Bachelor in Film/Cinema/Media Studies (Bachelor's)

Since 1833, Stephens College has supported women’s education and remains one of the oldest women’s colleges in the United States. Its undergraduate Women’s College offers programs including business administration, biology, nursing, psychology, fashion, design, education, and animal behavior. Students can also create a self-initiated major or pursue research focused on women in STEM. The college’s Block Schedule places students in one immersive class at a time, allowing concentrated study alongside opportunities for research, internships, travel, and professional networking.

The Conservatory for the Performing Arts offers programs for students of all gender identities interested in theatre, television, and film. Undergraduate options include acting for stage and screen, filmmaking, musical theatre, theatre design and production, theatrical costume design and production, and interdisciplinary theatre studies. Graduate students can pursue an MFA in TV and Screenwriting, an MEd in Counseling, or a Master of Physician Assistant Studies. The MFA uses a low-residency format and lets students choose a mentor from artist-scholars working in the industry.

The campus is at 1200 E. Broadway in Columbia, Missouri, a location the college presents as part of “College Town USA.” Stephens describes campus as a home away from home and welcomes pets, including through a fostering program. Prospective students should note that undergraduate Women’s College programs are distinct from the gender-inclusive conservatory, while graduate programs welcome all gender identities. Qualified full-time undergraduates may receive up to four years of tuition funding through the Stephens Promise.

The programme emphasizes hands-on learning through direct engagement with professional film equipment from the first semester. Students develop practical skills in storytelling, cinematography, editing, and sound design while working on original films throughout their studies. The curriculum integrates real-world production experiences, including a week-long intensive at the Stephens Film Institute and participation in the True/False documentary festival. Graduates leave with a portfolio of work screened publicly and evaluated by industry professionals.

The programme includes coursework in film production, screenwriting, and post-production, with a focus on practical application. Students complete a senior film project that is presented at a formal showcase.

Graduates enter careers as film directors, cinematographers, editors, and producers in independent film, television, and digital media production.

Applicants must submit a high school transcript, a personal statement, and a creative portfolio of original film work. A minimum GPA of 2.5 is required for consideration.

The programme totals about 120 credit hours. On-campus, full-time, four-year programme. For international students, tuition is around the median for US programmes. The institution admits about 92% of applicants.