Video editing is a storytelling process in which you combine videos, music, and other effects to create a completed visual product for an audience. To begin your career as a video editor, you'll typically need a degree from a college or university and skills such as the ability to communicate well, creativity, and technical editing skills gained through the knowledge of video editing software.

Discover the different levels of video editing degrees, potential majors for an aspiring video editor, and other jobs you could get after studying video editing.

specialization

The Art of Visual Storytelling

Introduction to Video Production. At the completion of this specialization, you will understand video production workflow, how to structure and write visual stories, the kinds of technology you can use to enhance your production, how to choose the best shots for the edit, the fundamentals of non-linear editing, and how to produce video that meets professional standards. 

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Average time: 2 month(s)

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Skills you'll build:

scripting, Graphics, visual storytelling, Videography, Editing, Storytelling, Framing, Video Production, video, Video Post-Production, Video Editing, Linear Editing, video pre-production

Do I need a degree to be a video editor?

To become a video editor, employers typically prefer that you complete a bachelor’s degree in a field of study related to video editing. But it’s not always necessary. Some employers may value experience or other certifications. However, to expand your job prospects, you may consider pursuing your degree at a college or university and gaining professional experience through internships and entry-level jobs.

Video editing degree options: Choosing a major

As an aspiring video editor, you may choose from many potential majors that will give you the experience and knowledge you need to be successful. These majors include

• Communication

• Film/film production

• Digital media

• Journalism

• Photography

Video editing degree types

According to data from Zippia, the most common degree type for a video editor is a bachelor’s degree. Zippia reports that 73 percent of video editors hold a bachelor’s degree, 15 percent have an associate degree, and 5 percent have advanced to a master’s degree [1]. Learn more about each video editing degree type:

Associate

An associate degree in video editing is typically a two-year degree program where you learn the basics of film and video production. Depending on your school and specific program, you may learn how to use video editing software such as Final Cut Pro or Adobe Premiere Pro and may discover audio and visual editing techniques.

Bachelor’s

A bachelor’s degree in video editing typically takes four years to complete at a college or university if you’re attending as a full-time student. This degree helps you prepare for video editing careers, such as film editing or broadcasting and allows you to practice using digital editing software and meeting professional industry standards.

Master’s

A master’s degree in video editing is typically declared a Master of Arts, and the specific major or concentration you’ll pursue will fall under the category of film, film production, or digital media.

After completing your bachelor’s degree, a master’s typically takes up to two additional years to complete. Depending on your specific school or program, you may be required to submit a portfolio as a point of entry.

5 jobs you can get with a video editing degree

After completing your video editing degree, you may pursue career options ranging from film editing to broadcast engineering. Each role requires specific video editing skills and a passion for creativity. Explore five potential career options as a video editing graduate:

1. Film editor

Average annual US base salary (Glassdoor): $72,195 [2]

Job outlook (projected growth from 2023 to 2033): 3 percent [3]

As a film editor, you compile and organize footage to create a compelling story that viewers will be interested in watching. Your duties may include adding music and sound effects to footage, creating fluid sequences, and working alongside the film's director to portray their creative vision effectively.

When working as a film editor, it’s important to have excellent comprehension skills, as you’ll often get tasks from directors and cinematographers. Additionally, you should have strong visualization skills as you’ll spend much of your time arranging and rearranging clips to tell a complete story.

2. Videographer

Average annual US base salary (Glassdoor): $66,385 [4]

Job outlook (projected growth from 2023 to 2033): 3 percent [3]

Videographers are responsible for recording important events or productions, such as music videos, weddings, or commercials. As a videographer, whether you work for a company or as a freelancer, you’ll meet with your clients to discuss their expectations of the product and service you’re providing. 

As a videographer, you should have experience working with digital editing software such as Final Cut Pro or Adobe Premiere Pro to edit your footage. You should also know how to operate a camera and problem-solve if any issues arise.

3. Assistant video editor

Average annual US base salary (Glassdoor): $76,878 [5]

Job outlook (projected growth from 2023 to 2033): 3 percent [3]

As an assistant video editor, you help the primary editor with post-production tasks. Some of your specific duties may include reviewing footage, organizing it, and preparing it for the editor. Most of your tasks may be administrative and in support of the primary editor; however, as you gain experience, you may advance in the industry.

Before becoming an assistant video editor, it’s important that you understand how digital editing software works and how to use it. Much like a primary video editor, it’s important that you have organization skills and strength in communicating with others.

4. Animator

Average annual US base salary (Glassdoor): $71,988 [6]

Job outlook (projected growth from 2023 to 2033): 4 percent [7]

Animators use digital technology to create special effects and designs for various industries, including film, television, marketing, and advertisements. As an animator, you use your art and creativity to bring a story to life. 

If you’re interested in a career as an animator, you should ideally be creative and artistic. You also have to be attentive to detail so you can make tweaks and changes to your creations at a client's or employer’s request.

5. Broadcast engineer

Average annual US base salary (Glassdoor): $94,651 [8]

Job outlook (projected growth from 2023 to 2033): 3 percent [9]

As a broadcast engineer, you have the responsibility to ensure an audience gets a quality product delivered to them, typically first by setting up equipment and editing a broadcast. Your tasks may range from operating equipment to troubleshooting any issues that arise during the event you’re capturing.

As a broadcast engineer, you need to have an understanding of how the equipment you’re using works and how to solve problems by communicating with other members of the broadcast team.

Is a master’s in video editing worth it?

You may consider a master’s in video editing worth it if you want to explore advanced job opportunities compared to entry-level opportunities. With a master’s in film production or digital media, you gain more experience immersing yourself in learning various editing techniques and refining your storytelling abilities.

A master’s degree typically helps you stand out among other candidates. It gives you more time and experience in developing your video editing skills, such as advanced knowledge of sound design and the video editing and film industry.

Get started in video editing on Coursera

If you are interested in a career in video editing, consider pursuing your bachelor’s degree in a field such as film, communications, or digital media. 

Continue building your skills and learning more about video editing through Specializations and courses on Coursera. Explore the The Art of Visual Storytelling Specialization offered by the University of Colorado Boulder as an introduction to video editing. To gain knowledge about specific video editing software, consider the Mastering Final Cut Pro course offered by LearnQuest.

specialization

The Art of Visual Storytelling

Introduction to Video Production. At the completion of this specialization, you will understand video production workflow, how to structure and write visual stories, the kinds of technology you can use to enhance your production, how to choose the best shots for the edit, the fundamentals of non-linear editing, and how to produce video that meets professional standards. 

4.7

(90 ratings)

13,610 already enrolled

Beginner level

Learn More

Average time: 2 month(s)

Learn at your own pace

Skills you'll build:

scripting, Graphics, visual storytelling, Videography, Editing, Storytelling, Framing, Video Production, video, Video Post-Production, Video Editing, Linear Editing, video pre-production

course

Mastering Final Cut Pro

This course unravels the post-production world for editors. Students will dive into the key features of Apple’s Final Cut Pro software for Video and Audio ...

4.4

(224 ratings)

54,386 already enrolled

Beginner level

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Average time: 40 hour(s)

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Skills you'll build:

Computer Graphics, Computer Graphic Techniques, Creativity, Interactive Design, Social Media