Introduction to the Major
The Film & Media major is an interdisciplinary program that offers rigorous engagement with the entire culture of moving images. The program teaches students to think historically, theoretically, and analytically about a wide range of cinematic forms, and encourages students to look at moving images from the vantage point of other disciplines. Students may complement their study of the history and theory of moving images with the hands-on experience provided by production and screenwriting classes. Students can also take advantage of internship opportunities at the affiliated Pacific Film Archive and with local film production companies.
The Film & Media department also offers a three-course Summer Certificate in Film & Media Industries and Professions (FMIP).
“As Film & Media major, I studied films that were made against all odds—I learned about film movements, and auteurs that defied convention. In the process, I finally developed the confidence to tell my own stories, make my own films in forms that authentically articulate how I see the world.”
- Sara Boutorabi, Class of 2019
The Film and Media Curriculum
Core courses for the major include lower division courses on Film History and Film Theory, as well as a third course on either Film Aesthetics, Digital Media Studies or Television Studies. Upper division offerings cover Documentary, Avante-Garde/Experimental Film, Global Media and Media Technologies. Electives include courses on Genre, Auteurs and semesterly Special Topics. The Film & Media department has also expanded its production course offerings. Existing courses such as Screenwriting and Advanced Digital Production are now accompanied by Documentary Production, TV Writing, Advanced Film Writing, The Essay Film, Experimental Production, and more production courses to come in future semesters.
Amplify Your Major
- Get involved with a student organization like Cinebears, CalTV, or GiANT Filmmakers.
- Learn the workings of professional and non-profit media companies with a Film & Media internship.
- Challenge yourself with the Honors Program in Film & Media.
- Explore research and internship opportunities with Berkeley Center for New Media, BAM/PFA, and Berkeley Arts + Design.
First Year
Explore Your Major
- Meet with your major and college advisor to discuss your academic plans.
- Review major and college requirements.
- Start on the two core courses required for the major: FILM 10 and FILM 20.
Connect and Build Community
- Get 1:1 mentoring with Berkeley Connect.
- Find study groups, tutoring, and academic support at the Student Learning Center.
- Enroll in UGIS 98: College Success in L&S.
- Explore the Library’s Media Resources Center.
Discover Your Passions
- Discover new interests in a Freshman Seminar, L&S 1, or a student-run DeCal course.
- Attend the Undergraduate Research and Scholarships Fair in October.
- Explore doing a certificate, course thread, or summer minor.
Engage Locally and Globally
- Attend the Calapalooza student activities fair and get involved with a student organization.
- Find service opportunities through the Public Service Center.
- Explore study, internship, and research abroad options with Berkeley Study Abroad.
- Attend film screenings at BAMPFA and check out local film festivals.
Reflect and Plan Your Future
- Visit Berkeley Career Engagement and the Career Counseling Library.
- Sign up for Handshake and CareerMail.
- Explore careers in the Career Connections Series or Cal Job Shadow Program.
- Explore career resources on the Arts and Humanities website.
Second Year
Explore Your Major
- Declare the major after you have completed FILM 10 or 20 and at least 30 units.
- Complete your lower division course requirement (FILM 30, 35 or 45) and optional elective (FILM 25).
- Explore film and media courses in other departments such as English, Ethnic Studies, or French.
- Review major guidelines for study abroad.
Connect and Build Community
- Join a student organization such as Cinebears, CalTV, and GiANT Filmmakers.
- Start attending department events like the Film & Media Seminar, Conference on Film & Media, and lectures and symposia.
- Get to know professors and graduate student instructors during their office hours.
Discover Your Passions
- Enroll in a Sophomore Seminar, Big Ideas Course or Discovery Course.
- Assist faculty in their research through URAP.
- Consider a summer certificate in Film & Media Industries and Professions.
Engage Locally and Globally
- Experience life at another UC or college on a visitor and exchange program.
- Work with a community organization in an American Cultures Engaged Scholarship course.
- Get involved with the BAMPFA Student Committee.
Reflect and Plan Your Future
- Discuss career options and goals with a Career Educator.
- Think about doing an internship and attend an internship fair.
- Learn about graduate and professional school. See Step-by-Step for planning help.
- Reflect on your education so far and continue to set goals for yourself.
Third Year
Explore Your Major
- Focus on upper division requirements and electives.
