Learn More
Have a question about Film Studies or want more information? Let us know.
A major in Film Studies provides you with the breadth of knowledge and skills needed to pursue careers in the entertainment industry, in film archiving and preservation and in film festival programming. Individuals with a background in Film Studies also go on to work on the staffs of nonprofit organizations, as critics and arts journalists, as independent artists and as teachers.
Film Studies majors engage with the entire culture of cinema, learning to think and write historically, theoretically and critically about film. Film Studies is an interdisciplinary program, which draws on the research and teaching expertise of internationally-recognized faculty from departments across the humanities. Our majors complete core courses in world cinema and the fundamental tools of film analysis; fulfill requirements in early cinema, multicultural film studies and the documentary and experimental traditions; and go on to take a series of elective courses, eventually designating a three course focus area for their studies.
carpenter.438@osu.edu
614-292-6961
The Film Studies major concentrates on cinema as an international social practice and shapes its study as a humanistic discipline. Students complete a prerequisite introduction to film and then go on to core courses in basic film analysis, history and theory; take classes in early, multicultural and experimental traditions; choose film studies electives; develop a focus area in consultation with a faculty advisor; and complete an intensive senior seminar.
Traditionally, graduates with a BA in Film Studies pursue higher education in film studies or media-arts production, distribution, funding, archiving, research, journalism, arts criticism and traditional and non-traditional education at a variety of levels including P-12 education. They have been competitive in graduate school acceptance and in job searches nationally in these areas. Students are also prepared for the kinds of positions requiring critical and information-analytical skills in government, nonprofit organizations and industry that are open to other students majoring in the arts and sciences.
Graduates may go on to a wide range of careers, including cinematographer or producer; critic, actor or arts journalist; independent filmmaker; drama coach; film editor or photographer; story editor; sound editor; theater manager or publicist; casting director; community arts worker; film director or film editor; and more.