2026-2027 Academic Catalog

Category: Undergraduate

2026-2027 Academic Catalog

  • Film

    Bachelor of Fine Arts Degree Requirements

    Catalog Year 26/27

    Standard 4 Year Pathway (full-time status)

    Total Credits 120-122

    First Year

    First Semester = 15-16 Credit Hours

    Course RequirementCredits
      SLP-007 CCS First Year Experience *1
      DFN-119 Digital Techniques3
      DFN-120 Design Color & Context3
      DFN-137 2D & 3D Integrated Design3
      FLM-103 Film Language & Techniques3
      AHV-100 Introduction to Material Culture (CR)3

    Second Semester = 15 Credit Hours

    Course RequirementCredits
    Choose one:
      DFN-116 3D Tech
      DFN-138 4D Design Studio    		3
      DFN-142 Performative Spaces3
      FLM-106 Introduction to Filmmaking3
      AHV-215 History of Film (MR)3
      WRT-101 Composition I (CR) †3

    Second Year

    Third Semester = 15 Credit Hours

    Course RequirementCredits
    Choose two courses:
      FLM-211 Film Graphics & VFX I
      FLM-225 Sound Design I
      FLM-235 Acting    		6
      FLM-201 Intermediate Filmmaking3
      WRT-102 Composition II (CR)3
    Choose one:
      AHV-203 Global Art History I (CR)
      AHV-204 Global Art History II (CR)    		3

    Fourth Semester = 15 Credit Hours

    Course RequirementCredits
    Choose two courses:
      FLM-212 Film Graphics & VFX II
      FLM-226 Sound Design II
      FLM-254 Playing the Self    		6
    Choose one course:
      FLM-278 Documentary Filmmaking I
      FLM-288 Experimental Filmmaking I    		3
      WRT-318 Screenwriting Workshop (MR)3
      General Education Elective 200-4003

    Third Year

    Fifth Semester = 16.5 Credit Hours

    Course RequirementCredits
      FLM-325 Narrative Filmmaking I3
    Choose one course:
      FLM-279 Documentary Filmmaking II
      FLM-289 Experimental Filmmaking II    		3
      Film Major Elective3
      AHV-306 Introduction to Film (MR)3
      Humanities: Choose from approved list (CE)3

    Sixth Semester = 15 Credit Hours

    Course RequirementCredits
      FLM-326 Narrative Filmmaking II3
      FLM-364 Research & Development3
      Film Major Elective3
      General Education Elective 200-4003
      Science Elective 200-400 (CE)3

    Fourth Year

    Seventh Semester = 15 Credit Hours

    Course RequirementCredits
      FLM-403 Film Thesis I3
      Film Major Elective3
      AHV-200-400 level Art History/Visual Culture Elective (CE)3
      General Education Elective 200-4003
      Open Elective3

    Eighth Semester = 15 Credit Hours

    Course RequirementCredits
      FLM-404 Film Thesis II3
      FLM-418 Film Business & Critique3
      Film Major Elective3
      General Education Elective 200-4003
      Open Elective3

    Additional ”Program & Credit Requirement Details” attached; includes ”approved course lists” and ”recommended courses (RC)” for any requirements with noted selections. Enrolled students should view Self-Service (My Progress/Plan & Schedule) for complete program information; see catalog for additional course details and descriptions.

    This plan is provided for use as a guide only and is based on full-time status with successful completion of credits outlined per semester. Degree Timelines and requirements may vary based on actual program, credits completed per semester and/or catalog year. Students are responsible for confirming completion of all requirements before graduating (use program/student resources to support degree progression). Minimum Cumulative GPA of 2.0 required.

    Program & Credit Requirement Details

    Degree RequirementsTotal credits requiredRequirement Details
      First Year Experience1.0SLP-007 is waived for eligible transfer students with 12.0 (or more) college.
      Foundations15.0Required for all majors. Successfully complete listed DFN Foundation courses for enrolled major; requirements may vary per major.
      General Education42.0Liberal Arts courses required for all undergraduate majors; total credits may vary per program.
      General Education Undergrad CORE Requirements (CR)9.0Successfully complete WRT & AHV core general education prerequisites requirements (Composition pathways may vary based on completed assessments, test scores or transfer credits).
      General Education MAJOR Requirements (MR)9.0Successfully complete major specific Liberal Arts. Requirements vary per major.
      General Education Undergrad CORE Electives (CE)9.0Successfully complete core general education electives required for all UG majors (Science, Humanities, Art History & Visual Culture) as outlined on 4 year pathway/degree requirements:
    3.0 cr. Science: Successfully complete one course from the SCI subject; 200-400 level
    3.0 cr. Humanities Option: Successfully complete one of the following approved courses: LIT 239, LIT 203, DHS 201, DSS 215, DSS 240 or DPL 201
    3.0 cr. Art History & Visual Culture: Successfully complete course from AHV subject, 200-400 level
      General Education Electives12.0Successfully complete any non-required 200-400 level Liberal Arts course from subject codes: AHV, BUS, DHS, DPL, DSS, SCI, WRT, LIT
    (Total Gen.Ed Elective credits vary per major).
      Major §57.0Studio and/or lecture courses specific to major focus.
      Major Courses §45.0Successfully complete listed FLM courses in 4 year plan, by recommended sequence (based on prerequisites)
      Major Electives12.0Non-required major courses with subject code FLM are considered major electives; exceptions require approval.
      Open Electives6.0Successfully complete 100-400 level courses from any Undergraduate subject (Studio or Lecture).
    Total Program Credits121.0Total credits required 120 – 122 ‡
    Undergraduate Bachelor of Fine Arts program, GPA minimum requirement = 2.0