- Consider a Film & Media internship for academic credit.
- Review your degree progress with your major and college advisor.
- Ask your major advisor about the Honors Program in Film & Media.
Connect and Build Community
- Taking a production course? Check out the Digital Media Lab for digital photography, video editing, sound, green screen, and mixed-use performance space access.
- Explore Undergraduate Research Fellowships or the Undergraduate Certificate in New Media.
Discover Your Passions
- Planning a senior thesis or project? Apply to the Haas Scholars Program or SURF.
- Curious about entrepreneurship? Enroll in HUM120: Entrepreneurship for All.
- Hone your writing skills through an Art of Writing seminar.
Engage Locally and Globally
- Consider taking a semester or year abroad through UC Education Abroad Program.
- Go on a service-learning trip with the Alternative Breaks Program.
- Consider a Berkeley Global Internship in the United States or abroad.
- Explore internship opportunities with local organizations like SFMOMA.
Reflect and Plan Your Future
- Update your resume and LinkedIn profile.
- Discuss post-graduate options with advisors and professors.
- Attend career and graduate school fairs.
- Ask professors and graduate student instructors for recommendation letters.
Fourth Year
Explore Your Major
- Do a degree check to ensure you are on track to graduate.
- Submit your capstone statement.
- Complete any “bucket list” courses and remaining major, college, and campus requirements.
Connect and Build Community
- Join a professional association such as the Society for Cinema and Media Studies.
- Get support for your thesis project in the Townsend Honors Thesis Workshop.
- Connect with alumni groups and build your network as you prepare to graduate.
- Submit a film or creative work for consideration for the Eisner Prize.
Discover Your Passions
- Teach your own DeCal course.
- Undertake an optional honors thesis or independent study and submit your work to the Berkeley Undergraduate Journal.
- Keep pursuing your interests through a fellowship or gap year after graduation.
Engage Locally and Globally
- Hone your leadership skills with the Peter E. Haas Public Service Leaders program.
- Interested in a public service career? Apply for the John Gardner Fellowship.
- Explore service opportunities after graduation, such as Peace Corps, Teach for America, or U.S. Department of State.
Reflect and Plan Your Future
- Utilize job board tools in your job search.
- Meet employers at Employer Info Sessions and On-Campus Recruiting.
- Apply to jobs, graduate school, and other opportunities.
The Film & Media major prepares students for film-related careers as well as business, law, and the arts and humanities. Many students pursue graduate study in film, the humanities, law, and business, with others finding exciting work in media.
Jobs and Employers
- Asst. Creative Producer, MasterClass
- Asst. Producer, Full Frame Productions
- Editor, Millenium Film Journal
- Educational Specialist, UC Berkeley
- Junior Video Editor, Yelp
- Manager, Berkeley Art Museum
- Publicity Coordinator, Allied Integrated Marketing
- Researcher, Launchpad Entertainment 360
- Sales Administrator, Kanopy
- Software Engineer, OpenTable
- Videographer, Honeydue
Graduate Programs
- Art History, PhD
- Film, Masters
- Film Archival, Masters
- Film & Media Production, Masters
- Film & Media Studies, PhD
- Fine Arts, Masters
- Information Management & Systems, Masters
- Journalism, Masters
- Public Policy, Masters
Examples gathered from LinkedIn and the First Destination Survey of recent Berkeley graduates.
Connect With Us
Cal Day
Come to Berkeley’s annual Open House in April for information sessions, campus tours, special talks, and more.
Golden Bear Orientation
Join your peers in the campus-wide UC Berkeley orientation program for all new students.
Events
Attend department events with students, staff, and faculty. Participate in our ongoing BFMS Series, with several events every semester featuring Film & Media guest speakers. Visit filmmedia.berkeley.edu for news and updates.
Advising
Students interested in declaring the Film & Media major, or who wish to obtain more information, should make an appointment with the Undergraduate Major Advisor Hedi Vafaeenia by emailing filmmediaugadvising@berkeley.edu
For advising hours and locations, visit filmmedia.berkeley.edu/programs/undergraduate-program/undergraduate-advising/.
How to Use this Map
Use this map to help plan and guide your experience at UC Berkeley, including academic, co-curricular, and discovery opportunities. Everyone’s Berkeley experience is different and activities in this map are suggestions. Always consult with your advisors whenever possible for new opportunities and updates.
