Critical studies courses take a multi-faceted approach comprised of film screenings, readings, and lectures, while students are expected to practice their film analysis skills in writing assignments and class discussion. Like many programs in the Arts and Humanities, the BA Program in Film Studies aims more broadly to teach two fundamental skills: critical thinking and writing ability. These skills are developed in our program specifically through the examination of films, but they are also broadly useful well beyond the realm of film studies. The BA program enrolls approximately 425 majors.

The film studies bachelor of arts/master of arts critical studies degree gives highly motivated BA students the opportunity to earn an MA degree using an accelerated undergraduate program in combination with a fifth year of study.

The BA/MA degree in film studies is a critical studies track under the auspices of the art MA program. This collaboration between the Film Studies Program and the Department of Art and Art History is an extension of our common interests in visual art. The Film Studies tenured and tenure-track faculty also have graduate faculty standing within Art and Art History.

The BA/MA track prepares students for professional careers in teaching and criticism, from the perspective of innovative critical approaches and in preparation for a PhD track at another university. The aim of the BA/MA film program is to aid in the advancement of the scholarly understanding of film art, with emphasis on theoretical and research approaches and their role in academia. The BA/MA will, therefore, prepare its graduates to assume the responsibilities of the academic study of cinema as one of the fine arts and to pursue careers in teaching, research, curating and the overall advancement of the study of cinema as art.