Bachelor of Arts in Cinema and Media Studies
Examine the global impact of cinema and media.
THE BACHELOR OF ARTS IN CINEMA AND MEDIA STUDIES teaches students the social, cultural and economic impact of one of the most influential art forms of the 20th and 21st centuries. Majors acquire critical and practical expertise in cinema and media, become familiar with diverse productions, and engage in advanced discussions on a range of classical and contemporary works. Graduates are prepared for careers in arts and culture, media, business and more.
ABOUT THE PROGRAM
The interdisciplinary cinema and media studies program brings together expertise from across the University of Maryland College of Arts and Humanities, including the immersive media design program, the Departments of Art History and Archaeology, English and History, and the School of Languages, Literatures, and Cultures. The major incorporates courses about cinema from across the globe and challenges students to understand systems of transnational exchange. Students can practice filmmaking, pursue internships in media-related fields and participate in film clubs and festivals.
COURSEWORK
Cinema and media studies coursework provides students with the analytical tools and historical background needed to interpret various global cinematic traditions and offers students the opportunity to explore genres, themes and movements across different historical periods. By studying cinema from diverse backgrounds, students have the opportunity to learn more about other cultures and challenge stereotypical representations. Students develop skills in analysis, writing and research. After completing the foundational coursework, students can tailor the major to their own interests and goals, choosing from courses offered across the university. Students benefit from the opportunities afforded by the media, culture and business-oriented environment of the D.C. area.
Career Readiness
The College of Arts and Humanities (ARHU) offers courses designed to ensure students are ready to enter the workforce, along with integrated and individualized academic and career advising. Alumni continue on to graduate school or forge their careers in a variety of industries and fields. The creative ways to apply your ARHU degree are truly limitless! Here are some placements specific to cinema and media studies majors:
Internship Placements
- Beck Media
- Maryland Athletics
- Moving Picture Institute
- Washington Business Journal
Graduate School Placements
- American University
- Drexel University
- University of London
- University of Pittsburgh
Employer Placements
- ABC News Studios
- Colorlab (motion picture film lab)
- HarperCollins Publishers
- National Geographic
- The Washington Post
Course Examples
- Animation And Cinema
- Film Art In A Global Society
- Introduction To Filmmaking
- Transnational Chinese Cinemas
Alumni Job Titles
- Assistant Director Of Creative Content
- Campaign Manager
- Communications Associate
- Creative Producer
- Filmmaker/Videographer
- Media Production Consultant
- Multiplatform Editor
- Production Assistant
- Visual Digital Designer
General Policies
1. The Cinema and Media Studies major requires 39 credits (13 courses).
2. A grade of C- or better is required in each of the courses making up the 39 credits of the major.
3. Up to nine (9) credits may be taken at the 200-level.
4. At least 6 of the 39 credits must be at the 400-level.
Required Credits
THE CINEMA AND MEDIA STUDIES MAJOR REQUIRES 39 CREDITS, DISTRIBUTED AS FOLLOWS:
1. FILM FORM (3 CREDITS)
CINE 245/ENGL 245 Film Form and Culture (fulfils Gen Ed req. in Humanities)
Cinema and Media Studies majors must take CINE/ENGL 245 before they take other 300- or 400-level Film Studies courses. We recommend that it be taken no later than sophomore year.
2. CINEMA AND MEDIA STUDIES HISTORY AND THEORY FOUNDATION (6 CREDITS)
Prerequisite for both courses: CINE 245/ENGL 245.
CINE 301 Cinema History I: The Silent Era
CINE 302 Cinema History II: The Sound Era Students may take the two courses in any order.
Revised 11/18/21
3. CINEMA AND MEDIA STUDIES AREAS (18 CREDITS)
Courses in these distribution requirements must be taken at the 300-level or above; at least one must be taken at the 400-level.
A. One course (3 credits) in Cinema and Media Theories
B. Two courses (6 credits) in Genres/Auteurs/Movements
C. Two courses (6 credits) in National and International Cinemas
D. One course (3 credits) in Documentary, Animation, Experimental Cinema or other Visual Media
4. CINEMA AND MEDIA STUDIES ELECTIVES (12 CREDITS)
Up to two courses in this category may be taken at the 200-level. At least one must be taken at the 400-level. Please consult the full list of courses accepted for the major.
Option One: 12 credits, distributed as follows:
A. At least two courses (6 credits) from CINE, any topic or area
B. Up to two courses (6 credits) of cinema and media studies-related courses from other programs, as approved by the program Advisor.
Option Two: 12 credits
A. Four courses (12 credits) in cinema and media studies, selected to create a coherent emphasis. The four courses should be selected in consultation with the Film Studies Advisor to allow students to explore a specific area of interest or an area related to their future academic or professional plans.
Program Advisor
Marianne Conroy
Lecturer, English
Cinema and Media Studies
3229 Tawes Hall
College Park
MD,
20742
Program Director
Caroline Eades
Professor, School of Languages, Literatures, and Cultures
Professor, French
Professor, Cinema and Media Studies
Affiliate Professor, Classics
4120 Jiménez Hall
College Park
MD,
20742
BOLDLY HUMAN FEARLESSLY CREATIVE
ABOUT THE COLLEGE
When you join the University of Maryland College of Arts and Humanities (ARHU), you become part of a supportive and inclusive community committed to solving the world’s grand challenges. ARHU is reimagining an education in the arts and humanities by empowering students to make sense of the world using empathy, creativity and intellectual rigor. Our faculty and staff experts are focused on preparing competitive, versatile and visionary leaders equipped to address the complexities of the human experience. Graduates are purposefully prepared for successful careers and fulfilling lives.