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Sponsored by the Office of the Provost
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2025-2026

Cinema

School of the Arts

 
Program description
The Bachelor of Arts in Cinema is designed for students who desire a program with an emphasis in film production combined with the potential for a strong liberal arts component. Most candidates for the Cinema B.A. can complete an additional major or two minors.  


The program focuses on the art and craft of narrative filmmaking with an emphasis on the practices of U.S. independent filmmakers. The Cinema B.A. offers an on-set experience that simulates the industry standard by placing the focus on Cinema as a collaborative art form. Internships with professional film organizations in the U.S. are available on a competitive basis.
 
The B.A. program requires three years (8 semesters) of study including two summers that are required following the first and second years' prerequisite coursework.
Career opportunities
A BA in Cinema affords students a well rounded understanding of technical skill, complex group dynamics and narrative filmmaking. This serves as their gateway to both Graduate candidacy or a wide range of entry level - mid level positions in the film and media industry. Cinema graduates have a unique understanding of the structure and protocols of major motion picture film sets. This praxis lends itself to a variety of professional environments in multiple fields. Additionally, the potential to complete a second major/double minor reinforces the ability to multitask and make connections across diverse professions.
Change of major requirements

Students must submit an application to VCUarts Admissions – It is required that students speak with program advisor Martha Harper by emailing harperma@vcu.edu before completing the application. Applications are only reviewed for entry in a Fall Term.

Bachelor-level job titles
  • Camera Assistants
  • Directors - Stage, Motion Pictures, Television, and Radio
  • Electrics/Lighting Technician
  • Film and Video Editors
  • Grips
  • Line Producer
  • Production Assistant/Technician
  • Screenwriters
  • Set PA
  • Talent Directors
  • UPM/Unit Production Manager
Graduate and professional level job titles
  • Art Director
  • Film Archivist
  • Film Professor
  • Independent Writer/Director
  • Journalist
  • Producer
  • Television Writer
Professional associations and resources
Degree requirements in Bulletin
Plan of study in Bulletin
Requirements
Highest level of math required
  • Quantitative Foundations requirement only
Science required
  • Natural Sciences requirement only
Foreign language requirements
  • No
Additional tuition/fees
  • Yes
GPA requirements (to progress/graduate in the major)
  • 2.0
Transfer Maps

Contact information

Department name:
Cinema
Building/room location:
Pollak Building, Room 520
Phone:
(804) 828-7919
Email:
cinema@vcu.edu
http://arts.vcu.edu/cinema/ 
Campus (where 75% of courses are taken):
Monroe Park
Major map compass icon
Major map

Explore
MAXIMIZE COURSE AND DEGREE PLANNING
  • Enroll in a student success course to connect with campus advisors and build community around your interests and goals.
  • Map out a full degree course plan in the DegreeWorks Student Educational Planner.
  • Meet with a writing consultant to hone your writing skills.
  • Schedule an appointment with your academic advisor to review your CSI self-report, start goal planning, and choose electives.
  • Sharpen your study skills in supplemental instruction sessions at the Campus Learning Center.
  • Take CINE 100 and 110 Fall and CINE 101 and 111 Spring followed by first summer intenstive CINE 390 in the Summer (required).
  • Visit potential secondary major/minor advisors and ensure that they know of the three year length of the Cinema Program.
GET CONNECTED WITH YOUR COMMUNITY
  • Apply to live in a Living-Learning Community.
  • Consider applying to the Honors College.
  • Get involved, meet people, and develop your interests by joining one of VCU's 50 student clubs and organizations.
  • If living on campus, connect with your Resident Assistant, attend hall events, and participate in Community Council.
  • Participate in RAM CAMP to get a jump start on learning about VCU’s campus community.
  • Register to vote in Virginia and explore Richmond’s many museums and parks.
  • Attend Cinema Friday Workshops to meet upperclassmen and gain technical skills in areas you'd like to focus on. Get advice from a workshop leader on making the program more advantageous to you. 
DEVELOP CULTURAL AGILITY
  • Join RAMmalogues to talk with peers about social identities in the context of acceptance, belonging, and inclusion in life at VCU.
  • Review Global Learning's Major Advising Sheets to explore studying abroad opportunities and other global learning opportunities.
  • Visit a study abroad fair and complete Rams Abroad 101.
  • Attend the French Film and Afrikana Film Festival screenings.
EXPLORE CAREERS AND DEVELOP ESSENTIAL SKILLS
  • Activate your Handshake profile and opt-in to industry email lists.
  • Apply to be a Division of Student Affairs peer leader.
  • Seek research opportunities by applying for research funding through the Undergraduate Research Opportunities Program.
  • Set up a profile in the Student Opportunity Center to explore REAL opportunities.
  • Participate in film shoots led by Cinema upperclassmen such as the CINE 201 shoot.
PREPARING FOR LIFE AFTER COLLEGE
  • Access your free credit report and begin making responsible credit choices to prepare for your future.
  • Build a resume and LinkedIn profile with help from VCU Career Services, make at least 10 connections, and check out the VCU alumni career programs page.
  • Explore “What Can I Do With This Major” to learn about employers in your field of study.
  • Join Students Today Alumni Tomorrow to connect with VCU traditions and alumni networking opportunities.
  • Make an affordability plan with your financial counselor.
  • Plan for your Summer Housing during your Intensive. Will you live on or off campus for year 2, talk to your advisor if planning to move off campus.

