Program Overview

Film Studies

College

College of Arts and Sciences

Department

Media Study

Majors

• Film Studies BA
• Media Study BA - Critical Studies Concentration
• Media Study BA - Production Concentration

Combined

• Media Study BA Critical Studies Concentration / Arts Management MA
• Media Study BA Production Concentration / Arts Management MA

Minor

• Media Study Minor

Certificate

• Game Studies Certificate

What will I learn?

As a film studies major at UB, you’ll learn how to think critically about film. You’ll typically take foundational classes in film history, theory and criticism, then move on to electives as you study topics like race, immigration and gender in film, often taught by experts in those subjects from throughout the university. You’ll analyze films from around the world, gain an understanding of both theoretical and practical concepts in film, and see how film influences culture—and vice versa.

Film Studies vs. Media Study

• Film studies is for students who want to think about and study film, perhaps as a writer, researcher or teacher.
• Media study teaches you how to create and analyze all types of media, including films.

What can I do outside of class?

• Internships. Get real-world experience and build your network; UB has strong ties to world-class media production studios, art galleries, film studios and other organizations.
• Events. On-campus and throughout Buffalo, you can attend conferences, screenings, film festivals and more.
• Student clubs. Join like-minded peers in one of UB’s 400+ clubs.
• Study abroad. Enjoy a life-changing semester, summer or even a full year learning and experiencing the culture of another country.

What can I do with a film studies degree?

Write. Teach. Study. Curate. As a film studies graduate, you'll have experience and perspective that can open doors. From museums and universities to film studios, production companies, advertising agencies and media outlets, you can apply your skills and talent at nearly any type of organization that analyzes and distributes media.

Some of the specific career options include:

• Art gallery director/curator.
• Arts festival director.
• Copywriter.
• Film reviewer/critic.
• Grant writer.
• Journalist.
• Manager for an arts funding agency.
• Media specialist.
• Program coordinator.
• Professor.
• Researcher.
• Scriptwriter.
• Teacher.
• Video game consultant.
• Web design analyst.

Who will I learn from?

At UB, our professors do much more than teach. They exhibit their work and perform around the world. They publish their research in leading journals. They create award-winning films and produce media art that is included in major collections. And, of course, they share their insight and expertise with their students.

Here, you'll find professors who are passionate about everything from virtual reality and social media to sound design, filmmaking and experimental art. Our students learn from experts in art history, English literature, anthropology, computer science … the list goes on and on.

Whether your professor is an artist who has exhibited in the Smithsonian and helped develop virtual reality technology, or a scholar who has given more than 100 guest lectures around the world, you’ll appreciate their diverse perspectives—and their commitment to helping you prepare for whatever comes next.