The University of Houston is launching a new online certificate program designed to meet workforce needs and prepare students for careers in Houston’s fast-growing film and television industry.
Housed in the Kathrine G. McGovern College of the Arts, the Online Graduate Certificate in Film and Media Production and Leadership aims to support homegrown talent and help build a sustainable local production ecosystem, said Fleurette S. Fernando, associate dean, associate professor and director of the Arts Leadership Program.
The program responds to industry trends and workforce demand, particularly following the approval of Texas Senate Bill 22 in the last legislative session, which allocates $300 million biennially to incentivize the state’s film and television production industry.
As of September 2024, companies have spent $2.52 billion in Texas and created 189,000 Texas jobs as part of the Texas Moving Image Industry Incentive Program, according to the Texas Film Commission.
“We really wanted to ride that wave and create a program that can help to strengthen workforce development in film and television in Houston,” Fernando said. “We have state-of-the-art facilities, incredible talent and vast opportunity right here.”
Historically, Texas’ narrative media production has been concentrated in Austin and Dallas — a dynamic Fernando hopes to shift by preparing and building a career-ready workforce that attracts independent filmmakers to Houston’s emerging film community.
Fernando said she hopes the certificate will empower students to create career opportunities for others and shape the city’s creative future, especially in narrative film and television.
“We want to make sure that Houston is seen in the same light as the heavy hitters across Texas in this space now,” she said.
Certificate Details
The certificate features evening and synchronous online classes. It consists of five courses, totaling 15 credit hours, with up to nine potentially transferable to select UH graduate degree programs.
The first cohort in summer 2026 will consist of a maximum of 15 students, with priority given to artists based in Houston and Texas. Open to bachelor’s degree graduates of any major who demonstrate experience and interest in film or media, the program focuses on training producers, leaders and decision-makers who can help ensure projects are developed and produced locally.
A core component of the certificate is community-building and professional networking, giving students opportunities to collaborate with peers who may become future creative partners or employers. Students will also gain hands-on skills applicable to professional work in the entertainment industry.
“It's a program that's going to get artists and creatives to think about the next step in their careers as it relates to the business, administrative or entrepreneurial side of arts and culture,” Fernando said.
The certificate builds upon two existing arts leadership certificates in the college: arts and health, and museum and gallery management. The application for the Graduate Certificate in Film and Media Production and Leadership opens in February with a deadline of May 1.
A student interest form can be found here. For more information, please contact Fleurette S. Fernando at fsfernando@uh.edu.