Overview

The Bachelor of Fine Arts in Film immerses you in every aspect of the filmmaking process, giving you a deep understanding of how every role contributes to the whole. Our program emphasizes hands-on learning across all areas of film production—including cinematography, sound recording, editing, directing, producing, screenwriting, and idea development—so you graduate with a well-rounded skill set.

We explore all film genres—narrative, documentary, animation, experimental, and hybrid forms—encouraging you to push creative boundaries and expand your vision of what filmmaking can be. Through screenings, workshops, and exercises, you will be introduced to a world of cinematic forms and learn how to analyze and understand filmmaking techniques on a new level. Our goal is to develop your artistic voice while equipping you with the technical expertise needed to thrive in the film industry and other creative fields.

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Faculty and Staff

Our inspirational faculty and staff make sure students feel welcome and empowered to think outside the box and explore all possibilities of making art at UWM. Visit the Peck School of the Arts directory to meet these artists, explore their biographies and engage with recent work.

Scholarships and Aid 

Financial constraints shouldn’t hinder your artistic dreams. Our comprehensive range of scholarships and aid programs is designed to empower and support artists like you.

Study Abroad

We believe that a complete education in the arts should take you beyond the classroom and the local community. By studying abroad, you’ll gain more than a change of scenery. You’ll embark on a transformative educational experience and bring a global perspective to your field of study. Explore upcoming trips offered in partnership with the Center for International Education.

Requirements 

Admission Requirements

Undergraduate applicants must meet general University admission requirements in addition to specific program requirements found on the Peck School of the Arts apply page.

Undergraduate Advising

Academic advising is a collaborative process that empowers students to realize their maximum educational potential. Students are encouraged to visit the Peck School of the Arts Advising & Student Services page to meet with your advisor prior to each semester’s registration period. Advisors provide students with individualized appointments to assist with degree requirements, course selection, campus resources, college success strategies, graduation assessment, academic policies and more.

Laptop Requirement

Preparing for a future defined by digital technology is an important step in developing artists. Our digitally integrated curriculum helps you achieve a professional level with leading art-related software and practices.

Laptop ownership is strongly recommended for all students. However, it’s required for most majors. For more information, please visit the Peck School of the Arts admission page.

Advance to the Major and Retention

Students are admitted to the Film, BFA program upon completion of the following:

  • Meeting all University Core requirements (see below).
  • Receiving a passing grade for the following foundation courses: FILM 110 (6 credits), FILM 180 (6 credits) and FILM 181 (6 credits);
  • Passing the foundation review (see below).

Credits and Courses

University Core45
FVANG Requirements72
General Elective3
Total Credits120

University Core

The minimum number of credits required to complete the Bachelor of Arts or the Bachelor of Fine Arts is 120. Students who need background preparation courses in math, English, foreign language, and chemistry may need additional credits.

General Education Requirements 1
Competencies 1
Oral and Written Communication – Part A and Part B 2
Quantitative Literacy (QL) – Part A and Part B 2
Foreign Language 2
Distribution Requirements 1
Humanities6
Natural Sciences (Must include one lab)6
Social Sciences6
Cultural Diversity 2
Electives
Additional Electives12
Credits in Peck School of the Arts 312
University Credits3
Total Credits45
1

Learn more about the General Education Requirements.

2

Credits may be utilized in required curriculum areas.

3

Up to 12 credits inside the Peck School of the Arts (9 required, the remaining 3 may remain inside FVANG as an elective) in at least 3 of the 4 departments outside the student's discipline (Art and Design, Dance, Music, and Theater).

Course of Study

The Film, Video, Animation, and New Genres degree program is an integrated course of study in which students create individual projects in film, video, or other media every semester. This is accomplished through an 18-credit Foundation requirement taken during the first year, followed by a series of required and elective courses in the 72-credit major.

Students in Film, Video, Animation, and New Genres are required to have a laptop computer and video editing software.