    Footnotes

    * ELS 101 Composition I for Multilingual Students 4.0 cr.
    † WRT 101/102 Self Placement Survey available.
    ‡ Based on SLP 007 (1.0 cr.) and ELS 101 (4.0 cr.)
    § Remaining Major course sequence impacts timeline to degree completion.

  • FLM-103 FILM LANGUAGE & TECHNIQUES

    This course introduces students to the necessary,vocabulary and tools to analyze and appreciate the,art of filmmaking. Through weekly screenings,,readings, discussions, and hands-on camera,exercises, students develop critical skills and,language related to the production and,comprehension of contemporary filmmaking,,including production roles, terminology,,techniques, and an introduction to history and,theory. This course meets twice a week, structured,as lecture and studio days.

    Credits: 3

    Prerequisites:

  • FLM-106 INTRO TO FILMMAKING

    This course focuses on the fundamentals of visual,storytelling by engaging students in a series of,individual and collaborative exercises designed to,develop an understanding of the camera, lenses,,and lights, non-linear editing techniques, and a,basic understanding of sound in relation to image.,Students make three short films exploring fiction,,non-fiction and experimental forms. Selected film,and video works are analyzed throughout the,semester with the aim of a critical awareness of,theory and practice.

    Credits: 3

    Prerequisites:

  • FLM-201 INTERMEDIATE FILMMAKING

    This course emphasizes the use of light and sound,in film-style video production. Students master,the tools involved in location sound recording,and studio lighting. The thematic thrust of this,course involves the examination, discussion and,cinematic uses of light and sound as they relate,to visual storytelling.

    Credits: 3

    Prerequisites: FLM 106

  • FLM-211 FILM GRAPHICS & VFX I

    This course introduces students to the creative,and technical processes of 2D digital animation,related to live action filmmaking-title design,,motion graphics, color correction, masking, keying,and basic compositing for visual effects. Students,will also learn best practices for asset creation,,file management and rendering.

    Credits: 3

    Prerequisites:

  • FLM-212 FILM GRAPHICS & VFX II

    This advanced course focuses on complex motion,graphics and compositing techniques for the,filmmaker, considering effects in service of story,and underscoring the value of research and,development.

    Credits: 3

    Prerequisites: FLM 211

  • FLM-225 SOUND DESIGN I

    This course introduces students to the conceptual,and technical challenges of sound as they develop,a more complex understanding of the important role,it plays in the cinematic experience. Techniques,of recording, generating, editing, synchronizing,,and manipulating sound are covered in depth as,well as the conceptual issues of sound design,,including noise, voice, and music. The goal is to,create a keen awareness of the evocative,informational and temporal possibilities that,sound offers in connection to the student’s visual,work in other courses.

    Credits: 3

    Prerequisites:

  • FLM-226 SOUND DESIGN II

    This course reinforces and builds upon the,fundamentals of Sound Design I, introducing new,tools and concepts, with consideration for more,figurative, rather than literal, expressions.,Students master the sound recording booth and mix,rooms.

    Credits: 3

    Prerequisites: FLM 225

  • FLM-235 ACTING

    Students will research and implement the five,acting techniques utilized by performers to create,compelling on-screen characters-Classical,,Chekhov, Method, Meisner, and Practical,Aesthetics-through physicality, voice, and partner,scenes. The class introduces methods for working,with actors to elicit a desired performance.

    Credits: 3

    Prerequisites:

  • FLM-254 PLAYING THE SELF

    Playing the Self is an interdisciplinary studio,open to all majors interested in exploring how,fiction, reality, and play are essential,components of an engaged social practice rooted,in making and becoming. The manipulation of the,viewer/voyeur, fulfillment of fantasy, projection,of desires, parasocial behavior, and related,identifiers will be examined as well as the,influence of various social constructs-gender,,race, class-on our understanding of art, artists,,and representations of the self.

    Credits: 3

    Prerequisites: