Javascript is currently not supported, or is disabled by this browser. Please enable Javascript for full functionality.

Skip to Main Content
University of Pittsburgh    
2024-2025 Undergraduate Catalog 
    
 
  Oct 07, 2024
 
2024-2025 Undergraduate Catalog

Film and Media Studies, BA


The study of film and media is an important part of a contemporary humanities education. At the University of Pittsburgh, the Film and Media Studies Program offers interdisciplinary courses concerning the history, aesthetics, and theory of cinema and time-based media and courses in film and video production.

 

A major in film and media studies helps students to understand and appreciate the cinematic medium and to be aware of its impact as a cultural and artistic force. It is appropriate for those students who wish to pursue careers in film teaching, film exhibition, film journalism, film museum curatorial work, film library and archive work, and film and television production. As part of the Film and Media Studies Program, internships are available to students in many of these fields at locations including local television stations, Pitt Studios, Pittsburgh-based film festivals, casting agencies, and museums. Critical Studies and Film and Media Production tracks alike provide liberal arts educations with professional outcomes.

Critical Studies track requirements


Production course


Students must take one of the following production courses.

National Cinemas or Filmmakers courses


Two courses must be chosen from the above category as listed on the back of this sheet.

Themes/Genres/Theory courses


Two courses must be chosen from the above category as listed on the back of this sheet.

Elective courses


Four courses must be chosen from the three categories listed on the back of this sheet.

Important Course notes


No more than five production courses may be counted toward the major, although additional production courses can be taken as electives toward graduation.

One three-credit internship can be counted in the production category toward the major.

Production track requirements


Production course


Select one of the following courses.

Critical Studies courses


One course from each of the following pairs of courses.

Two category courses


Students must take two courses from either the National Cinemas or Film or the Themes, Genres, or Theory category listed below.

Production


Additional Rules and Requirements


ENGFLM 0530 and ENGFLM 0540

The Film and Media Studies program recommends that students complete ENGFLM 0530 - FILM ANALYSIS  and ENGFLM 0540 - WORLD FILM HISTORY  or their equivalents prior to taking any 1000-level film courses.

Production courses

No more than five production courses may be counted toward the Critical Studies track in the major. Additional production courses may be taken to meet the minimum credit requirement for graduation.

Grade requirements

A minimum GPA of 2.0 in departmental courses is required for graduation.

Satisfactory/No Credit option

No more than three courses that count toward the major can be taken on an S/NC basis.

Internship

Only one 3-credit film internship can be counted toward the major.

Writing requirement

Students must complete at least one W-course in the major.



Catalog Navigation