Major Requirements

FVANG Requirements
Department Foundation
FILM 110Foundation Topics: (Students are required to complete 2 sections for 6 credits of FILM 110)6
FILM 180Foundation Production: Fiction6
FILM 181Foundation Production: Nonfiction6
Foundation Review 1
FILM 222Digital Filmmaking3
Select one of the following:3
16mm Filmmaking
Writing for Film
Animation I
Introduction to Digital Arts
300+ level Production Electives 2
Select 15 credits15
300+ level Portfolio Electives 3
Select 6 credits6
Contextual Electives 4
FILM 303Current Topics in Media Arts Production3
Select two additional Contextual Electives6
FVANG Electives
Select 6 credits at any level6
300+ Professional Practice/Internship 5
Select 3 credits3
Senior Project
FILM 509Senior Project I3
FILM 510Senior Project II6
General Elective
Select 3 credits from any department(s) outside of Film3
Total Credits75
*

Please refer to the Film Courses in Categories PDF to understand which course topics fulfill each requirement outlined below. 

1

Foundation Review for admission to major includes completion of Department Foundation courses (FILM 110 at 6 cr, FILM 180, and FILM 181). Review consists of 2 final projects made in Department Foundation courses and a copy of current academic transcript submitted to department faculty for review by advertised deadline in Fall and Spring semesters. Check your emails for Foundation Review deadlines.

2

Production Electives (15 credits required): Technology or skill focused, multiple assignments to learn skill. 

3

Portfolio Electives (6 credits required): Theme-based class, focused on creation of work in relation to the specific topic.

4

Contextual Electives: Lectures including history, theory, and writing towards a variety of creative projects. Choose from: FILM 303 required, plus 6 credits from eligible Contextual Elective courses.

5

Professional Practice Electives (3 credits required): Focused on professionalization, roles and jobs in film, media and art worlds.

Film, Video Animation, and New Genres Electives

Consult your academic advisor in the Peck School of the Arts Student Services Office for electives in the PSOA Core Curriculum and General Education Requirement courses.

FILM 150Multicultural America (Satisfies UWM's Cultural Diversity requirement)3
FILM 203Media Workshop: (subtitle)3
FILM 22016mm Filmmaking3
FILM 222Digital Filmmaking3
FILM 231Writing for Film3
FILM 232Animation I3
FILM 234Introduction to the Screenplay3
FILM 255Introduction to Digital Arts3
FILM 297Study Abroad:1-12
FILM 301Film Art for Non-Majors (subtitle)3
FILM 305Digital Cinema and the Computer (Satisfies UWM's OWCB - Oral & Written Communication - Part B)3
FILM 316Filmmaker as Theorist/Practitioner: (subtitle)3
FILM 318Film and the Visual and Performing Arts: (subtitle)3
FILM 319Theory/Practice Seminar: (subtitle)3
FILM 320The Art of the Short Film3
FILM 323Film as a Modernist Art Form3
FILM 324Genre and the Horror Film3
FILM 325Indie Cinema3
FILM 326Philosophy and Film3
FILM 327Cartoons, Animation, and the Graphic Novel3
FILM 328Radical Cinema3
FILM 329Sociological Cinema3
FILM 330Structuring Gaps3
FILM 332Miyazaki Shorts and Features3
FILM 336Special Effects and Illusion in Cinema3
FILM 341Theory/Practice Seminar: (subtitle)3
FILM 342Milwaukee Underground Film Festival3
FILM 343The Business of Animation3
FILM 344The Producer's Role3
FILM 345The Screenwriting Business3
FILM 346Documentary Projects: doc/UWM3
FILM 360Portfolio Topics:3
FILM 361Animation Studio3
FILM 362Documenting Community3
FILM 363Mumblecore: Fundamental Cinema3
FILM 364Music Video Production3
FILM 365Sex and Gender in Film and Video3
FILM 366Experimental Sound Techniques3
FILM 367Personal Cinema3
FILM 368Dreams: Yours, Mine, Ours3
FILM 379Storyboarding3
FILM 380Production Topics: (subtitle)3
FILM 382Visual Effects3
FILM 385Experimental Animation3
FILM 386Interactive Animation3
FILM 388Stop Motion Animation3
FILM 390Directing3
FILM 391Cinematography3
FILM 392Documentary Filmmaking3
FILM 393Sound Design3
FILM 394Film Score Studio3
FILM 395Preproduction3
FILM 396Video Installation3
FILM 397Drawing for Filmmakers3
FILM 398Editing and Post-Production3
FILM 399Advanced Independent Study3
FILM 419Advanced Theory/Practice Seminar:3
FILM 420Intermediate Media Arts Module: (subtitle)3
FILM 434Film Aesthetics: (subtitle)3
FILM 446Advanced Documentary Projects: doc/UWM3
FILM 460Advanced Portfolio Topics: (subtitle)3
FILM 461Landscape Cinema3
FILM 462Humor and Filmmaking3
FILM 463Experimental Documentary3
FILM 464Observational Documentary3
FILM 465Experimental Narrative3
FILM 466Appropriated Media3
FILM 480Advanced Production Topics:3
FILM 481Advanced 16MM Film Production3
FILM 482Advanced Cinematography3
FILM 483Post-Production Sound3
FILM 484Field Recording and Digital Audio3
FILM 486Advanced Animation3
FILM 497Study Abroad: (subtitle)1-12
MUSIC 327Studio Techniques3
MUSIC 328Interactive Electronic Music3
MUSIC 420Advanced Electronic Music and Sound Art:3

