Film at Ohio State: Frequently Asked Questions

The Department of Theatre, Film, and Media Arts does not have a specialized track or major in animation, videography, broadcasting, videography, or visual effects. 

The Moving-Image Production B.A. is study in film/video production across animated, documentary, experimental, and narrative filmmaking, but does not include a specific focus in animation, post-production, or vfx. Moving Image Production Major provides a pathway for students interested expanding their knowledge of filmmaking. Students in this major do take some introductory animation courses through the Department of Art and the Advanced Computing Center for the Arts and Design (ACCAD), to explore animation as an art form. Students in Moving-Image Production are also required to complete production courses in narrative, documentary, and experimental filmmaking areas, as well as animation.

The Department of Art offers a Minor in animation, as well as a Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) in Art, with an emphasis in Art & Technology (with Animation as one of the areas of study within the Art and Technology area). 

We do not currently offer a broadcasting major, though students are able to incorporate two television production courses as part of the Media Production and Analysis Minor. The School of Communications incorporates some elements of broadcasting in their Journalism major, which houses the Lantern (print, digital and televisual, including social media and multimedia journalism created by students). Read more about Communications at: https://comm.osu.edu/undergraduate/journalism. For specific programs in Television and Broadcasting in the state of Ohio, visit the Ohio Association of Broadcasting's school list of programs in this field, at: oab.org/job-board/ohio-schools-with-broadcast-degrees.

For a complete list of course/credit requirements in a major program, see: 

Film Studies advising guide (Film Theory, History, Analysis major): go.osu.edu/FSadvising

Moving-Image Production advising guide (Production major): go.osu.edu/MIPadvising

General Education requirements, Arts & Sciences B.A.: go.osu.edu/GeneralEducation

The Theatre, Film, and Media Arts Building held its public grand opening in April 2024. The building serves as the north anchor of the Ohio State Arts District, and includes classroom, laboratory, and studio space for film studies, moving-image production, and theatre courses. 

Academic use, film-specific venues in the building include: 

• 3,700 SF sound stage with green screen;
• Voice-over recording studio and four editing suites;
• 1,900 SF media production lab;
• Movie theatre-style screening room with sound mixing capabilities;
• Film/video computer lab where faculty and students can work on post-production;
• Film/video equipment check-out (course-level access);
• Spacious student lounge/gallery where students can study or relax between classes.

Read more about our new film and theatre building at: alumnimagazine.osu.edu/story/new-theatre-building. 

For an interactive, 360° view of our Video Production space in our new building, visit go.osu.edu/360filmproductionclass. [Hold and drag mouse to spin view]. This 360 degree interactive video shows what it’s like to be in the Video Production 2 class for film majors and minors, during instruction held in a studio in the new building (note: building under construction when filmed).

Prospective students are encouraged to visit Columbus Campus by scheduling a Campus Admissions Visit through the Office of Undergraduate Admissions. Learn more about an Admissions Overview Tour and schedule a comprehensive guided tour of campus with Admissions representatives.

The Department of Theatre, Film, and Media Arts is part of a vibrant Arts community at the Ohio State University: Arts and Research at Ohio State

Learn more about the Visual and Performing Arts, our campus communities and facilities, hear from current students in the Arts, and get excited about Being a Buckeye in the College of Arts and Sciences: Experience the Arts

Learn more about the University Arts District and our new facilities: Arts District

Interested in getting involved in extracurricular and student-led productions? Read more at: theatreandfilm.osu.edu/getting-involved

• Graduate Interdisciplinary Specialization (GIS) in Film Studies: transcript designation (not a degree or standalone program) for students who have already been admitted to graduate studies in another academic unit at the Ohio State University, and who wish to take film classes that supplement their graduate concentration. The GIS is comprised of 12 credit hours of approved coursework, and is noted on a student's transcript after completion, like a graduate minor. More info about the GIS is available at go.osu.edu/FS-GIS. 
• Cinema and Video graduate minor: graduate students enrolled in a graduate program may enroll in 15 credit hours of approved courses in film and video production to complete the Cinema and Video graduate minor. The graduate minor is noted on a student's transcript. More information about the graduate minor is available at: go.osu.edu/GradMinorCinemaVideo.