Experience
MAXIMIZE COURSE AND DEGREE PLANNING
  • Explore innovation and business/non-profit creation classes with the da Vinci Center.
  • Get familiar with the research process with the VCU Libraries Research Basics Guide.
  • Schedule an appointment with your advisor to explore minors, certificates, and plan your required REAL experience.
  • Talk to professors about your research interests, electives, and strategies for success in your classes.
  • Declare a possible second Major/Double Minor and visit the correlating advisors.
  • Take CINE 200 in the fall and CINE 201 in the spring followed by second summer intensive CINE 490 in the Summer (required).
GET CONNECTED WITH YOUR COMMUNITY
  • Discuss personal and professional interests with faculty.
  • If living on campus, join the Residence Hall Association.
  • Learn about the Sophomore Year Experience in Cary & Belvedere.
  • Take a service-learning class to get involved with local organizations while earning credit.
  • Volunteer to address a social issue and check out the Community Foundation for opportunities.
  • Attend Cinema alumni talks and local film networking events and screenings.
  • Meet with faculty to connect with local filmmakers whose interests match yours.
DEVELOP CULTURAL AGILITY
  • Apply for the Critical Languages Scholarship.
  • Explore social issues, develop cultural competency skills, and engage with faculty through iExcel pop-up courses.
  • Investigate globally-focused courses in your major by pursuing language coursework or setting language proficiency goals with advisors and faculty.
  • Attend the French Film and Afrikana Film Festival screenings.
  • Check to see if there is an available study abroad course following Summer Intensive or an available study abroad program that starts after July 1 and ends before start of Fall semester.
EXPLORE CAREERS AND DEVELOP ESSENTIAL SKILLS
  • Attend career and internship fairs and other professional development events.
  • Complete a gap analysis with your career advisor to identify key skills required for your professional field.
  • Explore global career options with a career advisor to set goals for getting your dream job.
  • Organize examples of your academic and professional experiences, accomplishments, and reflections in an ePortfolio.
  • Pursue a digital badge to highlight the knowledge, skills, and experiences employers and graduate schools value.
  • Seek out practical experience through independent skill-building, internships, shadowing, or part-time work.
  • Apply for VCU Project Grants.
PREPARING FOR LIFE AFTER COLLEGE
  • Build a resume and LinkedIn profile with help from VCU Career Services, make at least 10 connections, and check out the VCU alumni career programs page.
  • Conduct informational interviews or shadow someone in a field of professional interest.
  • Connect with alumni on VCULink for career advice, industry contacts, and meaningful professional relationships.
  • Meet with a coach in the Financial Success Center to set financial goals, understand student loans, and create spending plans.
  • Ask a faculty or staff member to be your academic and professional mentor and to provide future letters of recommendation.
  • Get feedback from Cinema faculty and staff on your film resume.
  • Create a website to display your work.

