Program Description: The Bachelor of Arts in Film Studies at the University of Pittsburgh offers students an in-depth exploration of the history, theory, and criticism of film and multimedia. This comprehensive program is designed to provide a solid foundation in the analytical and creative aspects of cinema, preparing students for careers in film production, criticism, education, and related fields. By engaging with a diverse array of cinematic works from different periods and cultures, students develop critical thinking and visual literacy skills essential for understanding the impact of film as a cultural and artistic form. The curriculum includes courses in film history, technical aspects of filmmaking, script analysis, and media studies, complemented by electives that allow students to tailor their education to their interests. Opportunities for hands-on experience through film production projects and internships are integral to the program, enabling students to apply theoretical knowledge in practical settings. Faculty members are experts in film theory, history, and production, providing mentorship and guidance throughout the program. The program emphasizes interdisciplinary approaches, encouraging students to examine film in relation to other arts, social issues, and technological developments. Graduates of the Film Studies program at the University of Pittsburgh are well-equipped with a critical and creative skill set that opens doors to a variety of professional pathways, including film criticism, screenwriting, directing, producing, and academia. The program also prepares students for graduate study in film and media studies, supporting continued academic pursuit and specialization. With access to state-of-the-art facilities, film archives, and academic resources, students are empowered to develop their unique voice and perspective within the dynamic landscape of film and media arts. Enrolling in this program means engaging with a vibrant community of scholars and artists dedicated to understanding and shaping the future of cinema.
General Arts and Sciences Requirements: 72 credits total (with provisions for including the MA, dissertation credits, and/or preparation for comprehensive credits, etc. in that number).
All Film Studies PhD students will be required to fulfill the requirements of their Area of Concentration as well as the Film Studies PhD Requirements.
Curriculum Overview
The curriculum for the PhD has two elements:
- Core Film Studies Requirements for all PhD Students (coursework in Film Studies, comprehensive exam in Film Studies, dissertation in Film Studies)
- Requirements for each Associated Department
Film Studies Core Course Requirements
These required courses will bring together students from all six associated departments so that they will have an opportunity to interact with each other. This core of required courses will also assure that students have a common and coherent thread in their Film Studies doctoral experience.
Note: This will not count toward seminar credit within the student’s associated department and will be given on a Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory basis.
Core Courses in Film Studies (7 credits):
- A two-course (6 credit) sequence taken in any order:
- Film History/Theory I ENGFLM 2451
- Film History/Theory II ENGFLM 2452
- One credit Film Studies Proseminar ENGFLM 2905
Electives in Film Studies (12 credits)
- Four elective Film Studies courses (in any department)
Of the total six required seminars, the student must take at least two courses taught by a member of the faculty outside of the student’s associated department. These course can include the two required core courses as well as any of the four electives.
Associated Departmental Course Requirements
Consult the website of the Associated Department to which you are applying. You must fulfill all requirements within that department although there can be overlap between requirements of the Associated Department and the Film Studies Program.
Preliminary Evaluation
The two required core courses in Film Studies (Film History/Theory I and II) will serve as the preliminary exam in Film Studies. Successful completion of these two classes with a grade of B or better will constitute passing the preliminary examination.
For any additional Preliminary Evaluation requirements in Associated Departments, consult the website of the Associated Department to which you are applying.
Comprehensive Exam
The Comprehensive Exam will be taken in the student’s Associated Department. While the exam structure will differ from department to department, in all cases:
- one component (or more) of the exam will focus on Film Studies
- a second component of the exam will focus on the departmental Area of Concentration (including its relation to cinema)
- at least one member of the exam committee in the student’s associated department will be a member of the graduate faculty in Film Studies.
Consult the website of your Associated Department for more details.
Language Requirements
The language requirement for each student is specified according to his/her Associated Department/Area of Concentration.
Consult the website of your Associated Department for more details.
Teaching
All film PhD students will be required to serve as TA/TF for at least one film class. If the Associated Department does not offer film course or has no TA/TF positions for a film course, students will be required to teach one term of the undergraduate course Introduction to Film (or another such introductory course developed in the future) as part of his/her overall experience as a TA/TF.
Dissertation
The dissertation will be completed in the Associated Department and must involve film and/or media studies as subject matter incorporated with the student’s Area of Concentration (as determined by the dissertation director).
The Chair of the dissertation committee will be a graduate faculty member in the student’s Associated Department who is also member of the interdisciplinary Film Studies graduate faculty.
