If you have a passion for filmmaking and are interested in movies and media, consider studying Film & Media Arts at the University of Utah. This program offers students the opportunity to examine the visual art form that defines our time. Through a series of courses covering the history, aesthetics, and criticism of the motion picture, students gain critical thinking skills and hands-on experience in film and video production. You will be exposed to cinema from around the world, exploring genres such as narrative, documentary, experimental, and animation. Electives in women directors, film diversity, film genres, animation, storyboarding, sound, screenplay writing, and other topics are also available.
Students have the opportunity to focus their studies in one of four emphases: Animation Studies, Entertainment Arts and Engineering, Film Production, or Media Arts Production. Whether you prefer to hone your skills in animation or instead prefer experience in both computer science and the arts, the Film & Media Arts program at the U will prepare you to join the next generation of visual innovators.
The Student Experience
Film and Media Arts students are welcome to take advantage of the department’s facilities and equipment for help in completing assignments: a production room, green screen, and claymation studio are all available at Salt Lake City. UAC offers opportunities to experience the film area by attending BIFF (Busan International Film Festival) and learning abroad in Italy. For additional academic and career experience, students may complete an internship or research project.
If you want to network and meet other students, participate in an ArtsForce event or workshop at Salt Lake: in addition to social opportunities, this program helps art students transition from school to a career.
Career Opportunities
The Film & Media Arts program will prepare you for careers in advertising, entertainment venues, museums, broadcast media, and film. U graduates have become producers, cinematographers, film editors, graphic designers, media marketing managers, photographers, programmers, recruiters, and writers.
Use the skills gained from the Animation Studies or Entertainment Arts and Engineering emphases to become an animator or video game developer. Or, continue your education at the graduate level with programs in law, business administration, computer science, or film and production.
Major Requirements
Dept. of Film & Media Arts
Minimum Major Hours: 56
Core Courses
Complete 2 Semester(s):
- FILM 1010 - Introduction to Undergraduate Studies in Film & Media Arts 0.5 Credit(s) (This course is taken as CR/NC)
Complete 4 Course(s):
- FILM 1110 - Introduction to Film 4 Credit(s)
- FILM 3110 - History of Film until 1952 4 Credit(s)
- FILM 3120 - History of Film from 1952 4 Credit(s)
- FILM 2500 - Introduction to Film Production 4 Credit(s)
Elective Courses (no emphases)
Film Electives
Complete at least 24 FILM elective credits, in addition to the Major Requirements for Film & Media Arts - Core Courses (FILM 1010, 1110, 3110, 3120, and 2500).
Allied Hours
Complete at least 15 credits of Allied Hours. Allied Hours relate to Film & Media Arts but are taken in another academic discipline. A College of Fine Arts academic advisor must approve a student’s Allied Hours.
Minor - Documentary Studies
UAC does not offer Film and Media Arts Minor, but Documentary Studies is an alternative where students can explore films and documentaries. Documentary Studies consists minimum of 18 degree hours including FILM3100 and COMM3100. Documentary Studies minor is an interdisciplinary program, with eligible courses in topics such as anthropology, communication, film and media arts, English, and environmental studies. Documentary Studies also cover various production techniques including radio, photography, film, multimedia, and web formats.
If you want to declare Documentary Studies Minor, please contact the FMA advisor, Suhyen Um.
Want to Declare a Major?
The Film and Media Arts Major is open enrollment. In other words, it does not have specific requirements. Usually students who enroll with an intention to become Film and Media Arts Majors are automatically declared as such. However, if your degree audit does not already indicate that your major is Film and Media Arts, you will need to declare.
If you want to declare your major, please contact the FMA advisor, Suhyen Um.
Meet Major Advisor
Film & Media Arts / Accounting / Information Systems / Undecided
Minsun Park
032-626-6100
u641
Book an Appointment
Your academic advisor can provide invaluable assistance with major/minor declaration, courses and registration, research opportunities, internships, and more. Book an appointment through the button below if you need any help with your major.