Overview

The Film programme at Portland State University provides a rigorous academic environment where students integrate cinematic theory with hands-on filmmaking practice. This undergraduate course is designed to foster creative vision while building the technical proficiency required for success in the modern media landscape. Students are encouraged to engage with the vibrant local arts community through various networking events and professional internships.

Why Film at Portland State University?

The School of Film has been recognised by Moviemaker magazine as one of the premier institutions in the Northwest for its exceptional training in film criticism and theory. Students benefit from a collaborative community where professors are active participants in both the film industry and academia. The curriculum balances group projects with solo work, ensuring graduates possess a versatile skill set that spans technical mastery and historical understanding.

Tuition Fee Breakdown

International fee: USD 34599 per year
National fee: USD 34599 per year
Local fee: USD 12999 per year

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

Syllabus

The curriculum allows students to begin specialised training immediately, covering both the analytical and practical aspects of the medium. Modules may include:

Film Analysis
Filmmaking
Film History
Cinema Criticism
Visual Communication
Media Theory

Careers with Film

Graduates from Portland State University are prepared for diverse roles across the creative industries and further academic study. Alumni have successfully secured positions within film and television production, advertising agencies, and commercial media houses. Many also find opportunities in media arts education, non-profit organisations, and as programmers for international film festivals.

The programme also serves as a strong foundation for postgraduate education. Former students have progressed to prestigious Master of Arts and Master of Fine Arts programmes at institutions such as Columbia University, the University of Southern California, and Leeds Beckett University. Career paths typically include:

Filmmaker
Film Scholar
Commercial Producer
Media Arts Educator
Film Programmer
Visual Communicator

Programme Structure

Courses include:

Film Analysis

Digital Filmmaking

Classical Film Theory

Documentary Film Production

Narrative Film Production

Film History

Portfolio and Professional Development

Contemporary Film Theory

Key information

Duration

Full-time
- 48 months

Start dates & application deadlines

Starting 2026-09-30 00:00:00
- Apply before 2026-09-01 00:00:00 , International
- Apply before 2026-08-01 00:00:00 , National

Language

English

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Credits

180 alternative credits

Delivered

On Campus

Campus Location

Portland, United States

Disciplines

Visual Arts Film Studies Media Studies & Mass Media View 907 other Bachelors in Media Studies & Mass Media in United States

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Academic requirements

GPA

2.5

English requirements

Duolingo English Test

110

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TOEFL^® IBT

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PTE Academic

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IELTS

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98 accuracy using real exam data
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Other requirements

General requirements

Graduate from high school and meet the following cumulative unweighted grade point average (GPA) requirements:
- 2.5 or higher = automatic admission if college prep coursework requirement met
- 2.49 or lower (or coursework requirement not met) = further admission review
Complete 15 units* of college preparatory coursework with grades of C- or better in the following areas:
- English/Language Arts: 4 units
- Math: coursework culminating in at least the completion of Algebra II
- Science: 3 units (one year of lab science is recommended) effective 2012
- Social Studies: 3 units
- Second Language: 2 units of the same language*

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

34599 USD / year

≈ 34599 USD / year
Out-of-State

34599 USD / year

≈ 34599 USD / year
Domestic

Applies to you

In-State

12999 USD / year

≈ 12999 USD / year

Living costs

Portland

United States

1271 - 2262 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 Film.

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

Portland

Funding

Need help with your student visa?

Scholarships Information

Available Scholarships

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