Cinema Studies

The Cinema Studies program at New York University offers students an in-depth examination of the history, theory, and critique of cinema as an influential art form and cultural practice. Through a comprehensive curriculum, aspiring film scholars explore the development of film language, narrative structures, and cinematic techniques across different historical periods and genres. The program emphasizes critical analysis and encourages students to engage with diverse film movements, global cinema, and contemporary media landscapes. Students will have opportunities to study film aesthetics, production practices, and the social, political, and economic contexts that shape cinematic works. The curriculum integrates interdisciplinary approaches, combining insights from art history, media studies, cultural studies, and philosophy to foster a nuanced understanding of cinema's role in society. Faculty composed of renowned scholars and industry professionals guide students through hands-on coursework, seminars, and research projects. The program also offers access to state-of-the-art film archives, screening rooms, and production facilities, enabling practical experience alongside theoretical learning. Graduates of the Cinema Studies program are well-equipped for careers in film criticism, academia, curation, media production, and related fields. They emerge with analytical skills, a broad cultural perspective, and a deep appreciation for the art and impact of cinema. The program’s flexible structure allows students to tailor their studies to specific interests, including international film, documentary, animation, or digital media. Overall, NYU’s Cinema Studies program provides a rigorous, dynamic, and enriching environment for students passionate about understanding and shaping the future of cinema.

Courses in the Department of Cinema Studies are divided into four tiers.  Over your four years in the department, you’ll take a mixture of courses from each tier to complete the requirements for your major.

TIER I

The core curriculum for Cinema Studies majors includes five courses taken in sequence: Intro to Cinema Studies, Film History, Film Theory, Television: History & Culture, and an Advanced Seminar.  Recent Advanced Seminar topics have included Adaptation, Costume Design, Horror, Sci-Fi & Difference, Orson Welles, and Surrealism and Cinema.

TIER II

Small lecture classes will give you the opportunity to delve into specific topics in the areas of film auteurs, genres, movements, national cinemas, television studies, and special topics.  Course topics change each semester, so there’s always something new to learn.  Recent topics have included American Film of the 1960s & 70s, Choreography and the Moving Image, Hitchcock, Korean Cinema, The Sitcom and Special Effects.

TIER III

Large lecture courses will give you a survey of American and international film history.  Each fall, courses focus on cinema up to 1960.  Each spring, courses focus on cinema from 1960 to the present.

TIER IV

Small theory/practice courses allow you to put your theoretical knowledge into practice in the areas of screenwriting, film criticism, and forms of filmmaking as well as other modes of moving image production such as new media.

GENERAL EDUCATION

Outside of Cinema Studies, you will complete a sequence of liberal arts courses in both Tisch and the College of Arts and Science’s College Core Curriculum.

WRITING

Two expository writing courses, Art and the World and The World Through Art, are designed to foster an appreciation of how arts relate to each other and to society in a changing world, reflecting on a range of social and ethical issues as they pertain to your own creativity.

FOREIGN LANGUAGE

Fluency in a foreign language is an important skill for becoming a member of the global community.  You can either take two semesters of a language or demonstrate proficiency at an intermediate level.

FOUNDATIONS OF CONTEMPORARY CULTURE

In the College Core Curriculum, you will be encouraged to engage both with your own perspectives and with the world at large by taking a sequence of courses that includes Texts and Ideas, Cultures and Contexts, and an approved social sciences course of your choosing.

FOUNDATIONS OF SCIENTIFIC INQUIRY

The College Core Curriculum also includes courses in Quantitative Reasoning and Natural Science to give you the knowledge you need to be an independent-minded citizen in a world increasingly shaped by science and technology.

Requirements

• Contact information for the counselor or other school representative who will complete your Common Application School Report and submit your official high school transcript.
• Contact information for one teacher (or two, maximum) who will complete the Teacher Evaluation form.
• Nonrefundable $70.00 application fee. Students who are unable to pay the application fee can request a fee waiver.
• Official score reports (see NYU’s standardized testing requirements).
• English language testing if you have not completed at least 3 years of study where English is the sole language of instruction and English is not your native language.
• Official transcripts of all college work that you have received academic credit for.
• An audition, portfolio, or other additional requirement that might be necessary for the program you’re applying to.
• The Common Application Mid Year Report with updated transcript. This should show your first semester senior year grades. Have your counselor submit the report by March 1 through the Common Application.
• Submit original or certified copies only. A certified copy has an original signature of the registrar or other designated school official, or the institution's seal. Include an official English translation if the document isn't in English. 

Scholarships

• All students are automatically considered for academic (merit-based) scholarship with no separate application required. For financial need-based scholarships, students must submit all required financial aid applications by the deadlines. Scholarship awards are based on eligibility and the availability of funds. Most scholarships at NYU are based on a combination of need and merit and require that applicants submit their financial aid applications on time for consideration.
• NYU Award Package
• Financial Aid. All students should apply every year for financial assistance. NYU requires the CSS/Financial Aid PROFILE application (for all new freshmen and returning international students, to be considered for institutional [non-government] financial aid), the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) (for eligible new freshmen and continuing students, to be considered for federal financial aid), and, for residents of New York State, the New York State Tuition Assistance Program (TAP) application.

The Cinema Studies program at New York University offers an in-depth examination of the history, theory, and criticism of film and other visual media. Students in this program explore a broad array of topics including film aesthetics, narrative structures, cinematic technology, cultural and social implications of cinema, and the impact of digital media on film production and distribution. The curriculum is designed to equip students with critical skills for analyzing films and understanding their broader cultural significance, fostering an appreciation of diverse cinematic traditions from around the world. Courses often cover topics such as film history, theory, world cinema, genre studies, and contemporary media. The program encourages interdisciplinary approaches, integrating insights from literature, art, philosophy, and social sciences to deepen students' understanding of film as an art form and a cultural phenomenon. Students have opportunities for hands-on experience in film criticism, filmmaking, and media production, often through collaboration with NYU's renowned Tisch School of the Arts. The program also emphasizes research literacy and analytical skills, preparing graduates for careers in academia, film criticism, curating, or the entertainment industry. NYU's location in New York City provides students with access to a vibrant cultural scene, numerous film festivals, museums, and industry events, enriching their educational experience and professional networks. The faculty consists of scholars and practitioners with extensive expertise in various aspects of cinema and media studies, offering mentorship and guidance in students' academic and professional pursuits. Graduates of this program have gone on to careers in film criticism, academia, journalism, production, and media management, demonstrating the program’s strong preparation for the dynamic field of film and media. Overall, NYU’s Cinema Studies program combines rigorous academic coursework with creative and professional opportunities, fostering a comprehensive understanding of the medium’s history, theory, and contemporary developments.