Film Studies is an open enrollment major focusing on film and television theory, history, and analysis. Students start with a foundation in film history and criticism and take courses on different cinematic styles, aesthetics, histories, theories, and representations. Film Studies majors also choose an upper-level focus of film theory, screenwriting, or production to extend their knowledge. The Film Studies curriculum is very flexible with a wide variety of course options. The major can be tailored to students' specific interests, including the study of film history, film genres, issues of on-screen representation, specific international cinemas, and more. 

(Note: Film Studies is not a production-focused major, though students may take a few production courses as part of the majors' Focus Area coursework, or toward a related minor such as the Video-Arts minor). 

Film Studies focuses on film theory, history, and analysis. It is not a hands-on production major like Moving-Image Production. Film Studies majors with production interest/experience may take a few production courses as part of the majors' Focus Area coursework. Students often add a minor in Screenwriting, in Video Arts, the Department of Art's Animation minor, an Arts Entrepreneurship minor, Communications' Media and Society minor, or a related field to complement Film Studies.

Additionally, many Film Studies majors are active in student-led production groups, screenings, film and media related student organizations. Many find internships in film and screenwriting for academic credit to get hands-on activity and experience outside of the classroom. 

Because of the flexibility of course options, this degree is a good fit for students interested in exploring cinema broadly as an art form and unique medium. Additionally, this degree is suitable for those interested in film who would like to double major with another subject, study abroad, or who are transfer or campus change students.

Film Studies (undergraduate B.A.) is an open-enrollment major. By “open-enrollment” we mean that any interested student can declare the major once accepted to The Ohio State University. There is no portfolio or separate admissions process required for the Film Studies major. After admission to OSU, any interested students simply needs to declare the major and enroll in the pre-requisite requirement course, English 2263: Introduction to Film to get started. Because of the flexibility of course options, this degree is a good fit for students interested in film who would like to double major with another subject, study abroad, or who are transfer or campus change students.

All Undergraduate Admissions processes (applications, deadlines, decisions, etc.) are handled by the Office of Admissions. The Admissions website contains detailed information about applying to the Ohio State University, including the step-by-step application process with directions and deadlines, tuition and financial aid, housing and student life information. Once accepted to The Ohio State University, students can declare a Film Studies major, a Moving-Image Production Pre-Major, or choose from any of the 200+ Undergraduate majors on campus. 

Film studies is an interdisciplinary/multi-disciplinary major that is designed to include many different types of academic and artistic disciplines, approaches, and styles. Courses in the Film Studies major are taken across many departments in the College of Arts and Sciences, led by faculty from different disciplines and backgrounds. The major and minor in Film Studies are housed in the Department of Theatre, Film, and Media Arts, but coursework includes classes and core faculty from many academic units including English; French and Italian; Germanic Languages and Literatures; History of Art; Slavic and East European Languages and Cultures; Spanish and Portuguese; Theatre; Women's, Gender and Sexuality Studies, and more. 

The film studies major offers flexibility for students to tailor and select courses that speak to their specific interests in film theory, history, and analysis. By studying the historical, social, and culture contexts and emerging trends of film and media, students become familiar with the interconnected facets of visual narratives. Film studies can help students develop a variety of transferable skills that can be useful in many different careers and situations, including critical and creative thinking, communication, adaptability, problem solving, textual analysis, research skills, and visual literacy. 

Film Studies students are required to take:

• one pre-requisite introduction to Film Studies;
• one Film Studies "core" course that introduces film theory, history, analysis;
• two courses in documentary and experimental film styles;
• one multicultural cinema course with international topics/directors outside of mainstream cinema;
• one early cinema Pre-1950s course, to deepen an understanding of film history and development;
• three Film Studies Electives, selected from over 50 courses, tailored to your areas of interest;
• a three-course Focus Area in Film Theory, Production, or Screenwriting;
• a capstone Senior Seminar in Film Studies.  

For a complete list of courses in the major, please go to: https://go.osu.edu/FutureFSadvising

For general education requirements for all students in the College of Arts and Sciences at Ohio State, visit: https://go.osu.edu/ASCGenEd

Film Studies majors complete 9 credit hours of an upper level "Film Studies Focus Area" in the major that allows them to choose a specific intellectual focus for completing their degree. Students can select from Film Theory, Production, Screenwriting, or a combination of these areas. The focus area allows students in film studies to expand their related areas of interest, add breadth and depth to their course of study, and experience the intellectual rigor of specialization. 

