies, and houses and studios; postproduction facilities; broadcast stations and networks; cable operations; video game companies; government agencies; hospitals; business corporations; educational institutions; and other organizations with audiovisual and multimedia facilities. Screenwriters create scripts for motion pictures, television or new media productions (including video games, VR/AR, webisodes and other web content); for commercials; for promotional and public service announcements; for continuity material used to introduce and connect various segments of musical, variety, reality and sports programs; and for film, video and new media productions for corporate or nonprofit clients. They may work directly for a studio, station or network; work on a freelance basis; or may be under contract to independent production companies.