Film Degrees

The department contains two film majors: Film Production and Film Studies. Both majors give students a foundation in film history, aesthetics, production, and methods of analysis that illuminate global and cultural perspectives. Moreover, both majors are designed to develop skills in critical thinking and media literacy, to increase understanding of cultural histories, and to sharpen awareness of the complex interactions between film practice and its socioeconomic contexts. Students who select the Film Production Major gain experience in all aspects of production and are prepared to begin careers as writers, producers, and directors. BGSU graduates have been accepted into prestigious MFA film programs and highly competitive professional programs such as those sponsored by the Director's Guild of America, as well as working in various positions within the film industry. Students who choose the Film Studies Major develop expertise in electronic publishing and in analyzing the film industry and individual films. They are prepared to begin careers in journalism, festival organization, film acquisition and distribution, and, with professional training, entertainment law. Film studies students have been accepted into graduate film studies programs and have launched successful electronic publications on film, media, and culture.

A strength of the Film program is its faculty, who bring years of research and experience to their teaching. The program also benefits from BGSU's long-standing leadership in the areas of performance studies, popular culture, and international cinemas. Its commitment to excellence is demonstrated by its significant collection of research materials in the Jerome Library and its ongoing screenings of films in the Bowen-Thompson Student Union Theater and the Ralph Haven Wolfe Film Theater.

Students can participate in numerous film-related opportunities.  Students contribute film articles and reviews to the campus newspaper or assist in the preparation of the open access per review journal, The Projector: A Journal on Film, Media and Culture.  Student created films are regularly screened in our theaters.

Scholarship and Financial Aid

There are several awards and scholarships available for students in the film program, including an award named in honor of legendary film actresses and Ohio natives, Dorothy and Lillian Gish, awarded annually to an outstanding student in film.

More information regarding available scholarships can be found at:  https://bgsu.academicworks.com