Film Studies
Do you love movies? Like really, really love them—watching them, talking about them and breaking them down scene-by-scene? If so, then take a closer look at film studies at UB. This major, from one of the first media study departments in the country, is designed for people who want to develop deeper insights into films and their relationship to culture. So if you want to stand out throughout your career, grab some popcorn and keep reading.
What will I learn?
As a film studies major at UB, you’ll learn how to think critically about film. You’ll typically take foundational classes in film history, theory and criticism, then move on to electives as you study topics like race, immigration and gender in film, often taught by experts in those subjects from throughout the university. You’ll analyze films from around the world, gain an understanding of both theoretical and practical concepts in film, and see how film influences culture—and vice versa.
Film Studies vs. Media Study
- Film studies is for students who want to think about and study film, perhaps as a writer, researcher or teacher.
- Media study teaches you how to create and analyze all types of media, including films.
What can I do with a film studies degree?
Write. Teach. Study. Curate. As a film studies graduate, you'll have experience and perspective that can open doors. From museums and universities to film studios, production companies, advertising agencies and media outlets, you can apply your skills and talent at nearly any type of organization that analyzes and distributes media.
Some of the specific career options include:
- Art gallery director/curator.
- Arts festival director.
- Copywriter.
- Film reviewer/critic.
- Grant writer.
- Journalist.
- Manager for an arts funding agency.
- Media specialist.
- Program coordinator.
- Professor.
- Researcher.
- Scriptwriter.
- Teacher.
- Video game consultant.
- Web design analyst.
By the Numbers
Check out salary ranges and career outlooks straight from the U.S. Department of Labor to see the return on investment for your degree.
| Occupation Title | Mean Annual Wage | Mean Hourly Wage | Future Outlook |
|---|---|---|---|
| Art, Drama, and Music Teachers, Postsecondary | $101,340.00 | N/A | |
| Producers and Directors | $42,980.00 | N/A | Rapid Growth |
Data provided by the and DOL data from 2024.