Film-Video Media Program Description

The Department of Film-Video and Media Studies offers two separate majors.

The film-video major offers opportunity for the in-depth study of film and video production, incorporating idea development, writing, production craft (cinematography, sound, editing), production management, and business aspects. Narrative, documentary, and experimental forms are explored in a program of study that supports critical thinking and the development of ideas. Emphasis is on discovering the ability to make creative, aesthetic, and content decisions, while developing a sense of personal style. Students leave the program with a thorough understanding of all aspects of the film and video processes. During the sophomore entrance-to-major process, students must submit a portfolio to secure entrance in the major.

The media studies major emphasizes academic development by introducing a wide range of approaches (such as aesthetic, humanistic, social-behavioral, or legal-policy) to understanding media, culture, and society.  Several options are offered to allow students to identify their own media-related questions and acquire the tools to answer these questions. These options include:
Film and Television Studies—This option is designed for students interested in studying the art, history, and criticism of film and television.
General—In this option, a student and faculty adviser work together to tailor a program of courses to meet the student's individual interest in a coherent theme in media studies.
International Communications—This option is designed for students who want to study the mass media systems of the world and their role in international affairs.
Media Effects—This option focuses on the social and psychological effects of media messages and technologies.
Media Law and Policy—Students in this option focus on the societal constraints and compulsion on the media, primarily in a U. S. domestic context 

Career Opportunities

Graduates of the film-video major leave the program prepared to work as writers, producers, directors, cinematographers, sound designers, and editors, and apply their education to mainstream entertainment, multi-media, public television, education, and corporate and commercial communications. Development of analytic, creative, and writing abilities allows graduates of the media studies major to pursue careers in media, government agencies, and public interest groups, as well as private industries needing communications specialists. Graduates may also pursue advanced degrees.