Our Program
The B.F.A. draws on the program’s long tradition of student focused education in order to give undergraduates the education and training necessary to pursue future careers in film and media production and related fields. The program has a unique curriculum in which each student receives professional training in all major aspects of filmmaking, alongside a strong foundation in film studies. The curriculum ensures that each student graduates with a full and well-rounded skill-set that will allow them to succeed in all facets of the increasingly diverse media production landscape: in the film and television industry, in professional areas using time-based media such as web design and advertising, as independent artists, and as film professionals working with museums, galleries, and festivals. In addition, each student graduates with a polished portfolio of work that highlights their unique creative vision.
In their first-year and sophomore years, students receive an introduction to film as an art form, focusing on film history and film studies combined with an overview of basic filmmaking techniques and tools. Fiction, non-fiction, and experimental films and filmmaking practices are explored in these years. In their junior and senior years, students continue to engage with a rigorous film studies program while shifting their focus to making films. During this period, students also take part in specialization classes that allow them to develop a portfolio of work focused on their specific professional interests. Utilizing a project-based approach to building creative portfolios, students earn a B.F.A. with a concentration in directing, screenwriting, producing, cinematography, or post-production.
First-Year Admission
The requirements for admission to the B.F.A. in Film include a minimum overall 3.0 GPA in high school and the submission of a portfolio of creative work containing films/videos, screenplays, or work from another medium.
Change of Major/Minor/Certificate Policy
Admission to the B.F.A. in Film program is by application, interview, and portfolio submission only. Upon successful admission, change of major paperwork should be initiated at the College of Fine Arts Deans Office.
Interested in a Film Minor? Go here for details .
Transfer Process for Current OHIO Students
The School of FILM is now accepting transfer applications for the 2024-2025 academic year.
The School of Film offers a unique educational environment where students are immersed in the study of film as an art form, a dynamic cultural force, and a means of expressive storytelling. Coursework establishes a rigorous, hands-on production experience and an intensive study of the history and theory of cinema.
Admission to the B.F.A. in Film program is by application and portfolio submission. Due to the cumulative nature of the curriculum, it is rare to accept a transfer beyond the sophomore year.
After acceptance to the University, program acceptance and placement will depend on the faculty’s assessment of the candidate’s portfolio materials. In most cases, transferring students should be prepared to make up some of the foundation coursework. Upon successful admission, change of major paperwork should be initiated at the College of Fine Arts Dean’s Office.
2024-2025 School of Film Transfer Application
Application deadlines: March 15
Notification dates: April 15
Once received, all applications will be reviewed by the school. If you have any questions on this process, or need assistance, please reach out directly to Lindsey Martin, Associate Director of the School of Film - lindseymartin@ohio.edu .
Transfer Policies (Select for Details)
Please note that this policy applies only to internal transfers, or transfers from within Ohio University. Students wishing to transfer from other colleges and universities should contact admissions directly: https://www.ohio.edu/admissions/transfer/apply
Transfers into the School of Film are on a space-available basis only.
Application does not guarantee acceptance.
Applications for transfer will be accepted through the academic year, according to the schedule above. Any acceptance decisions will be made within the above schedule.
To be considered for transfer, students should have a minimum cumulative grade point average of 3.0. Please note that the GPA qualifies a student only for consideration.
Students whose GPA is below the 3.0 requirement may be admitted provisionally. This means the school reserves the opportunity to review the application again after the semester closes and see how the current semester's grades are impacting the student's overall GPA.
Students may apply as early as their freshman year but will not begin course work until the following Fall.
Any application that is incomplete will not be considered.
Any application received after the deadline will not be considered.
To apply for transfer Students should be prepared to provide basic information, along with the following:
Personal statement– 1) Personal story - Describe an event in your life and how it changed you or someone close to you. This event can be dramatic and/or comedic and can be major or minor. Ultimately, we are looking for evidence of your potential as a storyteller. 2) Creative influences - How has a film, play, book, television series, painting, music, or other significant work of art inspired or influenced your own work or the way you look at the world? 3) Artistic statement - Describe your artistic goals, aspirations, and reason for pursuing filmmaking.
Creative Portfolio- Short film(s) or clips of your work shot on film/video, animation or motion graphics, photography, written work (fiction, original screenplays, essay), hand-drawn sketches, paintings, or computer-aided drawings, sculpture, or other 3-D work, Elements of theatrical production.
** Please be sure to supply a title and description of the work along with your role in the project.
Creative resume- Should highlight your creative work, activities, and/or relevant employment. This resume is distinct from your academic resume and should focus on your artistic and creative endeavors. We also welcome information about any community service you've done or part-time jobs you've held. These do not have to be strictly creative if they illustrate and engagement with your community and/or a significant time commitment from you.
External Transfer Admission
Admission to the B.F.A. in Film program is by application, interview and portfolio submission only. It is rare to accept a transfer beyond the sophomore year. After acceptance to the University, program acceptance and placement will depend on the faculty’s assessment of the candidate’s potential to succeed. In most cases, transferring students should be prepared to expect to make up some of the foundation coursework in their programs. Upon successful admission, change of major paperwork should be initiated at the College of Fine Arts Dean’s Office.
Opportunities Upon Graduation
The preparation offered by the proposed B.F.A. in Film prepares students for a wide and expanding constellation of career opportunities open to visual storytellers. The B.F.A. in Film will train students in all aspects of the filmmaking process, from conceptualizing a story through shooting and production work, to editing, sound mixing and exhibition. The goal is to nurture well-rounded, creative, and skilled filmmakers able to enter careers across the spectrum of professional opportunities in cinema. In addition to having mastered the technical skills of filmmaking, the students will discover themselves as creators, crew-mates, and artists through the four years of the degree program.
Join the program
Ready to join the School of Film?