Experience
MAXIMIZE COURSE AND DEGREE PLANNING
  • See your academic and career advisors to discuss graduation progress and career planning.
  • Take a virtual library tour to learn about library spaces, services, and research help.
  • Use LinkedIn Learning to enhance your business, software, technology, and creative skills.
  • Consider creating small scale projects with your Cinema colleagues.
  • If necessary, complete second major or double minor coursework.
  • Take CINE 300 in the fall and CINE 301 in the Spring.
GET CONNECTED WITH YOUR COMMUNITY
DEVELOP CULTURAL AGILITY
  • Build language proficiency by carrying out your plans for study abroad, internships, and service-learning.
  • Explore new cultures at one of Richmond’s wide array of festivals.
  • Get required REAL experience and effect community change by using iExcel’s Active Citizens Toolkit to vote and volunteer.
  • Prepare for future work on multidisciplinary teams by showcasing your interpersonal skills on your resume.
  • Update your resume to include how you have developed your communication and interpersonal skills for future work on multidisciplinary teams.
  • Attend the French Film and Afrikana Film Festival screenings.
  • Check to see if there is an available Cinema Study abroad course following Summer Intensive.
EXPLORE CAREERS AND DEVELOP ESSENTIAL SKILLS
  • Apply for the Graduate School Mentorship Program to learn more about graduate school and the graduate student experience.
  • Get expert advice from VCU Alumni ranging from graduate school to your career simply by asking a question through Ask A Ram.
  • Take advantage of mock interview opportunities through Big Interview or meeting with a career advisor.
  • Consider creating small scale projects with your Cinema colleagues.
  • Apply to day play on large scale commercials/television/features.
PREPARING FOR LIFE AFTER COLLEGE
  • Ask a faculty or staff member to be your academic and professional mentor and to provide future letters of recommendation.
  • Have a personal statement or cover letter reviewed by Career Services.
  • Make a plan with your advisors for applying to graduate school or land a micro-internship.
  • Prepare for job offer negotiation by researching salaries, benefits, and other opportunities for flexibility.
  • Study for and complete any standardized exams required for graduate school the summer before senior year.
  • Begin reaching out to professional contacts, Cinema alums, and colleagues.
  • Talk to advisors, faculty, and VCU Career Services about graduate school versus a job.
  • Create a demo-reel of your work and back-up all the work you have done in Cinema to a personal hard drive for future access.

Excel
MAXIMIZE COURSE AND DEGREE PLANNING
  • Choose REAL electives to diversify your skillset and round out your degree.
  • Schedule an appointment with your academic advisor the semester before you graduate to ensure that all graduation requirements will be met.
  • Complete any remaining credits in the summer.
  • This year could be spent finishing a dual degree which takes 150 credits.
GET CONNECTED WITH YOUR COMMUNITY
DEVELOP CULTURAL AGILITY
  • Carry out globally-oriented research projects with multilingual faculty and international partners.
  • Plan for how you will grow your second language fluency after graduation.
  • Read scholarly articles about internationalization in your field.
  • If affordable, study abroad before applying to graduate, either summer of a fall full immersion experience. Talk to a financial aid counselor about it. You must have work yet to complete because most financial aid will not cover unneeded coursework; plan for this Year 1 and your academic advisor can help you, make a map toward this goal.
EXPLORE CAREERS AND DEVELOP ESSENTIAL SKILLS
  • Consider becoming an educator through programs like RTR, which prepare graduates from a variety of majors to become teachers in high-need schools.
  • Meet with your academic or professional mentor and identify examples of your experiential learning to share with employers.
  • Publish your original research in Auctus: The Journal of Undergraduate Research and Creativity.
PREPARING FOR LIFE AFTER COLLEGE
  • Connect with the Office of VCU Alumni Relations at Grad Fair, Grad Bash, and the VCULink Industry Network or alumni chapter.
  • Prepare for graduation by making a plan to complete licensing exams, applications, and self-marketing activities.
  • Single out prospective employers and create a job or graduate school search strategy at least 8 months before graduation.
Visit majormaps.vcu.edu for the online version with links.
Sponsored by the Office of the Provost
Major map compass icon
2025-2026