• Film Theory Focus Area is designed to allow students to delve deeply in to the academic fields of film history, criticism and theory and to prepare students for careers in film and television criticism, media archives, film festival curation and programming, film studies education, and many other fields.
• Film Production Focus Area encompasses a wide range of professional skills, designed to let students concentrate in a specific field like cinematography, editing, or animation.    
• Screenwriting Focus Area is designed to give students practical, hands-on experience, training them for careers as professional screenwriters. The courses are designed to allow students to develop a cinematic world, write short and feature-length screenplays, and learn about the business screenwriting for both film and television. 

Film Studies students explore the historical, social, and political dimensions of film, television, and culture broadly, with knowledge and practice in analysis, synthesis, and expression that many employers find vital. Graduates of the program understand media objects, industries, aesthetics, and socio-political contexts; students are also trained in written and oral argumentation, audio-visual presentation, and creative practice. Graduates are well-suited to a variety of careers in the arts, including teaching and higher education; marketing and public relations; film production/distribution/exhibition; archival, artistic, or cultural management; civil service, consulting roles, and more. Film Studies is a wonderful major for students who want to teach or research media, those who desire to work with cinema and arts organizations (such as film archives and festivals), and undertake humanities or communications-based careers. Many of our students are successful in graduate programs for film, filmmaking, library sciences, humanities, and law.

Students in our majors are eligible to receive academic credit for film industry internships, and competitive scholarship/funding opportunities are available at the department, college, and university levels to support undergraduate internships, research, professional development, and travel opportunities. Our department is also partnered with ASC Career Success, who offer job/internship searches, career fairs and expos, professional and alumni networking events, resume assistance, and career coaching to help students prepare for internships, jobs, and life beyond a degree. Students are encouraged to join a Career Community for industry-specific career planning information and resources. For film and media, communities include:  

Moving-Image Production “MIP” (undergraduate B.A.) is a competitive-entry, four-year lockstep major that emphasizes studio practice and the development of an understanding across four kinds of filmmaking: narrative, experimental, documentary, and animated film modes. 

This major is designed for beginners and starts with Pre-Major courses that teach the building blocks of filmmaking.   Pre-Major students apply to the Major at the end of the first year in the program. The program emphasizes specialized studio practice, the development of critical storytelling skills and proficiency in visual literacy. By integrating theory and practice, the moving-image production program prepares filmmakers with critical-thinking skills and independent, creative voices. 

The Moving-Image Production major is a four-year, lockstep program, with courses taken in a cohort of students.

• Year 1: Required first-year pre-major and portfolio application process for students beginning the Autumn of enrollment on Columbus campus. Required pre-major coursework ONLY begin in Autumn semester; we do not admit students to the pre-major in Spring semester. (Spring transfer, campus change, new declaration students would begin the following fall).
• Years 2, 3, 4: if admitted to the major at the end of the first year, there are three additional years of major requirements that are taken in order. Major courses are taken in a required sequence, with a pre-set number of production studios and history/theory courses per year.

If admitted to the Moving-Image Production major, the degree will take a minimum of four years. There is no way to shorten time to degree in this major, due to the structure of the lockstep sequence and requirements in the major. For a course list and four-year timeline of major requirements, please go to: https://go.osu.edu/FutureMIPadvising.

Please note that new students may only begin the required sequence for the Moving-Image Production Pre-major each AUTUMN semester. Transfer, campus change, or major declaration change students who enter the university or declare the pre-major in Spring or Summer semester will begin the Pre-Major required coursework in the following Autumn. Then, if admitted to the major at the end of the pre-major year, students would have an additional three years for required coursework, regardless of credits earned previously/elsewhere.

A portfolio or experience in film is not required for admission to The Ohio State University; any student interested in Moving-Image Production enrolls at Ohio State with a declared Moving-Image Production Pre-Major and takes first-year pre-major classes in film/video basics (MVNGIMG 2201 and 2202 Filmmaking Foundation I and II, and FILMSTD 2270, Introduction to Film Studies). Through these classes, students build a portfolio for review for consideration into the MIP major. The portfolio is reviewed on growth, creative thinking, and engagement with different modes, including narrative, documentary, experimental, and animated film.

