Program Overview
A bachelor’s degree in film can open the door to careers in storytelling, media production, critical analysis, and creative industries that shape culture around the world. The Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) and Bachelor of General Studies (B.G.S.) in Film and Media Studies offer students an interdisciplinary approach to understanding moving images—from cinema and television to digital media and emerging visual platforms. Through coursework that combines theory, history, and hands-on practice, students gain the analytical and creative skills needed to succeed in media-related fields.
The film and media studies degree introduces students to the artistic, cultural, and technological dimensions of film and media. Students explore how visual storytelling influences society while learning the production techniques and critical frameworks used to analyze media texts. Faculty bring expertise in film history, media theory, documentary production, and digital storytelling, allowing students to experience both the creative and scholarly sides of the discipline.
For students interested in creative practice, the program includes opportunities similar to a bachelor’s degree in film production, allowing students to develop projects such as short films, documentaries, and multimedia works. Production courses guide students through every stage of the creative process, including scripting, cinematography, directing, and post-production editing. Collaborative coursework encourages teamwork and project management skills that mirror professional media environments.
Students choose between two degree structures: the Bachelor of Arts (BA) and the Bachelor of General Studies (BGS). Both share the same Film and Media Studies core curriculum and concentration options, but each carries distinct requirements that shape how students build their broader academic experience.
The BA is designed for students who want to develop deep expertise in film and media alongside a traditional liberal arts foundation. In addition to major requirements, BA students complete coursework in a world language, a laboratory or field science experience, and quantitative reasoning. Students pursuing the BA often go on to graduate study in film, media studies, communications, or related disciplines.
The BGS is structured for students who want to pair film and media studies with substantive work in another academic area. BGS students are required to complete a minor, a second major, or two certificates in addition to their Film and Media Studies coursework, along with a career preparation course. This built-in interdisciplinary requirement makes the BGS a strong fit for students combining film with fields like journalism, marketing, business, computer science, or any other area that aligns with their professional goals. BGS students often pursue careers in media production and related industries upon graduation.
Students pursuing a BA or BGS in Film and Media Studies choose one of two concentrations that shape the direction of their degree:
- Production: prepares students for careers in the film and media industries through hands-on creative practice. Coursework covers the full arc of the filmmaking process — from screenwriting and cinematography to directing, post-production, and sound design. Students build technical fluency across a range of production formats, including narrative film, animation, music video, and digital media. The concentration also requires coursework in film theory and history, ensuring that students develop not only technical craft but the analytical foundation to think critically about the work they make and the industry they are entering.
- Culture and Studies: designed for students whose primary interests lie in film criticism, media scholarship, cultural analysis, and related fields. Coursework draws on film history, media theory, and cultural studies to examine how moving images function across societies, historical periods, and global contexts. Students explore questions of identity, politics, representation, and the circulation of media across cultures. The concentration also includes production coursework, giving students direct experience with the tools and processes of filmmaking — an increasingly essential complement to critical and scholarly work in media.
Learn more about KU
Undergraduate
For more information about the program, visit the program page below.
Film & Media Studies, BA/BGSKU College of Liberal Arts and Sciences
The Bachelor’s in Film and Media Studies is part of the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, home to a collaborative and creative community making the world better through inquiry and research.Bachelor’s in Film and Media Studies Learning Outcomes
Students completing the film studies bachelor’s degree develop a range of creative, analytical, and professional skills. At the completion of this program, graduates are able to:
- Critically evaluate film and other media — and write about them clearly, effectively, and with an awareness of ethical appropriateness.
- Create meaningful, ethically considered stories, messages, and meanings through visual media, including film, animation, and digital formats.
- Understand and articulate the role of film and media in the development of culture, and the importance of diversity within that cultural landscape.
- Apply the skills and knowledge gained at KU toward continued education in graduate or professional school, or toward employment in a field that draws on media literacy, visual communication, or creative production.
These outcomes help ensure that students completing a bachelor’s degree in film graduate with both intellectual and creative skills applicable to a wide range of careers.
What Careers are possible with a Bachelor’s in Film and Media Studies?
Graduates with a film and media studies degree develop versatile skills that apply to creative industries, media organizations, and communication-focused professions. Knowledge of visual storytelling, research, and media production prepares students for roles across many sectors.
Common career pathways include:
- Film and video production
- Documentary filmmaking
- Television and digital media production
- Screenwriting and storytelling
- Media criticism and journalism
- Marketing and content creation
- Social media strategy and digital communications
- Advertising and brand storytelling
- Film festival programming or media curation
According to labor market data from Lightcast, occupations related to film, media production, and digital content creation continue to expand as organizations increase investment in video and multimedia communication. A bachelor’s degree in film production can also serve as preparation for graduate study in film, media studies, or related disciplines.
Tuition and Financial Aid
KU offers a variety of financial aid opportunities to make earning your degree in Film and Media Studies more affordable. Learn more about tuition and funding options at KU Financial Aid.Admission Requirements
All students interested in the film and media studies major must meet the standard University of Kansas admission requirements for incoming freshman and transfer students. This includes:
Freshman
- 3.25 high school GPA OR 2.0 GPA and 21+ ACT
Transfer
- Assured admission with 24+ transferrable credit hours with a 2.5+ GPA from a regionally accredited higher education institution.
For detailed admission requirements, visit KU Admissions.
Student Life and Learning Experience
Students pursuing a bachelor’s degree in film benefit from a collaborative and creative academic environment. Film screenings, guest lectures, and student showcases provide opportunities to engage with filmmakers, scholars, and industry professionals.
The program encourages hands-on learning through production projects, research opportunities, and student media initiatives. Students may participate in film clubs, collaborative production teams, or campus media organizations that help them build professional experience while completing their film bachelor’s degree.
Workshops and guest presentations often bring filmmakers and media scholars to campus, providing insight into current industry practices and creative processes. These experiences allow students to develop both artistic vision and professional connections.
Bachelor’s in Film and Media Studies Sample Courses
Students completing a film and media studies degree take courses that explore both the theory and practice of film and media. Sample courses may include:
- Introduction to Film and Media
- Film and Media Aesthetics
- Foundations of Filmmaking Practice
- Storytelling with Digital Media
- Cinematography
These courses help students build the creative, technical, and analytical skills required for careers in media and communication while completing their bachelor’s degree in film. For more information, please visit the KU Catalog.
Bachelor’s in Film and Media Studies Frequently Asked Questions
When should I apply?
Applications are open and accepted on a rolling basis.
How long will it take to complete the degree?
Students typically complete this degree in four years.