The external member of the committee will be a member of the Film Studies graduate faculty from outside the Associated Department. It is expected that students will have been exposed to these faculty members in taking the required Film Studies courses (taught by the interdisciplinary Film Studies faculty), elective Film Studies courses (outside the student’s Associated Department), and in the Proseminar (taught by the interdisciplinary faculty.
Requirements
External Admissions
Students applying for the PhD in Film Studies will identify a departmental Area of Concentration from the list of associated departments (e.g. English, French, Hispanic, History of Art and Architecture, Slavic, and German). This area of concentration will appear on the student’s transcript when the degree is granted.
Students will submit an application to the Film Studies PhD program. That application will be simultaneously vetted by the Associated Department. Only one application fee is required. Students who wish to pursue a MA simultaneously in a Department that offers a standalone MA (e.g. French or German) can do so.
Internal Applications
Students who have already entered graduate programs in associated departments are welcome to apply to the Film Studies PhD Program through the normal application process. If accepted into the Film Program, they are eligible to transfer a maximum of 24 credits towards the Film PhD degree requirements, and can petition to waive required courses that have been fulfilled, following normal University, School and Program regulations.
If a student who is in the Film PhD program wants to switch to a different area of concentration (e.g., from German to English) he/she is required to reapply to the new area of concentration’s departmental PhD program and be admitted before being able to change the area of concentration.
A PhD student in Film Studies who wishes to switch to a different PhD Program need to apply to that program by filling out an application for readmission.
How to Apply
Use the Arts and Sciences website's ApplyYourself® service. Select "Film Studies-PHD" then choose your area of specialization on another pull-down menu.
Contact Film Studies graduate administrator with questions:filmst@pitt.edu or 412-624-6564.
Deadlines vary dependent on the Associated Department:
- English: December 10
- History of Art/Architecture: December 15
- French: January 10
- Hispanic: January 15
- Slavic: January 15
Note: If an Associated Department requires that you submit a writing sample in a foreign language, you must submit a second sample (either the same translated or different) in English.
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.
The University of Pittsburgh offers financial support options for students enrolled in its Film Studies programs to ensure accessible education and reduce financial barriers. These options include federal and state grants, scholarships, loans, and work-study opportunities. Undergraduate students can apply for financial aid through the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), which assesses their financial need and determines eligibility for various federal grants such as the Pell Grant, as well as federal loans like Direct Subsidized and Unsubsidized Loans. The university also offers merit-based scholarships specific to Film Studies students, which are awarded based on academic achievement, artistic talent, and contribution to the campus community. Graduate students pursuing advanced degrees in related disciplines may qualify for assistantships and fellowships that provide tuition remission and stipends in exchange for teaching or research duties. The university’s Financial Aid Office provides comprehensive support and counseling to help students navigate the application process for these funding sources. Additionally, external scholarships from arts foundations, film industry organizations, and cultural grants are available to eligible students and can supplement university-provided financial aid. The university emphasizes a commitment to affordability and encourages students to explore all available resources to finance their education. Payment plans are also offered to accommodate students’ financial situations, allowing for manageable installment payments over the academic year. Overall, the University of Pittsburgh’s combination of institutional aid, federal support, external scholarships, and flexible payment options aims to make Film Studies education affordable and accessible, helping students focus on their academic and artistic development without undue financial stress.
The University of Pittsburgh offers a comprehensive program in Film Studies through its College of General Studies and School of Arts and Sciences. The curriculum is designed to provide students with a deep understanding of film history, theory, criticism, and production. Students have the opportunity to explore a wide range of genres, periods, and national cinemas, gaining critical insights into the cultural, political, and technological contexts of filmmaking. The program emphasizes both theoretical knowledge and practical skills, encouraging students to analyze films critically while also developing their own creative projects. Coursework typically includes classes in film analysis, history of cinema, screenplay writing, and film production. Beyond coursework, students may have access to various film screenings, workshops, and internships that enhance their learning experience. The University of Pittsburgh's facilities include media labs, editing suites, and screening rooms equipped with modern technology, providing hands-on experience in film editing and production. Faculty members are experienced scholars and industry professionals dedicated to mentoring students and fostering their growth in the field of film. Graduates of the program often pursue careers in film critique, academia, production, broadcasting, or further graduate study. The program encourages an interdisciplinary approach, integrating insights from history, literature, and media studies to enrich students’ understanding of cinema as an art form and social practice. Overall, the University of Pittsburgh’s Film Studies program aims to cultivate critical thinking, creative expression, and technical skills, preparing students for diverse careers in the dynamic field of film and media.
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