BA in Film Studies
Watch closely. Think deeply. Write with purpose.
If you love movies and want to understand how they shape culture, identity and politics, the BA in Film Studies at the University at Buffalo is for you. You will study film as art and as a powerful social force, building the historical, theoretical and intercultural tools to become a thoughtful cultural critic.
Film Studies at UB is designed for students who want to move beyond watching movies to analyzing how they work and why they matter.
At UB you will:
- Study film history from early cinema to contemporary global film
- Engage deeply with film theory and criticism
- Explore cinema across cultures and national traditions
- Connect film to issues of race, gender, politics and technology
- Take electives across departments to broaden your perspective
UB’s long standing strength in media study, combined with its research university resources, gives you access to expert faculty and a wide range of interdisciplinary courses. Buffalo’s active arts and film communities also provide screenings, festivals and cultural experiences that extend your learning beyond the classroom.
- Interdisciplinary approach with courses across multiple departments
- Strong core foundation in film history and analysis
- World cinema focus that explores film from around the globe
- Flexible electives that may include production courses
- Upper-level seminars that deepen critical thinking and writing
If your primary goal is filmmaking, you may want to explore the Production Concentration in Media Study. Film Studies focuses on analysis, theory and criticism, though production courses may be taken as electives.
The BA in Film Studies requires 14 courses, approximately 46 credit hours.
Coursework includes:
- A required foundation in film history and media analysis
- Coursework in film theory, history, criticism and analysis
- Critical theory and cultural studies courses
- World cinema courses that explore national and global traditions
- Electives, which may include film theory or film production
For full policies and course listings:
You will also complete UB Curriculum requirements and additional electives to reach the university minimum of 120 credits for graduation.
Sample courses
Your path may include courses such as:
- Film and Media History
- Film Genres
- Contemporary Cinema
- Film and Media Theory
- World Cinema
- Black Aesthetics
- Sociology of Popular Culture
These courses help you connect cinematic technique to cultural context and global history.
Administered by the Department of Media Study, this interdisciplinary major draws courses from English, Africana and American Studies, Communication, Sociology and Criminology, Romance Languages and Literatures, Global Gender and Sexuality Studies and more.
Graduates of the Film Studies program pursue paths such as:
- Film criticism and journalism
- Arts and cultural programming
- Communications and public relations
- Graduate study in film, media studies or related fields
- Teaching at the secondary or postsecondary level
You will develop strong writing, analytical and research skills that are valued across industries. Families can feel confident that this major builds transferable skills grounded in critical thinking and communication.
If you are ready to move from loving movies to understanding them at a deeper level, Film Studies at UB gives you the tools to analyze cinema with confidence and insight.
Have questions? We are here to help.
