BA in Cinema & Media Studies at Boston University

Programme overview

Cinema & Media Studies is a humanities degree for the 21st century, immersing students in the histories, cultures, and critical frameworks needed to navigate our media-saturated lives. Film has grown into one of the most complex art forms, popular entertainments, and powerful social forces in contemporary life.

Faculty: College of Arts & Sciences | Study mode: full-time | Location: Boston, MA, United States

What you will study

The major requires a total of 11 courses (44 units), all completed with a minimum grade of C. At least three of those 11 courses must be taken at the advanced (CI 400/500) level; and each student’s program of CIMS electives must include courses in at least three of the following national/regional cinemas: Africa, Asia, Australia, Europe, Latin America, Mideast and North Africa, US.

Official programme page

Application information

USD 73,024 a year (2026-27). Full-time undergraduate tuition for 2026/2027, stated as the standard University undergraduate tuition rate; also listed as full-time tuition $73,024 per year on the Student Financials rate page. Tuition only: excludes fees, housing, dining, books and hea Source

First-year entry is September (Fall); Early Decision is binding for September admission. Transfer entry is September or January, and some programmes do not offer January admission.

First-year Regular Decision application and CSS Profile/FAFSA are due January 5; merit scholarship applications are due December 1; the enrollment deposit is due May 1. Early Decision applications are due November 2 (notification December 14); Early Decision 2 applications are due January 5 (notification February 8). Transfer applications are due March 15 for September and November 2 for January.

Apply through the Common Application or the QuestBridge Application. The application fee is $80, paid through the Common Application (fee waivers available). BU is test optional for first-year applicants applying through fall 2028 and spring 2029; international applicants submit TOEFL iBT, IELTS or the Duolingo English Test. SAT/ACT is not required for transfer admission.

Apply through the official page: https://www.bu.edu/admissions/

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