Founded as a small interdisciplinary program in 1973, Film and Media Studies now enrolls approximately 500 undergraduate majors. Students who attend UCSB develop critical and analytical skills to gain an understanding of the world around them through the study of film and media as both objects and practices.
Majors engage in a multi-faceted curriculum with broad coverage of the history and theory of film, television, and new media around the world. Undergraduates have an opportunity to interact closely with our distinguished faculty and graduate students on collaborative research projects. The rigorous academic standards established by our undergraduate curriculum has provided a foundation for the emergence of a new generation of well-informed film and media visionaries with a stake in producing and understanding future audiovisual forms.
Building from this foundation the department offers a wide range of opportunities for student to explore potential future career paths. In FM 54 Hollywood: Anatomy of an Industry, guest speakers from the entertainment field engage our students in Q&A sessions discussing the current state of the industry. Undergraduate clubs such as the Screenwriters’ Co-op and the Freshmen Film Club foster a dynamic community of student activity on campus. Each spring the Reel Loud Film Festival highlights some of the best creative work in film, music and art here at UCSB. Majors preparing for graduate programs can join the editorial staff of the Focus Media Journal or seek out research assistant positions with our faculty. Many of our alumni remain closely connected to the department lecturing in classes, presenting their latest work, and providing leads on internships and employment.
