BFA Film at Syracuse University

Programme overview

In-person BFA centred on independent filmmaking across the full production process from development through post-production. Students can study or intern in Los Angeles or with Syracuse-based production companies, with study abroad in Prague and Bologna.

Faculty: College of Visual and Performing Arts | Department: Department of Film and Media Arts | Study mode: full-time | Location: Syracuse, NY, United States

What you will study

First-year film history, an introductory production course and filmmaking workshops; sophomore core filmmaking skills; juniors and seniors choose from menu-structured courses with a faculty advisor.

Career pathways

Career paths listed: Art and Design, Communications and Writing, Performing Arts; many alumni work in the entertainment industry.

Official programme page

Application information

Entry requirements

First-year applicants (all colleges): accredited high school completion; Common Application or Coalition Application, official high school transcript, senior year grade report, high school counselor evaluation and one academic recommendation. SAT/ACT scores are not required for Fall 2026 through Spring 2028 admission. Recommended (not required) preparation: four years each of English, science, social studies and mathematics, and three years of a foreign language. Department of Film and Media Arts: a portfolio is required.

USD 69,180 a year (2026-27). 2026-27 Main Campus undergraduate full-time tuition ($34,590 per semester for 12-19 credits, shown as $69,180 for the academic year on the cost page); one undergraduate rate band, the same on the international costs page. Excludes housing, meals, miscella Source

Students may apply for the fall or spring semester. First-year fall applicants may apply through Early Decision I, Early Decision II, Early Action or Regular Decision. Transfer applicants may apply for fall or spring.

First-year deadlines: Early Action November 1; Early Decision I November 1; Early Decision II January 5; Regular Decision January 5. Fall transfer applications are due July 1; spring applications (first-year and transfer) are due November 15. Some programmes have earlier deadlines (for example Drama acting and musical theater application and prescreen December 1; architecture portfolio January 5).

First-year students apply through the Common Application or the Coalition Application powered by Scoir. SAT/ACT scores are not required for Fall 2026, Spring 2027, Fall 2027 or Spring 2028 admission, and students who do not submit scores remain eligible for merit scholarships. An application fee waiver can be requested in writing by the school counselor to [email protected].

Explore more study programmes

Arts & Humanities