Sample Plan of Study

Plan of Study Grid
Year 1
FallCredits
FILM 110 Foundation Topics: 3
FILM 180
Foundation Production: Fiction
or Foundation Production: Nonfiction
6
Select two of the following: 6
History of Film I: Development of an Art (GER-H)
University Core 1
University Core 1
 Credits15
Spring
FILM 110 Foundation Topics: 3
FILM 181
Foundation Production: Nonfiction (Foundation Review)
or Foundation Production: Fiction
6
University Core 1 6
Submit for Foundation Review 2
 Credits15
Year 2
Fall
FILM 222 Digital Filmmaking 3
Select one of the following: 3
16mm Filmmaking
Writing for Film
Animation I
Introduction to Digital Arts
FVANG Elective 3
Select two of the following: 6
History of Film I: Development of an Art (GER-H)
University Core 1
University Core 1
 Credits15
Spring
FVANG Production Elective 3 6
FVANG Portfolio Elective 4 3
Select two of the following: 6
FVANG Contextual Elective 5
University Core 1
University Core 1
 Credits15
Year 3
Fall
FILM 303 Current Topics in Media Arts Production 3
FVANG Production Elective 3 3
FVANG Portfolio Elective 4 3
University Core 1 6
 Credits15
Spring
FVANG Production Elective 3 3
FVANG Contextual Elective 5 3
FVANG Elective 3
University Core 1 6
 Credits15
Year 4
Fall
FVANG Production Elective 3 3
FVANG Professional Practice/Internship 6 3
FILM 509 Senior Project I 3
University Core 1 6
 Credits15
Spring
FILM 510 Senior Project II 6
FVANG Contextual Elective 5 3
University Core 1 3
General Elective 3
 Credits15
 Total Credits120
*

Please refer to the Film Courses in Categories PDF to understand which course topics fulfill each requirement outlined below. 

1

Consult your academic advisor in the Peck School of the Arts Student Services Office for requirements in the University Core Curriculum.

PSOA Arts Distribution Requirement for FVANG is part of the 45-credit Core: University competencies, 18 credits of GER requirements, 12 credits outside Peck School of the Arts, up to 12 credits inside the Peck School of the Arts (9 required, the remaining 3 may remain inside FVANG as an elective) in at least 3 PSOA departments outside the student's discipline (Art and Design, Dance, Music, and Theater), and 3 credits outside FVANG.

2

Foundation Review for admission to major includes completion of Department Foundation courses (FILM 110 @ 6cr, FILM 180, FILM 181). Review consists of 2 final projects made in Department Foundation courses and a copy of current academic transcript submitted to department faculty for review by advertised deadline in Fall and Spring semesters. Check your emails for Foundation Review deadlines.

3

Production Electives: Choose from FILM 234, FILM 379, FILM 380, FILM 382, FILM 385, FILM 386, FILM 390 - 398, and FILM 480 - 486.

4

Portfolio Electives: Choose from FILM 360 - 368, FILM 399, and FILM 460 - 466.

