Programs in film and television directing can begin with the ability to compose and shoot a moving image. Shot composition, lighting, production design, and editing are all key ingredients in making a motion picture and are some of the classes generally offered.

Education in the United States is mainly provided by the public sector, with control and funding coming from three levels: state, local, and federal, in that order. The common requirements to study at a higher education level in United States will include your admissions essay (also known as the statement of purpose or personal statement), transcript of records, recommendation/reference letters, language tests

Certificate programs, which can be earned in about a year, consist of academic classes that are offered at different skill and ability levels. Undergraduate as well as graduate students, depending on their field of study, may obtain certificates.