Program Overview

Film and Media Studies, B.A.

McCausland College of Arts and Sciences

Lights, camera, action! Our film and media studies program is perfect for students who have a passionate love of film, television or comics, and it may feel like a calling for them.

A film and media studies degree is a pathway to careers in film archiving, film and television production, as well as film and media journalism. Many FAMS students move on to graduate school in law or business or continue their studies from a top-tier graduate program, as they can turn their passion for film into a career.

Program Highlights

• Cinematography Knowledge: Learn all you need to know about the key characteristics of cinematography and editing.
• Film Archive Internship: Apply your skills through an internship at the Moving Image Research Collections, our university's film archive.
• Summer Study Away: Head for Hollywood and receive firsthand experience at the big studios with our special summer study away program.

What You’ll Study

Some of our most popular courses in this program include American Television, Superheroes Across Media and even Quentin Tarantino's oeuvre. Unlike many other undergraduate programs in the U.S. and abroad, we offer both a comics studies specialization and a media industries pathway, so you can get an education that best suits your interests.

Building Skills

Gain the professional and personal intelligence it takes to have a successful career.

• Analytical Reasoning: Breaking down complex problems or situations to identify patterns, connections and solutions
• Attention to Detail: Being meticulous and thorough in all aspects of a task or project
• Cultural Awareness: Learning about and respecting diverse cultures and beliefs
• Examine Evidence: Gathering and analyzing information for decision-making or problem-solving purposes
• Research: Gathering and analyzing information to increase knowledge or solve problems
• Critical Thinking: Analyzing and evaluating information to make informed decisions or judgments

Using your degree

Make your college experience the foundation for a successful future.

• Potential Careers:
  • Film and TV Archivist
  • Casting Director
  • Film and TV Accountant
  • Film and TV Journalist
  • Staff Writer
  • Film and Media Producer
• Job Titles of Alumni:
  • Director
  • Lead Editor
  • Studio Operations Technician
  • Freelance Filmmaker/Editor
  • Set Production Assistant
• Average Alumni Salary: Five to 10 years after graduation without additional education $71,204
• Workplace Settings:
  • Film and TV Studios
  • Film and TV Production
  • TV Networks
  • Film Archives
  • Libraries
  • Universities
• Employers of Alumni:
  • Lucasfilm
  • New Line Cinema
  • OWN: The Oprah Winfrey Network
  • Saturday Night Live
  • The Walt Disney Company

"I wanted to learn as much as possible about all aspects of film. In this program, I was able to learn about acting, screenwriting, literary adaptation, cinematography and the business of film. This major perfectly encompassed all of my interests."

Elizabeth Smith