Overview

The Cinema Arts programme at Central Michigan University offers an immersive professional training environment for aspiring filmmakers and visual storytellers. Students engage with every stage of the cinematic process, from initial concept development and screenwriting to advanced production and digital editing techniques.

This degree is designed to bridge the gap between creative theory and technical execution. Participants work alongside a community of passionate peers and expert faculty to produce high-quality film projects. The curriculum ensures that every graduate possesses a robust portfolio of work suitable for the competitive international film market.

Why Cinema Arts at Central Michigan University?

Central Michigan University provides the only Bachelor of Fine Arts in this discipline within the state, offering a unique and intensive creative environment. Students benefit from direct mentorship by award-winning faculty members whose works have been showcased at prestigious global film festivals.

The institution provides exceptional facilities, including high-end video, audio, and lighting equipment. Students also receive complimentary access to the Adobe Creative Suite, ensuring they use industry-standard software throughout their studies. These resources allow for the creation of professional-grade cinema projects.

Tuition Fee Breakdown

International fee: USD 22200 per year
National fee: USD 13248 per year
Local fee: USD 13248 per year

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

Syllabus

The curriculum covers a broad range of technical and theoretical subjects essential for modern media production. Modules may include:

Scriptwriting
Audio Production
Video Production
Film Critique and Analysis
Film Production

Careers with Cinema Arts

Graduates are prepared for diverse roles within the global entertainment and media sectors. The programme focuses on developing the versatile skill sets required for technical, creative, and managerial positions in film and television. Many alumni find success in digital web agencies and broadcast studios.

Potential career paths for graduates include roles such as film producers, directors, and cinematographers. Other common destinations include positions as video editors, scriptwriters, and audio-visual technicians. The programme also prepares students for specialised work in multimedia illustration, production planning, and broadcast presentation.

Programme Structure

Courses include:

History of Photography

Writing the Feature-Length Screenplay

Photography Lighting Studio

Advanced Electronic Cinematography

French Film and Other Media

Key information

Duration

Full-time
- 48 months

Start dates & application deadlines

Starting 2027-01-13 00:00:00
- Apply before 2026-10-01 00:00:00 , International
Starting 2027-08-26 00:00:00
- Apply before 2027-05-15 00:00:00 , International

More details

National Fall start : Rolling admission

Language

English

Duolingo English Test

100

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TOEFL^® IBT

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PTE Academic

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IELTS

6.5

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Credits

120 SCH

Delivered

On Campus

Campus Location

Mount Pleasant, United States

Disciplines

Film Studies Drama View 1333 other Bachelors in Drama in United States

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Academic requirements

GPA

2.8

If your GPA is at least 2.8, we will accept your application using the GPA you provide when you apply.
If your GPA is below 2.8, a transcript is required.

English requirements

Duolingo English Test

100

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

We take several things into consideration when evaluating applications for admission, including GPA, test scores (optional) and academic improvement over time.

As part of the online application, you’ll need to pay a $40 application fee. If your family is experiencing financial hardship, speak to your high school guidance counselor to see whether you qualify for a fee waiver.

You may submit an unofficial transcript with your application, or ask your school counselor to submit your official transcript. We can provide an admission decision and merit scholarship with either one. Keep us updated with new transcripts at the end of each semester. It may mean an upgrade in your scholarship.

You don’t have to submit a test score in order to be admitted and earn a merit award.

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

22200 USD / year

≈ 22200 USD / year
Out-of-State

13248 USD / year

≈ 13248 USD / year
Domestic

Applies to you

In-State

13248 USD / year

≈ 13248 USD / year

Additional Details

Lower level (less than 56 credit hours) tuition: For U.S. residents: $11,976 per year, for International students: $21,000 per year

Living costs

Mount Pleasant

United States

1000 - 1500 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 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

Additional Details

Living costs

Mount Pleasant

Funding

Need help with your student visa?

Scholarships Information

Available Scholarships

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