5

Contextual Electives: Choose from: FILM 303 required, plus 6 credits from FILM 305, FILM 319, FILM 320, FILM 323 - 332, FILM 336, and FILM 419. Refer to approved list of topics & repeat limits (FILM 305 counts as OWCB).

6

Professional Practice Electives: Choose from FILM 342 - 346 and FILM 446.

Film, BFA Learning Outcomes

Students graduating with the BFA in Film will be able to: 

  • Create original film and video works that demonstrate the effective application of fundamental artistic principles, conventions, methods, and practices. 
  • Demonstrate media literacy and knowledge of core concepts, capabilities, and tools of filmmaking technologies, and apply skills within a wide range of creative, professional, and production scenarios.
  • Distinguish between discrete elements of films and/or moving image works of art, and critique their effectiveness with attention to creative concepts, aesthetic choices, and technical requirements.
  • Implement high-quality production values in film projects by applying professional-level standards and creative approaches to skills including lighting, sound design, cinematography, and editing.
  • Demonstrate the ability to communicate and collaborate effectively, and apply critical and creative thinking to solve problems throughout all stages of production.

Policies and Regulations

Academic Regulations

For information on University-wide Academic Action Policy and honors for scholarship, see Academic Policies.

Auditing Courses

No studio or performance courses may be audited. 

Declaration of Submajor

In most instances, after two years of basic preparatory courses in the major, students choose an area of specialization within their respective departments, known as a submajor. Students must declare a submajor after they have accumulated 45 to 75 credits to assure completion of the appropriate curriculum requirements for graduation.

Grievance and Appeal Procedures

If you have concerns about a class or a grade, or if you’ve been dropped from a program and would like to appeal, follow the grievance procedures found under the resources section on the Peck School of the Arts Advising & Student Services page.

Independent Study

Under special conditions, juniors and seniors are permitted to take courses in independent study. For regulations on independent study, see the departmental advisor.

Program Changes

All program changes must be signed by the instructor and the Peck School of the Arts Office of Student Services. Certain other courses may also require this approval indicated in the semester's Schedule of Classes.

Second Bachelor's Degree Candidates

Students with good scholastic records who wish to earn a second bachelor's degree in the Peck School of the Arts must obtain the recommendation of the Peck School of the Arts department in which they wish to major before they can be accepted. Upon acceptance, students must earn in residence a minimum of 30 credits beyond the studies for the first degree and must satisfy all curriculum requirements.

Semester Credit Load

A full-time Peck School of the Arts student is one who takes a minimum of 12 credits per semester. Typically, Peck School of the Arts students are not permitted to carry more than 18 credits per semester. Students who have a 3.0+ cumulative GPA may, with the permission of the Peck School of the Arts Office of Student Services, carry up to 21 credits per semester.

Transfer Students

Transfer students from other universities and colleges or UWM units are accepted by the Peck School of the Arts provided they meet the UWM admissions criteria and have a 2.0+ cumulative GPA.

Honors in the Major

  • Honors in the Major is granted to students who have earned a GPA of 3.500 or greater in the major and the academic department's recommendation.
  • High Honors in the Major is granted to students who have earned a cumulative GPA of 3.500 or greater and the academic department's recommendation.
  • Departmental Honors are granted to students recommended by their academic department for Honors excellence in performance not reflected in the GPA.
  • Dean's Honors are granted to students with major achievements in one or more of the arts.

College of the Arts and Architecture Dean's Honor List

GPA of 3.750 or above, earned on a full-time student's GPA on 12 or more graded credits in a given semester.

Honors College Degree and Honors College Degree with Distinction

Granted to graduating seniors who complete Honors College requirements, as listed in the Honors College section of this site.

Commencement Honors

Students with a cumulative GPA of 3.500 or above, based on a minimum of 40 graded UWM credits earned prior to the final semester, will receive all-university commencement honors and be awarded the traditional gold cord at the December or May Honors Convocation. Please note that for honors calculation, the GPA is not rounded and is truncated at the third decimal (e.g., 3.499).

Final Honors

Earned on a minimum of 60 graded UWM credits: Cum Laude - 3.500 or above; Magna Cum Laude - 3.650 or above; Summa Cum Laude - 3.800 or above.