The Certificate in Film Studies

The Interdepartmental Program in Film Studies offers a certificate to undergraduate students as a complement to their academic major. Any undergraduate formally enrolled at the university may apply to this program, which provides a coherent course of study in film and video as contemporary art forms. Film Studies offers between thirty and forty courses each semester that explore the dynamics of screen representation in topics including media and culture; race, nation, and ethnicity; gender and sexuality; film styles and genres; production and distribution; and technology and new media. Since the program began in 1991, Film Studies graduates have used the certificate to compete successfully for admission to prestigious film schools and graduate programs; for positions in film and video production; for employment in film and video distribution and exhibition, in digital and new media; and as editors, producers, actors, and independent filmmakers.

The program offers practical experience through internships with public television and independent production companies, and other external opportunities for advanced work in theory, history, criticism and related aspects of studies in the moving image.

Requirements

A student who wishes to obtain a certificate in film studies must apply to the program by making an introductory appointment with a Film Studies advisor. The program requires a minimum of six approved courses (three or four credits each) in film and video, and from at least three different departments/programs or exclusively FILM-ST courses. These six courses are drawn from five categories of courses, including:

1. An introductory course in film
2. Theory or history of film
3. Genre, auteur, national or global cinema
4. Upper-level seminars
5. Electives (courses in film or video production strongly encouraged)

Restrictions

Certificate students must maintain a GPA of 2.500 or higher in approved film/video courses; no courses with a grade lower than C will count toward the certificate; no courses taken Pass/Fail may be counted toward the minimum requirements. At least four courses must be taken at the University of Massachusetts Amherst. Transfer credits from other institutions, including the Five Colleges, and course substitutions must be approved by the Chief Undergraduate Program Advisor. Some continuing education courses may also count toward the Certificate.

Note: Students are encouraged to enroll in the program in their freshman or sophomore year. A short advising appointment is recommended each semester to ensure a coherent plan of study. In order to be awarded the certificate, students must fulfill all criteria. Students who complete the six course minimum before their final semester are encouraged to continue to avail themselves of the rich film study opportunities on campus and throughout the Five Colleges.