The Television Program recognizes that the creative and intellectual center of all television production is to be found in the person of the producer. The producer is not simply responsible for the budgeting and costing of a project. Often, the producer conceives, writes, and sometimes even directs it. The television producer has a creative role unique in the media, and it is around this role that the television course of study has been shaped. Students in the Television Program are encouraged to include courses from the Film Program, as well as courses from other departments of the College and of the University at large.

The department is divided into two programs: Film and Television. Film and television have developed as individual media with their own histories of production techniques, artistic disciplines, content, and business operations. However, there is much sharing and mutual influence between these media. New technologies and increased concentration of media ownership already blur many of the traditional distinctions between media, and many career opportunities span both film and television.

The Department of Film and Television responds to this situation by providing flexible programs of study. Although students are required to select an area of concentration in the second semester of the sophomore year - either the film or the television program - they also have options for tailoring a major that fits their interests and career goals. Students may vary the number of courses in hands-on production, critical studies, and management-related courses.

The College of Communication provides facilities and equipment for instruction in studio and field production in both video and film. Students are responsible for videotape, film, and film processing expenses.

Students are encouraged to participate in the extracurricular activities of the student-operated radio station, WTBU; the student television organization, BUTV; Neighborhood Network News; the student-run video organization, Television Production Hothouse; and the student chapters of various professional organizations.