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Film and Media Arts
Program Overview
Program Overview
The Bachelor of Arts in Film and Media Arts offers undergraduate students an intensive course of study in media production focused on individual creative development. Students in the program practice all aspects of filmmaking, including screenwriting, pre-production planning, cinematography, lighting, audio recording, editing, and sound design.
Program Details
- Program Type: Major
- Academic Unit: School of Humanities and Social Sciences
- Degree Type: Bachelor of Arts
- Standard credit hours: 120
- Delivery Mode: In-person
- Typical Program Length: 4 years
- Typical Course Load: 4-5 per semester
- Estimated Program Cost: $49,344
- All rates or costs are for illustrative purposes only. Estimated cost is calculated by multiplying the appropriate 2025/2026 UMKC academic year resident rate by standard credit hours. Fees are NOT included in the calculation. Your hours and total costs may differ, depending on transfer hours, course choices, academic progress, program- and university-specific fees, and your qualified tuition rate.
Career Opportunities
A degree in film and media arts prepares individuals for various roles in the entertainment and media industries. Careers in this field include film and video editing, directing, cinematography, animation, and special effects. The demand for skilled professionals continues to grow as digital media expands across streaming services, social media, and interactive platforms. Creativity, technical expertise, and storytelling skills are essential for success in these dynamic and evolving industries.
Potential Careers
- Film director
- Cinematographer
- Screenwriter
Where Our Students Work
- Amazon Studios
- Netflix
- Cannes Film Festival
- Sprint
Median Salary
$78,312 per year
- Based on data from Lightcast.io for Producers and Directors
Potential Courses
Directing Actors and Scenes
Deepen your understanding of the acting process and develop clear and creative communication with actors in this intensive workshop.
Narrative Production
Learn the creative, technical, and practical aspects of short-form narrative film production.
Documentary Production
Get familiarized with the basics of documentary production from an artistic, ethical, and practical results-oriented perspective.
Related Programs and Pathways
- Entrepreneurship (Minor)
- Arts Entrepreneurship (Certificate)
- Film (Minor)
- Communication — Digital Journalism and Media (Major)
- Digital and Public Humanities (Minor)
- Creative Writing and Media Arts — Screenwriting (Master's)
Application Process
- Gather your materials
- Official transcripts
- Names and locations of previous college(s) or high school(s) and dates you attended
- Citizenship, residency, and visa information (if applicable)
- ACT/SAT test scores (optional). Required if you would like to be considered for applicable scholarship opportunities
- Complete the online application
- No application fee for domestic undergraduate students — $75 for international students
- Check admissions requirements
- Some programs have specific admission requirements.
Application Dates
- To Start Classes in Fall: Apply by June 15, Classes begin in August
- To Start Classes in Spring: Apply by Nov. 15, Classes begin in January
Estimated Tuition Per Semester
- Resident Rate: $6,168
- Heartland Rate: $9,063
- Nonresident Rate: $16,090
- All rates or costs are for illustrative purposes only. Estimated cost is calculated by multiplying the appropriate 2025/2026 UMKC academic year resident rate by standard credit hours. Fees are NOT included in the calculation. Your hours and total costs may differ, depending on transfer hours, course choices, academic progress, program- and university-specific fees, and your qualified tuition rate. This rate calculation is based on a course load of 15 credit hours per semester.
