Cinema and Media Arts

The Cinema and Media Arts program at Vanderbilt University offers students a comprehensive and interdisciplinary education in the history, theory, and practice of film, television, and digital media. Designed to cultivate critical thinking, creative expression, and technical proficiency, the program prepares students for a variety of careers within the media industry or further graduate study. Students in the program explore a broad range of topics, including film analysis, media criticism, screenwriting, editing, directing, producing, and media technology. The curriculum emphasizes both theoretical understanding and hands-on experience, encouraging students to develop their own voice as storytellers and media creators.

Through coursework, students engage with the history and cultural significance of cinema and media arts from diverse perspectives, fostering an appreciation for global cinematic traditions and media practices. The program also provides access to state-of-the-art facilities and equipment, enabling students to gain practical skills in digital editing, cinematography, and sound design. Collaborative projects and internships are integral components of the program, offering opportunities to work on real-world productions, participate in film festivals, and build professional networks in the entertainment industry.

Faculty members are accomplished scholars and industry professionals dedicated to mentoring students and guiding their academic and artistic development. The Vanderbilt Cinema and Media Arts program aims to produce versatile graduates who can critically analyze media artifacts, employ innovative media techniques, and contribute meaningfully to the evolving landscape of visual storytelling. Whether students aspire to become filmmakers, media scholars, critics, or media entrepreneurs, the program provides the foundation and resources necessary for success in this dynamic field. With its interdisciplinary approach and commitment to creative excellence, the program prepares students to engage thoughtfully and ethically with media in all its forms.

1. CMA 1500: Fundamentals of Film and Video Production

2. CMA 1600: Introduction to Film and Media Studies

3. CMA 2100: Intermediate Filmmaking: Alternate Forms (Topics Vary)
                    Prerequisite, CMA 1500

4. CMA 2200: Intermediate Filmmaking: Fiction (Topics Vary)
                    Prerequisite, CMA 1500

5. CMA 2300: Film and Media Theory
                    Prerequisite, CMA 1600

6. CMA 2400: History of World Cinema
                    Prerequisite, CMA 1600

7. Senior Seminar: CMA 4961 or 4962

8. Two courses in CMA electives: CMA 1111: First Year Writing Seminar, CMA 2500W: Screenwriting I, CMA 2600W: Screenwriting II, CMA 3891: Special Topics in Film and Video Production, CMA 3892: Special Topics in the Study of Film.

Please note that 2100 and 2200 may not count towards elective credit.

9. One course in cultural minority or non-U.S. national cinemas: African American and Diaspora Studies 1506 (Reel to Real: Film Aesthetics and Representation), Asian Studies 2512 (Explorations of Japanese Animation), French 3230 (French and Francophone Cinema), German 2442 (War on Screen), German 2444 (German Fairy Tales: From Brothers Grimm to Walt Disney), German 2443 (German Cinema: Vampires, Victims, and Vamps), German 2445 (Nazi Cinema: The Manipulation of Mass Culture), Italian 3640 (Classic Italian Cinema), Jewish Studies 2290W (Imagining the Alien: Jewish Science Fiction), Portuguese 3302 (Brazilian Pop Culture), Spanish 3355 (Advanced Conversation through Cultural Issues in Film), Spanish 3365 (Film and Recent Cultural Trends in Spain), Spanish 2990 (Images of the Feminine in Spanish Cinema).

10. One course in film and the other arts: Art Studio 1200 (Photography I), Art Studio 1202 (Digital Imaging I), Art Studio 1700 (Video Art), Art Studio 1702 (Interactive Portable Media and Cell Phone Art I), Art Studio 2200 (Photography II), 2202 (Digital Imaging II), 2700 (Video Art II), 2702 (Interactive Portable Media and Cell Phone Art II), History of Art 2680 (British Art: Tudor to Victorian), History of Art 2710 (Twentieth-Century European Art), Music Literature 1300 (Music, The Arts, and Ideas), Music Literature 2320 (Exploring the Film Soundtrack), Theatre 1711 (Introduction to Theatrical Production), Theatre 1811 (Marshals, Mobsters, Monsters, Magnums, and Musicals: American Movie Genres), Theatre 3721 (Elements of Basic Design: Scenery and Properties), Theatre 3761 (Elements of Basic Design: Lighting and Sound), Theatre 3741 (Elements of Basic Design: Costuming and Makeup).

11. One course in film and other disciplines: Communication Studies 3720 (Communicating Gender), Communication Studies 2950 (Rhetoric of Mass Media), Communication Studies 3710 (Cultural Rhetorics of Film), Communication Studies 3890 (Selected Topics in Communication Studies, when a film topic is offered), English 3642 (Film and Modernism), English 3694 (America on Film: Art and Ideology), English 3899 (Special Topics in Film), Philosophy 3013 (History of Aesthetics), Philosophy 3615 (Philosophy of Film), Religious Studies 3229 (The Holocaust: Its Meanings and Implications), Women’s and Gender Studies 1272 (Feminism and Film).

Requirements

• All required parts of either the Coalition Application, Common Application, or Universal College Application.
• $50 nonrefundable application fee, or fee waiver for qualified students
• Official high school transcript
• Counselor letter of recommendation
• Two academic teacher recommendations
• Standardized Test Results: SAT or ACT (SAT code: 1871 / ACT code: 4036)
• Official results of the TOEFL, IELTS, or PTE Academic if applicable*
• A completed College Scholarship Service (CSS) Profile, if applicable**

Want to improve your English level for admission?

Prepare for the program requirements with English Online by the British Council.

• ✔️ Flexible study schedule
• ✔️ Experienced teachers
• ✔️ Certificate upon completion

📘 Recommended for students with an IELTS level of 6.0 or below.

Enroll in the course

Scholarships

• Need-Based Aid for International Students
• Merit-Based Aid for International Students

The Cinema and Media Arts program at Vanderbilt University offers students a comprehensive education in the history, theory, and production of film and media. The program is designed to cultivate critical thinking, creative expression, and technical skills, preparing students for careers in film, television, new media, and related fields. Students have access to state-of-the-art facilities and equipment, including editing suites, sound studios, and digital production labs, enabling hands-on experience in all aspects of media creation. The curriculum combines coursework in film history, theory, screenwriting, directing, producing, and cinematography, providing a well-rounded understanding of the medium. Students are encouraged to develop their own voice and storytelling abilities through individual projects and collaborative endeavors. The program often integrates internships and opportunities for practical industry engagement, fostering professional development and networking within the media industry. Vanderbilt’s faculty includes experienced filmmakers, scholars, and industry professionals dedicated to mentorship and research. Graduates of the program have gone on to work in film production, media art, broadcasting, digital content creation, and academia. The program also emphasizes diversity of perspectives and inclusive storytelling, reflecting the university’s broader commitment to social engagement and representation. Throughout their studies, students are encouraged to explore innovative technologies and platforms, staying abreast of the rapidly evolving media landscape. Overall, Vanderbilt's Cinema and Media Arts program aims to prepare students for dynamic careers in media, equip them with a critical understanding of the cultural contexts of film and media, and inspire creative excellence in storytelling.