Cinema Arts
Major
Program Overview
A major in cinema arts provides experience in all areas of film production, from scriptwriting to production to post-production. You'll graduate with a strong portfolio ready to pursue careers in film, video, screenwriting and more.
Program Snapshot
Why This Program & What You'll Learn
Acquire an understanding of all aspects of film in Michigan's only BFA program in cinema arts. Shape rough ideas into well-crafted scripts. Learn about the various design and aesthetic principles of film. And craft your own film production with access to high-quality film equipment and software. You'll graduate with critical hands-on experience and a solid digital portfolio to help you pursue careers in film, video, screenwriting and more.
You'll also learn from experienced faculty like Eric Limarenko and Katherine Hadar, who have both won awards and had their films exhibited at high-profile festivals. You'll take courses on scriptwriting, audio and video production, film critique and analysis and more alongside peers just as passionate as you are about watching and making good films. You'll then apply what you learn in the classroom to the production of your very own film project from start to finish. Students' films have been exhibited at the Central Michigan International Film Festival and the Traverse City Film Festival.
Beyond the classroom you’ll have access to internship opportunities with broadcast and television studios, film and media companies, digital web agencies and more. You can also join CMU's Animation Club, Film Society, and Moore Hall Television, an organization for passionate cinephiles committed to promoting diversity, educational and cultural awareness through film.
Program Highlights
As a cinema arts student here, you'll:
- Earn the only well-rounded BFA of its kind in Michigan from writing to production to critical analysis.
- Learn from and work with experienced, award-winning faculty like Eric Limarenko and Katherine Hadar.
- Have access to high-end video, audio, lighting, and studio equipment as well as Adobe Creative Suite - free to all CMU students.
- Take your own film project from concept to finished production — giving you critical experience and adding to your digital portfolio.
- Possibly have your work exhibited at the Central Michigan International Film Festival and/or the Traverse City Film Festival.
Careers & Outcomes
A cinema arts major can prepare you for careers in film, writing, producing, directing, cinematography, editing, sound designing and advertising.
| Career | Projected Salary |
|---|---|
| Video Editor | $62,680 |
| Producer | $79,000 |
| Writer/Author | $73,150 |
| Audio/Visual Technician | $48,820 |
| Multimedia Illustrator | $41,862 |
| Film Producer | $42,336 |
| Production Planner | $44,981 |
| Broadcast Presenter | $55,453 |
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