Overview

The Motion Pictures programme at Wright State University provides students with a rigorous academic and practical foundation in the cinematic arts. This curriculum is designed to balance technical proficiency with a deep understanding of film history, theory, and criticism. Students benefit from a professional environment that encourages creative storytelling and critical inquiry.

Why Motion Pictures at Wright State University?

The institution is home to the Tom Hanks Centre for Motion Pictures, a state-of-the-art facility dedicated to the study and production of film. Faculty members are industry professionals whose work has been recognised by major bodies, including the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences. Students gain access to high-end equipment and dedicated learning spaces that mirror professional studio environments.

The programme’s reputation is bolstered by its alumni, who have secured roles in major Hollywood productions and won international film festival awards. Students also have the unique opportunity to showcase their work at the Big Lens Film Festival, an event organised by the school to highlight student achievements. Furthermore, the university offers prestigious scholarships, such as the Tom Hanks Scholarship and the Augsburger/Estevez Scholarship, to support talented filmmakers.

Tuition Fee Breakdown

International fee: USD 11000 per semester
National fee: USD 11000 per semester
Local fee: USD 5908 per semester

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

Syllabus

The curriculum varies depending on whether a student pursues the production-focused B.F.A. or the theory-based B.A. track. Modules may include:

Cinema and Sexuality
Romantic Comedy
Italian Neorealism
Philosophy and Film
Feminist Film Theory
Film Noir
Screenwriting
Cinematography
Experimental Video Art

Careers with Motion Pictures

Graduates are prepared for diverse roles within the global entertainment and media industries. Many alumni find success in Hollywood or as independent creators, while others pursue academic or curatorial paths. Potential career roles include:

Cinematographer or Videographer
Feature Film Producer
Film Editor or Technicolor Specialist
Screenwriter or Storyboard Artist
Advertising Creative Director
Cinema Scenic Artist and Designer
Film Archivist or Festival Coordinator
University Teacher or Professional Writer

The B.F.A. specifically prepares students for technical production roles in film, television, and advertising. The B.A. provides a versatile liberal arts foundation suitable for careers in journalism, arts management, or graduate-level research in cinema studies.

Programme Structure

Courses include:

The Moving Image

History of the Motion Picture

Documentary Film: History and Theory

Studies in Film History

Studies in Film Authorship

Studies in Film Theory

Advanced Studies in Media

Key information

Duration

Full-time
- 48 months

Start dates & application deadlines

Starting 2026-08-20 00:00:00
- Apply before 2026-08-15 00:00:00 , National
Starting 2027-01-12 00:00:00
- Apply before 2026-10-10 00:00:00 , International
Starting 2027-08-20 00:00:00
- Apply before 2027-04-30 00:00:00 , International

Language

English

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IELTS

5.5

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Credits

120 SCH

Delivered

On Campus

Campus Location

Dayton, United States

Disciplines

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

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Academic requirements

GPA

2.5

English requirements

Duolingo English Test

110

Take A Free Practice Test!

TOEFL^® IBT

Schedule TOEFL®

PTE Academic

Schedule a PTE test!

IELTS

5.5

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

International Application Checklist

Submit a copy of your passport information page showing your photo, name, and date of birth.

Complete the admission application and submit your $30 non-refundable application fee.

Refer to the Required Documents section to find a list of missing documents. Upload your documents in either PDF or JPEG format.

Upload your complete, official academic record from ALL high schools, secondary schools, colleges, and/or universities, or intensive English programs you have attended.

Submit an I-20 request form and current official bank statement in U.S. dollars.

Submit your SAT scores/ACT scores. These are not mandatory, but help in scholarship decisions.

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

22000 USD / year

≈ 22000 USD / year
Out-of-State

22000 USD / year

≈ 22000 USD / year
Domestic

Applies to you

In-State

11816 USD / year

≈ 11816 USD / year

Living costs

Dayton

United States

880 - 1352 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 Motion Pictures.

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

Dayton

Funding

Need help with your student visa?

Scholarships Information

Available Scholarships

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