Program Descriptions
The Department of Film-Video and Media Studies offers two separate majors.

The film-video major offers opportunity for the in-depth study of film and video production, incorporating idea development, writing, production craft (cinematography, sound, editing), production management, and business aspects. Narrative, documentary, and experimental forms are explored in a program of study that supports critical thinking and the development of ideas. Emphasis is on discovering the ability to make creative, aesthetic, and content decisions, while developing a sense of personal style. Students leave the program with a thorough understanding of all aspects of the film and video processes. During the sophomore entrance-to-major process, students must submit a portfolio to secure entrance in the major.

The media studies major emphasizes academic development by introducing a wide range of approaches (such as aesthetic, humanistic, social-behavioral, or legal-policy) to understanding media, culture, and society. Several options are offered to allow students to identify their own media-related questions and acquire the tools to answer these questions. These options include: International Communications; Film and Television Studies; General Option

Undegraduate Degree Programs Bulletin, with online course descriptions.

Career Opportunities
Graduates of the film/video major leave the program prepared to work as writers, producers, directors, cinematographers, sound designers, and editors, and apply their education to mainstream entertainment, multi-media, public television, education, and corporate and commercial communications. Development of analytic, creative, and writing abilities allows graduates of the media studies major to pursue careers in media, government agencies, and public interest groups, as well as private industries needing communications specialists. Graduates may also pursue advanced degrees.

Advising Office
204 Carnegie Building
University Park, PA 16802
Phone: (814) 865-1503

Our Advisers
Jamey Perry,
jrp5@psu.edu

Kathryn McGill,
kathryn@psu.edu

Penny Repsher, psr4@psu.edu

Debra Thurley, djd116@psu.edu