The Film Studies and Production major facilitates a solid grounding in the history, theory, production and criticism of motion-picture arts. You'll acquire critical skills in the reading and analysis of media texts while also developing skills in various modes of motion picture production. You'll be encouraged to consider the consequences and ethical implications of the approaches to style and content you choose, and you'll situate your work among the many historical contexts presented in the various production, history and criticism classes.
The major teaches narrative, documentary and experimental modes of script/screenwriting and filmmaking; establishes a technical proficiency in camera use, lighting, digital editing software and sound design; and develops the ability to write script treatments, project proposals and critical arguments about media representations and constructions. With this grounding in theory and practice, you'll have the opportunity to participate as critical observers and producers of culture's most powerful media tools: film, video and interactive media.
Click here to see a full list of Media, Film & Journalism Studies courses and course descriptions.
Get Involved
Opportunities for involvement across DU are available to Media, Film & Journalism Studies students hoping to hone their journalism, media, and film skills outside of the classroom. Our students participate in a variety of extracurricular activities, working with classmates, faculty, and alumni to gain experience and have fun.
Project DU F.I.L.M.
Initiated in 2015 by Professor Sheila Schroeder, Project DU F.I.L.M. (Film Initiative Linking to Mentors) aims to pair existing Film Studies and Production students with professional alumni mentors to produce, shoot, edit and distribute a short fiction film shot on location in Colorado and a behind-the-scenes documentary about the process. Their first film, Happy F-ing Valentine's Day, has won awards at the Broad Humor Film Festival in Los Angeles and the Front Range Film Festival in Longmont, CO. They are currently working on their second film, Scary Lucy. Learn more on the Project DU F.I.L.M. webpage and Facebook page.
The Clarion Student Newspaper
The Clarion has been the main source of DU news for the University's campus since 1899. It is staffed entirely by DU students with the Media, Film & Journalism Studies department's Professor Andrew Matranga as the faculty advisor. Read The Clarion.
KXDU Radio
KXDU is DU's student-run radio station which streams online daily. The station is run by elected student officials who encourage all interested students to create and air their own programs regardless of experience or expertise.Find out more and listen live on the KXDU website.
Other Student Organizations
DU is home to 32 club sports, 6 intramural sports, 23 Greek organizations, and 142 other clubs and organizations. Find your fit on the Student Engagement website.
Please note that students are not currently able to double-major within the MFJS Department (e.g. be a Journalism Studies and Media Studies double major).
Important Details
Financial Aid
Information about financial aid, scholarships, and the cost of attendance may be found on the Office of Financial Aid website.
Academic Calendar
The University of Denver operates on the quarter system, rather than the semester system. Each quarter is 10 weeks long.
Fall Quarter: mid-September through mid-November
Winter Quarter: January through mid-March
Spring Quarter: mid-March through May
Summer Quarter: mid-June through mid-August (summer courses are offered, but not required)
