Overview

About Cinema at The University of Iowa

Students build a comprehensive knowledge of motion pictures across topics ranging from studies courses focused on major film movements, directors, and critical debates in the history and theory of cinema, and production courses focused on narrative, documentary, and experimental films, using 16mm and digital technologies.

Cinema graduates will be able to:

develop a broad proficiency in cinematic creativity (in areas such as editing, cinematography, screenwriting, sound design, animation) as well as the business of filmmaking, while emphasizing their own expressive vision;
display an understanding of preproduction, production, and postproduction in the filmmaking process; succinctly describe, pitch, and reflect on their own filmmaking practice; benefit from having assessed and evaluated their own and their peers’ films in workshops that emphasize constructive critique;
speak confidently, read critically, and research and write persuasively about the history and theory of cinema as a multifaceted medium with artistic, educational, and cultural implications;
recognize and critically evaluate the variety of film styles and practices from historical and contemporary, as well as international perspectives;

Careers

Because the film and television industries include a wide array of jobs, the cinema degree is not a direct track to any one specific career, but it does provide a solid foundation for entry into this field.

University of Iowa graduates have found work on sets in Hollywood and New York as location managers, editors, camera assistants, writers, producer’s assistants, location managers, casting agents, and more. Graduates also have found work in San Francisco, Chicago, Milwaukee, Seattle, and many other cities, with jobs in distribution, programming, documentary research, and education, among others. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics notes in the Occupational Outlook Handbook that occupations for film and video editors and camera operators are expected to grow by 18 percent over the next decade, which is much higher than average job growth. Related jobs in broadcast and sound engineering are expected to grow by nine percent, and film archivists and curatorial jobs are expected to grow 11 percent, both much higher than average.

Programme Structure

Courses include:

Modes of Film and Video Production

The Interpretation of Literature

Literary, Visual, and Performing Arts

World Languages Second Level Proficiency

Film Theory

Key information

Duration

Full-time
- 48 months

Start dates & application deadlines

Starting 2027-08-25 00:00:00
- Apply before 2027-02-01 00:00:00

Language

English

Duolingo English Test

110

Take A Free Practice Test!

TOEFL^® IBT

Schedule TOEFL®

IELTS

6.5

Prepare for Your English Test

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4.9/5 student rating

Credits

120 SCH

Delivered

On Campus

Campus Location

Iowa City, United States

Disciplines

Visual Arts Film Studies View 756 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

110

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

Submit an application

Pay the $40 application fee

Upload your academic records

If your first language is not English: Have the testing agency send us your TOEFL, IELTS or PTE score, if applicable, based on our English Proficiency Requirements

Have your ACT or SAT score sent to us by the testing agency.

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

33710 USD / year

≈ 33710 USD / year
Out-of-State

33710 USD / year

≈ 33710 USD / year
Domestic

Applies to you

In-State

11622 USD / year

≈ 11622 USD / year

Living costs

Iowa City

United States

1187 - 1841 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.

Available Scholarships

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

About

Overview

About Cinema at The University of Iowa

Careers

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

Iowa City

Funding

Need help with your student visa?

Scholarships Information

Available Scholarships

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