Undergraduate academic requirements
- Completion of high school education or equivalent.
Degree type
Bachelor's
Key facts
- Duration4 years
- Delivery methodOn campus
- PaceFull-time
- Annual tuition fee72,800USD
- Start dateSep
- QS Ranking#43
Program overview
What Columbia University says about their program:
Film and Media Studies is an undergraduate programme at Columbia University. The major in film studies is scholarly, international in scope, and writing-intensive. Students choose to major in film if they want to learn more about the art form, from technology to cultural significance; want to work in the film industry; or are interested in a major that combines arts and humanities.
Students usually declare the major toward the end of the second year by meeting with the departmental adviser; together, they create a program of twelve required courses within the major, often supplemented by courses outside the department. In the lecture classes and seminars, there tends to be a mixed population of undergraduate majors and graduate film students.
Students have the opportunity to gain additional experience by taking advantage of internship opportunities with film companies, working on graduate student films, and participating in the Columbia Undergraduate Film Productions (CUFP), an active, student-run organization that provides film-making experience to Columbia undergraduate producers and directors. In addition to careers in screenwriting, directing, and producing, alumni have gone on to work in film distribution, publicity, archives, and festivals, and to attend graduate school to become teachers and scholars.
The trajectory of the major is from introductory-level courses (three are required), to intermediate and advanced-level courses (two are required, plus seven electives). While film studies majors take workshops in screenwriting and film-making, the course of study is rooted in film history, theory, and culture.
The prerequisite for all classes is INTRO TO FILM ＆ MEDIA STUDIES (FILM UN1000) offered each term at Columbia as well as at Barnard, and open to first-year students. Subsequently, majors take a combination of history survey courses; workshops ("Labs"); and advanced classes in theory, genre study, national cinemas, auteur study, and screenwriting.
The educational goal is to provide film majors with a solid grounding in the history and theory of film; its relation to other forms of art; and its synthesis of visual storytelling, technology, economics, and sociopolitical context, as well as the means to begin writing a script and making a short film.
Admission requirements
English proficiency
If your native language is not English or your primary high school instruction was not in English, you must submit standardized test scores. Columbia accepts the following exams with typical competitive or minimum benchmarks:
- TOEFL iBT
Recommended score of 105 or higher.
- IELTS Academic
Recommended score of 7.5 or higher.
- Duolingo English Test (DET)
Recommended score of 125–135 or higher.
- Cambridge English Qualifications
Minimum score of 191 on C1 Advanced or C2 Proficiency
English proficiency waivers
You do not need to submit an English proficiency exam if you meet any of the following conditions:
- Scoring 29 or higher on the ACT English or Reading sections.
- Scoring 700 or higher on the SAT Evidence-Based Reading and Writing (note that Columbia reinstated SAT/ACT requirements for terms starting August 2027 onward).
- Having English as your native/home language or completing your entire secondary education with English as the primary medium of instruction
Documents required
- Secondary school report (transcripts)
- Standardized test (SAT, ACT)
- Teacher recommendations
- Columbia-specific questions*
*Note: Columbia-specific questions, also known as the writing supplement, tell the Committee on Admissions more about your academic, extracurricular and intellectual interests.
Required grades
We're still gathering required grade information for this program
Check back soon, or for the latest information on required grades.
to see how attainable this program is.
Additional requirements
Documents
- Online application is required
- High school transcripts, secondary school records, or GED/TASC results are required for applicants with fewer than 30 earned college credits
- Transcripts from all colleges or universities attended are required
- CSS Profile is required for applicants seeking financial aid
Essays and statements
- One typed, double-spaced autobiographical essay of approximately 1,500-2,000 words is required
Recommendations
- Two letters of recommendation from academic and/or professional sources are required
Tests and examinations
- SAT, ACT, or the Online GS Admissions Exam may be submitted optionally
- TOEFL, IELTS, or Duolingo English Test is required for eligible non-native English speakers
Scholarships at Columbia University
Columbia provides information for international applicants seeking aid and notes that many Columbia students, including international students, receive financial awards from outside organizations. International students should follow Columbia Undergraduate Admissions and Student Financial Services guidance for international financial aid and scholarship funding.
All scholarship information on Studee is provided for guidance only. Always check the for the latest information on eligibility, award amounts, deadlines, and application requirements.
Fees
What is the cost of living near Columbia University?
| Category | Cost (in United States Dollar) |
|---|---|
| Rent, 1-bed apartment in city centre | $3,712 |
| Rent, 1-bed apartment outside centre | $2,223 |
| Utilities (electricity, heating, water, refuse) | $130 |
| Internet (60 Mbps unlimited) | $67 |
| Mobile phone plan (data + calls) | $61 |
| Monthly public transport pass | $134 |
| Monthly grocery basket | $294 |
| Books and study supplies (monthly) | $107 |
| Coffee shop drink | $6 |
| Cinema or cultural event ticket | $21 |
| Gym membership | $118 |
Indicative monthly costs per person.
Data sourced from livingcost.org (Crowdsourced), numbeo.com (Crowdsourced) and cc-seas.financialaid.columbia.edu (University published).
Visa requirements for Columbia University
Navigating the visa process is a crucial step in your study abroad journey. Make sure to seek guidance and support to ensure you meet all necessary requirements for your time at Columbia University.