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Film B.F.A.

The film major teaches you every aspect of the film industry, including scriptwriting to pre-production, production and post-production techniques.
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About this Program

  • Study with faculty members who have premiered films all over the world at such venues as Sundance, Black Maria Film Festival, Lisbon International Film Festival, Shanghai International Film Festival, and Guadalajara International Film Festival, Interfilm Berlin and the National Gallery of Art, among many others.
  • Take classes taught by working professionals in screenwriting, directing, sound design, creative producing and all aspects of independent film production.
  • Study and intern in Los Angeles via our VPA LA Semester program or at Syracuse-based Hollywood production companies under the mentorship of renowned producers and directors.
  • Study filmmaking in Prague, Czech Republic, and Bologna, Italy, via Syracuse Abroad.
  • Take a creative producing class; design look-books, sizzle reels, and submit via our first look deal with Hollywood producers.
  • Learn from guest speakers, from presidents of studios and streaming companies to Academy Award-nominated individuals.
  • Join the numerous Syracuse alumni now working in the entertainment business.
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Program Information

Degree Type

Major

Outcome

B.F.A.

Modality

In-person

College or School

Career Path

Related Pages

# 19

Top American Film Schools (The Hollywood Reporter, 2023)
Top Film Schools and Educators in North America (Variety)
# 19

Best Film Schools in the U.S. (The Wrap, 2023)
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College of Visual and Performing Arts

Home to the visual and performing arts at Syracuse University, VPA supports the creative process and professional development of its students. VPA is divided into seven areas: the School of Art; the Department of Communication and Rhetorical Studies; the School of Design; the Department of Drama; the Rose, Jules R. and Stanford S. Setnor School of Music; the Department of Film and Media Arts; and the Department of Creative Arts Therapy.
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Curriculum

The first two years of the program are rigorously structured. In addition to hands-on filmmaking workshop courses, first-year students follow the Department of Film and Media Arts core curriculum, which includes film history and an introductory film production course. Sophomore classes concentrate on essential filmmaking skills. Juniors and seniors have additional flexibility to choose from menu-structured course offerings according to your academic and professional interests and, in essence, construct your own path with your faculty advisor.

  • Technical Skills: Demonstrate a subset of technical skills involving process or technique knowledge and proficiency in film production.
  • Conceptual Skills: Demonstrate a broad set of skills in film that allows a student to understand abstract ideas and complicated processes while also think creatively.
  • Critical Thinking: Analyze theoretical, critical and historical thoughts and concepts clearly and effectively through film.
  • Filmmaking Proficiency: Produce quality films that demonstrate a cohesive and compelling production, appropriate to the medium while effectively managing the resources and logistics to produce a film.
  • Collaboration Skills: Employ ability to function as a team member of a production.

Extracurricular Opportunities

study away opportunity

VPA LA Semester Program

Study and intern in Los Angeles via our VPA LA Semester program or at Syracuse-based Hollywood production companies under the mentorship of renowned producers and directors.

study abroad opportunity

Study Abroad

Study filmmaking in Prague, Czech Republic, and Bologna, Italy, via Syracuse Abroad.

Related Programs

  • Computer Art and Animation B.F.A.

    The computer art and animation program is dedicated to exploring the possibilities of digital media within a fine art, exploratory and culturally aware setting.

  • Acting B.F.A.

    The acting program provides emerging theater artists with rigorous training in performance technique, text analysis, creative improvisation, voice, speech and movement.

  • Television, Radio and Film B.S.

    Learn about the creative, management and production processes that are the foundation of the entertainment industry.

Learn more about this program

Film B.F.A.
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