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The Film and Media (BA) at Emory University gives students a balanced education in film and television history, media theory, criticism and hands-on production, with flexibility to build a course plan around their interests. It is well suited to students interested in filmmaking, digital media, screenwriting, media analysis and the entertainment industry, while also developing communication and critical-thinking skills that transfer to careers in business, journalism, law and other fields.
Curriculum Structure:
Year 1:
Students establish their foundation through FILM 101: Introduction to Film and FILM 102: Introduction to TV and Digital Media, gaining an understanding of film language, television and contemporary digital media. They can then begin developing practical skills through courses such as FILM 106: Photography I or FILM 107: Introduction to Digital Video.
Year 2:
Students deepen their understanding of media history through courses such as FILM 201: Film History I, FILM 202: Film History II and FILM 204: Documentary Film and Media History. Alongside historical study, students can explore media-making through FILM 212: Film Producing, FILM 278W: Writing the Short Film or FILM 378RW: Screenwriting.
Year 3:
Students move toward more advanced analysis and creative practice through FILM 301: Film Theory or FILM 302: Digital Media Theory, examining how film and digital media create meaning and shape culture. They can also pursue production-focused work through courses such as FILM 212: Film Producing and FILM 378RW: Screenwriting.
Year 4:
Students complete advanced Film and Media electives, including at least one 400-level course, while also fulfilling requirements for coursework focused on non-U.S. media or race, gender and/or ethnicity in media. Students can use their final year to bring together analytical and creative skills through advanced coursework, independent projects and internship experiences.
Focus Areas:
Film history, television studies, digital media, film theory, digital media theory, photography, digital video, filmmaking, film producing, screenwriting, documentary media, non-U.S. cinema, race and media, gender and media, cultural analysis
Learning Outcomes:
Critical analysis of film and media, understanding of film and media history, media theory, visual storytelling, digital production, screenwriting, film production, research, written and verbal communication, creative expression, media literacy, cultural and social analysis
Professional Alignment (Accreditation):
Emory University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) to award bachelor's, master's, doctoral and professional degrees. The Film and Media BA is an Emory College undergraduate degree and does not list a separate professional accreditation specific to the Film and Media major.
Reputation & Employability:
Emory's Film and Media Department combines undergraduate-focused study with faculty mentoring and access to Atlanta's major film and entertainment industry. Department information highlights graduates working with organizations such as CNN, Marvel Entertainment, Gumbo Productions, Abrams Artists Agency, Cox Media Group and Crisp Video Group, demonstrating career opportunities across entertainment, marketing, communications, journalism and media.
Emory's Film and Media program connects classroom study with practical filmmaking, digital production, internships and industry exposure. Students can participate in hands-on projects and workshops, use production equipment, develop creative work through media-making courses and gain professional experience through internships, while Atlanta provides access to a major film and entertainment ecosystem.
Key opportunities include:
• FILM 300R: Filmmaking Practicum — Provides practical filmmaking experience as part of the major's media-making curriculum.
• FILM 107: Introduction to Digital Video — Gives students practical experience with digital video production and visual storytelling.
• FILM 212: Film Producing — Allows students interested in the production side of the industry to explore film producing.
• FILM 378RW: Screenwriting — Develops screenplay construction, writing and pre-production planning through an intensive writing workshop.
• Student Film Production — Emory students, faculty and staff can collaborate with film and television professionals on original productions.
• Film and Media Equipment Room — The department provides dedicated production support and equipment for students undertaking media-making projects.
• Academic Internships — Students can earn academic credit for approved internships related to their course of study, connecting classroom learning with professional experience.
• Los Angeles Pathways Scholars Program — Students can participate in an eight-week summer immersion in Los Angeles that combines internships with media and entertainment companies, faculty-led seminars and networking with Emory alumni and industry professionals.
• LA Career Trek — Students visit organizations including Creative Artists Agency, The Walt Disney Company and Netflix, gaining direct exposure to entertainment-industry workplaces and professionals.
• Atlanta Film Industry Environment — Students study in Atlanta, a major film-production center with access to the broader entertainment and media ecosystem.
The Film and Media BA can lead directly into entertainment and media careers while also providing transferable analytical, communication and creative skills for broader professional fields. Emory reports graduates working across entertainment, media, marketing, communications and other sectors, with alumni joining organizations such as CNN, Marvel Entertainment and Cox Media Group.
Typical career options: Film Producer, Film Director, Screenwriter, Digital Media Producer
Students can strengthen their career preparation through Emory's career services, internships, alumni connections and industry-focused experiences:
• Career and Professional Development — Students receive support in finding internships and employment and can work with the Career Center on resumes, cover letters and career planning.
• Film & Media Management Concentration — Eligible Film and Media students can combine their major with business-focused coursework, industry seminars, networking events and a senior capstone through the Film and Media Management concentration.
• Industry Connections — The LA Career Trek provides direct exposure to companies such as Creative Artists Agency, Disney and Netflix, while the Pathways Scholars program connects students with media and entertainment employers and Emory alumni.
• Internship Experience — Academic internships allow students to connect professional employment with their academic program and receive course credit for approved work experiences.
• Graduate Outcomes — Emory College reports that 97% of graduates are employed or pursuing graduate school within six months, based on the Class of 2024, while 100% engaged in internships, research, study abroad or arts activities during their time at Emory.
• Graduate Study — Emory College reports that 38% of its Class of 2024 graduates were enrolled in master's, doctoral or certificate programs within six months, demonstrating a strong pathway toward further academic study.
• Accreditation Value — Emory's SACSCOC institutional accreditation provides long-term recognition of the university's bachelor's degree framework.
• Alumni Network — Emory graduates benefit from a global network of more than 175,000 alumni, providing opportunities for mentorship, guidance and career connections.
• Salary Information — Emory's current official Film and Media pages do not publish a program-specific starting salary figure, so a specific salary amount is not included.
Further Academic Progression: Graduates can continue into master's or doctoral-level study in Film and Media, Media Studies, Communication, Journalism, Digital Media, Screenwriting, Film Production, Strategic Communication or related fields. Students interested in the business side of entertainment can also pursue advanced study in media management, marketing, business or entertainment management.
Official high school transcripts and school reports must be submitted by a school official/counselor. Midyear and final transcripts are required according to the application stage.
Two teacher recommendations/evaluations are required from core academic areas such as English, mathematics, science, social studies, foreign language, or visual/performing arts.
Two additional short-answer questions are required as part of the Emory application. US universities use a holistic admissions review. Beyond grades and standardized test scores, they weigh the strength of your overall profile to understand who you are as a student and a person.
Profile Assessment: Applicants are generally assessed on writing, communication, creativity and engagement with media or current affairs. Journalism, school publications, podcasting, filmmaking, photography, social-media projects, debate and communication campaigns may strengthen the profile. Some film or media programs may request a creative portfolio, writing sample or supplementary submission.Advanced Placement(AP) Guidance: AP availability depends on the student's school. Relevant APs can strengthen an application and may earn university credit, but are not compulsory unless the university or programme explicitly requires them.Essays & recommendations: Personal essays and teacher/counselor recommendations give context to your achievements and help demonstrate fit with the program.Film ProducerFilm DirectorScreenwriterVideo EditorCinematographerDocumentary FilmmakerTelevision ProducerDigital Media ProducerContent ProducerMultimedia ProducerPodcast ProducerCreative DirectorProduction ManagerProduction CoordinatorArt DirectorStoryboard ArtistCreative ExecutiveDevelopment ExecutiveMedia PlannerBrand ManagerEntertainment Marketing Specialist
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