Film & Media Studies

The School of the Arts offers a B.A., B.G.S., and a minor, as well as a M.A. and a Ph.D. in Film and Media Studies. The program offers a comprehensive course load, including classes in film and video production as well as the liberal arts and sciences. KU has been recognized recently by the Fiske Guide to Colleges as being a "major university strong in film/television" and many students of the program have won regional, national, and international competitions for their film/media projects.

Film and Media Studies Department Website

Sample of Related Skills

• Identify and demonstrate an understanding of the theoretical foundations of media 
• Analyze and critique a variety of media products, case studies and issues 
• Demonstrate an understanding of ethical issues related to the media 
• Demonstrate a broad understanding of global film history, including cultural, historical, and social contexts  
• Demonstrate an understanding of the critical and technical language associated with film studies, including genres, classic narrative form and non-narrative forms, mise-en-scene, cinematography, editing, sound, and modes of screen reality 
• Demonstrate their skills in the praxis of film production 

Popular Career Paths

Performance: Includes performance roles in film/television productions or within other performing arts venues, such as theatre, dance, comedy, etc.

Production, Direction, & Design: Encompasses "behind-the-scenes" roles that create, produce, direct, and design film/television productions.

Administration & Business: Includes all business and administrative roles within a performing arts venue, including management, marketing/PR, distribution, etc.; also includes talent management and representation for individual performers.

Education & Training: Involves teaching acting or film production in a class setting or giving individual performance coaching; may require additional education and credentials if teaching in K-12 or post-secondary schools.

Journalism & Media: Includes providing analysis and critique of film/television works for print or broadcast media. 

Jobs to Consider

• Acting or Dialect Coach
• Actor/Actress
• Art or Creative Director
• Attorney: Entertainment Law
• Best Boy
• Boom Operator
• Casting Director
• Cinematographer or Videographer
• Costume/Wardrobe Designer
• Director
• Film Commissioner
• Film Critic or Journalist
• Film Distributor
• Film or Video Editor
• Film Festival Organizer
• Film or Media Instructor
• Gaffer
• Grip
• Makeup Artist or Hairstylist
• Music Director
• Producer
• Production Coordinator
• Publicist
• Screenwriter
• Set or Scenic Designer
• Sound Designer or Mixer
• Special Effects Producer
• Stage Manager
• Stunt Coordinator
• Talent Agent 

Places to Seek Employment

• Advertising, Marketing, & Public Relations Agencies
• Film Production Studios & Distributors
• For-Profit Corporations
• Freelance: Acting, Coaching, Film Production & Editing, Writing
• Independent Film & Documentary Producers
• Local, State, & Federal Government Agencies
• Magazines, Newspapers, & Other Print Media
• Movie Theaters
• Non-Profit Organizations
• Public & Private Schools (K-12) and Colleges & Universities
• Radio Stations
• Talent Agencies
• Television Networks & Production Studios
• Website & Computer Software Developers: Multimedia Production 

Explore More Career Resources

Backstage Jobs - job and internship site for "behind the scenes" positions in the live entertainment industry  

New York Women in Communications - lists jobs and internships in film, radio, and tv 

Production Hub - job and internship site that includes positions in film, broadcast/television, video production, digital media, post-production, and much more. 

Red Echo Group - Kansas City - local branch of Red Echo Group, a non-profit organization that helps at-risk inner city youth create their own films through the "Let's Make a Movie!" program; offers volunteer opportunities 

Showbiz Jobs - online job board for positions within the entertainment industry 

Film Society of Greater Kansas City - local organization that supports KC-area film making 

Independent Filmmaker's Coalition of Kansas City - local non-profit that promotes regional film, video, and media production; provides educational and networking opportunities as well as equipment rental for members 

Kansas City Filmmakers Jubilee - local group that unites KC film-related organizations to promote and enhance KC-area filmmaking through the Kansas City FilmFest and other events 

Writers Guild of America - labor union for television, film, and other media writers; includes professional resources related to screenwriting