Overview

Acquire an understanding of all aspects of film in Michigan's only BFA program in Cinema Arts. Shape rough ideas into well-crafted scripts. Learn about the various design and aesthetic principles of film. And craft your own film production with access to high-quality film equipment and software. You'll graduate with critical hands-on experience and a solid digital portfolio to help you pursue careers in film, video, screenwriting and more.You'll also learn from experienced faculty like Eric Limarenko and Katherine Hadar, who have both won awards and had their films exhibited at high-profile festivals. You'll take courses on scriptwriting, audio and video production, film critique and analysis and more alongside peers just as passionate as you are about watching and making good films. You'll then apply what you learn in the classroom to the production of your very own film project from start to finish. Students' films have been exhibited at the Central Michigan International Film Festival and the Traverse City Film Festival.

Beyond the classroom you’ll have access to internship opportunities with broadcast and television studios, film and media companies, digital web agencies and more. You can also join Central Michigan University's Animation Club, Film Society, and Moore Hall Television, an organization for passionate cinephiles committed to promoting diversity, educational and cultural awareness through film.

Program Highlights

As a cinema arts student here, you'll:

Earn the only well-rounded BFA of its kind in Michigan from writing to production to critical analysis.

Learn from and work with experienced, award-winning faculty like Eric Limarenko and Katherine Hadar.

Have access to high-end video, audio, lighting, and studio equipment as well as Adobe Creative Suite - free to all CMU students.

Take your own film project from concept to finished production — giving you critical experience and adding to your digital portfolio.

Possibly have your work exhibited at the Central Michigan International Film Festival and/or the Traverse City Film Festival.

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

More details

National Fall start : Rolling admission

Language

English

Duolingo English Test

100

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TOEFL^® IBT

Schedule TOEFL®

PTE Academic

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IELTS

6.5

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4.9/5 student rating

Credits

120 SCH

Delivered

On Campus

Campus Location

Mount Pleasant, United States

Disciplines

Film Studies Drama View 757 other Bachelors in Film Studies 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

In order for us to give you accurate scholarship information, we ask that you please confirm a few details and create an account with us.

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

Program Highlights

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

Scholarships Information

Available Scholarships

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