Overview

The Cinema Studies programme at the University of Colorado at Boulder provides an in-depth exploration of the moving image as both a historical record and a contemporary art form. Students engage with a curriculum that balances rigorous academic inquiry with practical creative experience. This degree prepares graduates to navigate the complex visual landscape of the 21st century through critical thinking and technical proficiency.

Why Cinema Studies at University of Colorado at Boulder?

The university is ranked as a top green college and holds a prestigious position among the leading public institutions in the United States. Students benefit from a distinguished faculty comprised of both respected scholars and active working artists. The department provides access to exceptional facilities, including the International Film Series and First Person Cinema, which serve as major regional exhibition venues.

Learning takes place in environments equipped with state-of-the-art technology. Students utilise industry-standard editing software such as Adobe Premiere Pro, AVID Media Composer, and DaVinci Resolve. The department also offers a range of professional hardware, including a RED Digital Cinema camera, a greenscreen studio, a darkroom, and various analogue cameras ranging from Super 8 to 35mm.

Tuition Fee Breakdown

International fee: USD 46848 per year
National fee: USD 44748 per year
Local fee: USD 14606 per year

Visit the Fees and Funding section for a breakdown in your local currency.

Syllabus

The curriculum is structured around two primary pathways: critical study and production. Students complete a core set of requirements before specialising in their chosen emphasis. Modules may include:

Cinema History
Film Analysis
Film Theory
Documentary Practices
Film and Video Production
Screenwriting
Producing
Acting and Directing
Animation

Careers with Cinema Studies

Graduates from this programme are well-equipped for diverse roles within the global media landscape. Many alumni secure positions with television and film production companies, film institutes, and entertainment organisations. Common career paths include working as a film director, production assistant, videographer, or editor. Others find success in multimedia journalism, academia, and film festival management.

The department has a strong track record of alumni success, with former students earning Academy Award nominations and Emmy awards. Notable graduates have held influential roles at major organisations such as AMC Networks and Ryan Murphy Productions. Employment for film and video editors is projected to grow significantly, ensuring a robust job market for those with professional training in moving image arts.

Programme Structure

Courses include:

Recent International Cinema

Film Topics

CU Cinema Studies Seminar: Film Festival Cultures

Form, Structure, and Narrative Analysis

American Indians in Film

Film Trilogies

Nazis on Screen: Hollywood, War, Propaganda

Key information

Duration

Full-time
- 48 months

Start dates & application deadlines

Starting 2027-01-08 00:00:00
- Apply before 2026-10-01 00:00:00
Starting 2027-08-20 00:00:00
- Apply before 2027-01-15 00:00:00

Language

English

Duolingo English Test

120

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TOEFL^® IBT

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IELTS

6.5

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Credits

121 SCH

121-123

Delivered

On Campus

Campus Location

Boulder, United States

Disciplines

Film Studies View 757 other Bachelors in Film Studies in United States

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Academic requirements

We are not aware of any specific GRE, GMAT or GPA grading score requirements for this programme.

English requirements

Duolingo English Test

120

Take A Free Practice Test!

TOEFL^® IBT

Schedule TOEFL®

IELTS

6.5

Prepare for Your English Test

Cathoven AI IELTS Preparation

Learn your IELTS Score

AI-powered IELTS feedback. Clear, actionable, and tailored to boost your writing & speaking score. No credit card or upfront payment required.

Trusted by 300k learners
98 accuracy using real exam data
4.9/5 student rating

Other requirements

General requirements

Application

Application fee ($65 for domestic applicants, $70 for international applicants

Personal Essay (required, 250–650 words)

Letter of recommendation

High school or secondary school transcripts

In addition to the general admission requirements, all international applicants are required to meet a minimum standard of English proficiency.

Tuition Fees

Tuition fees are shown in and the most likely applicable fee is shown based on your nationality.

International Applies to you

Applies to you

Non-residents

46848 USD / year

≈ 46848 USD / year
Out-of-State

44748 USD / year

≈ 44748 USD / year
Domestic

Applies to you

In-State

14606 USD / year

≈ 14606 USD / year

Living costs

Boulder

United States

950 - 1350 USD / month

The living costs include the total expenses per month, covering accommodation, public transportation, utilities (electricity, internet), books and groceries.

Funding

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Scholarships Information

Below you will find Bachelor's scholarship opportunities for Cinema Studies.

Available Scholarships

You are eligible to apply for these scholarships but a selection process will still be applied by the provider.

About

Overview

Programme Structure

Key information

Duration

Start dates & application deadlines

Language

Prepare for Your English Test

Credits

Delivered

Campus Location

Disciplines

What students do after studying

Academic requirements

English requirements

Prepare for Your English Test

Other requirements

General requirements

Tuition Fees

International Applies to you

Domestic

Living costs

Boulder

Funding

Need help with your student visa?

Scholarships Information

Available Scholarships

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