What can I do with my degree?
Career Opportunities
- Film Director
- Film Producer
- Cinematographer (Director of Photography)
- Screenwriter
- Film Editor
- Sound Designer
- Production Designer
- Post-Production Supervisor
The Film Studies B.A. combines the academic study of film history and analysis with an intense hands-on project-based approach to film production techniques. With specializations in Directing, Screenwriting, Cinematography, Post-production, and Production, students acquire a well-rounded understanding of film as a visual and narrative art form while gaining the capabilities to operate industry-level gear, getting certified by top software brands like Avid (Media Composer & Protools), Blackmagic Design (DaVinci Resolve), and Audiokinetic (Wwise) becoming effective professionals on sets and labs.
Students first acquire foundational knowledge and skills of key film production disciplines to later pursue their chosen specialization through lectures, seminars, workshops, screenings, and off-campus activities to enrich the learning experience.
The program prepares students for careers in the film industry and as scholars who can create, interpret, and critique film as a visual and narrative form. Students acquire knowledge of film history and film/media theory as they develop unique audiovisual projects demonstrating through screenwriting, producing, cinematography, directing, sound designing, editing, and directing their acquired storytelling knowledge.
Degree Requirements
School of Film & Digital Media Requirements
| General Education Requirements | 36 credits |
| School Core Requirements | 24 credits |
| Major Requirements | 60 credits |
Total Credits Required for Degree 120 credits
General Education Requirements
American International University has established seven competencies that form the foundation of the learning outcomes in our courses. Upon successful completion of the General Education program, students will be able to demonstrate:
- Critical thinking
- Effective communication
- Ethical reasoning
- Global self-awareness
- Information literacy
- Mathematical and scientific reasoning
- Quantitative and IT Literacy
School Core Requirements
- FXP 101 Projects in Film and Media I
- FXP 110 Projects in Film and Media II
- FXP 201 Projects in Film and Media III
- FXP 210 Projects in Film and Media IV: Capstone Project
- Major Requirements
- Code Title Credits
- FLM 101 Introduction to Film*
- FLM 102 Foundations of Screenwriting*
- FLM 110 History of Film*
- FLM 201 Film Production
- FLM 202 Transmedia Storytelling
- FLM 203 Non-linear Editing
- FLM 210 Documentary, Non-Fiction, and Docufiction*
- FLM 301 Arab Cinema History*
- FLM 315 Internship
- FLM 401 World Cinema*
- FLM 402 Topics in Production Design
- FLM 403 Film Criticism and Theory*
*Available as General Education Courses for non-Film students
Specialization Overview
There are five areas of specialization. Students have three paths to complete the degree depending on what areas and courses they choose.
- Area 1: Directing
- Area 2: Screenwriting
- Area 3: Cinematography
- Area 4: Post-production
- Area 5: Production
The number of available Specialization Areas will vary depending on the number of students.
A minimum of two areas of specialization will be offered. A minimum of three areas of specialization are necessary to allow for the Single Specialization. A minimum of four areas of specialization are necessary to allow for the Interdisciplinary – Non-Specialization.
Welcome to AIU!
Once you arrive on campus, you will become part of a community where students and faculty make the most of every moment. An atmosphere where ideas, events, and exciting opportunities ensure a rich and satisfying university experience.
