Overview

The Film and Media Arts B.F.A. at Southern Methodist University offers an immersive professional education designed for aspiring filmmakers and storytellers. This programme combines critical media studies with intensive practical application to ensure graduates possess both technical proficiency and theoretical depth.

Students entering this degree must demonstrate their creative potential through a portfolio of work in video, film, or screenwriting. The curriculum is structured to foster a deep understanding of international film history and contemporary industry practices while allowing for significant creative specialisation.

The learning environment is supported by the Meadows School of the Arts, providing access to high-quality production facilities and a community of creative peers.

Why Film and Media Arts at Southern Methodist University?

Southern Methodist University provides a distinctive approach by integrating rigorous academic learning with extensive hands-on experience. The programme is housed within a vibrant arts community that emphasises the intersection of creativity, ideation, and professional industry standards.

Facilities and teaching features are designed to mirror real-world environments, offering students the chance to work with various formats including 16mm film and digital animation. The university’s location also provides a strategic gateway to diverse media industries and professional networking opportunities.

Tuition Fee Breakdown

International fee: USD 30940 per semester
National fee: USD 30940 per semester
Local fee: USD 30940 per semester

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

Syllabus

The curriculum includes a robust core of media studies followed by specialised emphasis tracks. Modules may include:

Imagining Media
Art of Film and Media
Contemporary Media Industries
Screenwriting
Production
Film and Media Criticism
Production Formats
International Film History
Philosophy of Film and Media
Diversity and American Film and Media
Media Production Ethics and Representation
Thesis Development
Media Career Preparation

Careers with Film and Media Arts

Graduates are prepared for a wide range of roles within the entertainment and communication sectors. The programme includes a dedicated capstone focused on media career preparation to assist students in transitioning from the classroom to the professional world.

Potential career paths include directing, screenwriting, film editing, and cinematography. Additionally, the comprehensive training in media criticism and industry operations allows graduates to pursue opportunities in media management, television production, and independent filmmaking.

Programme Structure

Courses:

Convergent Media

Nonfiction Production

Multicam Production

Topics in Production

TV Ad Concepting and Production

Cinematography

Animation

Key information

Duration

Full-time
- 48 months

Start dates & application deadlines

Starting 2027-08-25 00:00:00
- Apply before 2027-01-15 00:00:00

Language

English

Duolingo English Test

115

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TOEFL^® IBT

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PTE Academic

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IELTS

6.5

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Credits

122 SCH

Delivered

On Campus

Campus Location

Dallas, United States

Disciplines

Film Studies Media Management Media Studies & Mass Media View 906 other Bachelors in Media Studies & Mass Media 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

115

Take A Free Practice Test!

TOEFL^® IBT

Schedule TOEFL®

PTE Academic

Schedule a PTE test!

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

Completed application

$60 nonrefundable application fee

Official high school transcript

Official or self-reported SAT or ACT scores.

Official TOEFL, IELTS, OR Duolingo English Test (DET) results are required for students whose language of instruction is bilingual or not solely in English.

Counselor recommendation

Teacher recommendation (optional)

Extracurricular résumé

Home School Supplement (if applicable)

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

61880 USD / year

≈ 61880 USD / year
Out-of-State

61880 USD / year

≈ 61880 USD / year
Domestic

Applies to you

In-State

61880 USD / year

≈ 61880 USD / year

Living costs

Dallas

United States

1140 - 1925 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 and Media Arts.

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

Dallas

Funding

Need help with your student visa?

Scholarships Information

Available Scholarships

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