All Undergraduate Admissions processes (applications, deadlines, decisions, etc.) are handled by the Office of Admissions. The Admissions website contains detailed information about applying to the Ohio State University, including the step-by-step application process with directions and deadlines, tuition and financial aid, housing and student life information. Once accepted to The Ohio State University, students can declare a Film Studies major, a Moving-Image Production Pre-Major, or choose from any of the 200+ Undergraduate majors on campus. 

Please note that new students may only begin the required sequence for the Moving-Image Production Pre-major each AUTUMN semester. Transfer, campus change, or major declaration change students who enter the university or declare the pre-major in Spring or Summer semester will begin the Pre-Major required coursework in the following Autumn. Then, if admitted to the major at the end of the pre-major year, students would have an additional three years for required coursework, regardless of credits earned previously/elsewhere.

Admission to the MIP major comes after admission to OSU; the decision does not happen at the same time. If a student admitted to Ohio State wants to apply to the Moving-Image Production major, they first declare the pre-major and enroll in the required pre-major curriculum (with the help of an advisor during summer Orientation). The first-year curriculum is a sequence of Filmmaking Foundations courses (MVNGIMG 2201, offered in fall semester; MVNGIMG 2202, offered in spring semester) and Introduction to Film Studies, FILMSTD 2270 in either fall or Spring semester. Students apply to the major through portfolio review at the end of the first year.

Please note that new students may only begin the required sequence for the Moving-Image Production Pre-major each AUTUMN semester. Transfer, campus change, or major declaration change students who enter the university or declare the pre-major in Spring or Summer semester will begin the Pre-Major required coursework in the following Autumn. Then, if admitted to the major at the end of the pre-major year, students would have an additional three years for required coursework, regardless of credits earned previously/elsewhere.

At the end of the first pre-major year, students apply for acceptance to the major by undergoing a portfolio review. The portfolio is assessed by faculty, who also review grades in the three MIP pre-major courses (MVNGIMG 2201, 2202, and FILMSTD 2270). The program admits 30-35 students per year to the major. The requirement to be accepted into the MIP major is a minimum of B- or better grades in the three pre-major courses, and review of an artist's statement and film portfolio created during the first-year classes. The portfolio is reviewed by faculty for a decision on admission to the major. Students who are admitted to the major complete years 2, 3, and 4 with hands-on production studio course requirements taken as a cohort, and have the opportunity to create a capstone film project, screened in a Senior Showcase event at the Wexner Center.

Along with pre-major course grades, the portfolio statement and reel are reviewed on engagement in film classes, critiques, lectures; creative, technical, and/or intellectual growth demonstrated in the artist’s statement and reel (sample video work); curiosity and openness to new ideas and approaches; creative risk taking and evidence of originality, unique perspective(s) and/or influences in the statement and reel. Students receive guidance from professors during pre-major courses as they build the portfolio to undergo review.

The Moving-Image Production major admits 30-35 students to the major each year during the portfolio review. Because the major is a hands-on, production-based major with access to specialized equipment and facilities, there are limited seats available in the major. The admissions process can be competitive (in other words, not every student who meets the grade criteria and submits a portfolio is guaranteed admission to the major). The admissions review process takes place at the end of the Spring semester while students are completing pre-major courses. 

Currently, a majority of applicants are accepted if they meet/exceed the criteria of admittance. Each year's pre-major cohort varies depending on university admissions and applications in any given year, so an admittance percentage is not static. Since 2020, the average of pre-major to major acceptance during the portfolio review process is 90-95%.

Our Academic Advisor helps work with students who do not continue in the Moving-Image Production Major to create an alternative plan toward another major that would best fit with the courses the student has already completed and the areas of interest they have. We work to ensure that a student finds the academic plan that best fits their needs and interests (from the more than 200+ majors at the university). Students who do not continue in the MIP major can easily apply their first-year credits to a Film Studies Major (film theory, history, analysis) with a film production focus area and Video Arts minor. This plan still allows students to gain knowledge, skills and experiences relating to film/video arts. Students also mesh creative interests in student activity groups that work on collaborative production outside of the classroom, production related electives, film/media internships, and incorporating film through different majors, such as film studies, communications, comparative studies, art technology, and more.

Students are not required to purchase specialized equipment (cameras/computers) to participate in the major. Students enrolled in film production courses will have course-level access to equipment and computer labs for use as part of their course enrollment

Equipment: The Department of Theatre, Film, and Media Arts currently has equipment check-outs for cameras, lenses, video cameras, tripods, microphones, light kits, and labs with pre and post-production software for students enrolled in production courses. 