Cinema

School of the Arts

Concentration(s):
No concentration
MAXIMIZE COURSE AND DEGREE PLANNING GET CONNECTED WITH YOUR COMMUNITY DEVELOP CULTURAL AGILITY EXPLORE CAREERS AND DEVELOP ESSENTIAL SKILLS PREPARING FOR LIFE AFTER COLLEGE
Explore Year 1
  • Enroll in a student success course to connect with campus advisors and build community around your interests and goals.
  • Map out a full degree course plan in the DegreeWorks Student Educational Planner.
  • Meet with a writing consultant to hone your writing skills.
  • Schedule an appointment with your academic advisor to review your CSI self-report, start goal planning, and choose electives.
  • Sharpen your study skills in supplemental instruction sessions at the Campus Learning Center.
  • Take CINE 100 and 110 Fall and CINE 101 and 111 Spring followed by first summer intenstive CINE 390 in the Summer (required).
  • Visit potential secondary major/minor advisors and ensure that they know of the three year length of the Cinema Program.
  • Apply to live in a Living-Learning Community.
  • Consider applying to the Honors College.
  • Get involved, meet people, and develop your interests by joining one of VCU's 50 student clubs and organizations.
  • If living on campus, connect with your Resident Assistant, attend hall events, and participate in Community Council.
  • Participate in RAM CAMP to get a jump start on learning about VCU’s campus community.
  • Register to vote in Virginia and explore Richmond’s many museums and parks.
  • Attend Cinema Friday Workshops to meet upperclassmen and gain technical skills in areas you'd like to focus on. Get advice from a workshop leader on making the program more advantageous to you. 
  • Join RAMmalogues to talk with peers about social identities in the context of acceptance, belonging, and inclusion in life at VCU.
  • Review Global Learning's Major Advising Sheets to explore studying abroad opportunities and other global learning opportunities.
  • Visit a study abroad fair and complete Rams Abroad 101.
  • Attend the French Film and Afrikana Film Festival screenings.
  • Activate your Handshake profile and opt-in to industry email lists.
  • Apply to be a Division of Student Affairs peer leader.
  • Seek research opportunities by applying for research funding through the Undergraduate Research Opportunities Program.
  • Set up a profile in the Student Opportunity Center to explore REAL opportunities.
  • Participate in film shoots led by Cinema upperclassmen such as the CINE 201 shoot.
  • Access your free credit report and begin making responsible credit choices to prepare for your future.
  • Build a resume and LinkedIn profile with help from VCU Career Services, make at least 10 connections, and check out the VCU alumni career programs page.
  • Explore “What Can I Do With This Major” to learn about employers in your field of study.
  • Join Students Today Alumni Tomorrow to connect with VCU traditions and alumni networking opportunities.
  • Make an affordability plan with your financial counselor.
  • Plan for your Summer Housing during your Intensive. Will you live on or off campus for year 2, talk to your advisor if planning to move off campus.
Experience Year 2
  • Explore innovation and business/non-profit creation classes with the da Vinci Center.
  • Get familiar with the research process with the VCU Libraries Research Basics Guide.
  • Schedule an appointment with your advisor to explore minors, certificates, and plan your required REAL experience.
  • Talk to professors about your research interests, electives, and strategies for success in your classes.
  • Declare a possible second Major/Double Minor and visit the correlating advisors.
  • Take CINE 200 in the fall and CINE 201 in the spring followed by second summer intensive CINE 490 in the Summer (required).
  • Discuss personal and professional interests with faculty.
  • If living on campus, join the Residence Hall Association.
  • Learn about the Sophomore Year Experience in Cary & Belvedere.
  • Take a service-learning class to get involved with local organizations while earning credit.
  • Volunteer to address a social issue and check out the Community Foundation for opportunities.
  • Attend Cinema alumni talks and local film networking events and screenings.
  • Meet with faculty to connect with local filmmakers whose interests match yours.
  • Apply for the Critical Languages Scholarship.
  • Explore social issues, develop cultural competency skills, and engage with faculty through iExcel pop-up courses.
  • Investigate globally-focused courses in your major by pursuing language coursework or setting language proficiency goals with advisors and faculty.
  • Attend the French Film and Afrikana Film Festival screenings.
  • Check to see if there is an available study abroad course following Summer Intensive or an available study abroad program that starts after July 1 and ends before start of Fall semester.
  • Attend career and internship fairs and other professional development events.
  • Complete a gap analysis with your career advisor to identify key skills required for your professional field.
  • Explore global career options with a career advisor to set goals for getting your dream job.
  • Organize examples of your academic and professional experiences, accomplishments, and reflections in an ePortfolio.
  • Pursue a digital badge to highlight the knowledge, skills, and experiences employers and graduate schools value.
  • Seek out practical experience through independent skill-building, internships, shadowing, or part-time work.
  • Apply for VCU Project Grants.
  • Build a resume and LinkedIn profile with help from VCU Career Services, make at least 10 connections, and check out the VCU alumni career programs page.
  • Conduct informational interviews or shadow someone in a field of professional interest.
  • Connect with alumni on VCULink for career advice, industry contacts, and meaningful professional relationships.
  • Meet with a coach in the Financial Success Center to set financial goals, understand student loans, and create spending plans.
  • Ask a faculty or staff member to be your academic and professional mentor and to provide future letters of recommendation.
  • Get feedback from Cinema faculty and staff on your film resume.
  • Create a website to display your work.
Year 3
  • See your academic and career advisors to discuss graduation progress and career planning.
  • Take a virtual library tour to learn about library spaces, services, and research help.
  • Use LinkedIn Learning to enhance your business, software, technology, and creative skills.
  • Consider creating small scale projects with your Cinema colleagues.
  • If necessary, complete second major or double minor coursework.
  • Take CINE 300 in the fall and CINE 301 in the Spring.
  • Build language proficiency by carrying out your plans for study abroad, internships, and service-learning.
  • Explore new cultures at one of Richmond’s wide array of festivals.
  • Get required REAL experience and effect community change by using iExcel’s Active Citizens Toolkit to vote and volunteer.
  • Prepare for future work on multidisciplinary teams by showcasing your interpersonal skills on your resume.
  • Update your resume to include how you have developed your communication and interpersonal skills for future work on multidisciplinary teams.
  • Attend the French Film and Afrikana Film Festival screenings.
  • Check to see if there is an available Cinema Study abroad course following Summer Intensive.
  • Apply for the Graduate School Mentorship Program to learn more about graduate school and the graduate student experience.
  • Get expert advice from VCU Alumni ranging from graduate school to your career simply by asking a question through Ask A Ram.
  • Take advantage of mock interview opportunities through Big Interview or meeting with a career advisor.
  • Consider creating small scale projects with your Cinema colleagues.
  • Apply to day play on large scale commercials/television/features.
  • Ask a faculty or staff member to be your academic and professional mentor and to provide future letters of recommendation.
  • Have a personal statement or cover letter reviewed by Career Services.
  • Make a plan with your advisors for applying to graduate school or land a micro-internship.
  • Prepare for job offer negotiation by researching salaries, benefits, and other opportunities for flexibility.
  • Study for and complete any standardized exams required for graduate school the summer before senior year.
  • Begin reaching out to professional contacts, Cinema alums, and colleagues.
  • Talk to advisors, faculty, and VCU Career Services about graduate school versus a job.
  • Create a demo-reel of your work and back-up all the work you have done in Cinema to a personal hard drive for future access.
Excel Year 4
  • Choose REAL electives to diversify your skillset and round out your degree.
  • Schedule an appointment with your academic advisor the semester before you graduate to ensure that all graduation requirements will be met.
  • Complete any remaining credits in the summer.
  • This year could be spent finishing a dual degree which takes 150 credits.
  • Carry out globally-oriented research projects with multilingual faculty and international partners.
  • Plan for how you will grow your second language fluency after graduation.
  • Read scholarly articles about internationalization in your field.
  • If affordable, study abroad before applying to graduate, either summer of a fall full immersion experience. Talk to a financial aid counselor about it. You must have work yet to complete because most financial aid will not cover unneeded coursework; plan for this Year 1 and your academic advisor can help you, make a map toward this goal.
  • Consider becoming an educator through programs like RTR, which prepare graduates from a variety of majors to become teachers in high-need schools.
  • Meet with your academic or professional mentor and identify examples of your experiential learning to share with employers.
  • Publish your original research in Auctus: The Journal of Undergraduate Research and Creativity.
  • Connect with the Office of VCU Alumni Relations at Grad Fair, Grad Bash, and the VCULink Industry Network or alumni chapter.
  • Prepare for graduation by making a plan to complete licensing exams, applications, and self-marketing activities.
  • Single out prospective employers and create a job or graduate school search strategy at least 8 months before graduation.