• Equipment includes Canon XA20, XA30, XA40 and XA50 video cameras, digital cameras (Canon 60 Ds, and a 5 D Mark II), lenses, tripods, lighting; software for audio and video production, post-production, and animation in specialized labs in the Department of Theatre, Film, and Media Arts, the Department of Art, and the Advanced Computing Center for the Arts and Design.

Computers and software: For laptop/computer purchases, the department does not have specific student device requirements or recommendations for personal purchases. Most film faculty use Mac (rather than PC), and film labs have Mac computers for course demos and lab work. 

• For assistance with personal laptop and tablet decisions, admitted students can email the OSU Tech Hub at techhub@osu.edu. Technology specialists will be happy to help you consider appropriate options. You may also want to consult the Tech Hub's Laptop Decision Guide for students.
• Once on campus, students can work on the computers provided to support classes in our various computer and editing labs on campus. For students who want to be able to work from home, it is useful to ensure your computer is capable of running Adobe Creative Cloud software.
• More information about software licensing for students is available at: it.osu.edu/students. Adobe Express, Adobe Creative Cloud, and Microsoft 365 student licenses are provided by the university. Adobe Creative Cloud is also available for free use in campus labs and Digital Union spaces across campus, for students who may not have access on a home computer. 

• The Office of Technology and Digital Innovation Tech Guide for students at: https://it.osu.edu/help/it-students/get-tech-ready

• Ohio State "IT for Students" page, with helpful software and computer information and recommendations at: https://it.osu.edu/students

• On-Campus Digital Unions are available for student use for a variety of projects: https://learningspaces.osu.edu/digital-unions

Students in the Moving-Image Production major take a variety of courses in film/filmmaking: 

• Three pre-major courses, designed to provide students with a chance to start creating work during the first year;
• Hands-on studio practice in four moving-image areas (animation, documentary, experimental, and narrative film) to acquire conceptual approaches unique to the given practice;
• Cinema Today viewing practices class; students attend screenings and begin thinking about how film construction and language applies to their own filmmaking practices;
• Production elective courses in specific area(s) of interest, including internship or field work;
• Three Film Studies co-requisite courses for a critical/historical perspective of film;
• Fourth-year majors have the opportunity to create a Senior Film Project, screened at an annual Senior Showcase.

For a list of major requirements and the four-year plan for Moving-Image Production, visit: https://go.osu.edu/FutureMIPadvising
For general education requirements for all students in the College of Arts and Sciences at Ohio State, visit: https://go.osu.edu/ASCGenEd

Students in our program find ways to express their creativity in and out of the classroom. Majors are active in student-led production groups, screenings, film and media related student organizations. Many find internships in film for academic credit to get hands-on activity and experience in the field. 

Students in our majors are eligible to receive academic credit for film industry internships, and competitive scholarship/funding opportunities are available at the department, college, and university levels to support undergraduate internships, research, professional development, and travel opportunities. Our department is also partnered with ASC Career Success, who offer job/internship searches, career fairs and expos, professional and alumni networking events, resume assistance, and career coaching to help students prepare for internships, jobs, and life beyond a degree.

Students are encouraged to join a Career Community for industry-specific career planning information and resources. For film and media, communities include:  

Students can extend their knowledge and interests in a related minor, including:

• Entertainment Design and Technology Minor: apply the skills of theatre and visual arts to careers in live events, theater and themed entertainment.
• Film Studies Minor: analyze cinema as a unique art form and as a medium influenced and shaped by related fields such as literature, visual arts.
• Media Production and Analysis Minor: understand the societal impact of contemporary media practices and provides opportunities to develop specific media production skills.
• Screenwriting Minor:  develop original stories, scripts, and screenplays; study and writing for the screen in a variety of forms.
• Video Arts Minor: explore traditional, alternative, and artistic means of media delivery in a variety of expressive and creative contexts, incorporating traditional art and narrative practices with experimental artworks that are expressed entirely within the format of video.
• Voice Acting: train in the performance and study of voicing audiobooks, animation, videogames, podcasts, voiceover, and other recorded voice arts.
• Animation minor: (Department of Art): build a portfolio of animation work and hone skillset needed for this complex, time-based art form, mixing drawing, 3D modeling, motion, and storytelling.

Explore the complete list of Ohio State's minors in the College of Arts and Sciences.